The primary purpose of this blog is evident from its title: To share, to preserve, and to examine the musical legacy of Chris Whitley. Best known for his 1991 debut album, Living with the Law, Whitley produced an astonishingly diverse array of music until his untimely death (from lung cancer) in November 2005.
Other resources possibly of interest:
1. Discover Whitley’s pre-LWTL musical development on the Noh Rodeo Facebook page.
2. Check out theWayback Machine archives of the official Chris Whitley website.
3. Listen to Whitley bootlegs on the Live Music Archive.
4. Join the Chris Whitley group on Facebook.
5. Watch videos on YouTube.
Also from this page, you can link to articles and other media about Chris Whitley, organized by album or other category.
All Things Chris Whitley 
Hi great reading yyour post
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Thanks!
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Thanks for this. I met Chris back in 99 at the Pheasant pub in Sheffield UK. My friend Paul and I went to the gig, which was amazing. After the show we went into the other room in the pub where Chris, surrounded by the gig organisers talking business, looked distant and uninterested. I approached him and said ‘ great show, Chris. Do you fancy sharing a joint outside?’ He said sure so, my friend, Paul, Chris and I went out the back for a smoke. He didn’t talk about himself but, asked Paul and I about our band and the music we liked. He came across as a kind and gentle man who was interested in others. After a while one of the organisers, Frank White (a great guitarist and local legend) came to see where Chris was. We thanked him for his music and time then went home.
Sadly both Paul and Frank have both passed on as, of course, Chris. The Pheasant closed down and is now a KFC. Coincidentally, I now live a short walk from the KFC after meeting a local woman a few years ago. Each time I pass the old Pheasant, I think of them all and that magical evening.
Chris’ music is something I return to time and time again. His voice, guitar playing, poetic lyrics and haunting music is timeless and beautiful. He’s one of the reasons I own a National and a couple of other resonator guitars.
Thankyou Chris. Thankyou for keeping his music and memory alive, Katie.
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Thank YOU, Shaun. To steal and somewhat amend a line from an Elton John song “It’s people like you that keep [the flame] turned on.” I never met Chris nor attended a show, so I treasure the memories you and others share.
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Thank you for doing this Katie. Never met him. Never saw him live. Have all his music. Haunted by him. (In a good way.) But really appreciate what you carry on doing, thank you.
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Thanks, Hodge. Seems we have much in common: never met him or saw his live but obviously a bit obsessed ….
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Well, he’s a good (and complicated) subject to be obsessed by. Pretty sure I might have Cut the Cards at my funeral. Hopefully in a fair while yet, there’s much to do!
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re Cut the Cards, did you know the words are from a Pierre Reverdy poem? See here: https://wp.me/p3GDKV-Lg
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Hi Katie, I did know about Pierrre Reverdy, but possibly from one of your posts? ‘There are fields where we still could run… unlimited stars…’ beautiful, inspiring stuff. Will check out more of his writing.
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Can someone enlighten me to what big sky country is about
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Hi, David – In interviews, Chris said “To me, “Big Sky Country,” was a Big Fake Prince Song.” [Poet Maudit interview 2004] ; also that the song was somewhat inspired by the last frame of “Wuthering Heights” in which Laurence Olivier’s and Vivien Leigh’s ghosts romp through the heather [Vagabond Heart – Melody Maker]
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how chris met dan lanois:
karen kuehn, a good photographer who lived and worked in tribeca(nyc) ate regularly at the exterminator chili company nearby. on one particular night she heard chris perform there. she was impressed and introduced him to her friend dan lanois.
chris shared this. he never once distorted or exaggerated the truth to me.
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Dang! I thought I’d updated that intro to my LWTL: Billiant Debut …” post [Stories vary regarding how Chris came to meet Daniel Lanois, who was instrumental in getting Chris a recording contract and supported him during the recording process. Did they meet when Chris was playing a NYC gig at Mondo Cane? One Sunday morning when Chris joined a friend on a photo shoot in a NYC park? At a barbeque in New Orleans? It seems that even Chris was unsure, giving different versions of their meeting in various interviews. ]
Thanks for reminding me of the real story, Jerry.
As it turns out, I had purchased some artist’s proofs from Karen a couple years ago to send to Maarten and Hiroshi, the long-time fans who shared so many CW treasures with me. During our transaction, I asked Karen to tell me a bit about Chris. This is what she replied: “I took that pick in a room full of Santarios in NYC.
I met Chris at the Exterminator Chili restaurant on Church and Canal (approx). He was singing and tapping that foot as he did….I was in awe of his talent. I told my said boy friend at the time (Dan Lanois) music producer “you have to hear this guy.” Rather than tip him I gave him a note that said “good for one free photo shoot.” We shot a lot and became friends. Dan was in awe of him too…still in awe. Dan helps his daughter Tad Pole in a band called Black Dub out of Brooklyn NY. The saga goes on. He was a poet for sure and a lover of women. God rest his soul.”
Now … off to edit that post! Thanks again……………….Katie
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