I can’t lay claim to discovering the music of Steve Forbert as his first radio hit off his album JackRabbit Slim came in 1979 with the song “Romeo’s Tune”. For Awile there he was the next Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen however it never happened for him and after two followups his label dropped him. But I was around for the start of his resurgence when Geffen signed him to record Streets Of This Town and 1991′s Pete Anderson produced The American In Me. I referred to Steve Forbert in describing Alastair Moock and it turns out Grapejuiceplus did the same in describing Jesse DeNatale. That must mean it’s time for the original so here’s a selection of tunes from his debut and his comeback years.
From
Alive On Arrival Goin’ Down To LaurelGrand Central Station, March 18, 1978
From
The American In Me Born Too LateThe American In Me
Rock While I Can Rock
From
Rockin Horse Head If I Want You KnowDear Lord
Moon Man (I’m Waiting On You)
It’s funny, I remember Steve Forbert from when I was a wee kid, I was really impressed of the photo of him riding a jackrabbit on the Jackrabbit Slim album. And then one the day I ran across his “American in Me” album, which i picked up as a result and loved it.
Nice to hear some of his other tracks as well, thanks!
hey craig – wow i forgot about steve forbert, but that happens when you get old. i bought his first two or three albums (that’s vinyl albums) and still have them sitting in the garage… i think. there are some great songs on his debut disc, thanks for reminding me of what i forgot.
Steve Forbert has a great track on a benefit CD called “38 Songs Of Hope” (for Parkinson’s Disease research). His song is called “It’s A Shame, You Know”.