Rock Hall to host virtual interviews with inductees John Densmore of The Doors and Chris Hillman of The Byrds

Classic rock fans will want to check out these upcoming events! Robert Kinsler 

Rock Hall to Host Virtual Interviews with Inductees John Densmore of The Doors and Chris Hillman of The Byrds 

The Inductees will discuss their newly released memoirs as part of the ongoing virtual Hall of Fame Series interviews

CLEVELAND (April 15, 2021) – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues its Virtual Interview Series with special guests and Inductees John Densmore of The Doors and Chris Hillman of The Byrds.

The events will be hosted by Senior Director of Museum & Archival Collections, Andy Leach, and are available to stream on the Rock Hall’s YouTube and Facebookchannels at 7p.m. ET on their respective dates.

Densmore’s interview will take place on April 19^th, which marks the 50^th anniversary of the release of The Doors’ classic album L.A. Woman. He’ll be discussing his new book, The Seekers: Meeting With Remarkable Musicians. 

The memoir digs deep into Densmore’s own creative process and draws upon his access to his fellow artists and performers to explore the origins of creativity itself. Weaving together anecdotes from his personal notebooks and experiences over the past fifty years, the book takes readers on a rich, thought-provoking journey into the soul of the artist. 

Hillman joins the Rock Hall on May 26th to discuss his recently released book Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond.

In Time Between, Hillman shares his quintessentially Southern Californian experience, from an idyllic, rural 1950s childhood; to achieving worldwide fame thanks to hits such as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Eight Miles High,” and “So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star”; to becoming the first musician to move to Laurel Canyon. Featuring behind-the-scenes insights on his time in The Byrds, his productive but sometimes complicated relationship with Gram Parsons, his role in launching the careers of Buffalo Springfield and Emmylou Harris, and the ups and downs of life in various bands, music is only part of his story. 

Following the book discussion, country music legend Marty Stuart will join the event as a special guest. In 2018, Hillman and his Byrds bandmate Roger McGuinn teamed up with Stuart on a tour of shows to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Byrds’ groundbreaking album Sweetheart of the Rodeo. 

 A limited number of signed copies of The Seekers: Meeting With Remarkable Musicians and Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond will be available to purchase online and in the Rock Hall store.

About John Densmore

Drummer John Densmore at "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016. 
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Drummer John Densmore was far more than merely the rhythmic engine of The Doors. Strongly influenced by jazz skinsmen like Elvin Jones and the supple grooves of the Brazilian wave, he brought a highly evolved sense of dynamics, structure and musicality to his beats.

In the mid-’60s he joined guitarist Robby Krieger in a band called Psychedelic Rangers; shortly thereafter joining forces with keyboardist Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison, and an explosive chapter in the development of rock & roll began.  

Following his time in The Doors, Densmore explored reggae and jazz in subsequent projects, became active in L.A.’s adventurous theater community, and wrote articles and books including his autobiography Riders on the Storm: My Life with Jim Morrison and The Doors, a New York Times bestseller. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, London Guardian, The Nation, and many nationally syndicated newspapers. His most recent book The Seekers was published by Hachette in November of 2020. 

About Chris Hillman

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Country Rock pioneer, Chris Hillman has never stopped making music. He was a founding member of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, McGuinn-Clark-Hillman and the Desert Rose Band. 

In 2017 Hillman released the acclaimed Bidin’ My Time, his first solo album in 12 years, produced by Tom Petty and executive-produced by Herb Pedersen. In 2018, the 50th Anniversary of The Byrds’ groundbreaking Sweetheart of the Rodeo album, which launched the country rock movement in 1968 and is widely considered to be one of the most influential albums in the genre, was celebrated with a special tour featuring Hillman and fellow Byrds alum Roger McGuinn, joined by country legends Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. The album ranked #120 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums.”

Following the Sweetheart tour, in January of 2019, Hillman became the focus of another benchmark event when the Museum of Ventura County honored his six-decade career with a vivid retrospective. Titled Chris Hillman: Time Between, the exhibit spanned the Sixties to the present and showcased Hillman’s legacy through stories, memorabilia, instruments and stage attire.

Hillman’s memoir, Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond was released via BMG Books in November of 2020.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock! 

Authentic song craft works wonders on new releases

The talents of three terrific artists are featured on titles being released this month.

