Notes by John Murphy
The Lake, February 2025
The poems in this John Murphy’s newest poetry collection, Notes, focus on artists and producers in the popular music industry, covering all major genres: rock, jazz, and blues, as well as influential record producers.
Artists featured in the poems include Joni Mitchell, John Mayall, Cleo Laine, Chuck Berry, Brian Wilson, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, Paul McCartney, Tubby Hayes, Phil Spector, Blossom Dearie, Graham Nash, Bob Harris, and more.
“Notes takes us on a journey of appreciation of some of the key figures who made significant contributions to popular music in the 20th century… he writes not only as a poet but also as a seasoned musician of many years standing.” —David Mark Williams, author of The Odd Sock Exchange and Papaya Fantasia
“Notes interweaves two of John Murphy’s loves drawn from a lifetime as a poet and musician… Choosing exemplars from Doris Day to Dylan his writing honours its massive contribution to contemporary culture.” —Pippa Little, author of Time Begins to Hurt
“Murphy’s ear is true…he re-animates the great singers and songwriters, in his own affectionate tributes.” —Hannah Stone, editor of Dream Catcher.
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