TONY JOE WHITE,
1943-2018
Tony Joe White, the Louisiana swamp rocker who penned “A Rainy Night in Georgia” and scored a Top 10 hit with “Polk Salad Annie,” died Wednesday in Nashville. He was 75.
His family confirmed the death, giving no cause. White’s son, Jody, told The Tennessean that he had a heart attack.
A prolific songwriter, recording artist and live performer, White’s career lasted more than 50 years. Bad Mouthin’, his most recent release and 29th album overall, came out on Yep Roc in September.
Nicknamed Swamp Fox, his style was a gritty blend blues, country and rock ’n’ roll, his voice worn and weary. His first musical inspiration was the blues guitarist and singer Lightnin Hopkins; Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” inspired him to try songwriting, which led quickly to “Polk Salad Annie.”
He signed with Monument Records in 1967, working with Billy Swan and releasing three singles that went nowhere. Initially “Polk Salad Annie” appeared to be his fourth flop, but nine months after its release, the track gained steam and eventually rose to #8 in 1969.
R&B singer Brook Benton had a No. 4 hit in 1970 with White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia”; Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Ray Charles are among the artists who covered his songs.
He moved to Warner Bros. in the early 1970s and in the second half of the decade attempted to marry swamp rock with disco on albums for Casablanca and 20th Century with no commercial success.
In 1989, he worked with Tina Turner on Foreign Affair, which led to him securing a deal with Polydor. His last three albums have been released by Yep Roc
Glenn Dicker, co-founder of Yep Roc Records said, “Tony Joe White was a true American original. In everything he did he did it with his own unique voice. There was a gentle ease and flow that vibrated from the man. Always a positive vibe.”
Among the reactions on Twitter were these:
Thinking about Tony Joe White’s people tonight. He was an incredible musician and songwriter and an influence on many of us. His son Jody was my manager for a few years and I have fond memories of the family. Good people.
— Jason IsBOO (@JasonIsbell) October 26, 2018
Tony Joe White has passed away. This is such sad news to me. He was my dad’s best friend in Nashville. As a kid, my mom and dad would take me over to their house for dinner or for our parents to watch a game on TV. His son Jody and his daughter Michelle and I would hang out...
— Shooter Jennings (@ShooterJennings) October 25, 2018
I so don’t approve of Tony Joe White being gone. This has hit me very hard. Rest In Peace, Tony Joe. Lots of love to you.
— benmont tench III (@benchten) October 26, 2018
This is heartbreaking. Tony Joe had deep ties in the Shoals with many of my friends. He was always incredibly kind to me. A sad day. “Rainy Night In Georgia” is perfection
— John Paul White (@johnpaulwhite) October 25, 2018
https://t.co/ZXE1ClmBWm
Tony Joe White has passed away...
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) October 25, 2018
Great artist, songwriter and a Louisiana boy from right down the road from me.
Much love and respect to his family pic.twitter.com/kLhPhZU3LC
Not only was Tony Joe White an Amazing talent, but an even better Friend!
— Steve Cropper (@OfficialCropper) October 25, 2018
Say hi to Duck for me TJ!
Crop!
Lost a true original today. RIP in peace Tony Joe White. Your authenticity will never be matched. pic.twitter.com/ja50E7Z7Yp
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) October 25, 2018
