Tony Joe White - Black And White (1969)

Tony Joe White is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Tony Joe White was born in 1943 in Oak Grove, Louisiana, and grew up listening to blues, country and Cajun music. 1967 saw him signed to the Nashville-based Monument Records. After a few non-charting singles, his debut album came out in 1969. Produced by Billy Swan, it featured backing from keyboardist David Briggs, bassist Norbert Putman and drummer Jerry Carrigan. With White's earthy baritone and lyrics with down-home Southern themes, the result was a distinctive swampy roots-rock sound. Much of the material was surprisingly funky, with White playing some tasty wah-wah guitar. Most of the songs were Tony Joe White originals, though it also had some choice covers including Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman", Bobby Russell's "Little Green Apples" and Burt Bacharach's "The Look Of Love".

One single released from the album, "Polk Salad Annie", became a surprise hit and managed to eventually climb to #8 on the US pop chart. It also became well known as part of Elvis Presley's live act throughout the 70s.

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