J J Cale

Classic Clips: Rockin’ Jimmy Byfield and the Brothers of the Night “Little Rachel” – Tulsa Backstage, 1981

October 3, 2025 Martin Johnson 4

The Tulsa Sound, with its twin figureheads Leon Russell and JJ Cale, and its blend of rock and roll, country, blues, R&B, and a little jazz, is a key part of the foundations that americana is […]

Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It: J.J Cale

August 6, 2025 Graeme Tait 4

By the time Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter and guitarist J.J. Cale released his debut album in 1971, he was rapidly approaching his 33rd birthday. Along with several other young Tulsa musicians, Cale had moved to Los Angeles in […]

Book Review: “Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History”

February 21, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Leon Russell changed music in the ‘60s and ‘70s and then ploughed an independent furrow from the ‘80s. At this point in time, it is difficult to appreciate how big Leon Russell was in the early […]

Americana Bedrock – J. J. Cale

December 5, 2022 Martin Johnson 6

A key architect of the Tulsa Sound and one of the most influential guitarists of the last fifty years. Mention J.J. Cale to anyone with a passing interest in americana and they will immediately know the […]

Interview: Cricket and Waylor Gordon Payne on J J Cale, Tulsa, and a life well spent

September 2, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

Side man to musical legends, a successful songwriter with a classic album to re-release. Gordon Payne’s time as a musician was spent largely as a sideman. He recorded one solo album, 1978’s ‘Gordon Payne’ which was […]