∙ He filled in as host or bandleader on David Letterman’s late-night TV show numerous times, and during a 2002 appearance he shared memorable life advice: “Enjoy every sandwich.” released a 1990 album of covers, landing an Alternative radio hit with their take on Prince’s “Raspberry Beret.” ∙ Under the name Hindu Love Gods, Zevon and three members of R.E.M. 8 on Billboard’s Pop chart and producing the hit “Werewolves of London.” ∙ The Jackson Browne-produced 1978 LP Excitable Boy was his highest-charting album, reaching No. ∙ His fame grew after Linda Ronstadt cut several of his songs, including “Hasten Down the Wind”-the title track of her Grammy-winning 1976 LP-and “Carmelita.” ∙ In the early 1970s, he served as band leader and touring keyboardist for The Everly Brothers and also contributed songwriting and arrangements to several Phil Everly solo albums. ∙ With his duo lyme & cybelle, Zevon had a minor Billboard Pop chart hit in 1966 with the song “Follow Me,” which was produced by sunshine-pop icon Bones Howe. Well known for his 1978 single Werewolves Of London. Zevon had played piano with The Everly Brothers, and during his career recorded over 15 solo albums. It really should be a Top 20…ĩ.The late Warren Zevon was a singer-songwriter and musician known for his wry, cynical, and often self-deprecating lyrics. : Born on this day, Warren Zevon, singer, songwriter. In 1974, he went to Spain, where he played. If you haven’t had a good, deep listen to his stuff, we suggest you do so on Spotify by clicking here and immersing yourself.įor a quicker fix, ILYOS presents our Warren Zevon Top 10. Zevon worked as a musical director and band member for the Everly Brothers shortly before the duo dissolved. More great records followed, right up to his last album The Wind, recorded after he’d received a diagnosis of terminal cancer and featuring guest spots from pals like Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Mick Fleetwood, Ry Cooder and of course Jackson Browne. All are outrageously themed but supremely musical songs which no doubt would have appeared to the darkly humorous sensibilities of Warren’s pal, Hunter S. The second album Excitable Boy featured not only the probably unexpected “ Werewolves”, but also the title track, “ Lawyers Guns & Money” and “ Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner”. As are “ I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”, “ Desperadoes Under The Eaves” and “ Frank and Jesse James”. She would also record “ Hasten Down The Wind”, “ Mohammed’s Radio” and “ Carmelita” from the album – all classics. He worked as a musical director and band member for the Everly Brothers, and then in 1974, went to. The first, which was self-titled, failed to really sell, but on it, Linda Ronstadt found “ Poor Poor Pitiful Me” which she rode up the charts. Lack of success put Zevons solo career on hold for a while. Zevon returned to the US in 1975 and moved to Los Angeles.
There, he spent a summer songwriting and playing in small clubs. And after a short stint as the pianist in the Everly Brothers’ band in the early 70s, Warren decided to head to Spain. Zevon’s first two albums for Asylum are stunners. Zevon’s musical career had a bumpy start. And this was when Jackson Browne ruled the roost. He not only told David Geffen to sign him he promised to produce his records. By the mid-‘70s though, he was hanging out with the likes of Jackson Browne and the Eagles, and Jackson, in particular, saw the talent there. He cut one record that no one has ever heard still, and ended up becoming the Everly Brothers’ musical director at a time when they were at each other’s throats. In the late ‘60s, Zevon was a songwriter on the make, bumming around Hollywood trying to catch a break. In fact, by any definition, the guy was a genuine heavyweight. For a man whose one hit single was a goofy novelty tune – albeit a fabulously salacious and looney and seriously rocking one – Warren Zevon was one great songwriter. It wasn’t just “Werewolves of London” you know.