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Returning to the Wild
Chris Whitley, 1960-2005
Breaking rocks all day on the avenue
its hard to unearth anything thats true
soon I am gonna loose these rags and run
Returning to the wild where I m from
There s miles of stone, jack hammer in my hand
There s compromises, I cant comprehend
soon I am gonna drop this jack and run
Returning to the wild where I m from
A week ago tomorrow, November 20, 2005, singer-song writer Chris Whitley died. I know his brother, Dan (he is my brother-in-law) and have met his father and his daughter. I sincerely feel for him and his family.
Chris had one minor hit. In 1990, his ephemeral bluesy-gospely song, Big Sky Country , was played on radios around the world. He developed a strong cult following in Belgium and German. He also earned the respect of many fellow musicians. Dave Matthews said of him in 2001, (H)ow could a talent like his go relatively unnoticed? So few singers have their own personality, and Chris is his own man to the bone. Honestly, I feel more passion for his music than I do for my own. My music I m critical of. But I have a fervent, religious devotion to the magic that Chris makes.
Billboard.com , the New York Times , and RollingStone.com all have eulogized him, but you might best learn about Whitley by reading his obituary on his own website.
Or, better yet, listen to his music .
Comments
ruminator said:
Damn, sometimes life throws us tough shots and so it seems in this case. I'm sorry to hear this and sorry that I won't have the chance to hear Chris live.
Posted on Nov 28, 2005 11:03 PM
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