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I started writing this newsletter a few weeks ago, but I got so busy with getting all my songs ready for my new album that I just now got back to it! So here it is…
Thanks goodness winter is over! And what a winter it was. Then the pollen was really bad for a while. A good rain settled it all down, though, and now it's beautiful around here in Georgia.
At the end of March I performed on St. John in the Virgin Islands and had a great time! I got to spend time with and jam with Deanna Bogart and her band, Shakura S'aida, The Ford Brothers Blues Band, J.P. Soars and his band, Billy Gibson, Washboard Jo, Steve Simon, J.T. Lauritsen, and the Ty Curtis Band. It was an amazing experience. Thanks to Steve and Helen Simon for making this all possible and for looking after us. It was a beautiful place, and I sure hope to go back some time.
A week later, I performed in Kingsport with a couple of friends at a songwriters night - Becky Hobbs, one of my longtime friends from Nashville who has written so many great songs, and my “music making mama” friend, Ann Rabson (photo below). The limo took us to do a couple of local TV shows and an NPR radio show. I also had my first official photo exhibit! I sold some photos that night, and I was so proud that the fans are liking them. It was a great weekend all around - getting together with old friends and making music. Thanks to the Kingsport Renaissance Theatre for having us. And a special thanks goes out to Martha Beverly for making all this possible.
I also performed at the Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival in Columbus, Ohio and got to hang out with Rich DelGrosso and Fiona Boyes. While I was there, I also got some photography tips from Dusty and Val Scott. They do know their stuff! I also got to meet and hear Teeny Tucker, who's a great talent.
This week I’ll be back in Muncy, Pennsylvania at Hull’s Landing on Thursday doing an acoustic duo show with my friend, Sean Farley. Then on Saturday I’m going to be the guest vocalist with the Bloomsburg University Symphony Orchestra! Please send good thoughts my way. This will be a first for me and something I've always wanted to do. I can’t wait!
In May I’ll be attending the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. We always have a great time there, but it won’t be the same without my friend, my mentor, Koko Taylor. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we lost her. But the Blues Foundation has found an inspiring way to keep her memory alive. They’ve officially renamed the Best Traditional Female Artist award. It will now be known as the Koko Taylor Award. What an honor for my friend…
If you want to see anyone who’s anyone in the blues, Memphis is the place to be. I hope to see you there. Get your tickets, and all the info you need at www.blues.org.
Keep an eye on my schedule because I have some more cool shows coming up!
Thanks for your continued support. Your emails, your Facebook posts, and seeing your smiling faces at my shows mean the world to me. You’re the reason I keep doing what I do.
Come see me when you can. And please remember to ......keep a song in your heart.
EG |
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I hope you're hanging in there with this real intense winter season everyone seems to be having. It's been a colder winter than usual for us here in Georgia but I can't imagine how it's been for many of you up north with all of the snow and ice. We even had snow here in Dublin last weekend, which is very rare! Thank goodness spring is just around the corner.
I want to thank all of you for your votes in the International Peace Song Challenge. Thanks to you, my song "Through The Eyes of a Child" won the People's Choice Award. I was so thrilled that the message of this particular song is getting out to the world. Thanks for believing in it like I do.
To start the year, I've been playing down south. In the last week or so I've been experiencing some laryngitis, so I've taken this time to write some songs for my next album that I hope to release later this year Stay tuned for details! And in order to give my voice the rest it needs, we’ve rescheduled the upcoming Chattanooga date. Instead of this weekend, it will be March 13th. Thanks for understanding.
On the home front, I have a new puppy, Doodles. She's a Shihtzu. When I got her just before Christmas, I was going around and around trying to come up with a good name for her. With the help of my friends Darla and Max from Oklahoma, I decided to name her after one of Koko Taylor's songs, “Wang Dang Doodle”. So her official name is Wang Dang Doodles Kight. She is such a bundle of joy and really loves people. She's 3 1/2 months old now and weighs 6 lbs.
Around the same time that I got Doodles, I also had another baby goat born, and I named her Minnie. I sure do love my pets. They bring such unconditional love, joy and comfort. And on Valentine’s Day, I was reminded of how much love I have in my life. I’m truly blessed with a wonderful family, dear friends, and the best fans I could ever have hoped for!
Last week I went to see a Tyler Perry play called, “Madea's Big Happy Family”. It was fantastic! Many of the cast members were terrific singers, and the band was great. Tyler has a special way of getting positive messages across, and I just love him. I think it's always so important for all of us to support the arts. And we need to take young people out so they can start learning about the arts at a young age. It will change their lives. It changed mine, and look where I am now.
