It was 50 years ago today....before his first record, and only two of us accepted the invitation. And then we caught his first gig in NYC with the band. Here's my full account, and a video recap.
It strikes me that little mentioned 'distractions' had a large effect on memory, relying now on celebrity to carry the story across what can only be described as a bleached landscape of time.
What these guys accomplished in celebrity seems of somehow less importance than the objective they were actually trying to achieve....well maybe that got bleached as well. I suppose all history is a bit of a blur in it's telling, even when it's written down.
Pretty sure it was Gary Tallent on the tuba, not Danny Federici. Tallent played the tuba (I've seen him). Danny did not....mainly the keys: organ, accordian, etc. When I saw Bruce in the Castiles in 1967, I didn't even know which one he was....he certainly wasn't in the spotlight. You were lucky. I think Bruce's own maternal grandfather actually served time at Sing Sing.
Thank you thank you again, Greg. Totally worth muting the many ads to watch the entire Sing Sing film. Gave me chills (in a good way) to see the raw deep emotion of the inmates, and, of course, B.B. King, Joan Baez and the gospel dancers. Can't wait for your next post. I'm in the Santa Cruz, CA area, and if there's anything I could ever do to assist or participate in any musical or literary endeavor you may be involved in, please don't hesitate to contact me. Love and happiness to you and yours. Stan
It strikes me that little mentioned 'distractions' had a large effect on memory, relying now on celebrity to carry the story across what can only be described as a bleached landscape of time.
What these guys accomplished in celebrity seems of somehow less importance than the objective they were actually trying to achieve....well maybe that got bleached as well. I suppose all history is a bit of a blur in it's telling, even when it's written down.
Wow! what a story! Im new to substack, and writing. I would love to get your thoughts on this story. https://open.substack.com/pub/dixieland/p/jerry-reed-met-the-king?r=7qecb&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Bruce is my all time favorite.
Thanks for the great story!
Sometimes miracles happen...
Pretty sure it was Gary Tallent on the tuba, not Danny Federici. Tallent played the tuba (I've seen him). Danny did not....mainly the keys: organ, accordian, etc. When I saw Bruce in the Castiles in 1967, I didn't even know which one he was....he certainly wasn't in the spotlight. You were lucky. I think Bruce's own maternal grandfather actually served time at Sing Sing.
you may be right, Danny probably on accordian...
Great story as always! Thanks!
Engaging account. It's much too long since I've seen you. Thanking my lucky stars I found you again.
Fabulous details of your and Peter Knobler's early journey with "Brucie". Just ordered, So Wrong for So Long from Amazon. Great price!
Great stuff Greg. Love your work. 🇦🇺
Thank you thank you again, Greg. Totally worth muting the many ads to watch the entire Sing Sing film. Gave me chills (in a good way) to see the raw deep emotion of the inmates, and, of course, B.B. King, Joan Baez and the gospel dancers. Can't wait for your next post. I'm in the Santa Cruz, CA area, and if there's anything I could ever do to assist or participate in any musical or literary endeavor you may be involved in, please don't hesitate to contact me. Love and happiness to you and yours. Stan