Dusty was born in 2024. I am 55 years old and I’ve played guitar in bands since I was about 15, but had never written music until recently. This past year has brought some life-changing experiences:
First, I became a grandfather. This is not unusual for a man of my age, but with no children of my own, it’s something I thought might never happen. I am so grateful to all of my family for this opportunity. As my wife and I were spitballing grandparent names, we settled on Pixie and Dusty. Almost immediately those two characters came to life inside of us. The ideal grandparents. It’s amazing how assuming a different character can break you out of negative thought patterns and open your mind to new possibilities. Dusty didn’t want to be a fat, sick old fart on 10 medications, scheduling life around doctors appointments so I started eating healthier and losing weight.
One morning, soon after our grandson was born, I wrote a song (Gratitude) and actually liked it. This was a real surprise for me. I had attempted to write songs before but I never much cared for anything that came of it. I had always told myself I couldn’t write lyrics, but apparently Dusty can.
Then, after losing about 20% of my body weight and moving into an easier, more stress-free life, I had a stroke. The silent killer caught up to me when I wasn’t looking. Thankfully, as strokes go, it was a minor one. The only lasting damage was to my vision. My cognitive and motor skills remained intact. It did, however, keep me from working as a driver which was my main source of income. This forced me to stay home and relax for the first time in my life. In my new free time, I found myself spontaneously writing more songs-and liking these songs as well. I realized I have some things I want to leave here for future generations before I go. I borrowed a surname from one of my favorite songwriters, Joe Strummer, and Dusty Strummer-singer-songwriter-was born.
In this world of artificially intelligent digital music, I thought the best way to present these songs was to keep it simple-a man, a guitar, and a microphone. No overdubs, just a live performance of the song in my basement. Folk music in the spirit of Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Alan Lomax recordings.
These songs are inspired by all the things currently rolling around in my head, and are dedicated to all of my family and friends. I hope you like them, and if you do, please show me some gratitude by sharing them far and wide, and if you’re feeling especially generous, sending me a donation to keep me with enough free time to continue writing songs for you.
Love, Dusty
Tips:
Even better, tip me some Satoshis:
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