Judy Roderick

Judith Allen Roderick (1942 - 1992) was a blues singer and songwriter born in Wyandotte, Michigan to Howard and Emily Roderick.

Music biography

1964 - In 1964, Lee Silberstein saw a 19-year-old folk singer from Boulder, Colorado, perform at the Philly Folk Festival and offered to get her signed with Columbia. Bobby Scott was assigned to produce and Judy Roderick released her first album, Ain't Nothin' But the Blues. 1965 - In 1965, Maynard Solomon signed Judy to Vanguard Records and a second album, Woman Blue, was recorded, with accompaniment by two of her close friends, both guitarists, Dick Weissman and Artie Traum. Santa Cruz poet, Maude Meehan, described it well: ". . . with all those subtle glissandos, that smoldering soul sound, those growls and tender vibratos, so inimitable to Judy. There just isn't a voice I've ever heard with such versatility, and raw power and emotion, sass and sex, and hurt. She makes me laugh, she makes me cry." 1966 - In 1966, Woman Blue was released in the United Kingdom on the Fontana label and a promotional trip was arranged. Judy performed at Broadside Folk Club, Strand Hotel, Jug O' Punch Folk Club, Newton Club, Anglia TV, on Grampia TV and in the Cambridge Folk Festival. 1972 - In 1972 Judy signed with Atco, an Atlantic subsidiary, and produced Nevada Jukebox, with Bill Szymczyk, producer and Bill Ashford, associate producer. 1973 - In 1973, Judy moved to Grantsdale, Montana with friend and sax player, [http://www.dexterpayne.com Dexter Payne] . The two of them joined a swing band, [http://www.bigskymudflaps.com The Big Sky Mudflaps] , and played on several of their albums. 1982 - In 1981 and 1982, Judy and the "Flaps" were invited to perform at the Kool Jazz Festival, once in Rye, NY and next in Saratoga. In both years they were featured on the Today Show, in NYC 1982 - In 1983, Judy and Dexter Payne created an R&B band, "Judy Roderick & The Forbears." This group included Don DeBacker, [http://www.mothershipentertainment.com/artists/tinmen.php "Washboard" Chaz Leary] and Tim Martin. Once more, Judy took the musicians to the East Coast, playing the Philly Folk Festival, The Bottom Line in NYC and Jonathan Swifts in Boston. A gig shared with Dr. John at the Lone Star Cafe in NYC was a special event, which led to Dr. John guest appearing on Judy's third recording, Judy Roderick and the Forbears. 1992 - On January 22, 1992, Judy died of a heart attack from complications due to diabetes. 1993 - In 1993 Woman Blue was reissued by Vanguard, A Welk Music Group Company. 2004 - A reissue of Judy Roderick & The Forbears is currently in preparation and will be available under the title, When I'm Gone.

External links

* [http://www.judyroderick.com Official Web Site]

* [http://www.dexterpayne.com Dexter Payne]