Artist: Vince Gill
Title: Okie (MCA Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Gill, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen's "Western Stars"
Tell me more: Vince Gill's new album Okie (set for release on Aug. 23, 2019) is an album that fully captures the Oklahoma native's towering talents as singer, songwriter and master guitarist. The songs here exude the authentic spirit of real people immersed in the day-to-day struggles and joys of real life, and to be sure the songs (all written or co-written by Gill) have a uniform depth wonderfully at odds with the majority of contemporary country music hitmakers. There are gorgeous ballads ("What Choice Will You Make," "When My Amy Prays"), as well as probing gems with lovely choruses ("Black And White," "The Red Words"). From the album's incredible opening song "I Don't Wanna Ride The Rails No More" to the disc-closing tribute to Merle Haggard ("A World Without Haggard"), Okie astounds. On "An Honest Man" Gill's voice echoes the enduring themes captured across Okie as he sings "Come put your arms around me / Put your heart in my hand / Let them cowboys be the heroes / I'm still an honest man." Editor's note: Gill is set to perform “Forever Changed” on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday, August 27. Later that day he will perform an exclusive 60-minute set at the iHeartRadio Theater NY to celebrate the release of Okie. Information: VinceGill.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Title: Santa Ana Winds (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, John Prine, Andrew Gold
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings' wonderful series of Steve Goodman reissues is reintroducing the world to the singer-songwriter great who passed away at the age of 36 in September 1984 following a long battle with leukemia. Santa Ana Winds was completed in the span of a week (including the recording, mixing and mastering), and 35 years later it proves to be a timeless masterpiece. Remastered and expanded in 2019, the LP features all 10 songs featured on the original 1985 release as well as eight bonus tracks (including solo acoustic versions and several previously-unissued songs). Best known for his song "City of New Orleans," Goodman's rich mix of styles is displayed in all its brilliance across Santa Ana Winds. Armed with a distinctive and emotive voice and keen observer of the world around him, the material never falters; penetrating insights abound ("Face On The Cutting Room Floor," "The One That Got Away") and humor is used with a master's touch just as convincingly (on the country-styled "Telephone Answering Tape," the rock 'n' roll flavored "Queen Of The Road" and Chicago blues tune "Hot Tub Refugee"). Guests on the disc include Kris Kristofferson, Herb Pedersen and Emmylou Harris (whose soprano shines on the beautiful "Fourteen Days"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Title: Unfinished Business (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, John Prine
Tell me more: Originally issued in 1987, Unfinished Business ultimately proved be much more than a collection of demo recordings, outtakes and unissued material from Steve Goodman. That 10-track album – which earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1988 – has now been further expanded with nine bonus tracks. The strength of the songs and recordings that span Unfinished Business are equal to his previous releases. The nuanced "In Real Life," acoustic "The Dutchman," uptempo "Mind Over Matter" and "Millie Make Some Chili," and previously-unreleased "Kidstown U.S.A." showcase the diverse approach of Goodman's gifts as a tunesmith and recording artist. Both Unfinished Business and the previously-mentioned Santa Ana Winds feature new liner notes from music journalist Lee Zimmerman along with interviews and remembrances from family members, band members and friends. OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Mike Jacoby
Title: Long Beach Calling (Mike Jacoby Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Setzer, Nick 13, Haymaker
Tell me more: Roots rocker Mike Jacoby's keen and often-wry observations combined with a multi-instrumentalist's top-tier talents are used to good effect across his newly-released third album Long Beach Calling. A multi-layered and winning tribute to life, love and his own musical heroes, Jacoby's style explores a diverse range of musical areas associated with roots and Americana music. Handling lead vocals as well as the majority of instruments heard on the 12-track disc. The driving tribute to his hometown is chronicled in the title cut; the countrified "Pine Box" takes an insightful look at how little life we have ahead once we reach middle age; the tender ballad "Know Right Away" is bolstered by a burgeoning arrangement with Jacoby's stellar lead guitar work. The playful "Hangers (A Christmas Tale)" is sure to bring a smile to the face to anyone with a sense of humor; before you catch the Rolling Stones on the band's current "No Filter" tour catch up with the band's 55-year sonic aesthetic courtesy of "Play Like Richards." Information: www.MikeJacobyMusic.com.

Classic Sounds and Stellar Songcraft Inspire the Art of Listening

Pioneering artists from a variety of genres including blues, rock, Americana and hard rock are celebrated via outstanding new releases.

