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TONY JOE WHITE

To known Tony Joe White is to listen to his music. To write that he was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana, the youngest of seven children, and that all the family played musical instruments can sketch only the vaguest outline. To tell of the car he drives, his house, his wardrobe and the amount of money he earns would be superflous

Tony Joe White spent seven years working in southern clubs before he felt it necessary to part from his band and write his own kind of "earthy soul" music, and to develop his own very individual sound. His music and compositions reflect a world perhaps forgotten, certainly subdued. In his songs you will find the pathos, truth, humor and warmth of life. They expel all the boundaries of sophistication and yet accurately reflect the legend of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow. His style is neither passive nor aggressive. H erelates so much with an innocent philosophy and humor that accentuates all good things in life.

Described as "a rangy cajun with a perpetual sun squint", Tony Joe White now lives in Germantown, Tennessee (near Memphis), with his wife and two children. He recently bought a 1200 acre ranch in Mountain View, Arkansas, where he intends to breed horses and perhaps dogs. Tony Joe already has several horses, including a prize Apaloosa mare which is pride and joy: a creature of the outdoors, he spends a lot of his time hunting, fishing and swimming.

His sensitivity and animal magnetism have earned him deserved appreciation thoughout the United States, Japan, Europe and Scandinavia. His records "Polk Salad Annie", "Soul Francisco" and "High Sheriff" have all gained high chart placings as have his three Monument albums, "Black and White", "...Continued" and "Tony Joe". His debut on Warner Bros. Records, "Tony Joe White", was released in January, 1971.

His compositions have been covered by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Brook Benton had a milion seller with "A Rainy Night in Georgia", Dusty Springfield cut "Willie and Laura Mea Jones" and both Elvis Presley and Tom Jones have recorded Tony Joe's own his of "Polk Salad Annie" on album releases.

His appearances on television and in night clubs have all met with rave reviews and enthusiastic applause. Tony Joe is an inspiration to all who meet him and to those who take pleasure in listening to his music.

writer unknown, 1972.