Jerry Jeff Walker. Photo: jerryjeffwalker.com
Texas music legend Jerry Jeff Walker died on Friday, Oct. 23 following a three-year battle with throat cancer.
Walker, 78, is best known for writing the classic story song “Mr. Bojangles.” He was one of the founding figures of the Austin, Texas “outlaw” country scene, a top showman and the host of the TNN television series The Texas Connection.
He was born Ronald Clyde Crosby in Oneonta, New York, in 1942 and performed in a number of local teen combos in the 1950s. After going AWOL from the National Guard, he became a folk troubadour, traveling to Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
In 1965, he was arrested for public intoxication in New Orleans and spent the night in a drunk tank with an itinerant street performer named “Bojangles.” While performing in Washington, D.C. the following year, the musician changed his name to Jerry Jeff Walker.
Relocating to New York City, he formed the house band at the Electric Circus nightclub. Dubbed Circus Maximus, the band recorded two albums for Vanguard Records in 1966-67.
After the band’s demise, Walker resumed working in the Greenwich Village folk scene. He fashioned a song based on Bojangles and used it as the title tune of his 1968 solo debut LP. Walker introduced “Mr. Bojangles” at the Newport Folk Festival, and the song became a minor pop chart entry for him that summer. In 1970, the song became the first top-10 hit of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. That version is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“Mr. Bojangles” has gone on to become one of the most recorded titles in the BMI repertoire. Among its hundreds of versions are those by Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, John Denver, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Frankie Laine, Johnny Paycheck, Bobbie Gentry, Tom T. Hall, Harry Nilsson, Sammi Smith, Nancy Wilson and Walker’s Newport Folk Festival cohort David Bromberg. It was a key feature of Sammy Davis Jr.’s nightclub act for decades.
Jerry Jeff Walker took Jimmy Buffett to Key West in 1970. They co-wrote “Railroad Lady,” which later became a Lefty Frizzell country single. Buffett remained in Florida.
In 1971, Walker moved to Austin. He and his Lost Gonzo Band became mainstays of the movement variously described as “alternative country,” “outlaw country” and “progressive country.” Their freewheeling, rollicking shows became wildly popular.
Jerry Jeff Walker became a songwriting connoisseur. He popularized such Texas classics as Ray Wiley Hubbard’s “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “Old Five and Dimers Like Me,” Guy Clark’s “L.A. Freeway” and “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” Jesse Winchester’s “Mississippi You’re on My Mind,” Willie Nelson’s “Pick Up the Tempo,” Gary P. Nunn’s “London Homesick Blues (Home with the Armadillo),” Michael Martin Murphy’s “Backsliders Wine” and Rusty Weir’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance.”
Following three LPs for Atco, he signed with MCA Records in 1972. Viva Terlingua was issued the following year. Regarded as a classic, the album earned a Gold record and became his biggest seller. He issued 10 other collections on MCA before forming his own Tried and True imprint in 1986.
Following in the footsteps of Nashville’s John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker became a model of do-it-yourself career success. He maintained a fan base of 50,000, communicating via regular newsletters, annual record releases and enthusiastic tours.
His partner in the business was his wife. Walker had married Susan Streit in 1974 and given up his hard-partying vices in 1978. She became his manager and booking agent. Merchandise, tour promotion and publicity were also handled in-house.
Live at Gruene Hall (1989), Navajo Rug (1990), Hill Country Rain (1992), Cowboy Boots & Bathin’ Suits (1998) and many more releases polished his reputation as a record maker. Walker also continued to write, with “Sangria Wine,” “Gettin’ By,” “Gypsy Songman,” “Hairy Ass Hillbillies,” “Pissin’ in the Wind,” “Hill Country Rain” and “Leavin’ Texas” becoming particular audience favorites. He also wrote a tribute to an enduring baseball legend, “Nolan Ryan.”
In 1991, he began hosting the series The Texas Connection on TNN. The show continued for a second season in 1992.
Walker presided at annual fan-club gatherings coinciding with his birthday in March and Labor Day in September. In 1999, he published his autobiography, Gypsy Songman: A Life in Music.