Artist: Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa
Title: Black Coffee (Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart
Tell me more: When singer Beth Hart and guitarist Joe Bonamassa join forces it is best to listen up. The 2011 release Don't Explain was a rousing introduction to the musical chemistry between the two artists. The duo's 2013 Grammy-nominated collaboration Seesaw was one of the most exciting blues releases of the year and hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Top Albums chart. On the duo's latest highly-anticipated outing Black Coffee, the pair unleash 10 high-octane tracks across 44 minutes honoring the likes of Ray Charles, Edgar Winter, Ella Fitzgerald, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Lucinda Williams even as the two talented artists push modern blues music forward by reworking the classics. Producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Rush, Black Crowes) has helped craft an album where both artists shine brightly even while also ensuring their talents fortify the sound across the album; take the inviting power ballad "Damn Your Eyes" that features Hart's powerful soprano as the song's brilliant centerpiece even while Bonamassa's astounding guitar work magnifies the song's sway. The Southern swagger of the title track brings gospel stylings and sublime slide guitar work courtesy of Bonamassa into the brew. The torch song "Lullaby of the Leaves,"  horn section-adorned 1940s-styled "Why Don't You Do It Right," and playful "Joy" (the latter featuring some stellar guitar work from Bonamassa) are other standouts on a terrific LP. Information: HartAndBonamassa.com.

Artist: Chris Hillman
Title: The Asylum Years (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Eagles, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Desert Rose Band
Tell me more: For those who discovered (or rediscovered!) singer-songwriter Chris Hillman via his Tom Petty-produced Bidin' My Time masterwork in 2017, the release of The Asylum Years offers the chance to discover the earliest solo recordings from Hillman (who was founding bassist of the Byrds and then co-founded The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons) that were released via two studio albums in 1976 and 1977. The breezy "Slippin' Away," lush "Falling Again," rocking "Take It On the Run" and exquisite "Love Is the Sweetest Amnesty" are early standouts on The Asylum Years. There is much to recommend on the last part of the collection: "(Take Me In Your) Lifeboat" is an explosive bluegrass blaster showcasing Hillman's virtuoso skills on mandolin and Herb Pedersen's banjo playing as well as some marvelous vocal harmonies; the lovely "Fallen Favorite" and "Hot Dusty Roads" recall the commercial country rock of The Eagles. The wonderful booklet that accompanies the audio CD includes a recent essay from Scott Schinder featuring a new interview with Hillman. The 20-track collection ultimately serves as a showcase and perfect introduction of Hillman's winning vocals and inspired strength in crafting material that blends country, rock, folk and Americana together. Information: www.OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Fu Manchu
Title: Clone of the Universe (At the Dojo)
You might like if you enjoy: Queens Of The Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, Black Sabbath
Tell me more: The 12th studio album from retro-leaning stoner hard rockers Fu Manchu titled Clone of the Universe is a glorious affair filled with heavy riffs, loads of distortion and dynamic time shifts, and even a guest appearance from Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. While the band's sound is a throwback to the 1970s, there is a contemporary power that has been a constant in the Southern California spawned rockers' recordings stretching back to the early 1990s. "(I've Been) Hexed)" features a head-banging groove and layered lead guitar textures; the heavy "Nowhere Left to Hide" fuses heavy vocals and thundering drums. The 2 minute 4 second sprint "No Panic" has the feel of a punk rocker, but the heavy layers of guitar and thundering rhythm section clearly showcase the sound of the so-called "fuzz rock" pioneers in all their glory. The high point of the disc is "Il Mostro Atomico," an 18 minute 8 second opus that is divided into four distinct sections and marks the quartet's most ambitious piece to date. Information: www.fu-manchu.com.

Artist: The Choir
Title: Artifact: The Unreleased Album (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, The Zombies, the Raspberries
Tell me more: The 10 tracks featured on the Choir's aptly-titled Artifact: The Unreleased Album were recorded back in 1969 and each bristle with a timeless energy and creative approach that will never be dated. Things begin with the stirring British Invasion-spirited "Anyway I Can" and quickly extend with sonic seams that include psychedelic (especially "Ladybug" and the instrumental "For Eric"), as well as art-, folk- and melodic- rock styles. The rollicking "If These Are Men," the lovely baroque-styled "Have I No Love to Offer," the majestic "It's All Over" and vertiginous "Boris' Lament" could have all been radio hits at the time. The Choir was among the leading artists in Cleveland during the 1960s, and several of the musicians in the quintet would soon go on to help form the Raspberries. How wonderful it is that Artifact: The Unreleased Album has found new life almost 50 years after its creation. Information: www.OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Additional performers announced to perform at 2017 MUSICARES® PERSON OF THE YEAR Tribute in honor of Tom Petty

Wow, what an event! Sounds amazing, and Tom Petty is deserving of such an honor!