I have some really exciting shows coming up. Next Saturday I’m headed up to Ohio to perform at the Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival. Then I'll be with some good friends, Ann Rabson and Becky Hobbs for a songwriters in the round show in Kingsport, Tennessee on March 6. There will also be an exhibit for my photography at the Kingsport Arts Center the day before and the day of our show. This will be my first official exhibit and I'm so tickled about it! I hope you can come out and see us! |
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I remember the first time I heard Koko sing. I'd been performing country and pop for years when a fan suggested that I buy one of her cassettes, so I did. While driving down the road I put the tape in. When I heard her soulful voice, I was so excited that I nearly had to pull off the road! I wanted to hear more of that kind of music, with that kind of feeling. Things were going pretty good in my career, then all of a sudden I took a detour to check out something altogether new. I made the switch to the blues and have never looked back.
After coming into the blues I finally got to meet the woman who made me change directions. It was at a club in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 13, 1995 at approximately 10:00 pm. Koko and I were instant friends, and she became a real mentor to me. Any time I was feeling the least bit down or frustrated with the business, with a kind, reassuring word she would lift me back up to where I needed to be. She was a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. One of the last times we talked she said, "EG, you and I have a job to do. It don't matter if there are thousands, hundreds, or even one who comes out to hear us sing, If we can touch one heart in that room, that may be troubled or down, we've done our job. That's what our job is, and that's what we were put here to do."
Some of the best times of my life were with Koko - like the time when some friends and I went to her bachelorette party, her wedding, her birthday parties, and any of her shows that were within reach. And what a shock I got one night when I was playing in Huntsville, Alabama, and I looked up to see Koko walking in. She had come to surprise me, and that she did! I have so many wonderful memories of great times with her.
When Koko recorded one of my songs on her ROYAL BLUE album, then sang a duet with me on my TROUBLE album, I told my friends that, at that point, I could die happy. I remember when I first heard her vocal part for the duet. I'm more of a smooth vocalist, and when I listened to Koko's part, it was so full of feeling and grit that I had to go back in the vocal booth and try to bring up my game. She also recorded one of my songs on her OLD SCHOOL album, her last one. It's touching to know that I'll always have these musical treasures of my dear friend.
Koko and I talked for years about her coming to Georgia to go fishing with me out back in my pond. We had also talked about me going to Chicago to write some songs with her. I wish now that we had made time to do those things.
I know that what I've learned from Koko will continue to help me, on my musical journey, and in my life in general. |
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I wanted to take some time today to let you know what's been going on in my world. So here’s all the news!
First of all, I got to be a part of the Legendary Blues Cruise in January. This was my first cruise of any kind and I tell you, I hope it won't be my last. In addition to my own show, I got to perform with so many other artists, and through it all I made so many new friends. One of the beautiful ports of call was in Tortola, one of the Virgin Islands, where we played on the beach, enjoyed the arts and crafts of the islanders and listened to more music! Of course I took my camera with me and I gave it a work out. |
Left to right: Nick Schnebelen from Trampled Under Foot,
Bob Margolin,
Me, Ana Popavic, Deak Harp and Guy Davis |
The only problem with the cruise was that almost as soon as we boarded, I developed the FOMS syndrome. I had the "Fear Of Missing Something!" There was non-stop music going on, and I wanted to hear ALL OF IT! There were so many great artists performing on three or four stages at the same time. Artists like Bob Margolin, Ana Popavic, Guy Davis, Kim Wilson (who got married on the ship), Jimmy Thackery, Reba Russell, Debbie Davies, Mitch Woods, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Irma Thomas, Taj Mahal, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Larry McCray, Sugar Blue, The Holmes Brothers, Catherine Russell, Tommy Castro, and so many more kept all the cruisers entertained. I tell you, it was a blues dream-a-thon. The food was great, too and all the staff were so kind and attentive. The ship was so big, though, that I spent a lot of my time eating and walking, eating and walking, then eating and walking some more. I had a blast, soaking up the music and the sun, and singing with a bunch of my favorite artists. I sure hope I get to do it again.
Soon after we got back, I played at the Crimson Moon Café, a neat venue in Dahlonega, up in the north Georgia mountains. It’s a unique little place and I had a great time and met some new fans there. The show was sent out over the internet via a live webcast by Dirty South TV. That was a lot of fun and I enjoyed meeting G and Liz. They're some great folks.
Then it was on to Dalton , Georgia where I played at Dalton State College. My friend and lead guitar player from Germany , Norbert Fuhrmann happened to be in Georgia on business, so he came out and sat in with me. I also had an old friend from Maine , Pat Pepin, join me on saxophone. And on the last song of the night, a friend from Tennessee , Archie Whitehead joined us. We had a great jam going on and it was a magical night.
