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Steve Forbert

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Steve Forbert
Steve Forbert 2017
Steve Forbert 2017
Background information
Birth nameSamuel Stephen Forbert
Born(1954-12-13)December 13, 1954(age 69)
Meridian, Mississippi,United States
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • guitarist
  • singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
Years active1978–present
Labels
Websitewww.steveforbertEdit this at Wikidata

Samuel Stephen Forbert(born December 13, 1954)[1]is an American pop/folk singer-songwriter. His 1979 song "Romeo's Tune"reached No. 11 on the U.S.BillboardHot 100and No. 13 on theBillboardAdult Contemporarychart. It also spent two weeks at No. 8 in Canada.[2]Forbert's first four albums all charted on theBillboard200chart, withJackrabbit Slimcertified gold in Canada. In 2004, hisAny Old Timealbum was nominated for aGrammy Awardin the Best Traditional Folk category.[3]Forbert has released twenty studio and three live albums.

Forbert's songs have been recorded by several artists, includingRosanne Cash,Keith Urban,Marty StuartandWebb Wilder.[4]In 2017, a tribute album,An American Troubadour: The Songs of Steve Forbert,was released, with covers of his songs by twenty-one artists.[5]Bob HarrisofBBC Radio 2said Forbert has "One of the most distinctive voices anywhere."[6]

In September 2018, he released his self-penned memoir,Big City Cat: My Life in Folk Rock,with editor Therese Boyd. It accompanied the release of his 19th studio albumThe Magic Treeon Blue Rose Music.

Early life

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Forbert was born inMeridian, Mississippi,United States.[7]As a child, he fell in love with music, even playing air guitar in a pretend band he called The Mosquitos. Due to a fascination withTop 40radio, he proclaimed himself a "music junkie." At 17, he started writing songs. After high school, he attended junior college and worked as a truck driver.[8]Forbert moved to New York City in 1976[7]to experience the punk rock scene of the 1970s. There he performed on the street to passersby inGreenwich Village,and had early shows as a singer with a guitar and harmonica at punk clubCBGBbefore moving on to folk venues Kenny's Castaways andFolk City.[9][10]

Musical career

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Forbert signed a recording contract withNemperorin 1978, and they released his debut albumAlive on Arrivalthat year. While some, likeVillage Voice,called him "the new Dylan,"[11]of any comparison toBob Dylan,he said, "You can't pay any attention to that. It was just a cliché back then, and it's nothing I take seriously. I'm off the hook – I don't have to be smarter than everybody else and know all the answers like Bob Dylan."[12]

Even though the sleeve of his second albumJackrabbit Slimstated that "Romeo's Tune"is" dedicated to the memory ofFlorence Ballard",the song is not really about theSupremessinger who died in 1976. The song, which went to No. 11, was actually written about a girl from Forbert's hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, but was dedicated to Ballard because, as Forbert explained, "that seemed like such bad news to me and such sad news. She wasn't really taken care of by the music business, which is not a new story."[13]The piano part on "Romeo's Tune" was played by formerElvis Presleypianist Bobby Ogdin.[14]

Jackrabbit Slimwasrecordedcompletely live atQuadrophonic StudioinNashville, Tennessee,and the record was produced byJohn Simon,who had worked withthe Band.Jackrabbit Slimpeaked at No. 54 in theUK Albums Chart.[15]The album reached No. 20 on theBillboard Top 200album chart.[16]

Forbert also had a cameo appearance inCyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"video, playing her boyfriend.[14]

In 1984, Forbert had a disagreement with his record company Nemperor and contractual issues prevented him from recording for a number of years afterwards.[17]His 1988 album,Streets of This Town,and the 1992 followupThe American in Me,were released byGeffen Records.[7]They received significant airplay.[4]

In the years following, Forbert recorded more albums of songs he wrote and sang, accompanied by his guitar. He maintained a constant touring presence as well.[12]

Forbert (r), with guitarist Mark Stuart, performing in 2015

By 1985, Forbert sought out new inspiration and relocated to Nashville. His tribute album toJimmie Rodgers,Any Old Time,was nominated for a 2004 Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Folk category.[18]In 2006, he was inducted into theMississippi Music Hall of Fame,and in 2007,Keith Urbancovered his hit "Romeo's Tune."[19]The same year, Forbert's music was featured in the filmMargot at the WeddingstarringNicole Kidman.[20]

Forbert wrote new music in support of theOccupy Wall St.movement.[21]He also began doing photography using an old LG phone. An exhibit of his cell phone photographs opened at the Tinney Contemporary Art Gallery in Nashville in September 2011.[22]

In 2012, he joined Blue Corn Music, and they releasedOver With You,produced by Chris Goldsmith (the Blind Boys of Alabama), that same year.[23]Musical backing on the record includedBen Solleeon cello and bass, withBen Harperguesting on guitar on several tracks.[24]American Songwriterstated "it's all lovely, melancholy, lyrically moving and beautifully performed" and "LikeWarren Zevon,Gram Parsons,Bob Dylan,Tom Petty,andBruce Springsteen,Steve Forbert has left his unmistakable imprint on the landscape of American music. "[25]

