RIP Terry Callier

Photo: Billboard

"Folk-jazz legend Terry Callier was for far too long the exclusive province of a fierce but small cult following. After singing soul and doo-wop in various outfits and releasing a glorious single-debut on Chess aged only 17, Terry Callier discovered folk music for himself in the mid-60s.

Accordingly, he started cutting his teeth on the post-beatnik bohemian hideouts and open mic spots of his hometown of Chicago, forging a soulful and spiritual version of folk that took critics and contemporaries like Curtis Mayfield by storm.

In the early 70s, Terry Callier hit his most prolific stride crafting a much noticed album trilogy with legendary producer Charles Stepney for Cadet between 1972 and 1974. But despite all critical acclaim and artistic mastery, it was not before the early nineties that the masses caught on, and he eventually received the mainstream recognition that he so rightly deserved.

Having retired in 1983 to re-train as a computer programmer and make a home for his daughter who decided she wanted to join him in Chicago, it was a call from Eddie Piller at Acid Jazz that led to some legendary and emotional performances at London’s Jazz Cafe, and a new recording career with Talkin’ Loud, and collaborated with Massive Attack’s Robert del Naja or Beth Orton, just to name a few. On October 28, 2012, one of the great voices of jazz and folk fell silent, aged only 67." Via RBMA Radio, hat tip to Keegan for the link.

Listen to  Kirk Degiorgio's indepth look at Callier's discography over at RBMA Radio.

Terry Callier, Jazz-Folk Troubadour, Dead at 67