By then, Jerry Jeff Walker had become a musical inspiration for a generation of younger troubadours such as Nanci Griffith, Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider and Jack Ingram. During his career, he released more than 40 albums, including live recordings and compilations.
He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017. Walker donated his career’s archive to Texas State University. His final album appeared in 2018.
Jerry Jeff Walker is survived by wife Susan, daughter Jessie Jane McCarty, son Django Walker, two grandchildren and a sister. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Lady A To Release ‘On This Winter’s Night Deluxe’ Holiday Collection On Friday
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A has expanded its timeless holiday album to create On This Winter’s Night Deluxe, set for release Oct. 30.
The country trio’s holiday project initially landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart and now features 16 songs, including four newly-added tracks produced by Dann Huff: “Wonderful Christmastime,” “Christmas Through Your Eyes,” “Little Saint Nick” and “That Spirit Of Christmas.”
“We’ve always loved the holiday season, but it has become even more magical now that we’re parents,” the trio’s Hillary Scott said. “So, we thought we’d add on a new, original song that was inspired by our kids and our take on a few of our favorites, which has brought us so much joy. I think we could all use a little extra holiday cheer this year!”
On This Winter’s Night Deluxe Track List:
1. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” (Johnny Marks)
2. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector)
3. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” (Walter Afanasieff, Mariah Carey)
4. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram)
5. “This Christmas” (Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor)
6. “The First Noel” (Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott)
7. “On This Winter’s Night” (Tom Douglas, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott)
8. “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne)
9. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin)
10. “Silent Night (Lord Of My Life)” (Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott)
11. “Blue Christmas” (Bill Hayes, Jay Johnson)
12. “Silver Bells” (Ray Evans, Jay Livingston)
13. “Wonderful Christmastime” ** (Paul James McCartney)
14. “Christmas Through Your Eyes” ** (Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott)
15. “Little Saint Nick” ** (Mike E. Love, Brian Douglas Wilson)
16. “That Spirit Of Christmas” ** (Parnell Davidson, Mable John, Joel Webster)
**New Tracks
Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Teams With Former Journey, Chicago Bandmembers For New Group
/by Lorie HollabaughJay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts is joining forces with Deen Castronovo of Journey, Jason Scheff of Chicago, and Chris Rodriguez and Tom Yankton to form a new supergroup The Rise Above.
The group is playing a show in Nashville on Oct. 28 at Marathon Music Works to benefit The ACM Lifting Lives COVID Relief Fund.
The band formed in the beginning of 2020 with the intent of bringing ’80s rock and classic music back to life, and has spent the past nine months in the studio working on their debut album, set to release in 2021. The band’s set list reads like your favorite guilty pleasure night with hits including “Any Way You Want It,” “Separate Ways” and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey, “Stay The Night” and “Will You Still Love Me” by Chicago, and “These Days” And “Life Is A Highway” from Rascal Flatts.
Songwriter Bryan Wayne Galentine Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonBryan Wayne Galentine records his album While You Wait.
Songwriter Bryan Wayne Galentine died Oct. 22 at age 53, following a battle with ALS. He was the sole writer for Tommy Shane Steiner’s debut single “What If She’s An Angel,” which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2002.
He also earned a Top 25 single as a writer with Chris Cagle’s “Country By The Grace of God” and his song “Kick My Ass” was included on Big & Rich’s 3x multi-Platinum debut album. Galentine also earned cuts with Clay Walker, Emerson Drive, and more.
Galentine was diagnosed with terminal ALS in 2017. Faced with the possibility of losing his ability to speak or sing, he went into the studio to make his debut full-length project While You Wait. The album included the single “Simplify,” which featured Big & Rich, James Otto, Shannon Lawson and Joanna Janet. The album was recorded in the home studio of Big & Rich member Big Kenny Alphin, as well as Starstruck Studios and Dave Brainard’s deciBel. The project released in 2018 and included Bryan’s own version of “What If She’s An Angel.”
