Only Bob Lind's second time in the UK since 1966 (the last time was June 07, also at The Luminaire), it comes at a time when interest in his recordings - amongst contemporary artists especially - is at an all time high. Pulp recorded a song called 'Bob Lind', on their 'We Love Life' album, Jarvis Cocker and Steve Mackey included the Bob Lind track ‘Cool Summer’ on 2006's critically acclaimed compilation 'The Trip', while Richard Hawley and the High Llamas are also fans.
Born on 25 November 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland, Lind is best known for writing and recording the Top 5 folk rock song 'Elusive Butterfly' in 1966. Since then, his songs have been recorded by over 200 artists including Cher, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Richie Havens, Dolly Parton, Johnny Mathis, Glen Campbell, Carmen McRae, Petula Clark, The Four Tops and Nancy Sinatra.
Moving around frequently with his family Lind began singing folk music at clubs in Denver, Colorado. He moved to the west coast and was signed to World Pacific Records, a division of the larger Liberty Records. Produced by Jack Nitzsche, Lind played guitar on his recordings for the label, while piano was handled by Leon Russell. His first single, "Cheryl's Going Home", failed to catch on but was later covered by Cher and the Blues Project. "Elusive Butterfly" was its b-side and became an international Top 10 hit.
Lind was widely touted as "the new Bob Dylan" and the latest spokesperson for youth during 1966. His compositions continued to find interpreters, among them the Turtles, Noel Harrison, Nancy Sinatra and Bobby Sherman. Lind continued to record into the early 70s, switching to Capitol Records. Now based in Florida, he works as a writer whilst continuing to perform internationally.
"He truly has his own vocal style with traces of no one, something that can be said of few artists” L.A. Times
Bob Lind
Thursday 10th September 2009
The Luminaire
311 Kilburn High Road
London NW6 7JR
Full details at:
www.theluminaire.co.uk