Category: Music

Swamp Dogg Covers John Prine: “Sam Stone”

Sam Stone Swamp Dogg

Today’s song of the day is Swamp Dogg doing a live performance of a John Prine song he had previously recorded, “Sam Stone.” I have been a fan of Swamp Dogg’s version of “Sam Stone” for some time, so I was excited to see that there was such a recent live version on YouTube of outstanding recording quality to mach the quality of the song and the singer.

My first introduction to John Prine was through a cover of “Sam Stone,” when in the 1980s WMMS in Cleveland broadcast a live performance by John Mellencamp at the Agora Ballroom. I would soon discover the great original version by John Prine, as well as Prine’s other work.

When Prine performs “Sam Stone,” which appeared on his 1971 album John Prine, he performs it as a folk song that emphasizes the tragedy of the suffering of the drug-addicted Vietnam veteran. Swamp Dogg takes the song and finds the soul and anger wrapped around the sadness. Check out Swamp Dogg’s version.

Swamp Dogg was born in Virginia on July 12, 1942 as Jerry Williams, Jr. In addition to being an excellent performer, he has also been called “one of the great cult figures of 20th century American music.”

Update: In 2018, Swamp Dogg performed “Sam Stone” with John Prine. Check out the two great artists together on the beautiful song on May 18, 2018 at the United Artists Theater at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles.

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  • On the Hill Where Angels Sing: John Prine and Justin Townes Earle Singing “Far From Me”
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  • Picture Show Online Tribute to John Prine
  • John Prine is Goin’ to Town in Heaven

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    Marty Brown’s Video for “Gonna Make It Fly”

    Marty Brown Fly
    America’s Got Talent alum and country singer Marty Brown just released the new video for his new single, “Gonna Make It Fly.” The video for the catchy song features several members of Marty Brown’s family, including his wife Shellie Brown.

    “Gonna Make It Fly” follows several of Marty Brown’s recent successful releases, including the wonderful “Whatever Makes You Smile.” Check out the new video for “Gonna Make It Fly.”

    For upcoming shows, check out Marty Brown’s website.


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  • Marty Brown: “My Love Will Follow You”
  • Marty Brown Profiled on Episode of “Kentucky Life”
  • How Marty Brown Wrote “Whatever Makes You Smile”
  • New Single from Marty Brown: “I’m Gonna Make It Fly”
  • Marty Brown Takes a Ride on the “Love Swing”
  • Marty Brown in Middletown, NY (Concert Review)

    • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    Song of the Day: “Birds Fly South” from The Mastersons

    The Mastersons

    There’s something about real-life lovers singing about relationships where you know you have a good chance of getting down to something truthful and raw, as in the best work by bands like Fleetwood Mac. And when the couple is married or in a committed relationship, you know you had better listen. The work by the duo of Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore, otherwise known as The Mastersons, brings some heartfelt lyrics to their great voices in songs like “Birds Fly South.”

    “Birds Fly South” is the title track from the 2012 debut album by The Mastersons. In the song about escape, the singer asks “Will you be right by my side?” but later in the song the request turns into a plea. Check out this performance from the Spring 2012 Music Fog Marathon at Threadgill’s WHQ in Austin.

    The Mastersons, who started out in Texas and are now based in Austin, lived in Brooklyn for awhile, hence the reference to escaping the city. They have also played as part of Steve Earle’s band, The Dukes. Their most recent album is Good Luck Charm“ (2014).

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  • Anna Tivel’s “Animal Poem” (Song of the Day)
  • Nina Simone: “To Love Somebody” (Cover of the Day)
  • Allison Russell: “The Returner” (Song of the Day)
  • Allison Russell’s “Nightflyer” (Song of the Day)
  • Connie Smith: “Once a Day” (Song of the Day)
  • Etta James: “Almost Persuaded” (Song of the Day)

    • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    What a Beautiful Day!

    Song Gay Marriage
    Hearing Jim Obergefell on CNN today talking about the Supreme Court decision holding the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage could melt the hardest of hearts. The case had started out with Obergefell seeking to have his name on the death certificate of his partner of twenty years. His fight came out of his love, which made the victory all the more sweet.

    So, tonight even though up until President Obama we have never had a president say that they supported gay marriage, we have a White House lit up in rainbow colors. And it is hard not only to think of those who can now get married, but also to think of those through the years who did not live long enough to see this day. And one hopes that this decision will aid the ongoing progress, helping teenagers who have historically felt ostracized.

    I cannot think of a better song for the day than “What a Beautiful Day,” by Australian singer-songwriter Brett Every and featuring Belinda Crawford. The song and video recounts a beautiful day of two people proclaiming their love while supported by friends and family.

    “What a Beautiful Day” is from Brett Every’s album Tales of Ten Men (2012). The song won the Outmusic Awards 2012 Love Song Of The Year.

  • Somebody to Love
  • Shelby Lynne Sings “Down Here” For Kids Facing Discrimination

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    No Sinner’s Cover of Gram Parson’s “She”

    Colleen Rennison

    Today’s song of the day is Gram Parson’s classic song “She” as covered by the Vancouver band No Sinner. Lead singer Colleen Rennison pours her soul into her performance of the song.

    The video is of an acoustic rendition of the song at the Indaba Bowery loft in New York. Check it out.

    If you are not familiar with the young Canadian band No Sinner (whose name comes from Rennison’s name spelled backwards), check out some more of their soulful music, including their album Boo Hoo Hoo (2014).

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Anna Tivel’s “Animal Poem” (Song of the Day)
  • Nina Simone: “To Love Somebody” (Cover of the Day)
  • Allison Russell: “The Returner” (Song of the Day)
  • Allison Russell’s “Nightflyer” (Song of the Day)
  • Connie Smith: “Once a Day” (Song of the Day)
  • Etta James: “Almost Persuaded” (Song of the Day)

    • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    Buy from Amazon