Tim O’Brien is one of the most celebrated songwriters and performers in bluegrass. Now there’s a Tim O’Brien Songbook containing the lyrics and music for 40 of Tim’s most loved songs, along with pictures from his 50 plus years on the folk and bluegrass scene, and essays on songwriting, singing, and his life as a musician. Here’s a description from the songbook’s publisher Randy Barrett (who’s also the president of the Bluegrass Country Foundation):
“Tim O’Brien is a national treasure. He has cast rare magic as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for more than half a century.
“Tim rocketed to prominence in the early 1980s as the lead vocalist, mandolinist and fiddler for the legendary bluegrass band Hot Rize. But his musical journey began in his hometown of Wheeling, WV where young Tim soaked up folk, rock, gospel, blues and pop influences from records, radio, church, siblings and the school glee club.
“Those inspirations launched Tim on a lifelong journey of discovery through American roots music and its Scots-Irish antecedents. Along the way he has won two Grammys and been inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as a member of Hot Rize. His originals have been covered by Billy Strings, Phish, Dierks Bentley, Kathy Mattea, The Chicks, Garth Brooks and Nickel Creek, among others.
“Here is music and lyrics to 40 Tim O’Brien songs (here’s the list), a retrospective cornucopia demonstrating the breadth of his musical, narrative, poetic and philosophical gifts. Included are Tim’s unique insights into singing and songwriting informed by decades of working his craft. Read. Sing. Learn.”
Bluegrass Country listeners can get a copy of Tim O’Brien Songbook during our spring membership campaign by starting a sustaining donation of $10 a month or more, or giving a one-time donation of $120 or more. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for your ongoing support.