Then I headed on to Chattanooga and to Nashville to collaborate with some of my co-writers. While I was in Nashville , I dropped by the Bluebird Cafe to listen to Sandy Mason, whose songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks and Crystal Gayle. One of my favorite Crystal Gayle songs has always been "When I Dream" which Sandy wrote. An old and dear friend, and a great writer as well, Becky Hobbs, had come to the show, so she joined us at our table, right in front of the stage. At the end of Sandy 's show, she surprised us by bringing Crystal Gayle up to sing “'When I Dream," as only she can. We didn't know she was in the audience, and it was a real treat to hear her do that song. It took me back to my early days in country music. After the show, I chatted with Crystal and her husband. She is truly a gracious lady.
The next week I was in Chattanooga , performing at one of my old stomping grounds, the Tropicana Room in the Chattanooga Billiards Club. It's always good to see fans and friends that I haven't seen in a while. And as usual, we all had a great time.
The next week I was in Chattanooga , performing at one of my old stomping grounds, the Tropicana Room in the Chattanooga Billiards Club. It's always good to see fans and friends that I haven't seen in a while. And as usual, we all had a great time.
My good friends, Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women, have a new CD out called "Havin' The Last Word,” which will be their last project together. I'm honored that three of my songs are on this CD. And I’m thrilled that I get to share the stage with them in Atlanta at the Variety Playhouse next month and the Renaissance Theater in May.
While I'm down south, I'll be performing a couple of solo shows, one at Shenanigan's in Warner Robins, and one in Montgomery at Key Largo, formerly The Keys. I haven't been to Shenanigan's yet, but I hear it's a fun place. And all you "porch people," I'll be looking for you at Key Largo. This will be the first time I've done my solo, "naked" show there. You'll get to hear my songs the way they were born - naked!
And for all of you Jacksonville Beach blues fans, my band and I will be seeing you at the Springing The Blues Festival in April. It's been a while since I've been there, and I'm so excited about coming back to that area.
Keep watching my schedule because it changes quickly. I hope to see you somewhere along the way, but until I do, please - keep a song in your heart!
EG |
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I hope you all are ready for the holidays, and spending some relaxing time with loved ones. I know I am!
I love coming home to my family, but I also enjoy getting out on the road, so I can see all of you. A few weeks ago I got back from another tour of the “nawth”, and just like always, I had a great time. I performed at some new venues - Puck Live in Doylestown , Pennsylvania , and Landhaven Bed & Breakfast in Barto , Pennsylvania . It was also good to be back at Jeremiah's in Williamsport , and Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem .
My northern band and I rocked it out at Puck. I also enjoyed our opening band, Dirty Mac Band. I’d never done a show at a B&B before, and it was interesting to perform in a room that used to be an old mercantile store. It looked like something right out of The Waltons TV show. It was one of the neatest places I've ever been. I made a lot of new friends and just loved my stay there. And the bacon was good too!
I did a live show for George Graham in the WVIA studio in Pittston , Pennsylvania, and it was videotaped . The performance will air on their TV station in a few weeks. It was a real unique experience, and I thank George for taking me under his wing. His Homegrown Music series has become a regular feature on public television, and as his website says, it’s “no fancy or pretentious music video effects, just great performances captured live as broadcast on the radio.” I like his style!
In Ohio I had another larj time at Fat Fish Blue in Cleveland and at the Hey Hey Club in Columbus . The crowds there are always so energetic, and they make it fun. |
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While I was up nawth I also did a radio interview on WBGO in Newark , New Jersey with Michael Bourne, an award winner and senior contributor for DownBeat magazine. It was a real comfortable interview, and he made me think of things I hadn’t thought of before. Then I played at a songwriter's night at the Living Room in Manhattan . And while I was in New Yawk City , my friends, Jim and Linda Boose took me to see my very first Broadway play - "Hairspray". It was an absolutely incredible experience, and I’ll never forget it. Here's a photo of them standing in Times Square.
This past weekend I went back to a couple of my favorite places in the south, Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee and The Keys in Montgomery . I sure do appreciate how my fans have been coming out to see me, and supporting live music. You all are the greatest!
I also have a couple of new baby goats, and we’re expecting another one at any time. I always look forward to getting back home to see my goats! Everybody needs a goat! They’re so much fun and I love to watch them play and grow.
My latest album, "It's Hot In Here" has been doing really well. It went to #2 on the Roots Blues Music Charts and to #1 on BB King’s Bluesville on XM Satellite Radio. It’s been getting lots of positive feedback and I'm thrilled with how well it’s done. And I have you, the fans, to thank for it.
