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Draft:Stevie Tombstone

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Stevie Tombstone (born Steven T. Smith: 1964) is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, who has performed the venues and traveled the highways of the United States for over 35 years as an independent artist.[1][2][3]

Over this time, Tombstone has written and arranged, self-produced, recorded, and released his music.

Tombstone's recordings have included guest musician contributions from members of Soul Asylum and Wilco, Ken Coomer, Mark Frappier (Circus of Power), Joey Huffman, Jeff Johnson (Jason & The Scorchers),Texacala Jones (Tex & the Horseheads), Valorie Miller, Rick Richards (The Georgia Satellites), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), and Ralph White.

Sharing the stage on touring events, Tombstone has performed his music on the bill with Gregg Allman, Archie Bell, Johnny Bush, Dick Dale, Drive-By Truckers, Drivin N Cryin, Rosie Flores, Georgia Satellites, Pat Green, Bruce Hampton, Roy Head, Malcom Holcombe, Kevn Kinney, Bill Kirchen, Johnny Lee, The Marshall Tucker Band, Valorie Miller, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Shines, Eddie Spaghetti, Chip Taylor, Dylan Walshe, and Ralph White.

Tombstone's music ranges from Americana, Alt, Country, Outlaw, Rock, Blues, Gospel, Folk, Bluegrass, Punk, Roots, Traditional to Swamprockabilly.[4]

Career

[edit]

Prior to his solo career, Tombstone was the founding member of The Tombstones, part of the 1980s music scene in Atlanta, Georgia.[5][6] In 1991, The Tombstones paid tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson by sponsoring the first grave marker to honor Johnson's alleged resting place at the "Cross Road Blues" in Greenwood near Clarksdale, Mississippi.[7]

The Tombstones released Make The City Grovel In Its Dust (1987) on the Twilight label (Atlanta, Georgia). The band followed in 1988 with the EP Preachin', Prayin', Guitar Playin', which charted on the US radio top 100. At the time, Tombstone penned the college anthem and regional hit "No-Body" which was later covered and released by Stiv Bators (The Dead Boys) as "I Ain't Got Nobody."[8]The Tombstones were signed by Sony at the onset of the 1990s, but the relationship didn't last.

The 1990s brought separation from The Tombstones band and an European tour as the opening act for Jason and the Scorchers; the beginning of Tombstone's solo career.

In 2000, Acoustica was released by Stevie Tombstone, a live recording of original music from the Atlanta Tattoo Arts Festival. Tombstone (vocals, guitar, harmonica), is accompanied by Tony Fox (saxophone, violin).

After moving to Austin, Texas, Tombstone recorded 7:30 a.m., a full-length album of original material released in 2004 on the Saustex Media label (San Antonio). Richie Unterberger, All Music, wrote:

" . . . What Tombstone offers here, though in a far more country-influenced context. It's not only world-weary in ambience, but it's also territory that's well worn, with its looks back at times and moods that can't be recaptured, examinations of hard-earned life lessons, portraits of characters on the way down, and, of course, tales of heartbreak. Still, it's well done within its milieu, and though the mood is generally serious and downbeat, Tombstone does lighten up with some up-tempo honky-tonkin' beats on cuts like "Something That I Never Thought I'd Be," "Big Bad World," and "Murder City Breakdown" (which is much more musically upbeat than you'd guess from its title)." [9][10] [11][12]

The recording features contributing performances by Joey Borja (pedal steel); Ken Coomer (drums); Marc Frappier (bass) (Circus of Power); Joey Huffman (keyboards); Jeff Johnson (bass) (Jason & the Scorchers); Texacala Jones (backup vocal) (Tex & the Horseheads); Steve Rossi (keyboards, backup vocal); Charlie Starr (guitar) (Blackberry Smoke); and other heavy hitters from Tombstone's regional lineup. The release received substantial airplay in the United States, Europe, and Australia. The CD spent six weeks in the top ten of XM Radio's Cross Country (Sirius XM),[13] including two weeks at #1. With the lead track co-produced by Jeff Johnson, the songs have guest appearances from members of the Georgia Satellites and Soul Asylum. The songs include Tombstone's "Nuthin Sweet About 16"[14] and his first release of "Kevlar Heart."[15]

2004 also brought Tombstone's version of "Folsom Prison Blues" to the Johnny Cash nineteen track compilation Dear Johnny: A Tribute to Cash.[16]Tombstone included an alternate version of the cover in his 2007 compilation release Devils Game [17] with The Texas Tombstones on the song: Tombstone (guitars, vocals); Joey Borja (pedal steel); Marc Frappier (bass) (Circus of Power); Molly Pitts (backup vocal); and Kevin Wright (drums).

