Western Colorado Musicians Reflect on Late Songwriter J.J. Cale

J.J. Cale, the legendary songwriter, singer, and guitarist who almost anonymously created such classics as "After Midnight," "Cocaine," "Call Me The Breeze," "Magnolia," and "Clyde," inspired musicians and songwriters around the globe. Cale passed away last Friday, and Western Colorado musicians have taken a few moments to reflect on the creative genius behind some of their favorite songs.

Anyone who has ever worked on the club circuit has paid their dues playing tunes like "Magnolia" and "Call Me The Breeze." While Cale was frequently the creative talent behind some of the industry's biggest stars, he rarely took the spotlight for himself. While his face may not have been recognizable to the general public, his work is known to everyone who has ever listened to a radio. Here is what some Western Colorado musicians had to say.

Every once in a while, a songwriter permeates the music scene like J.J. Cale did. Hoyt Axton, Bob Dylan, and others were writers that had people in all facets of the music biz recording their songs. J.J. Cale was a perfect example of this kind of song writer as well. His style and song writing ability will be missed because it will never be duplicated." - Andy Brinkley  guitarist/vocalist

 

J.J. Cale wrote some great songs... my favorite one to perform is 'Magnolia'... as a guitarist, you get to stretch out the solos in his songs." - Gerry Goodman  guitarist/vocalist - The Goodman Band

 

Greg Achord from the Desert Flyer Band, and his thoughts: