R.I.P. Jerry Jeff Walker
Sad to report the death of Jerry Jeff Walker today at the age of 78.
If he did nothing else, Jerry Jeff should be remembered for writing Mr Bojangles made into a hit in 1971 by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Of course there was plenty more to a career that stretched back over 50 years.
In addition to his own compositions, he recorded definitive versions of tunes by Guy Clark, Michael Murphy and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Walker was a mainstay of the Gozo Outlaw country scene of Austin in the 1970 along with the likes of Kinky Friedman and Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen taking up residence at the infamous Armadillo World Headquarters.
The old Cosmic Cowboy had quite a life, but having written a song recorded by both Nina Simone and Bob Dylan, he’ll always be known for Mr Bojangles.
Click here to read more about Jerry Jeff Walker.
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October 26, 2020 @ 11:41 pm
Jerry Jeff’s album It’s a Good night For Singin was my introduction to Country Music in 1976.It is where I suggest that those not familiar with him,or those who think they don’t like country music, start.Sublime Interpretations of Tom Waits & Butch Handcock.Second Album I would suggest is 1978’s Contrary To Ordinary.Did not write a lot of songs but my favourites are not the overplayed Mr Bojangles.Instead I suggest Morning Song to Sally..Great version on You Tube with the ever sweet Nanci Griffith.And Fading Lady recorded on the 1st of the two Circus Maximus Albums owned by his true fans.Sadly missed.