Who: Bobby Jameson as Chris Lucey
What: Songs Of Protest And Anti Protest
Where: San Luis Obispo County, California via Hollywood, California via Glendale, California via Tucson, Arizona via Geneva, Illinois, USA
Why: In the depths of musical obscurity lies the story of a forgotten legend, haunting refrains and a legacy reborn. In 2017, Ariel Pink, the enigmatic American recording artist known for his lo-fi recordings and eccentric style, embarked on a journey to resurrect the ghost of a lost American troubadour – Bobby Jameson.
“Dedicated to Bobby Jameson”, Pink’s 2017 studio album, serves as a homage to a figure long since faded into the shadows of obscurity. Jameson, a 1960s singer-songwriter once touted for stardom, withdrew from the limelight after a series of misfortunes. His artistry, encapsulated in the album “Songs of Protest and Anti-Protest,” under the alias of the apocryphal Chris Lucey, captured the essence of a turbulent era.
In 1965, Jameson was approached by Mira Records who had recorded the album “Songs of Protest and Anti-Protest” by singer-songwriter Chris Ducey for their subsidiary Surrey label. In preparation for the album’s release, sleeves were printed with Ducey’s name, song titles, and, for some inexplicable reason, a front cover photo featuring Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones.
Due to Ducey entering into a contract with another company, Mira Records was unable to release the album as planned. In response, Jameson was recruited to write and record ten new songs to match Ducey’s original song titles. The preexisting record sleeves were overprinted to change “Ducey” to “Lucey”.
Ultimately Jameson was credited as the songwriter, but there was no formal agreement regarding his legal rights to the recordings. The album, later titled “Too Many Mornings” and released under Jameson’s name on the Joy label in the UK, initially went unnoticed upon its release in late 1965. The album has gained a considerably large cult following in the ensuing years and is now regarded as a rather valuable album from the era.
In the aftermath of the album’s unheralded release, Jameson’s tumultuous journey, marred by numerous run ins with the law and multiplying personal struggles, saw him grapple with his tantalizing brush with fame, addiction, and eventual homelessness.
Years of obscurity shrouded Jameson’s existence until a serendipitous discovery in 2003 reignited interest in his body of work. Music historian Steve Stanley’s relentless pursuit, which included the hiring a private investigator to hunt down Jameson’s whereabouts, led to Jameson resurfacing in 2007, chronicling his tumultuous life through a personal blog and YouTube channel. The revelation of his reissued album sparked a newfound appreciation for his artistry, culminating in a bittersweet resurgence of interest in Jameson’s music.
Two years after Jameson’s death at 70 in 2015, Pink’s introspective journey into Jameson’s world forged a symbiotic connection between artist and muse. The echoes of Jameson’s haunting melodies and poignant lyrics reverberate through Pink’s homage, giving new voice to a forgotten legend.
As the curtain falls on Jameson’s storied existence, his legacy lives on through the ethereal notes of his music. In a world captivated by fleeting trends and ephemeral fame, Bobby Jameson’s enduring spirit serves as a testament to the timeless power of artistry and resilience.
Through Ariel Pink’s heartfelt tribute, the soul of this troubled troubadour now lies in the arms of immortality, forever etched in the annals of musical folklore.
When: 1965
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