After the destruction caused byHurricane Sandyin 2012, Forbert released a music video, "Sandy," to raise awareness aboutthe stormand its aftermath.[26]

In 2013, Blue Corn Music re-released Forbert's first two albums,Alive on Arrivaland its gold-certified[citation needed]follow-upJackrabbit Slim.That year marked the 35th anniversary of the release ofAlive on Arrival,[17]and Forbert played that album in its entirety at a number of shows.[citation needed]Alive on Arrivalwas profiled as one of the greatest debut albums ever in the bookPlease Allow Me To Introduce Myself.[17]

Forbert's memoir,Big City Cat: My Life in Folk-Rock(PFP Publishing, 2018), was edited by Therese Boyd and released in September 2018. The book covers his four-decade-long career.[27]To accompany the book, at the same time, Forbert releasedThe Magic Treealbum on Blue Rose Music. The twelve tracks were culled from demos and new material, and builds on his pop and folk rock style.[28]Joining Forbert onThe Magic Treeis longtime accompanying guitarist Clay Barnes[29]and the album was produced by Karl Derfler.[27]

Personal life

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In the early 1980s, Forbert moved to theAsbury Parkarea of theJersey Shore.There, he married, had children, and in 2001 divorced. That same year, he renewed a relationship with Diane DeFazio.[30]

In 2017 Forbert received a cancer diagnosis. As a result, he had one kidney removed, received chemotherapy and was able to be diagnosed as cancer free.[31]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Live albums

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  • King Biscuit Flower Hour: New York, 19821996
  • Here's Your Pizza1997
  • Live at the Bottom Line2000
  • Jackrabbit Slim (Live)2020

Compilation albums

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  • The Best of Steve Forbert: What Kinda Guy?Columbia/Sony 1993
  • Young, Guitar DaysMadacy/Rolling Tide Records 2001 [studio outtakes 1978-1981]
  • More Young, Guitar DaysValley Entertainment 2002 [studio outtakes 1975-1982]
  • Rock While I Can Rock: The Geffen YearsGeffen 2003
  • Early On: The Best Of The Mississippi RecordingsRolling Tide Records 2012
  • Alive on Arrival / Jackrabbit Slim2CD reissue Blue Corn Records 2013
  • An American Troubadour: The Songs of Steve ForbertBlue Rose Music 2017

Soundtrack albums

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Singles

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  • 1978: "It Isn't Gonna Be That Way"
  • 1978: "Goin' Down to Laurel"
  • 1979: "Thinkin'"
  • 1979: "Romeo's Tune"–U.S.number 11,[33]AUSnumber 13,CANnumber 8
  • 1980: "Say Goodbye to Little Jo" – U.S. number 85[33]
  • 1980: "The Sweet Love That You Give (Sure Goes a Long Long Way)"
  • 1980: "The Oil Song"
  • 1980: "Big City Cat"
  • 1980: "Song for Katrina"
  • 1980: "Get Well Soon"
  • 1980: "Cellophane City"
  • 1980: "Lonely Girl"
  • 1980: "Schoolgirl"
  • 1982: "When You Walk in the Room"
  • 1982: "Ya Ya (Next to Me)"
  • 1988: "On the Streets of This Town"
  • 1988: "Running on Love"
  • 1992: "Born Too Late"
  • 1992: "Responsibility"
  • 1992: "Baby, Don't"

DVD releases

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  • The Steve Forbert DVD Anthology: You Cannot Win If You Do Not Play,2005
  • On Stage at World Cafe Live,2007
  • Steve Forbert in Concert,2007

SteveForbert exclusive releases

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  • Be Here Now: Solo LiveRolling Tide Records 1994
  • Be Here Again: Solo LiveRolling Tide Records 1998
  • Acoustic Live: The WFUV ConcertRolling Tide Records 2000
  • Solo Live in BethlehemRolling Tide Records 2002
  • Good Soul Food – Live at the ArkRolling Tide Records 2004
  • It's Been a Long Time: Live Acoustic with Paul ErricoRolling Tide Records 2006
  • Best of the Downloads Vols. 1 + 2(live compilation) Rolling Tide Records 2008
  • MeridianCD/DVD Rolling Tide Records 2008
  • Don't Look DownRolling Tide Records 2011
  • Get Your Motor RunningRolling Tide Records 2012
  • Early On: The Best of the Mississippi RecordingsRolling Tide Records 2012
  • Palladium(live in New York on November 24, 1979) Rolling Tide Records 2013
  • New Liberty Half Vol. 1(pre-production demos forThe Place and the Time) Rolling Tide Records 2013
  • A Safe Past Tense(studio demos fromOver with You) Rolling Tide Records 2015