Twang From The Grave, an eleven track compilation of Tombstone's songs recorded with his 1980s band, was released in 2005.[18] In support of the re-issue, Tombstone and musician associates toured the US performing at festivals, tattoo conventions, taverns/roadhouses, private parties, and hot rod shows.[19]

For 2007, Tombstone (guitars, vocals, keyboards, percussion, harmonica) released Devils Game, a seventeen track compendium of sixteen original songs and an alternate version of "Folsom Prison Blues" (Saustex Media).[20][21][22]Nine songs were from Second Hand Sin (1999), produced with Jeff Johnson (Jason & The Scorchers), four songs from Acoustica (2000), with five bonus tracks including "Same Old Tune" produced by Joey Huffman (keyboards) and with Rick Richards (lead guitar) (Georgia Satellites).

March 2008, Tombstone (vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica) and The Last Band on Earth: Rick Richards (slide electric, acoustic guitar) (The Georgia Satellites), Ron Thompson (drums), and Killene Tombstone (bass), performed at the Redhouse Theater in Syracuse, New York. The Redhouse sold out show was broadcast in its entirety on XM's Wired In Series (Sirius XM). A nine track CD was replicated by Subcat Studios (Syracuse, New York) and released as Absolutely Live At The Redhouse Theater.

Slow Drunken Waltz,[23] Tombstone's next full-length album with nine original songs was recorded and self-produced in Eureka Springs, Arkansas (2011). The acoustic recordings were mastered by Kurtis Machler, Million Dollar Sound (Austin, Texas). Tombstone (guitars, vocals, percussion) is joined by Killene Tombstone (bass, harmony); and local musicians Chris Bradley (violin), Jerry Jones (harmonica), and Ron Landis (dobro, mandolin).

Tombstone then recorded Greenwood (2012),' '''an eleven tract concept album reflecting upon his touring and life experiences.[24][25] The title song tells the story of Tombstone's 1991 journey to honor Robert Johnson with his first gravestone at the "Crossroads" (Greenwood, Mississippi). All songs are written by Tombstone (guitars, vocals, washboard, stomp box; "The Best Of Worst Intentions")[26] with musicians John Duer (bass), Melissa Tombstone (bass, harmony); Ron Keck (percussion); Ron Thompson (drums); Emmet Van Slyke (banjo); Teresa Walsh (accordion); Danny Welch (harmonica); Loren Barrigar, Mark Mazengarb (guitars on 'Vegas), and The Real McMichens. Recorded at SubCat Studios (Syracuse, New York), and mastered by Kurtis Machler, the cover art is by Fleetwood Covington. (Cloverdale Music)

The Dark Country Blues (2015) with five Tombstone songs and two traditional covers was recorded in Austin, Texas (Altco Recordings). The EP features Tombstone (guitars, vocals, bass, percussion), joined by long-time musician friends: JB Beverly (backup vocal); Shelli Coe (vocals); John Duer (bass, backup vocal); Marc Frappier (bass) (Circus of Power); Scott Lutz (pedal steel); Buck Thrailkill (banjo, backup vocal); Ralph E. White (fiddle); and Kevin Wright (drums).

In 2016, Tombstone released the compilation I Wish I Was Back In Vegas with twelve tracks written by Tombstone and two cover songs on the independent Rancho Verde Music label.[27]

Tombstone recorded and produced On The Line in 2018.[28] The EP with five songs written by Tombstone (guitars, vocals), feature the recording artists Shelli Coe (vocal on title track); Sage Cornelius (violin); Walter Daniel (harp); John Duer (bass, backup vocal); Lance Farley (drums); Andy Garsea (bass); Joey Huffman (piano, organ); and Scott Lutz (pedal steel). Recorded in Austin, Texas, mastered at Million Dollar Sound, it was released by Rancho Verde Music

In western North Carolina, Tombstone wrote and produced the EP 3 Hits From The Holler (2020) featuring local and, via remote, other musician contributions: Tombstone (vocals, guitars, drums); John Duer (bass, harmony); Billy Fields (organ); Elfy Kornfeld (harmony); Scott Lutz (pedal steel); and Phill Skipper (bass). (Rancho Verde Music)

In 2021, the twelve track compilation Raised On Roots [29] was released by Tombstone and includes the original and unreleased early (1990s) recordings of "Kevlar Heart" with Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), produced by Jeff Johnson (Jason & The Scorchers) and Ken Coomer, and "7:30 a.m." with The Texas Tombstones. The limited edition CD single The Ghost of Our Love and the 7" vinyl single Stevie Tombstone also followed in 2021 (Rancho Verde Music).

