Remembering Michael Hurley: Folk Legend's 2020 Democracy Now! Studio Performance

A Tribute to Michael Hurley

• 💡 The legendary folk singer Michael Hurley passed away at 83, leaving behind a remarkable career that began in the 1960s Greenwich folk scene.
• 🎤 In 2020, Hurley visited the Democracy Now! studios for an impromptu concert and discussion, performing songs like "New River Blues," "Hog of the Forsaken," and "Oh My Stars."

Musical Journey and Influences

• 🎶 Hurley's first album was recorded in 1963 for Folkways, featuring "The Werewolf," later covered by Cat Power.
• 🎨 His 1971 major label debut, "Armchair Boogie," is now considered a classic and showcased his distinct artwork as a watercolor artist and cartoonist.
• 🌟 Known as the "godfather of freak folk," Hurley's music inspired many artists and appeared in media like "Deadwood" and "Leave No Trace."
• 🎤 Influences cited include Lead Belly, John Lee Hooker, Hank Williams, and jazz artists like Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton.

Song Meanings and Themes

• 🏞️ "New River Blues" is inspired by the New River in North Carolina, known for its variable depth and potential for flooding.
• 🚫 The song "Monsanto" expresses concern over the company's impact on farmers and the food supply through Roundup and GMOs.
• 🌟 "Oh My Stars," written in Boston, is a deeply personal song that Hurley plays frequently.
• ❓ "No Can Do," written in Amherst, explores themes of fire spirit and longing.

Performance and Legacy

• 🎙️ Hurley discussed how the music scene has changed, noting the proliferation of guitars and musicians compared to his early days.
• 🤝 He expressed appreciation for younger artists covering his songs, like Yola Tango's "Polynesia" and Cat Power's "Wildegeeses" (Sweetie Dee).
• 💡 His advice to young musicians is to create original material, play what they love, and do it for fun.
• 🌍 Reflecting on his rural Oregon roots and visits to New York City, Hurley described the culture shock of urban density and the subway system.
• 🎤 He recalled the 1960s Greenwich Village scene, initially featuring Beat poets like Jack Kerouac before the rise of folk singers.