See also

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References

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  1. ^abAnkeny, Jason."Steve Forbert – Music Biography, Credits and Discography".AllMusic.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  2. ^"Top Singles",Library and Archives Canada, April 19, 1980.
  3. ^"GRAMMY Award Results for Steve Forbert".Grammy.RetrievedDecember 10,2018.
  4. ^abPrice, Robert (November 1, 2018)."Forbert finds the right balance".New Jersey Herald.RetrievedDecember 11,2018.
  5. ^"Steve Forbert Covers LP is Alive on Arrival".Bestclassicbands.April 2017.RetrievedDecember 13,2018.
  6. ^Harris, Bob (August 2018)."Steve Forbert speaks to Bob Harris".BBC Radio 2.RetrievedDecember 10,2018.
  7. ^abcColin Larkin,ed. (1997).The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music(Concise ed.).Virgin Books.p. 477.ISBN1-85227-745-9.
  8. ^Rafferty, Nicole."Steve Forbert".Mississippi Writers & Musicians.Mississippi Writers Project.RetrievedAugust 3,2024.
  9. ^Daley, Lauren (September 26, 2018)."Steve Forbert: 'I became a music junkie, and that's the way it's been ever since'".The Boston Globe.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  10. ^Rockwell, John (December 22, 1978)."Pop Music: Steve Forbert".The New York Times.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  11. ^"The 60 Best Songs Ever Written About New York City".Village Voice.December 18, 2014.RetrievedDecember 10,2018.
  12. ^abForbert, Steve."Steve Forbert, Seasoned Optimist, In Studio 4A".NPR.org.NPR.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  13. ^Wuench, Kevin (December 2018)."Yes, you know Steve Forbert. Just maybe not for his hit song".Tampa Bay Times.RetrievedDecember 11,2018.
  14. ^abDoyle, Bill (November 30, 2016)."'ROMEO'S TUNE' BY STEVE FORBERT – DOYLE'S 'NOT-SO-TOP-10′ LIST ".NJ 101.5 Radio.RetrievedDecember 11,2018.
  15. ^Roberts, David (2006).British Hit Singles & Albums(19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 207.ISBN1-904994-10-5.
  16. ^abc"CD Reissue Review: Steve Forbert – Alive on Arrival / Jackrabbit Slim (Blue Corn, 2013)".No Depression.April 13, 2013.RetrievedDecember 11,2018.
  17. ^"Piece » Steve Forbert's" Any Old Time "".PRX. February 9, 2004.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  18. ^"An Evening with Steve Forbert | Vienna Art & Entertainment, Food & Drink, and Music Events on Patch – Vienna, VA Patch".Vienna.patch. May 25, 2012.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  19. ^"Steve Forbert".IMDb.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  20. ^"Protest Song by Steve Forbert".OccupyWallSt.org.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  21. ^"Exhibition: Jonathan Postal // Tinney Contemporary".Tinneycontemporary. November 19, 2011.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  22. ^"Chris Goldsmith".Discogs.RetrievedDecember 12,2018.
  23. ^"Steve Forbert On Mountain Stage".Npr.org.May 17, 2013.RetrievedDecember 12,2018.
  24. ^"Steve Forbert: Over With You".American Songwriter. September 10, 2012.RetrievedDecember 28,2012.
  25. ^Ragogna, Mike (January 18, 2013)."La Costa Perdida: Chatting With Camper Van Beethoven's David Lowery, Plus Steve Forbert's" Sandy "Video".Huffington Post.
  26. ^ab"Listen: Premiere Of Steve Forbert's New Album" The Magic Tree "Which Comes Out With His Book This Week".Americana Highways.September 12, 2018.RetrievedDecember 13,2018.
  27. ^Kennedy, Elise (November 23, 2018)."Steve Forbert" The Magic Tree "(Blue Rose Music, 2018)".Americana UK.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
  28. ^Burger, Jeff (September 5, 2018)."Album & Book Reviews: Steve Forbert – Big City Cat (book) & The Magic Tree (CD) + Music by Vanessa Peters, Anthony Geraci, Chris Darrow & Max Buda".The Morton Report.RetrievedDecember 13,2018.
  29. ^Stoller, Gary (May 9, 2022)."Steve Forbert: The Jersey Shore Keeps The Elderly Young".Forbes.RetrievedAugust 4,2024.
  30. ^Dickens, Tad (November 14, 2018)."Steve Forbert to play The Spot on Kirk on Friday".Roanoke Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 14, 2018.RetrievedDecember 13,2018.
  31. ^"STEVE FORBERT SETS RELEASE OF MEMOIR" BIG CITY CAT: MY LIFE IN FOLK ROCK "+ NEW ALBUM" THE MAGIC TREE ", BOTH ON 9/14".Musicnewsnet.RetrievedFebruary 21,2019.
  32. ^ab"Steve Forbert".Billboard.
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