Have Mercy on Me, a five track EP/CD, was released in 2023.[30] Tombstone wrote, arranged, produced, and mixed the material at Nomad Studios in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Long-time collaborator and fellow musician, John Duer, executive produced. "... Feature some of the most talented and respected members of the western Carolina community" (for these recordings) according to the New Releases Now review which also states, "While each arrangement complements the song, there's a common theme of Appalachian roots running through the music ... Tombstone's journey of overcoming adversity through his songwriting. Instruments like the pedal steel, banjo, and fiddles add depth to the music without overshadowing the heartfelt lyrics and emotions." In 2024, Tombstone released two songs from the EP: "Have Mercy on Me" & "Keep Movin On" (Limited Edition 7" vinyl, PlexTone Records).

Early life

[edit]

Stevie Tombstone was born Steven T. Smith (1964) in Marietta, Georgia. Tombstone's parents were country music fans with deep family roots in the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina. Young Stevie met Roy Acuff, who inspired him to play guitar, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.[31] Tombstone is a distant relative of the legendary 1920s fiddler Clayton McMichen (Skillet Lickers).

Discography

[edit]

Solo Albums

  • 2004: 7:30 a.m. (CD, Saustex Media)[32]
  • 2011: Slow Drunken Waltz (CD, 12" Vinyl, Farmageddon Records N.R.O.)
  • 2012: Greenwood (CD, 12" Vinyl, Cloverdale Music)

EP: CDs

  • 1999: Second Hand Sin (Hostage Records)
  • 2000: Acoustica - Live
  • 2014: Guaranteed Live Cuts and Scars (Altco Recordings)[33]
  • 2015: The Dark Country Blues (Altco Recordings)
  • 2018: On The Line (Rancho Verde Music)
  • 2020: 3 Hits From the Holler (Rancho Verde Music)
  • 2023: Have Mercy On Me (Stevie Tombstone Music - BMI, Independent)

Singles: MP3 / Vinyl

  • 2013: Kevlar Heart[34]
  • 2014: Nuthin Sweet About 16[35]
  • 2015: Whiskey and Cocaine
  • 2015: Troubadour Blues
  • 2015: Carolina
  • 2018: Take This Pain
  • 2019: The Ghost Of Our Love (CD)
  • 2021: Fulsom Prison Blues, Wreak On The Highway (7" Vinyl, Rancho Verde Records)
  • 2024: Have Mercy on Me, Keep Movin On (7" Vinyl, PlexTone Records)

Compilation: CDs

  • 2007: Devil's Game (Saustex Media)
  • 2016: I Wish I Was Back in Vegas (Rancho Verde Music)
  • 2020: Absolutely Live At The Redhouse Theater (Rancho Verde Music)
  • 2021: Raised On Roots (Rancho Verde Music)

