R.I.P. Terry Callier
Oct 28th '12 by Michael Nelson @ 6:33pm

Influential folk-soul singer Terry Callier has passed away at the age of 67.

Like England’s Nick Drake, the Chicago-based Callier was largely overlooked for much of his artistic prime; between 1968 and 1979, he released a handful of excellent and essential albums that blended jazz, folk, soul, and pop, including his debut, The New Folk Sound Of Terry Callier, 1972′s Occasional Rain, ’73′s What Color Is Love, and ’74′s I Just Can’t Help Myself (all of which would appeal to fans of Nick Drake’s music, too). However, Callier had difficulty finding a commercial foothold, and after being juggled (and dropped) by several labels, he effectively retired from music in the early ’80s, taking a job as a computer programmer and pursuing a sociology degree at night.

In the ’90s, however, Callier was rediscovered: In 1991, the Acid Jazz label re-released Callier’s overlooked 1983 single “I Don’t Want To See Myself (Without You)” to significant success. In ’97, Beth Orton worked with Callier on her Best Bit EP. Soon after, Callier returned to music in earnest with Timepeace, his first major-label release in almost 20 years (released on the jazz label Verve). Callier continued to release new music through the aughts. His final album, 2009′s Hidden Conversations, was written and produced with Massive Attack.

Callier was reportedly found dead at his home on October 28, 2012.

Listen to a few notable Callier collaborations (with Massive Attack, Orton [my personal favorite], and Paul Weller) below. And do check out all the aforementioned Callier releases, which are truly outstanding. He’ll be missed.

[Edited 10/28/12 17:48pm]

RIP

R.I.P. All the inspirations are going 67 is really young

May God Rest Mr. Callier Soul.

For a time he taught part time at University of Chicago. The Chicago Tribune did a wonderful write up on him, some time in the late 90's. He appeared very philosophical on why his career didn't jump off. He kinda reminded me what of what Bill Withers attitude when asked him about music, his career. He said, he really enjoyed the ride but it wasn't the end all to be all, he had done other things prior to music so he knew how to live with it and without it. Mr. Callier appeared to approach his career in the same light.

<--------plays Trick All Your Time Away in tribute

Damn! Sad to see another one of the greats passing away. I only discovered his music relatively recently and had hoped I might get to see him perform. A brilliant, sensitive songwriter as well as a soulful vocalist. RIP Mr Callier.

Just to add to what the article mentions, 2002's Speak Your Peace is a beautiful, thoughtful album that comfortably sits alongside 'late career triumphs' we've heard from Bobby Womack, Gil Scott-Heron or Al Green in recent years (and, for me, actually has the edge over all of those). Brother to Brother or Caravan of Love seem fitting epitaphs right now, though the brooding Sierra Leone is probably my favourite.

This man is revolutionary. Occasional Rain and What Color is Love? are masterpieces and should be explored in-depth.

So sorry to hear the bad news. "Do You Finally Need a Friend" has been in my head most of the day since I first read the post. RIP Terry Callier

It's too bad that I'm now hearing about him after his death, youtube has some of his music and I'm catching up. Be at peace kind soul.

I had no idea. I was literally just talking about him and how I love his song, "No More Blues." R.I.P.

...Ordinary Joe

Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records