Muleskinner (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | early 1970s |
Key people | David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Clarence White, Richard Greene, Bill Keith, John Kahn, John Guerin |
| Products | Albums: Muleskinner (1973), Muleskinner Live: Original Television Soundtrack (1998) |
Muleskinner was a prominent American bluegrass ensemble that gained recognition during the early 1970s.
Early history
During the late 1960s, Peter Rowan and David Grisman collaborated as members of the psychedelic group Earth Opera. After the band's short-lived tenure, Rowan became part of Seatrain, where he reunited with Richard Greene, both having previously played in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys between 1964 and 1966. Following two album releases with Seatrain, Greene and Rowan established Muleskinner alongside banjo player Bill Keith, who had worked with Greene in the early 1960s within Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band. The group also included guitarist Clarence White, known for his time with the Kentucky Colonels and The Byrds, as well as bassist John Kahn and drummer John Guerin, both connected to The Byrds.
Planned show with Bill Monroe
This assembly of musicians is regarded as a bluegrass supergroup. The band's inception occurred when Greene was tasked with forming a group to accompany Bill Monroe on a television broadcast. Due to mechanical problems with Monroe's bus, Muleskinner performed the entire program solo, earning considerable acclaim.
Recording contract
These events culminated in a recording agreement with Warner Bros., leading to the release of their first studio album, Muleskinner, which combined elements of jazz, country, and progressive bluegrass styles.
Clarence White death
Tragically, shortly after the album's release, guitarist Clarence White died in an accident involving a drunk driver. Additionally, the band recorded a live performance in 1973 that was not made available until 25 years later.
Discography
- Muleskinner (1973) (reissued as A Potpourri of Bluegrass Jam in 1994)
- Muleskinner Live: Original Television Soundtrack (1998, recorded in 1973)
Members
- David Grisman – mandolin
- Peter Rowan – guitar, vocals
- Clarence White – guitar, vocals
- Richard Greene – violin, vocals
- Bill Keith – banjo
- John Kahn – bass
- Stuart Schulman – bass
- John Guerin – drums