Lauren Duski Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Lauren Duski, Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Scott Safford (Safford & Motley)
Lauren Duski has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
The Michigan native’s first EP, Midwestern Girl, landed at No. 2 on the iTunes Country chart and No. 12 on the all-genre chart. Duski co-wrote all five songs on the EP, and has followed it up with her latest single, “The Broken Kind.” She has toured with acts like Lewis Capaldi and Bobby Bones, and most recently, as direct and sole support for Lukas Graham on his 2019 North American tour.
“We were first introduced to Lauren through ‘The Weather’ – a song which I suggest everyone takes the time to listen to. It showcases her talent and depth as both a songwriter and an artist. There are no doubt big things to come and we’re so glad to be a part of Lauren’s team,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Weekly Register: Sturgill Simpson’s ‘Cuttin’ Grass’ Earns Top Country Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonOn this week’s country albums chart, Sturgill Simpson‘s latest project, Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1—The Butcher Shoppe Sessions (High Top Mountain Records) is the top debut, entering the chart at No. 2 with 20K in total consumption, according to Nielsen.
River House/Columbia Nashville artist Luke Combs‘s juggernaut What You See Is What You Get remains at No. 1 with 22K in total consumption, while Combs’s debut album This One’s For You sits at No. 3 with 19K. Big Loud artist Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me follows at No. 4 with 18K, while Kane Brown‘s Mixtape Vol. 1 (RCA Nashville) rounds out the Top 5 with 12K.
Other debuts this week include MCA’s Parker McCollum, who enters the chart at No. 10 with Hollywood Gold (8.9K in total consumption). Matt Stell‘s Better Than That EP, via RECORDS/Arista Nashville, enters at No. 61 with 3.7k in total consumption.
This weeks’ top country on-demand streaming song is Broken Bow artist Jason Aldean‘s “Got What I Got” with 8 million streams this week. Lee Brice‘s “One Of Them Girls” (Curb) is at No. 2 with 7.8 million streams, followed by Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” (Warner Music Nashville) with 7.7 million. Wallen takes the two final spots in the Top 5 this week, with “More Than My Name” at No. 4 with 6.1 million and “7 Summers” at No. 5 with 6.1 million streams.
Brice also has this week’s top country on-demand streaming songs debut with “Memory I Don’t Mess With” debuting at No. 75 with 1.8 million streams.
Music Industry Exec Joe Meador Dies At 73
/by Jessica NicholsonJoe Meador
Joe Meador, best known for his work with Ronnie McDowell and Killen Entertainment Group, died Oct. 21 at age 73. Funeral services were held Oct. 25 in Hendersonville, TN.
Meador, a Kentucky native, graduated from Draughon’s Business College in Nashville, TN, and began working for the Federal Reserve Bank in Nashville, where he met his future wife, Sally Wise. Meador also worked at Hewgley’s Music Shop, and then teamed with co-owner Jim Vantrease to launch Sumner County Music Center in Gallatin. He also joined the group Glass Hammer, which opened for Ricky Nelson, as well as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Meador later became a road manager, and later manager, for Ronnie McDowell. McDowell, Meador, and Buddy Killen formed Killen Entertainment Group, which managed McDowell and Six Shooter. Later, Meador became CEO/President of Grand Entertainment Group and launched three publishing companies.
He co-wrote the George Strait-recorded song “Under These Conditions,” and songs including “All Tied Up” and “I’m Still Missing You” for McDowell.
Meador also co-produced the documentary Dixie Rose, which earned Best SXSW Documentary at the Telluride, Colorado Indie Festival. Meador also co-authored the book The Genuine Elvis: Photos and Untold Stories about the King.
Meador is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mamie Meador, of Adolphus, KY and his father Ralph Meador and mother Beatrice (Rather) Meador.
Joe Meador is survived by wife Sally (Wise) Meador and daughter, Laura Kathryn Meador, brother-in-law Mike Wise, sister-in-law Kathleen Wise, brother-in-law Sam Alfano and sister-in-law Jo Alfano, along with three nephews and two nieces. Joe is also survived by his cousin Patti (Graves) Pearson and her husband Wendell Pearson, along with their two children, Bradley Pearson and Shelley Pearson.
Big Machine Records Adds Bob Harris OBE To Roster
/by Jessica NicholsonBig Machine Records has signed broadcaster Bob Harris OBE to its roster, for the special release of “#StandByMe (2020)”.
