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Bob Mehr

@bobmehr.bsky.social
2.1K followers 655 following 39 posts

New York Times bestselling author, 'Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements.' 2X Grammy winner (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Dead Man's Pop). Reissue producer. Words for NYT, MOJO, Gannett.

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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A few weeks back, I had dinner with Beck in Los Angeles where we discussed his latest album, the majestic "Ride Lonesome," as well as other chapters and tangents in his long and fascinating career. The results of that encounter appear in the new issue of MOJO magazine, with Neil Young on the cover.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
My latest for The New York Times on the life, death, & resurrection of Gary Stewart. Spurred by the publication of Jimmy McDonough’s Stewart biography "I Am From The Honky-Tonks,” and a new archival LP "One Track Mind," the singer is enjoying a revival. Gift link here www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/a...
nytimes.com
The Rediscovery of Country Original Gary Stewart (Gift Article)
Gary Stewart spent a few years on top, but was largely forgotten after his tragic death in 2003. Now a new generation is rediscovering the onetime “king of honky-tonk.”
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
My latest for The New York Times on the life, death, & resurrection of Gary Stewart. Spurred by the publication of Jimmy McDonough’s Stewart biography "I Am From The Honky-Tonks,” and a new archival LP "One Track Mind," the singer is enjoying a revival. Gift link here www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/a...
nytimes.com
The Rediscovery of Country Original Gary Stewart (Gift Article)
Gary Stewart spent a few years on top, but was largely forgotten after his tragic death in 2003. Now a new generation is rediscovering the onetime “king of honky-tonk.”
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Chris Steller @chrissteller.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
The book at left ends on July 3, 1863, 163 years ago yesterday. The book at right ends on July 4, 1991, 35 years ago today.
At left is a ratty paperback of THE
LAST FULL MEASURE: The Life and Death of the
First Minnesota Volunteers.
By RICHARD MOE.
At right is a marked-down paperback of TROUBLE
BOYS:
THE TRUE STORY OF
The REPLACEMENTS.
By BOB MEHR
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Attention Byrds Nyrds! Gene Clark Fans! Lovers of groovy tunes! My wife’s band The Ettes have just released a new five-song EP, “Passionate Liars,” featuring their stunning version of a mostly unknown Gene Clark song, “On the Run.” Check it out! open.spotify.com/album/52Yv4y...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Attention Byrds Nyrds! Gene Clark Fans! Lovers of groovy tunes! My wife’s band The Ettes have just released a new five-song EP, “Passionate Liars,” featuring their stunning version of a mostly unknown Gene Clark song, “On the Run.” Check it out! open.spotify.com/album/52Yv4y...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
My latest for The New York Times: a look at the life & legacy of the late great D. Boon. Visited San Pedro to talk to the surviving Minutemen, Mike Watt and George Hurley, as they continue to carry forward the spirit of Boon and the band. Gift link here: www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/a...
nytimes.com
D. Boon’s Death Shook Punk Rock. 40 Years Later, Minutemen Look Back.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
My latest for The New York Times: a look at the life & legacy of the late great D. Boon. Visited San Pedro to talk to the surviving Minutemen, Mike Watt and George Hurley, as they continue to carry forward the spirit of Boon and the band. Gift link here: www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/a...
nytimes.com
D. Boon’s Death Shook Punk Rock. 40 Years Later, Minutemen Look Back.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Given the news lately, I've thought about this particularly chilling scene a whole lot. R.I.P. to Robert Duvall, maybe the best to ever do it.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
Sad news from Memphis: the great soul singer & songwriter Don Bryant has died at 83. A Hi Records artist who penned hits for his wife Ann Peebles (including the immortal "I Can't Stand the Rain"), Bryant enjoyed a late-career comeback over the last decade www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
My latest for The New York Times, on John Prine. A new concert film, "You Got Gold," documenting a pair of tribute shows begins its theatrical run on the heels of Tom Piazza’s book on Prine. Fiona Prine, Bonnie Raitt & more talk about his life & legacy. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/a...
nytimes.com
5 Years After His Death, John Prine Gets a Cinematic Send-Off
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Was honored to receive a Grammy nomination the other day for my album notes for Wilco's "A Ghost Is Born (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)." Always a privilege to rep the band, Nonesuch and the Warner family - and be part of the great archival work from producer Cheryl Pawelski!
