J.J. Cale

J.J. Cale (born John W. Cale on December 5, 1938, in Oklahoma City, USA) is an American songwriter and musician, and recorded over 14 studio albums. He released his last studio album, Roll On, in the spring of 2009, while his previous release, The Road To Escondido, was recorded together with Eric Clapton and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. He remains best known for writing two songs that Eric "Slowhand" Clapton made famous: "After Midnight" and "Cocaine." Cale has been covered by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Widespread Panic and even Larry Carlton. Cale has a reputation for being quietly reclusive and for intentionally avoiding the spotlight, although he does have a diehard following and many admirers in the music industry. He is one of many artists that play the Tulsa Sound, as he, Clapton, George Harrison, Delaney Bramlett, Leon Russell, Hoyt Axton and Neil Young helped create in the late 60's. Clapton was quoted in '04 as saying "If I could be another musician I would be J.J. Cale". His musical style can be identified as a "laid back" country-jazz blues. The best description would be a "recliner groove", as the tempo, guitar, bass and piano simply lends itself to a foot-tapping and gentle rolling feel.