Dan Hicks
Full Name and Common Aliases
Dan Hicks
Birth and Death Dates
December 21, 1946 – June 6, 2016
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Musician, Singer-Songwriter
Early Life and Background
Born in Corning, New York, Dan Hicks grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father a musician who played the trumpet. This early exposure to music would later influence Hicks' own eclectic style, which blended elements of folk, rock, jazz, and blues.
As a child, Hicks moved frequently with his family, eventually settling in California's Bay Area. He developed a passion for music while attending high school, where he formed his first band. After completing his education, Hicks began performing professionally, drawing on influences from classic American songwriters like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.
Major Accomplishments
Hicks' breakout success came with the formation of The Hot Licks in 1969. This band would become a staple of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene, known for their energetic live performances and original songs that drew on folk, rock, and country influences. Hicks' songwriting skills earned him recognition as one of the most innovative singer-songwriters of his generation.
The Hot Licks released several albums during their tenure together, including _Where Water Never Felt Pain_ (1970) and _Skylinin'_ (1973). These records showcased Hicks' versatility as a musician and songwriter, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and country into his work. His unique voice, which blended a warm baritone with an adventurous spirit, set him apart from other singer-songwriters of the time.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Hicks released several critically acclaimed albums that solidified his position as one of the most respected singer-songwriters in the music world. Some notable works include:
_Cretin Shoppe_ (1973) - a groundbreaking album that showcased Hicks' eclecticism and innovative songwriting skills.
_Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks Live at the Boarding House_ (1982) - a live recording that captured the band's high-energy performances.
Hicks continued to create music throughout his life, releasing new material even in the final years before his passing. His contributions to American music extend beyond his own work, as he has inspired countless musicians and fans with his innovative approach to songwriting and performance.
Impact and Legacy
Dan Hicks' impact on American music is undeniable. He played a significant role in shaping the sound of West Coast folk-rock during the 1970s, influencing artists like Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon. His eclectic style also paved the way for future generations of singer-songwriters who drew on diverse influences to create their own unique sounds.
Hicks' legacy extends beyond his music as well. He was a beloved figure in the Bay Area community, known for his kind spirit, generosity, and commitment to social causes. His contributions to charity work and environmental activism continue to inspire fans today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dan Hicks is widely quoted or remembered for his innovative approach to songwriting, his unique voice, and his dedication to creating music that blended elements of folk, rock, jazz, and blues. His influence on American music extends far beyond his own work, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans with his eclecticism and passion.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Hicks' music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of creative expression to bring people together and transcend time and place.
Quotes by Dan Hicks
And it really is a good feeling to get up there and make that sound. I'm not stuck in a time warp, because I can use as many of the old songs as I want to, just the favorites.
I guess my idea of a good audience is one that's quiet and listens, but also that's alive: they respond, they're getting the jokes, they're with me. And that' s been happening.
I had different bands. I played with the Acoustic Warriors for the most part, without girl singers. It was the same kind of sound, acoustic guitar, bass, with violin and sometimes accordion, and the guys would sing, that kind of thing.
I haven't been drinking for years now. Something's got to give. I don't mind that I'm a guy that's stopped drinking, though this interview is making me mighty thirsty.
It's not about retro or modern, it's about this note or that note, which sounds better?
About 10 years ago, I took some vocal lessons. I'll bet that helped. I got a tape of exercises that the girl gave me, which I don't do anymore, but they were good. And I don't smoke.
There's been a big buzz about the Charlatans in the last couple of years. I've heard the word Charlatans more in the last few years than I'd heard it for the previous 20 years. People would interview me for years and never even mention the Charlatans.
There's some pictures of me playing hollow bodies, but I never last long. I always come back to the acoustic.
My stuff was more of a folk coffeehouse thing, with more acoustic guitar, just me doing a single, and then adding on instruments and voices, with emphasis on lyrics and singing and light kind of acoustic jazz.