The new charity single raises funds for Help Musicians, which offers aid to music creators. The song releases Oct. 27, marking 60 years after Ben E. King‘s release of the signature song. “#StandByMe (2020)” features several artists who came together to perform the song remotely under the banner “Whispering Bob’s All-Stars”: Mark Knopfler, Paul Rodgers, Duane Eddy, Rosanne Cash, PP Arnold, Peter Frampton, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Oates, Keb Mo, The Shires, Ward Thomas, Darius Rucker and more.
Big Machine Records will distribute the song in the US, Canada and Mexico while Under The Apple Tree Records in partnership with Absolute Label Services will distribute the song elsewhere. All funds are being raised via the #StandByMe GoFundMe page.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the UK music scene,” said Bob Harris OBE. “The artists who rely on live performances for their income have been particularly hard hit. For the past six years Under The Apple Tree has been a fantastic platform for emerging artists and now, in this time of difficulty, we want to raise funds to help the diverse and dedicated grass roots music community that we love so much.”
“Bob Harris OBE is a living legend and a connector from the glorious past of British Pop & Rock’n Roll to all modern day music,” said BMLG President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. “His passion for music is endless and comes shining through in this incredible salute to his favorite song recorded with some of the greatest musicians in the world. And all for a brilliant cause.”
Country Radio Broadcasters To Hold Virtual Country Radio Seminar In 2021
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry Radio Broadcasters, Inc., has announced Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2021: The Virtual Experience, set for Tuesday, Feb. 16-Friday, Feb. 19, adding an extra day of content and a newly-launched Streaming Summit.
Next year’s online-only experience will include educational panels, virtual networking, and workshops. Every registration will include access to the New Faces of Country Music Show, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, and the daily label lunchtime performances.
Kurt Johnson, CRB/CRS Board of Directors President, commented, “While we can’t be together at the Omni, we can still celebrate CRS together online. I look forward to seeing you all there…for CRS 2021!”
Luke Bryan has been confirmed for the annual “CRS Artist Interview,” sponsored by BMI.
Also new for 2021 is the Streaming Summit, which will be held Feb. 16 and will feature industry professionals and platform experts providing insights on trends, strategies, and best practices to optimize digital assets and streaming platforms.
“Now, everybody can come to CRS,” commented CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis. “Our expanded, four-day ‘CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience’ will be an uncompromising event, providing attendees with more than 14 educational sessions, four morning networking events, three lunchtime performances, four interactive workshops, all-day networking, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, and, for the first time in CRS history, a New Faces of Country Music ticket with every registration.”
Early Bird Registration for CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will open on Oct. 28 at Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET at $149 per person and will be offered through Nov. 4. The registration rate will increase to $199 on November 5. All registrations include access to the 2021 New Faces of Country Music Show.
A CRS360 Webinar Session will be held at 11 a.m. (CT) Wednesday, Oct. 28, offering additional details, answering questions, and revealing more content featured at CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. Only a limited number of slots are available for CRS360 and are based on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the October installment of CRS360, sign up here. The Country Radio Broadcasters is taking questions in advance of the session. Inquiries must be received by close of the business day on Oct. 27 and can be submitted to darcie@crb.org.
Dan+Shay, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs Lead American Music Awards Country Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonThe nominees were announced Monday morning (Oct. 26) for this year’s American Music Awards. “I Should Probably Go To Bed” hitmakers Dan+Shay lead the country nominees with three nods, including one in the all-genre Collaboration of the Year category, for “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber. The song is also nominated for Favorite Song-Country, which could mark Dan+Shay’s second win in the category, should their names be called during the ceremony. Dan+Shay are also up for Favorite Duo or Group-Country, which would mark their second win should they take home the honor this year.
Notably, two pop artists are nominated in the Favorite Song-Country category, with Bieber nominated alongside Gwen Stefani, who is featured on Blake Shelton‘s “Nobody But You.”
Luke Combs is nominated for two AMAs, including Favorite Male Artist-Country, and Favorite Album-Country (What You See Is What You Get).
