Last Thursday night I had the pleasure of seeing one of my absolute favorite musicians of all time, William Elliott Whitmore, for the second time. Not only did I get to see him in concert, but I got to meet him and have him sign a shirt I bought that night, and all five of his records I own. I talked with him for probably around 30 minutes and learned a lot. He's one of the most down to earth people I've ever met.
Growing up in Iowa and living there too he lives on his farm and started playing music for fun. He sings old field songs, spirituals, and original songs and due to his smoking and whisky drinking many people who first hear him think he's a 60 year old black man. He may not be 60 or black, but he is certainly an old soul.
He played many of my favorite songs from my, and coincidentally his, favorite album: Animals in the Dark a political charged album with wit, soul, and powerful songs. Playing songs ranging from his fast paced "Johnnie Law," based on a true story of him getting wrongfully arrested to a slower favorite of mine "Take It On The Chin," a song reminding you to take what life throws your way and learn from your mistakes. I actually requested this song from him by yelling out the song title when he took a small break between songs. And my absolute favorite song he's ever written is "Hell or High Water." One of his most soulful records with incredibly compelling lyrics I could listen to it all day every day.
I was very happy to finally get to meet him. I hugged him, talked with him, shook his hand, and even bought him a shot, fittingly of whiskey.
If you like folk/soul music please do him the favor of listening to his music. He'll be making a return visit to Madison in the fall as a headliner so I'll definitely be seeing him again! And you should too!
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