Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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BUCKLEY, Tim

(b Timothy Charles Buckley III, 14 Feb. '47, Washington DC; d 29 June '75) Folk-based singer/songwriter. Worked with Jackson Browne, Jim Fielder (later of Blood, Sweat and Tears); signed to Elektra. His second LP Goodbye And Hello '67 established an indefinable stylist, soaking up jazz, folk, rock'n'roll influences; 'I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain' showed extraordinary range. George Harrison was an early fan; there was talk of signing to Apple. Albums Happy/Sad '69, Blue Afternoon, Lorca '70 showed him moving towards jazz; ambitious Starsailor '71 puzzled fans; Greetings From L.A. '72 was more commercial; Sefronia '73 and Look At The Fool '74 followed. He was concentrating more on writing and acting; at time of death from drug overdose was being considered for role of Woody Guthrie in film Bound For Glory. Best Of Tim Buckley '83 was not, but incl. fine cover of Fred Neil's 'Dolphins'; group This Mortal Coil (incl. Cocteau Twins) covered 'Song To The Siren' '84. Live At The Troubador 1969 on Bizarre/Straight, Dream Letter: Live In London 1968 and Honeyman (live '73) on Planet three CDs.