Taylor Guitars just sent me another new electric guitar. I can't wait for you to see it. I just love their guitars. You can see all of their beautiful products at www.taylorguitars.com. I’ll send you a picture of my new one soon.
Last night I was in Macon , Georgia, playing to a sold out crowd at The Little Carnegie Of The South. And on the 20th, I'll be with my southern band at the Rookery where we're having a Christmas Homecoming.
On New Year’s Eve I'll be back in Williamsport , Pennsylvania at the Genetti Hotel with my northern band. I played there last year and had such a good time that I wanted to go back this year. Make your reservations now so you can bring in the New Year with the Songbird.
I hope your holidays are full of cheer. And through the hustle and bustle, try to remember to just smile! It's contagious. ;-)
I hope to see you out on the road. Until then, keep a song in your heart!
EG |
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EG at workshop for German teenage guitar players |
I just returned from a tour in Germany and I want to tell you about
it. I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful German blues
band, Blue Alley. They were terrific and really played my songs
well. I performed again at the prison in Detmold , and one Sunday
afternoon I conducted a workshop for some German teenagers. They
all brought their guitars and I spoke to them about American music,
then let them play for me. I gave them some pointers, and a little
while later the real treat came - three teenage girls sang a gospel
song in English for me. It was a great moment, and I’ll never
forget it. |
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German fans lit sparklers when EG sang "House of the Rising
Sun" |
I enjoyed working with all the folks in the band, and appreciate
everything Norbert and his wife, Christa did to make me feel welcome.
Being with so many people who spoke very little English proved that
music really is the universal language. Germans really enjoy American
music and they don’t hesitate to show it. I was singing "House
Of The Rising Sun" one evening and they were so into it that
they started lighting sparklers. Here in the states I’ve seen
the audience raise their lighters into the air. But this was sparklers!
And it was so amazing, and heartwarming. They really let me know
that they loved what I was doing. |
A German club owner gave EG his
club mascot – The Red Rooster |
The club where the fans lit the sparklers was called The Red Rooster.
They had a huge red rooster on a table, and I just fell in love
with it. Most of you know that I've written a couple of songs about
a rooster. Well, the club owner knew I loved this red rooster, so
he gave it to me!
Another very special moment was when I went to the Bartholomaus
chapel in Paderborn .
This chapel has the most beautiful, natural acoustics that I've
ever heard. I took my mp3 player in there and sang a couple of verses
of "Amazing Grace". You can hear the mp3 I recorded that
day by clicking the link on www.myspace.com/egkight.
While in Germany , I tried so many traditional German foods, which
included lots of different kinds of sausage and schnitzel. I love
schnitzel! I made many friends while I was there and I look forward
to going back.
I want to send a special “Thank You!” to Bob Borbonus
at Taylor Guitars for furnishing guitars for me while I was in Germany
. Taylor has the best guitars and I just love 'em. Check them out
at www.taylorguitars.com.
One of the beautiful Taylor guitars that EG used on tour in
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Now that I've had a chance to catch my breath, I'm getting geared
up to travel up nawth in a couple of weeks. Those of you in New
York , Ohio and Pennsylvania , mark your calendars, 'cause I'm headed
your way, and I'm going to be bringing you all some "southern
comfort"!
On November 3rd, I'll be doing a live radio broadcast with Irish/Celtic
artist Tony DeMarco at WVIA in Pittston, Pennsylvania . You can
listen to the show online at www.wvia.org/radio.
I'm looking forward to returning to the Hey Hey Club in Columbus,
Ohio where they have the wonderful sauerkraut balls. I'll also be
performing at a new place in Cleveland called Fat Fish Blue. Then
I'll be in New York City at The Living Room, then on to Pennsylvania
to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem and Landhaven in Barto. I'll also
be returning to Williamsport at Jeremiah's where we always have
a great time. This is the place that "Live and Naked"
was recorded. And if you're looking ahead for somewhere to go for
New Year's Eve, I'll be returning to the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport.
My new CD, "It's Hot In Here", is getting lots of airplay
and has stayed in the top 10 on the Roots chart for five weeks,
moving up to #4 the last few weeks. Remember that you can call or
email your favorite radio station to request it. Let's keep the
momentum going! It’s been getting many positive reviews and
I'm tickled about that. If you haven't heard the album yet, check
it out. You can get a copy at http://www.egkight.com/discography/hot.html.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about it.
I hope to see you down the road. Until then......keep a song in
your heart.
EG |
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EG Kight’s thoughts on Koko Taylor's influence 
