Tony Joe White at the Melbourne Music and Blues Festival 2003.
(Photo by Ros O'Gorman.)
Bluesman Tony Joe White is planning two albums for 2004, both featuring guest stars who have recorded his songs in the past.
White has christened the two albums 'Heroes' and 'Heroines'. 'Heroines' will be the first release due around February 2004. "The albums will feature duets with people who have recorded my songs before" he tells Undercover News. "Each album will have half a dozen duets and half a dozen songs by me".
The names of the records will relate to the placement of artists. "I'm calling them 'Heroes' and 'Heroines' and the 'Heroes' will feature male artists and the 'Heroines' will feature female artists. 'Heroines' has duets with Emmylou Harris, Etta James and Shelby Lynn. I would have liked Tina Turner to be on the record but that is not possible because she is away making a movie".
The all male record 'Heroes' will follow later in the year.
White has had his fair share of heroes and heroines record his songs over the years. In fact, Ray Charles was one of those heroes. Tony only had his first chance to take to him backstage at the Music and Blues Festival in Melbourne earlier this year. "I'd met him before but only in passing" he says. "This time we got to hang out backstage. Ray recorded my song 'Rainy Night In Georgia' and sang me a few bars. He started singing it right to me".
Another hero was Elvis who recorded 'Polk Salad Annie'. Tony Joe White once had the privilege to watch him perform the song live. "Elvis invited me to the show and performed 'Polk Salad Annie' in front of me" he proudly says.
When Tony performs 'Polk Salad Annie' these days he always brings his old friend Clyde along. 'Clyde is my gator. I've had him for eight years. He's a bit beat up after the last tour".
Jan 2004
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