American singer-songwriter James Talley will talk about the origins of American folk, country and popular music. He will discuss the process leading to creation: how music is created, why and how songs are written, how art lends itself to the business of music? James will sing many of his songs to illustrate his words. Who is James? He lives in Nashville, composes and sings folk, country and blues songs. Born in Oklahoma and raised in the western United States, his career spans over four decades, his name has often been associated with Woody Guthrie, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. He distinguished himself by the quality of his writing and the sensitivity of his voice. Peter Guralnik, the famous music critic, said of James’ work: “There are few singer-songwriters capable of producing a repertoire of such artistic breadth coupled with such clarity, great beauty and an assumed social conscience.” James has recorded for Atlantic and Capitol – EMI, has fourteen original song albums to his credit and a remarkable Woody Guthrie song CD. He performed at the White House at the request of Jimmy Carter at his presidential inauguration and on two other occasions. He has played at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington and many other venues in North America and Europe. B.B. King played on James’ third album, Blackjack Choir in 1976, the first time the legendary bluesman recorded in Nashville. Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Johnny Paycheck, Hazel Dickens, Gene Clark of the Byrds and more recently DJ Moby, among others, have recorded his songs. The late studio producer Jerry Wexler said, “You are for me one of the greatest American composers. Music journalist Chet Flippo called him “one of Nashville’s finest singer-songwriters.” You will find a complete biography and James’ discography on his official website. James has a passion for western American history and loves sharing his music and stories with audiences in a friendly setting. Join us for an intimate evening.