Tail of the Weak is a series of insights and musical memories from the mind of Uncle Dave Griffin, singer/songwriter and founder of the Annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival, from Waycross, Georgia.
I have lived a bunch and seen much; and, I thank God every day that I wake up because something may happen that I ain’t ever seen before. There ain't no guarantees in life. That's part of the reason why I retired from a long line of occupations when I turned 62 on September 1, 2015. For over 45 years, I've cropped tobacco, bagged groceries, hauled sheetrock, laid carpet, moved furniture, and sold guitars. I was a state worker, construction worker, office manager, warehouse manager, postal worker, and a janitor. I've played music with good friends my entire adult life and am privileged to have shared the stage with Percy Sledge, Sonny Turner, Dickey Betts, Jim Lauderdale, and Leon Russell. My dear friend and financial whiz, Freda Smith, is probably shaking her head and gently whispering, “You should've held out for three more.” My wife, Lynne, and I are comfortable enough. Our home will be paid off come next October. Our kids are grown and successful in our eyes. Life is good. Looking back, I see a slew of ups and downs, wins and losses, love and heartbreak. Ain't that just life? I love what Joe Walsh said in The History of the Eagles documentary:
“Y'know, there's a philosopher who says, 'As you live your life, it appears to be anarchy and chaos...and random, non-related events smashing into each other causing this situation. Then, this happens and it's overwhelming; and it just looks like...what in the world is going on? And later...when you look back at it...it looks like a finely crafted novel.'” I'm not a religious or a political fanatic. I believe in the teachings of Jesus and The Beatles—love one another and be as good of a person as you can. I despise greed at every level of society. I love art and the power that it has to compel people to think, to react, and to change. I am so fortunate to have grown up in the Sixties, a decade of cultural inspiration that still echoes through the millennial overload. I still love discovering new musical idols. I love it when a kid walks up and plays me a new song they've written. I love seeing a young girl with an “IMAGINE” tattoo and a hula hoop.
One of my dearest friends, Lana Loback, exemplified the effortlessness of goodness and decency to everyone she met. At 55, she suffered a major stroke on her way to a Death Cab for Cutie concert with her lovely daughters, and passed away June 28. I was honored to sing at my friend's funeral. Her sweet husband, Jack, and I visited this week; and, he told me, “I wanta be more like Lana.” I agree. The world we live in today is full of so much greed, intolerance, and hatred. You know what? So was the Sixties. So was any other generation. I don't have the answer...but I'm sure that Jesus, The Beatles, and Lana were on the right track. L-O-V-E.
American Spirit: Uncle Dave and The Younguns Download or Buy
REFERENCES YouTube Memories straight from the mind of Uncle Dave Griffin