Maren Morris is also nominated twice, for Favorite Female Artist-Country, and for Favorite Song-Country (for “The Bones”).
Shelton is up for Favorite Album-Country (for Fully Loaded: God’s Country) as well as Favorite Song-Country, for his duet with Stefani, “Nobody But You.”
The Favorite Female Artist-Country will have a first-time winner in the category, no matter who takes home the win. This year’s nominees include Morris, Miranda Lambert, and Gabby Barrett. Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift have been the only two winners in the category for the past 13 years. Underwood has won the category for the past six years (plus a win back in 2007). Taylor Swift took home the honor for six years (2008-2013).
Old Dominion is also nominated in the Favorite Duo or Group Category-Country; a win would mark their first AMA award ever. Meanwhile, a win for fellow category nominees Florida Georgia Line would mark the the fifth time they’ve earned the honor.
Lauren Daigle is up for her fourth possible win in the Favorite Artist-Contemporary Inspirational category. Daigle has earned the title for the past three consecutive years. It would mark the first win for fellow category nominees for King & Country and Kanye West.
This year’s AMAs will air Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Voting is open now.
See the full list of American Music Awards nominees below:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lewis Capaldi
Doja Cat
DaBaby
Lil Baby
Roddy Ricch
Megan Thee Stallion
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “Rockstar”
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande “Rain On Me”
Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé “Savage Remix”
FAVORITE SOCIAL ARTIST
BTS
Billie Eilish
EXO
Ariana Grande
NCT 127
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
Doja Cat “Say So”
Future ft. Drake “Life Is Good”
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande “Rain On Me”
Taylor Swift “cardigan”
The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Dua Lipa
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK
BTS
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK
Harry Styles “Fine Line”
Taylor Swift “folklore”
The Weeknd “After Hours”
FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Dua Lipa “Don’t Start Now”
Post Malone “Circles”
Roddy Ricch “The Box”
The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
Luke Combs “What You See Is What You Get”
Blake Shelton “Fully Loaded: God’s Country”
Morgan Wallen “If I Know Me”
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Maren Morris “The Bones”
Blake Shelton (Duet with Gwen Stefani) “Nobody But You”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
DaBaby
Juice WRLD
Roddy Ricch
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
Cardi B
Nicki Minaj
Megan Thee Stallion
FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
Lil Baby “My Turn”
Lil Uzi Vert “Eternal Atake”
Roddy Ricch “Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial”
FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion “WAP”
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch “Rockstar”
Roddy Ricch “The Box”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown
John Legend
The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Jhene Aiko
Doja Cat
Summer Walker
FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B
Doja Cat “Hot Pink”
Summer Walker “Over It”
The Weeknd “After Hours”
FAVORITE SONG – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Summer Walker “Playing Games”
The Weeknd “Heartless”
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – LATIN
Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Ozuna
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – LATIN
Becky G
KAROL G
Rosalía
FAVORITE ALBUM – LATIN
Anuel AA ”Emmanuel”
Bad Bunny “Las que no iban a salir”
Bad Bunny “YHLQMDLG”
FAVORITE SONG – LATIN
Bad Bunny “Vete”
Black Eyed Peas X J Balvin “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)”
KAROL G & Nicki Minaj “Tusa”
FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Billie Eilish
Tame Impala
twenty one pilots
FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY
Lewis Capaldi
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Lauren Daigle
for KING & COUNTRY
Kanye West
FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)
Kygo
Lady Gaga
Marshmello
FAVORITE SOUNDTRACK
Birds of Prey: The Album
Frozen II
Trolls: World Tour
“Mr. Bojangles” Creator Jerry Jeff Walker Dies
/by Robert K OermannJerry Jeff Walker. Photo: jerryjeffwalker.com
Texas music legend Jerry Jeff Walker died on Friday, Oct. 23 following a three-year battle with throat cancer.
Walker, 78, is best known for writing the classic story song “Mr. Bojangles.” He was one of the founding figures of the Austin, Texas “outlaw” country scene, a top showman and the host of the TNN television series The Texas Connection.