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
The mailman brought a copy of an incredible Hüsker Dü release, "1985: The Miracle Year," for which I wrote liner notes. This 4LP/2CD set from Numero Group comes out Friday. You can hit the Numero site or your local record retailer to get yours: numerogroup.com/products/198...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
My latest for The New York Times on the great Warren Zevon, in the wake of a lavish tribute concert dedicated to him in Los Angeles and ahead of his induction to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame next week. Gift link here: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/a...
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Andy Boyle @andymboyle.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
leaning into middle age hard by reading about two of the most important pairs of brothers in american history
A fluffy cat stands next to a table. On the table are two books: “TROUBLE BOYS: The True Story of the Replacements by Bob Mehr” and “THE BROTHERS: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War” by Stephen Kinzer
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
A bit of news, regarding my Replacements bio, "Trouble Boys"
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
My latest for The New York Times, on the legendary session musician Carol Kaye. The outspoken 90-year-old is being inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame this fall. With thoughts on Kaye's career from Paul McCartney, Kathy Valentine & more. Gift link here: www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/a...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
My latest for The New York Times, on the legendary session musician Carol Kaye. The outspoken 90-year-old is being inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame this fall. With thoughts on Kaye's career from Paul McCartney, Kathy Valentine & more. Gift link here: www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/a...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
My latest for the New York Times on the colorful career of Josh Freese, late of Foo Fighters, currently of Nine Inch Nails-a child drum prodigy who's risen to the ranks of the world’s top musicians. With thoughts from Sting, Mark Mothersbaugh, Jim Keltner & more. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/a...
nytimes.com
What Nine Inch Nails and Michael Bublé Share: Josh Freese’s Drumming
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
My latest for the New York Times on the colorful career of Josh Freese, late of Foo Fighters, currently of Nine Inch Nails-a child drum prodigy who's risen to the ranks of the world’s top musicians. With thoughts from Sting, Mark Mothersbaugh, Jim Keltner & more. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/a...
nytimes.com
What Nine Inch Nails and Michael Bublé Share: Josh Freese’s Drumming
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
You might've heard the news about an incredible project from Hüsker Dü, "1985: The Miracle Year," a 4LP/2CD box set coming this fall from Numero Group. Had the privilege of writing the liner notes to this epic package. Check it out here: numerogroup.com/products/198...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
You might've heard the news about an incredible project from Hüsker Dü, "1985: The Miracle Year," a 4LP/2CD box set coming this fall from Numero Group. Had the privilege of writing the liner notes to this epic package. Check it out here: numerogroup.com/products/198...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Terry Reid: 1949-2025. Fly on...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
My latest for The New York Times on Neil Sedaka. Fifty years ago, Sedaka pulled off one of pop music’s great comebacks. This is the story his rise, fall and rise again, as he marks the occasion with a deluxe release of “Sedaka’s Back” and some intimate shows in LA. www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/a...
nytimes.com
Neil Sedaka Executed One of Pop’s Great Comebacks. Now, He Just Plays.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
My latest for The New York Times on Neil Sedaka. Fifty years ago, Sedaka pulled off one of pop music’s great comebacks. This is the story his rise, fall and rise again, as he marks the occasion with a deluxe release of “Sedaka’s Back” and some intimate shows in LA. www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/a...
nytimes.com
Neil Sedaka Executed One of Pop’s Great Comebacks. Now, He Just Plays.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
My latest for The New York Times, on some of the still (officially) unreleased material from across Brian Wilson's career: Adult/Child, Sweet Insanity, The Paley Sessions and more. With insights from Wilson biographers David Leaf and Peter Ames Carlin. www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/a...
nytimes.com
The Musical Mysteries Brian Wilson Left Behind
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
My latest for The New York Times, a profile of Irish music legend Christy Moore. Got to chat with the great man & some of his many admirers-U2’s The Edge, Elvis Costello, The Late Late Show's Patrick Kielty & Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland-for this feature. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/a...
