José Feliciano: Singing Out, in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

José Feliciano: Singing Out, in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

I generally consider someone a true artist if he or she has the courage to produce straight-from-the-soul work that is so provocative it's likely to offend the masses, incite controversy, and, ideally, inspire people to open their minds and question long-held beliefs. When you think of such artists, Puerto Rican singer/songwriter José Feliciano doesn't immediately spring to mind. Yet, he made an artistic statement 46 years ago this month that was viewed with such contention that it nearly ended his career. His offense? He performed a soulful, Latin jazz version of "The Star Spangled Banner" to kick off the fifth game of the 1968 World Series, a matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers in the Motor City.

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Ode to Bobbie Gentry…and that Tallahatchie Bridge

Ode to Bobbie Gentry…and that Tallahatchie Bridge

"It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day…" I sing in the car. This is about as far as I get before my sweet hubby groans, "Okay, THAT'S enough." He knows what's coming next: the entire five verses of Bobbie Gentry's Southern gothic hit, "Ode to Billie Joe." Yep, I've known the lyrics to that moody little song frontwards and backwards since Daddy first brought home the single in July 1967. The beautiful Bobbie is 70 years old today, and I want to thank her for inspiring me at a young age to write about my life and my observations.

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Remembering Jeff Buckley: Songs of Tribute and Gratitude

Remembering Jeff Buckley: Songs of Tribute and Gratitude

On March 29, 1997, singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Buckley drowned at age 30 while trying to swim the Wolf River in Memphis. The son of folk legend Tim Buckley, Jeff made a huge impact on the music world with his haunting vocals, inspired songwriting, and amazing guitar work. As we approach the 17th anniversary of his passing, I feel that an investigation of the songs his peers and contemporaries wrote about him following his death can attest to his influence and impact. An article by contributor Adam Kukic, host of The Coffeehouse on WYEP fm.

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The Family Tree of Wainwright – Roots of Folk Royalty

The Family Tree of Wainwright – Roots of Folk Royalty

It's tough enough being the child of a famous musician, but what's it like to establish your own identity when you hail from a large inter-connected family of talented songwriters? For our second post examining legendary musicians and their progeny, we investigate the intricate web of some of the most established names in folk music: Wainwright, McGarrigle, and Roche. An article by contributor Adam Kukic, host of The Coffeehouse on WYEP fm.

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Rebecca Loebe – The Voice You Need to Discover

Rebecca Loebe – The Voice You Need to Discover

“The wit of Dar Williams, the bite of Ani DiFranco, and the beauty of Norah Jones." That's how I once described a gifted singer/songwriter named Rebecca Loebe. It was the combination of Becca’s voice and her determination that landed her on the first season of The Voice. But her appearance on the show was not the beginning nor the end of her story. To date she's issued five official releases - 3 LPs and 2 EPs, PLUS she's a non-stop touring machine. Since 2009 I’ve been fortunate enough to see her perform live three times. Here's why you need to discover this amazing talent. An article by contributor Adam Kukic, host of The Coffeehouse on WYEP fm.

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