Tom Petty performing in Irvine, CA in August 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Jakob Dylan, Dhani Harrison, The Head and the Heart, The Lumineers, Taj Mahal, The Shelters, and Kristen Wiig announced as additional performers for 2017 MUSICARES^® PERSON OF THE YEAR Tribute in honor of legendary rocker Tom Petty 
 

Jackson Browne, Gary Clark Jr., Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Chris Hillman And Herb Pedersen, Norah Jones, Elle King, Jeff Lynne, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, Regina Spektor, George Strait, The Bangles,
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, and Lucinda Williams Previously Announced As Performers 
 
T Bone Burnett To Serve As Musical Director For Star-Studded Tribute Concert
To Benefit MusiCares^®' Emergency Financial Assistance And Addiction Recovery Programs

Norah Jones, left, and Kristen Wiig, right, will be 
among the artists celebrating Tom Petty.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Lead guitarist Mike Campbell, left, with Tom Petty
at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in August 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

 
WHO:  Performances by multi-GRAMMY^®-winning artists Jakob Dylan, Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Taj Mahal, Randy Newman, Stevie Nicks, and Lucinda Williams; GRAMMY-winning artists Gary Clark Jr., Jeff Lynne, and George Strait; GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriters Jackson Browne, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, Elle King, and Regina Spektor; GRAMMY-nominated band the Lumineers; and artists the Bangles, Dhani Harrison, the Head And The Heart, the Shelters, and Kristen Wiig. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers will close the evening's performances. Multi-GRAMMY-winning artist and producer T Bone Burnett will serve as musical director.
 
Attendees will include Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares^® and The Recording Academy^®; Alexandra Patsavas, Chair of MusiCares; Bill Silva, Chair Emeritus of MusiCares; and John Branca, Honorary Chair of MusiCares. The event's Tribute Chairs are Olivia Harrison, MusiCares Board Member; Ringo Starr, multi-GRAMMY-winning artist; and Cameron Strang, chairman/CEO of Warner Bros. Records.
 
Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.
 
WHAT: Tom Petty will be honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year in celebration of his extraordinary creative accomplishments and significant charitable work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute—now in its 27th year—provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.
 
GALA: The 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences, and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG; a live auction featuring items including a custom Acura NSX supercar, the MusiCares Vehicle of the Year; a tribute concert sponsored by Acura featuring renowned musicians and other artists; and the award presentation. This year, for the first time, a limited number of VIP experience tables will be available for $75,000 that include: 10 seats, red carpet entrance, access to artist rehearsal and special backstage area (day before event), private pre-show reception with dedicated staff and personal auction bidding kiosk, front-row table placement, enhanced dining experience, and exclusive gift bag with a limited-edition commemorative item. For more information on purchasing tables and tickets to the event, or placing ads/messages in the tribute journal, please contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.392.3777. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week, which culminates with the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
WHY: The MusiCares Foundation^® offers programs and services to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist, and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshops covering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund^® allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCares offers Safe Harbor Room^® support, sponsored in part by the Bohemian Foundation and RBC Capital Markets, to provide a network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCares Sober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.
 

WHERE:  Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hal
                   1201 S. Figueroa St.
                   Los Angeles, CA 9001
                   Parking: West Hall Lot, off Cherry Street; cost: $25 (no valet available)
 
WHEN:  Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
                *Note New Check-In/Red Carpet Time*
                 4 p.m. - Media Check-In (at Gilbert Lindsay Plaza)
                 5 p.m. - Red Carpet Arrivals, Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
                 8 p.m. - Gala Dinner
                 9 p.m. - Concert & Award Presentation
 

 
Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visitwww.musicares.org. For breaking news and exclusive content, please "like" MusiCares onFacebook, and follow @MusiCares on Twitter and Instagram.