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John Fahey, the Blues, and Writing White Discontent

Tony Carter

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Published in Blind Joe Death S America: John Fahey The Blues And Writing White Discontent

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John Fahey was an American guitarist and composer who is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of American folk music. He was a master of the fingerstyle guitar, and his music was often characterized by its use of open tunings and complex arrangements. Fahey was also a prolific writer, and his essays and liner notes provide a unique insight into his music and his worldview.

Blind Joe Death's America: John Fahey, the Blues, and Writing White Discontent

by George Henderson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Fahey was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, in 1939. He began playing guitar at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was performing regularly at local folk clubs. In 1963, he released his debut album, "Death Chants, Breakdowns, and Military Waltzes." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Fahey as one of the leading figures in the American folk revival.

Fahey's music was often inspired by the blues. He was particularly drawn to the music of Mississippi John Hurt, and he often incorporated blues elements into his own songs. Fahey's music was also influenced by other genres, such as folk, country, and classical music. He was a highly skilled guitarist, and his music was often technically complex and challenging.

In addition to his music, Fahey was also a prolific writer. He wrote essays, liner notes, and short stories. His writing often explored themes of white discontent and alienation. He was critical of the materialism and consumerism of American society, and he saw the blues as a form of music that could express the pain and suffering of those who had been left behind by the American dream.

Fahey's music and writing have had a profound influence on a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, and Jim O'Rourke. He is a truly unique figure in American music, and his work continues to inspire and challenge listeners today.

Fahey's Influence on Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is one of the most influential musicians of all time. He has been credited with shaping the sound of folk music, rock music, and country music. Dylan has also been a vocal critic of American society, and his songs have often expressed the pain and suffering of those who have been left behind by the American dream.

Fahey's music had a significant influence on Dylan's early work. Dylan was particularly drawn to Fahey's use of open tunings and complex arrangements. Dylan also borrowed some of Fahey's songs, such as "The Ballad of Ira Hayes."

Dylan's music has been praised for its honesty and its ability to speak to the human condition. He is a master of the folk song, and his songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead.

Fahey's Influence on Ry Cooder

Ry Cooder is an American guitarist and composer who is known for his eclectic style. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. Cooder's music is often characterized by its use of slide guitar and his interest in world music.

Fahey's music had a significant influence on Cooder's early work. Cooder was particularly drawn to Fahey's use of open tunings and his ability to create complex and beautiful soundscapes. Cooder has also borrowed some of Fahey's songs, such as "The Train That Carried My Girl from Town."

Cooder's music has been praised for its originality and its ability to cross cultural boundaries. He is a master of the guitar, and his music has been used in a wide range of films and documentaries.

Fahey's Influence on Jim O'Rourke

Jim O'Rourke is an American musician and producer who is known for his experimental work. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Sonic Youth, Wilco, and John Fahey. O'Rourke's music is often characterized by its use of drones and ambient soundscapes.

Fahey's music had a significant influence on O'Rourke's early work. O'Rourke was particularly drawn to Fahey's use of open tunings and his ability to create a sense of space and atmosphere. O'Rourke has also borrowed some of Fahey's songs, such as "The Yellow Princess."

O'Rourke's music has been praised for its originality and its ability to challenge listeners. He is a master of the guitar, and his music has been used in a wide range of films and documentaries.

John Fahey was a truly unique figure in American music. His music was a blend of folk, blues, and classical elements, and his writing explored themes of white discontent and alienation. Fahey's work has had a profound influence on a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, and Jim O'Rourke. He is a true American original, and his music continues to inspire and challenge listeners today.

Blind Joe Death's America: John Fahey, the Blues, and Writing White Discontent

by George Henderson

4.6 out of 5