nytimes.com
Christy Moore, Ireland’s Folk Music Legend, Is Still Writing History
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
My latest for The New York Times, a profile of Irish music legend Christy Moore. Got to chat with the great man & some of his many admirers-U2’s The Edge, Elvis Costello, The Late Late Show's Patrick Kielty & Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland-for this feature. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/a...
nytimes.com
Christy Moore, Ireland’s Folk Music Legend, Is Still Writing History
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Fascinating find! I looked for this ad for a long time but could never locate it. It's an interesting bit of history that affixes the date officially for the Bataclan - or Ba-Ta-clan - gig that was set up specifically for Peter Jesperson. Let me explain...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sad news from the world of Memphis music: Terry Manning, the noted engineer, producer, and musician who worked with a galaxy of stars — from Led Zeppelin to ZZ Top — over a sixty-plus year career has died. More on Manning's life and career here: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Terry Manning dies: Producer/engineer worked with music icons from Isaac Hayes to ZZ Top
A key figure in Memphis music and beyond, Terry Manning worked closely with artists across generations and genres, from the Staple Singers to Shakira.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sad news from the world of Memphis music: Terry Manning, the noted engineer, producer, and musician who worked with a galaxy of stars — from Led Zeppelin to ZZ Top — over a sixty-plus year career has died. More on Manning's life and career here: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Terry Manning dies: Producer/engineer worked with music icons from Isaac Hayes to ZZ Top
A key figure in Memphis music and beyond, Terry Manning worked closely with artists across generations and genres, from the Staple Singers to Shakira.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
My latest for the New York Times, a profile of the great Benmont Tench, as he releases his second solo album, “The Melancholy Season." With thoughts from Mike Campbell, Danielle Haim, Don Was, Jonathan Wilson. Look for it in Sunday’s print edition of the NYT. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/a...
nytimes.com
Benmont Tench, Still a Heartbreaker, Is Carrying on Solo
Starting in the early 1970s, the organist, singer and songwriter was a creative anchor for Tom Petty. On a new solo album, he explores what comes next.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
My latest for the New York Times, a profile of the great Benmont Tench, as he releases his second solo album, “The Melancholy Season." With thoughts from Mike Campbell, Danielle Haim, Don Was, Jonathan Wilson. Look for it in Sunday’s print edition of the NYT. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/a...
nytimes.com
Benmont Tench, Still a Heartbreaker, Is Carrying on Solo
Starting in the early 1970s, the organist, singer and songwriter was a creative anchor for Tom Petty. On a new solo album, he explores what comes next.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Newly uploaded to YouTube, a discovery on par with the Dead Sea Scrolls, actual footage of Brian Wilson rapping a little bit of "Smart Girls." Shout out to @andrewsandoval.bsky.social for the find, a real treasure for those who appreciate "sexy legs with high IQs"
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Was pleased to find this lovely spread in today's print edition of The New York Times for my story on The Bangles, timed to the publication of a new bio authorized biography of the band, "Eternal Flame." You can read the NYT story here: www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/a...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Was pleased to find this lovely spread in today's print edition of The New York Times for my story on The Bangles, timed to the publication of a new bio authorized biography of the band, "Eternal Flame." You can read the NYT story here: www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/a...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
My latest for the New York Times, a look at the life and legacy of The Bangles, ahead of the publication of “Eternal Flame” an authorized biography of the band by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike. Spoke with Susanna Hoffs, the Peterson sisters, and producer David Kahne etc. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/a...
nytimes.com
The Bangles, One of the Biggest All-Female Bands, Want to Reclaim Their Legacy (Gift Article)
The music industry pushed the group behind hits like “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame” hard, then pulled them apart. A new book tells their story.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
My latest for the New York Times, a look at the life and legacy of The Bangles, ahead of the publication of “Eternal Flame” an authorized biography of the band by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike. Spoke with Susanna Hoffs, the Peterson sisters, and producer David Kahne etc. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/a...
nytimes.com
The Bangles, One of the Biggest All-Female Bands, Want to Reclaim Their Legacy (Gift Article)
The music industry pushed the group behind hits like “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame” hard, then pulled them apart. A new book tells their story.
