Ep552: The Gospel According to Swamp Dogg

June 15
1h 10m

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Episode Description

Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams Jr opens up about his new album "Contemplates the Afterlife," reflecting on death, faith, and a 70-year career that's produced over 2,000 songs.

Extended and high resolution podcast at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Topics Include:

  • New album, Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife, drops on S-Curve
  • Swamp Dogg shares wild theories on what happens after death
  • He opens up about faith, doubt, and fear of dying
  • Reveals he's written over 2,000 songs across 31 albums
  • His very first record came out way back in 1954
  • Stories of opening for Sam Cooke and Larry Williams
  • Names the R&B legends who shaped his sound early on
  • Louis Jordan's band once crashed at his childhood home
  • Tells the story of the worst gig of his life
  • A gorilla costume gets stabbed onstage — true story
  • Joining a traveling sideshow for five dollars a night
  • Discusses which Swamp Dogg records collectors hunt hardest today
  • Bob Dylan secretly covered one of his songs years ago
  • Bonds with the host over their shared Australia connection
  • Reveals his wild Beatles-cover novelty record made in Australia
  • Explains how the record business vanished almost overnight
  • Teases new Trinidad soca album and Black Grass II
  • Black Grass II will feature Steve Earle and Margo Price
  • Talks new collaboration album with Eli "Paperboy" Reed
  • Reflects on his Nixon protest era and Jane Fonda ties
  • Looks back on going broke after getting rich fast
  • Recalls producing hit records for Gene Pitney and others
  • Shares fond memories of legendary producer Jerry Wexler
  • The stopwatch story behind his studio recording ritual
  • On Phil Spector's massive ego and Wall of Sound
  • Reveals which British acts covered his songs in the '60s
  • Talks favorite record stores and his 100-record jukebox
  • Hunting down rare 45s worth up to $1,000
  • The story behind his dance hit "Let's Do the Wobble"
  • Closes with favorite love songs and a wild birthday coincidence

Extended and high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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