Nashville Cats: Salute to Musician John Jorgenson

John Jorgenson’s versatile guitar playing and inventive arrangements injected fresh energy into country music in the 1980s and ’90s, both with the Desert Rose Band and as a sought-after session player. Raised in Redlands, California, by musical parents, Jorgenson was a quick study: he had learned piano, clarinet, ukulele, and guitar before he was a teenager and later began playing professionally at Disneyland. After becoming involved with southern California’s rockabilly and country scene, he formed the Desert Rose Band with former Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers member Chris Hillman. With Jorgenson providing musical arrangements, the group released five albums between 1987 and 1993, scoring seven Top Ten hits, including the #1 songs “He’s Back and I’m Blue” and “I Still Believe in You.” In 1990, Jorgenson formed the Hellecasters with guitarists Jerry Donahue and Will Ray, who together released three acclaimed albums that centered a dazzling triple lead guitar attack. As a session musician, he provided guitar on albums by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Carlene Carter, Kenny Chesney, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, and many others. In addition to his session work, Jorgenson served as musical director for the television programs Hot Country Nights and ABC’s Delta. He won the Academy of Country Music’s Guitarist of the Year award in 1990, 1991, and 1992. In 1994, Jorgenson joined Elton John’s band and accompanied the British icon live and on album for six years. Currently, he performs with his “gypsy jazz” group, the John Jorgenson Quintet. The Museum’s Jon Freeman will host this program, which will be illustrated with photos, film, and recordings. After the program, Jorgenson will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.