Roger McGuinn Highlights
On September 23, 2021 I was treated to James Roger McGuinn at the Greenwich Odeum. He performed a totally solo program in 2 sets with 3 guitars and a banjo. He brilliantly laced stories of his history with songs that evolved from his life experience or inspiration. He is best known for being the frontman and leader of the Byrds. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the Byrds.
He shared that in 1957, he enrolled as a student at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, where he learned the five-string banjo and continued to improve his guitar skills. After graduation, McGuinn performed solo at various coffeehouses on the folk music circuit where he was hired as a sideman by the Limeliters, the Chad Mitchell Trio, and Judy Collins and other folk music artists in the same vein. He also played guitar and sang backup harmonies for Bobby Darin. Soon after, he relocated to the West Coast, eventually Los Angeles, where he eventually met David Crosby and the other future members of the Byrds.
McGuinn spoke of the evolution of the Byrds, their collaboration with Dylan and involvement with Peter Fonda and having several of their recordings included in the film Easy Rider.
Of real interest to me is that McGuinn, who turned 79 in July performed the whole program without one written note or teleprompter. His program rolled smoothly from story to song to story and detailed the chronology of his life. It was great to hear the evolution of Chestnut Mare, cowritten by McGuinn as well as cowriting Eight Miles High and So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n Roll Star . He wrote Mr. Spaceman himself and collaborated on Byrds' arrangements of countless Dylan songs.
I am eternally grateful to the folks at The Odeum who support my opportunity to document these wonderful historic artists who have graced their stage. The McGuinn show was offered to a full house in a safe environment I am very happy to offer these images of Roger McGuinn collected during his last two encore numbers. This Hall of Famer left the stage to a standing ovation. This was my first opportunity to experience Roger McGuinn and I hope to see him again.
Read MoreHe shared that in 1957, he enrolled as a student at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, where he learned the five-string banjo and continued to improve his guitar skills. After graduation, McGuinn performed solo at various coffeehouses on the folk music circuit where he was hired as a sideman by the Limeliters, the Chad Mitchell Trio, and Judy Collins and other folk music artists in the same vein. He also played guitar and sang backup harmonies for Bobby Darin. Soon after, he relocated to the West Coast, eventually Los Angeles, where he eventually met David Crosby and the other future members of the Byrds.
McGuinn spoke of the evolution of the Byrds, their collaboration with Dylan and involvement with Peter Fonda and having several of their recordings included in the film Easy Rider.
Of real interest to me is that McGuinn, who turned 79 in July performed the whole program without one written note or teleprompter. His program rolled smoothly from story to song to story and detailed the chronology of his life. It was great to hear the evolution of Chestnut Mare, cowritten by McGuinn as well as cowriting Eight Miles High and So You Wanna Be a Rock 'n Roll Star . He wrote Mr. Spaceman himself and collaborated on Byrds' arrangements of countless Dylan songs.
I am eternally grateful to the folks at The Odeum who support my opportunity to document these wonderful historic artists who have graced their stage. The McGuinn show was offered to a full house in a safe environment I am very happy to offer these images of Roger McGuinn collected during his last two encore numbers. This Hall of Famer left the stage to a standing ovation. This was my first opportunity to experience Roger McGuinn and I hope to see him again.
Roger McGuinn at The Greenwich Odeum
