Tony Joe White was a natural, a blend of blues, country, swamp rock and soul, rootsy, funky, authentic. He was a solid musician, a fine guitarist, effective harmonica player, and he was possessed of a deep, resonant growl of a voice that drew you right into his tales. RIP ---------- www.ted-burke.com
Tony Joe White was a wonderful person. I got to play with him, Neil Young, Waylon Jennings, at a benefit concert for the tornado victims of Jarrel, TX. Tony organized the event. He was humble, soft spoken, yet was a regarded as a superstar among many superstars. I wonder why he never made it bigger than he did? Walter ---------- walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year in the Tunnel of Dreams Studio. " life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
Tony Joe White wrote Rainy Night in Georgia, a great song recorded by Brook Benton, Ray Charles, Otis Rush, Little Milton, Johnny Rivers and tons of other people.
I went to Fillmore Auditorium in August 1969 to interview both Jr. Walker and Tony Joe White, the latter a story assignment from Rolling Stone.
Tony opened for Lee Michaels (who opened for Junior Walker) so we had a lot of time to talk before his 2nd set. Somewhere during the interview and our discussion of music I mentioned I played harp, but there was no playing.
When he began his second set Tony said, "Right now I want to bring up a harmonica player from Rolling Stone..." This was nothing ever discussed or expected, but I went on stage to play with Tony's "band" - Tony Joe, drums and Hammond B-3. While that interview never became ink, it was etched in my mind.
I never saw him again but have always been grateful for his random act of kindness; providing an opportunity to a young, untested musician on a night I expected would be all about him. R.I.P. Tony Joe White, and thank you again. ---------- BnT
Thanks for posting Thievin Heathen. Sad news indeed. Polk Salad Annie made a huge impression on me when I first heard it a long time ago in far off New Zealand. RIP Tony Joe.
