Definitely one of the most talented of the earliest Rock n’ Rollers. Also, in my estimation, one of the only “auteur” Rock artists pre-Beatles. What if he hadn’t died at the age of 22?
I think he goes strong until about 1962 focusing more and more on songwriting. At this point popularity declines a bit as it did for all of the early Rockers at this point. As popularity declines he startes to make an effort to record “hits” which results in less quality work and the attempts at “hits” would consequently be unsuccessful.
He may or may not find a place in the late sixties hippie era. His big comeback comes in the early seventies a la Chuck Berry. He securely holds a respected role of elder statesman and possibly collaborates with Dylan, and former Beatles.
He rides this new popularity through the seventies, he is paid respect by the musicians of the emerging punk scene which influences the young punk fans take an interest in his work.
Things slow down in the early eighties, albums and touring less frequent, new work goes unnoticed. Puts out one of the best albums of his career in the late eighties with one single becoming a big hit probably produced by Jeff Lynne (a la Roy Orbison). Collaborates with Elvis Costello. May possibly join the Traveling Wilburys or the Highwaymen.
Puts out a new album no more frequently than every three years, at least one produced by Mitchell Froom. Performs an all-star “celebration” concert, similar to the Chuck Berry “Hail! Hail! Rock n’ Roll” concert, and the Dylan 30 year anniversary concert.
Has lived a private life since 1997 with no touring and no new recordings.
So, what do you think?