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Nonesuch Records @nonesuch.com · 07/02/2025
It includes sixty-five previously unreleased music tracks as well as a forty-eight-page hardcover book with previously unpublished photos and a new liner note by Grammy-winning writer @bobmehr.bsky.social.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Sad news out of Memphis: Don Nix - Stax artist, producer and 'Going Down' songwriter - has died at 83. Nix, a member of The Mar-Keys ("Last Night"), worked with Freddie King, Albert King, Jeff Beck, George Harrison and more. A look at his life and career: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Don Nix, Stax artist, producer and 'Going Down' songwriter, has died at 83
A member of the early Stax group The Mar-Keys, Don Nix went on to a prolific career as a songwriter, producer and arranger.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Sad news out of Memphis: Don Nix - Stax artist, producer and 'Going Down' songwriter - has died at 83. Nix, a member of The Mar-Keys ("Last Night"), worked with Freddie King, Albert King, Jeff Beck, George Harrison and more. A look at his life and career: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Don Nix, Stax artist, producer and 'Going Down' songwriter, has died at 83
A member of the early Stax group The Mar-Keys, Don Nix went on to a prolific career as a songwriter, producer and arranger.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
Wishing a happy 65th birthday to The Replacements' Paul Westerfield.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Sad news out of Memphis: the great Stanley Booth - author, critic, historian and Rolling Stones biographer – has died at the age of 82. My obit on his life, work, and passing: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Stanley Booth dies: Memphis author, music historian covered Rolling Stones, Elvis and more
Stanley Booth is best known for embedding himself with the Rolling Stones in the late ‘60s and writing "The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones."
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Sad news out of Memphis: the great Stanley Booth - author, critic, historian and Rolling Stones biographer – has died at the age of 82. My obit on his life, work, and passing: www.commercialappeal.com/story/entert...
commercialappeal.com
Stanley Booth dies: Memphis author, music historian covered Rolling Stones, Elvis and more
Stanley Booth is best known for embedding himself with the Rolling Stones in the late ‘60s and writing "The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones."
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Robert Bruce “Slim” Dunlap: 1951-2024. Not enough room to pay proper tribute here, but here's a few thoughts on one of finest men and musicians I'ver known: www.facebook.com/1059560020/p...
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
On the anniversary of Kirsty MacColl's tragic passing, here's a story I did last year for The New York Times chronicling her remarkable life and musical journey. With thoughts from Johnny Marr, Billy Bragg, Steve Lillywhite, Spider Stacy, Tracey Ullman and more: www.nytimes.com/2023/11/02/a...
nytimes.com
Kirsty MacColl’s Voice Was Singular. A New Box Aims to Bring It Wider. (Published 2023)
The singer-songwriter, who died in 2000, is best known for duetting on “Fairytale of New York.” But in an unusual career, she also made her mark behind the scenes.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Had a fun time talking about The Replacements, "Tim," and my book "Trouble Boys" on the new Major Label Debut Podcast, hosted by Graham Wright (CBC Radio) and co-produced by Josh Hook from Tokyo Police Club. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
The Replacements -
Podcast Episode · Major Label Debut · 11/25/2024 · 1h 14m
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
My latest for The New York Times, on the great Native American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, who’s the subject of a new biography by Douglas Miller, “Washita Love Child,” an exhibit at the Bob Dylan Center, and a forthcoming comp gathering his unreleased solo material. www.nytimes.com/2024/11/19/a...
nytimes.com
Jesse Ed Davis Was Rock Heroes’ Secret Weapon. And a Mystery.
The Native American guitarist graced records by Bob Dylan and John Lennon, but fell to addiction in 1988. A new book and exhibit are telling his story.
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Since I'm new here figured I'd share a couple recent pieces. Starting with a New York Times story on a song written nearly 60 years ago by a 16-year-old kid. The song was “These Days” and the kid was Jackson Browne. A look at the tune’s unique journey over the decades www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/a...
nytimes.com
The Song That Connects Jackson Browne, Nico and Margot Tenenbaum
Browne wrote “These Days” at 16. Now 75, he and some famous admirers reflect on his unexpected mainstay: “If a song is worth anything, it’s about the life of the listener.”
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Bob Mehr @bobmehr.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
My latest for The New York Times, a feature on Dwight Yoakam. One of the all-time great and unique artists in country music history, we discuss his new album “Brighter Days,” his new family, and new collaborations. www.nytimes.com/2024/11/09/a...
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