Chris Whitley 1960-2005
I received a phone call with some sad news. Chris Whitley passed away on Sunday Nov 20th. I have known for a about a week that he was ill. I just wasn’t sure from what. Turns out he had lung cancer.Here’s a bit of background on my relationship with him. I worked on his road crew in 1991 and 1992. We traveled around the world, as mostly a headlining act. We did have the pleasure of touring for over three months opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Chris was a very unique person. He was one of the most original and talented musicians I have ever known. He never had huge commercial success, which never seemed to bother him, yet he had a long career. I know he loved to play for people. His audiences where never large but they were true fans.
If you don’t know his music I urge you to check out his work. Every CD was different and unique but they were truly Chris.
The last time I saw him was 2001 in Atlantic City. I was tour managing Dexter Freebish and we were playing a music retail buyers showcase. Chris played during the evening. I ran into him in the lobby that afternoon. We talked a bit about music and where he was in his career. But mainly we talked about our families and personal lives. I remember the smile on his face when he spoke of his daughter. She is his world and I think he was hers. My condolences go out to her and the rest of his family.
Chris it was a pleasure knowing you.
You paid me to work for you, but in the end you gained a fan. There doesn’t come a time when I don’t put on Living with the Law or Terra Incognito or Dirt Floor. You are just one of those artists who’s songs get better with time.
You will be missed but not forgotten.
posted by Doppler at
10:37 PM
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