He was born Ronald Clyde Crosby in Oneonta, New York, in 1942 and performed in a number of local teen combos in the 1950s. After going AWOL from the National Guard, he became a folk troubadour, traveling to Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
In 1965, he was arrested for public intoxication in New Orleans and spent the night in a drunk tank with an itinerant street performer named “Bojangles.” While performing in Washington, D.C. the following year, the musician changed his name to Jerry Jeff Walker.
Relocating to New York City, he formed the house band at the Electric Circus nightclub. Dubbed Circus Maximus, the band recorded two albums for Vanguard Records in 1966-67.
After the band’s demise, Walker resumed working in the Greenwich Village folk scene. He fashioned a song based on Bojangles and used it as the title tune of his 1968 solo debut LP. Walker introduced “Mr. Bojangles” at the Newport Folk Festival, and the song became a minor pop chart entry for him that summer. In 1970, the song became the first top-10 hit of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. That version is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“Mr. Bojangles” has gone on to become one of the most recorded titles in the BMI repertoire. Among its hundreds of versions are those by Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, John Denver, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Frankie Laine, Johnny Paycheck, Bobbie Gentry, Tom T. Hall, Harry Nilsson, Sammi Smith, Nancy Wilson and Walker’s Newport Folk Festival cohort David Bromberg. It was a key feature of Sammy Davis Jr.’s nightclub act for decades.
Jerry Jeff Walker took Jimmy Buffett to Key West in 1970. They co-wrote “Railroad Lady,” which later became a Lefty Frizzell country single. Buffett remained in Florida.
In 1971, Walker moved to Austin. He and his Lost Gonzo Band became mainstays of the movement variously described as “alternative country,” “outlaw country” and “progressive country.” Their freewheeling, rollicking shows became wildly popular.
Jerry Jeff Walker became a songwriting connoisseur. He popularized such Texas classics as Ray Wiley Hubbard’s “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother,” Billy Joe Shaver’s “Old Five and Dimers Like Me,” Guy Clark’s “L.A. Freeway” and “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” Jesse Winchester’s “Mississippi You’re on My Mind,” Willie Nelson’s “Pick Up the Tempo,” Gary P. Nunn’s “London Homesick Blues (Home with the Armadillo),” Michael Martin Murphy’s “Backsliders Wine” and Rusty Weir’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance.”
Following three LPs for Atco, he signed with MCA Records in 1972. Viva Terlingua was issued the following year. Regarded as a classic, the album earned a Gold record and became his biggest seller. He issued 10 other collections on MCA before forming his own Tried and True imprint in 1986.
Following in the footsteps of Nashville’s John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker became a model of do-it-yourself career success. He maintained a fan base of 50,000, communicating via regular newsletters, annual record releases and enthusiastic tours.
His partner in the business was his wife. Walker had married Susan Streit in 1974 and given up his hard-partying vices in 1978. She became his manager and booking agent. Merchandise, tour promotion and publicity were also handled in-house.
Live at Gruene Hall (1989), Navajo Rug (1990), Hill Country Rain (1992), Cowboy Boots & Bathin’ Suits (1998) and many more releases polished his reputation as a record maker. Walker also continued to write, with “Sangria Wine,” “Gettin’ By,” “Gypsy Songman,” “Hairy Ass Hillbillies,” “Pissin’ in the Wind,” “Hill Country Rain” and “Leavin’ Texas” becoming particular audience favorites. He also wrote a tribute to an enduring baseball legend, “Nolan Ryan.”
In 1991, he began hosting the series The Texas Connection on TNN. The show continued for a second season in 1992.
Walker presided at annual fan-club gatherings coinciding with his birthday in March and Labor Day in September. In 1999, he published his autobiography, Gypsy Songman: A Life in Music.
By then, Jerry Jeff Walker had become a musical inspiration for a generation of younger troubadours such as Nanci Griffith, Townes Van Zandt, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider and Jack Ingram. During his career, he released more than 40 albums, including live recordings and compilations.
He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017. Walker donated his career’s archive to Texas State University. His final album appeared in 2018.
Jerry Jeff Walker is survived by wife Susan, daughter Jessie Jane McCarty, son Django Walker, two grandchildren and a sister. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.