I wish that I could tell you that I was well-versed in David Olney’s music. I’m certainly familiar with him, both via his songwriting reputation and his relentless touring and festival appearances. Olney passed away this weekend while performing at the 30A Music Festival. The outpouring of memories from the Americana community has been heart-wrenching. […]
Remembering Sleepy LaBeef
One of my fondest musical memories was the time that Sleepy LaBeef got under-aged me and my younger brother into a club to see his show. I had been recently introduced to Sleepy’s music by a cousin, who himself was introduced to Sleepy’s music by music historian Peter Guralnick. I thought it would be fun […]
Bonus Monday Video – Remembering Neal Casal and Donnie Fritts
Last week was another tough one in the music world with the passing of both Donnie Fritts and Neal Casal. Fritts Fritz was the longtime keyboardist for Kris Kristofferson and a renowned Alabama songwriter while Casal was the guitarist in groups ranging from the Chris Robinson Brotherhood to Ryan Adams & the Cardinals to the […]
Monday Morning Video – Johnny Clegg
Anyone who says that music can’t be an instrument of social change has clearly never heard of Johnny Clegg. The South African artist put together a multi-racial band in response to – and defiance of – Apartheid, creating music that blended traditional Zulu street music (and dancing) with Western pop and rock. The result was […]
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
It’s been a rough spring in the music world. This past week brought the news that Mac Rebennack – Dr. John – had passed. The New Orleans native captured all of the energy, flamboyance and mystery of his hometown and instilling it in his music. Here’s a trifecta from the good Doctor. The righteous funk […]
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson
It’s been a tough week in the music world with the passing of three notable artists. Shawn wrote about the loss of idiosyncratic old-timey artist Leon Redbone. We also lost harmonica player and rock historian Tony Glover, an influence for Bob Dylan and countless others. Friday brought news of Roky Erickson’s death at the age […]
In Memoriam – Leon Redbone
Since you’re a Twangville reader, you probably heard Leon Redbone passed away this week. Chances are good you heard that from a friend or a post in your group; mainstream media never really discovered Leon. He was a performer rooted in 100-year-old entertainer traditions and his music pushed boundaries even as it sounded sort of […]
Monday Morning Video – Dick Dale
Another legend gone. Influential guitarist Dick Dale, an originator of the surf guitar sound, reportedly passed away over the weekend.
In Memoriam – Tony Joe White
Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I lived in Chicago. Popular music, whether created in Nashville or Los Angeles, wasn’t capturing my ears or heart. Fortunately, I could go down to North Halsted any night of the week and hear blues from some of the greats; Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Sugar […]
Monday Morning Video – Aretha
We lost one of the greats last week. Here are two vintage Aretha moments. The first, her movie-stealing appearance in “The Blues Brothers”. The second a 1968 performance of “I Never Loved a Man.” Her impact on music and performance will live on forever.