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He helped define folk-rock in the sixties and progressive-new-age rock in the seventies.
"...an artist of such raw talent, ambition and good will...Phillips’ main attraction is still his voice. Reedy and flexible, with a remarkable falsetto, it is a potent dramatic instrument. " that’s what Rolling Stone Magazine had to say about Shawn Phillips, a musician whose work literally fits into no category.
Shawn Phillips has almost twenty albums to his credit (of which millions have been sold) and a host of associations with some of the most respected names in the industry including Donovan, Paul Buckmaster, J Peter Robinson, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and many others, yet he is virtually forgotten except by his cadre of loyal fans. The Texas-born singer/songwriter was called "The best kept secret in the music business," by the late rock impresario Bill Graham.
Beginning in the 1960s, Phillips made noteworthy contributions to popular music. He co-wrote Donovan’s "Sunshine Superman" album, sang on the Beatles’ "Lovely Rita", showed Joni Mitchell guitar techniques, and while working with Donovan introduced the sitar to pop music. He performed at the "Isle of Wight" festival and was cast to play the lead in the original production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (he had to withdraw due to his heavy recording and touring schedule.)
Throughout the 60s Phillips’ worked the folk music scene in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, New York’s Greenwich Village, and London. In 1967 Phillips moved to Positano, Italy, where he remained throughout the 1970s, writing some of his most well known work. This period produced the albums ’Contribution’, ’Second Contribution’, ’Collaboration’ and ’Faces".
Four of his albums "Faces," "Bright White," "Furthermore" and "Do You Wonder" made it into the Billboard Top 100. In addition, the singles, "Lost Horizon," "We" and "Woman" made Billboard’s top 40.
His latest album, ’No Category’ featuring his longtime collaborators Paul Buckmaster and Peter Robinson was released in 2002.
Today Shawn lives in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, dividing his time between writing, touring, and his work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter.
I know this site was created by a fan, but just incase you happen to be in town and read my comment. Just wanted to say, thanks for the years and years of commitment to music that has meaning.
Although it's been many years since I was your opening act here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I still remember how excited I was to learn I would sing at the Apollo Delman Theater with you.
You're such an awesome singer and musician. Your style is timeless.
Shawn, thanks for adding me to your group of friends. I too am concerned with global warming, that's why I wrote the song: Bolivia's Andes. (my aunt's from there) We should all be aware of what we're doing to the earth on a daily basis. Best wishes to you and I really enjoy your music.
I had your poster in my bedroom as a teen...Your music was a lifeline to me at a difficult time...I saw you do a live performance in Solana Beach CA some years back...Thank you for adding me as a MySpace friend, and for the Contribution you made to my life and my well being by way of your musical expression...
OK..SO FOR THE LAST WEEK..I'VE RE-IMMERSED MYSELF IN SECOND CONTRIBUTION. JUST THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT IT GETS ME THROUGH SOME HARD TIMES...THAT VOICE TAKES ME TO A WONDERFUL PLACE...AND ALWAYS HAS. ONE DAY I JUST KNOW YOU WILL BE PLAYING SOMEWHERE CLOSE TO ALABAMA ...THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT VOICE MAN...
Hey shawn! Have a fantastic day today. I just wanted to thank you for being part of my life growing up listening to all of your music. Saw you twice in Minneapolis, MN, once at the Fine Line Music Cafe and once at Orchestra Hall. Loved your show. I even got your autograph on the ticket stub and said hello to you at the fine line music cafe, nervous as a polecat in a den of lions I was but I had the chance to meet you and say hi. I will always remember that moment. I have looked up to you as a singer songwriter and as a person who fills the mind with awesome images conveyed by your words.
Please tour the west coast ! I can work with Arlo to get you the coach house & the Ventura Theatre, Galaxy theatre and some select choice venues GOD Bless you Shawn Love and miss you dearly Bella
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