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Swamp Fox Tony Joe White's Unorthodox Guitar Style Celebrated in Reissue
28 Oct
Summary
- Tony Joe White's final album "Bad Mouthin'" released shortly before his death in 2018
- Son Jody White overseeing rerelease of his father's 1980 album "The Real Thang"
- White known for his unique guitar playing, carrying bass with thumb while playing other strings
Two years ago, in October 2018, legendary country-funk singer and guitarist Tony Joe White, known as the "Swamp Fox," passed away at the age of 75. However, his musical legacy lives on through the efforts of his son, Jody White, who is determined to introduce White's unique sound to a new generation of listeners.
This month, Jody oversaw the rerelease of his father's 1980 album "The Real Thang," which features songs like "Good-bye L.A." and "Cowboy Singer." Jody explains that he is committed to sharing more of his father's music, as there are boxes and boxes of unreleased tapes spanning from 1965 to 2018 that he discovered after White's passing.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Tony Joe White's music was his unorthodox guitar playing style. He would carry the bass with his thumb on the low E-string while simultaneously playing the other strings, a technique that left other guitarists in awe. This approach, combined with his gravelly rasp and plainspoken songwriting, helped forge White's signature sound and earned him a devoted following among fellow musicians, including Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
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As Jody continues to celebrate his father's legacy, fans of Tony Joe White can look forward to more of his music being brought to light in the years to come, ensuring that the "Swamp Fox's" unique artistry will not be forgotten.