Appears On

  • 1987: Make The City Grovel In Its Dust (LP, The Tombstones, Twilight Records)
  • 1988: Preachin', Prayin', Guitar Playin' (EP, The Tombstones, Twilight Records)[36]
  • 2004: Dear Johnny - A Tribute to Cash (various, Hairball 8)
  • 2005: Twang From The Grave (CD, The Tombstones, Saustex Media)[37]
  • 2009: Ride The Pale Horse (compilation, Wolverine Records)
  • 2014: Black Eyed Vermillion - Never Shed A Bloody Tear (single "Box of Pine" Rusty Knuckles Music)[38]
  • 2020: Observance Blues (EP, MP3, Texacala Jones, Bandcamp)[39]
  • 2022: Only the Killer Would Know: Graphic Design (EP, Valorie Miller, Blackbird Music)[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Coroneos, Tigger (22 February 2012). "Stevie Tombstone: Slow Drunken Waltz". Saving Country Music. 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  2. ^ "Stevie Tombstone - Greenwood". American Roots UK. 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  3. ^ Kaplan, Harry (13 October 2016). "I Wish I Was Back In Vegas by Stevie Tombstone". Twangrila. 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  4. ^ Rapid, Stephen (16 June 2018) (16 June 2018). "Stevie Tombstone On The Line Self Release". Lonesome Highway. Retrieved June 19, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Luerseen, John D. "Twang From The Grave". AllMusic. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  6. ^ Beets, Greg (September 16, 2005). "The Tombstones Bonus tracks (review)". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  7. ^ Cheeseborough, Steve (2018). Blues Traveling: The Holy Sites of Delta Blues (Fourth ed.). Jackson: University Press of Mississippi. pp. 164, 165. ISBN 9781496813008.
  8. ^ "...'Nobody" by Stiv Bator "BMI | Songview Search". repertoire.bmi.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  9. ^ Unterberger, Richie (December 19, 2020). "7:30 A.M. Review by Richie Unterberger". All Music. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  10. ^ Salvatore, Esposito. "Stevie Tombstone - Devil's Game". Il Popolo del Blues.
  11. ^ Lacovella, Rino 'Pili" Colangelo. "Stevie Tombstone - 7:30 a.m. Review 2004". Cheapo It.com.
  12. ^ Stevens, Darcie (July 16, 2004). "The Transgressors and Stevie Tombstone: Texas platters (review)". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  13. ^ Henderson, Chris. "Tombstone Blues". HoustonPress. August 15, 2007.
  14. ^ Ford, Cyndi. "Nuthin Sweet About 16". Punk Globe. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  15. ^ "Kevlar Heart Chords by Stevie Tombstone". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  16. ^ "Release "Dear Johnny: A Tribute to Cash" by Various Artists - MusicBrainz". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  17. ^ Lindroos, JT. "Devils Game Review". AllMusic.
  18. ^ Luerssen, John D. "Twang From The Grave". All Music. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  19. ^ Grushkin, Paul (2006). Rockin' Down The Highway: The Cars and People That Made Rock Roll (Illustrated History Of) (1 ed.). St. Paul, MN: MBI Publishing Company. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-7603-2292-5.
  20. ^ Lindroos, JT. "Devils Game Review". AllMusic.com.
  21. ^ Jones, BJ. "Stevie Tombstone - Devil's Game: Review 1/2009". Country Chart.com.
  22. ^ Regala, Craig (22 December 2007). "Devil's Game". Lollipop Magazine. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  23. ^ Coroneos, Tigger (22 February 2012). "Stevie Tombstone Slow Drunken Waltz". Saving Country Music. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  24. ^ "Stevie Tombstone - Greenwood". American Roots UK. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  25. ^ Bialczak, Mark. "Mixing It Up At Subcat: Stevie Tombstone paints a song at the Armory Square Studio". No. March/April 2012. The Post-Standard. Central New York Magazine. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  26. ^ Director: Jesse Conti. "Stevie Tombstone: Best of Worst Intentions". IMDb.com. 2012.
  27. ^ Kaplan, Harry (13 October 2016). "I Wish I Was Back In Vegas by Stevie Tombstone". Twangrila. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  28. ^ Rapid, Stephen (16 June 2018). "Stevie Tombstone On The Line Self Release". Lonesome Highway. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  29. ^ "Stevie Tombstone". WNC Original Music. March 21, 2022.
  30. ^ "Stevie Tombstone Have Mercy On Me". New Releases Now. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  31. ^ Moser, Margaret (January 14, 2013). "Coralled: Stevie Tombstone". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  32. ^ "Stevie Tombstone Discography". CD Universe. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  33. ^ Ford, Cyndi. "Stevie Tombstone Live Cuts and Scars". Punk Globe. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  34. ^ ""Kevlar Heart Chords by Stevie Tombstone" 1 chords & tabs found @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com Search". www.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  35. ^ Ford, Cyndi. "Nuthin Sweet About 16". Punk Globe. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  36. ^ "Preachin Prayin Guitar Playin". BMI. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  37. ^ Twang from the Grave - The Tombstones | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2021-05-06
  38. ^ "Black Eyed Vermillion - Never Shed a Bloody Tear". All Music. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  39. ^ "Texacala Jones - Observance Blues". Bandcamp. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  40. ^ "Graphic Design: Valorie Miller "Only the Killer Would Know"". AllMusic.


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