329 - Tony Joe White - Bad Mouthin, Polk Salad Annie, & Elvis

He recorded his new record in a horse barnCall it swamp rock, or whatever you want, but Tony Joe White has created a style of music all his own and he’s parlayed it into a career that’s lasted over 50 years. He hit the top 10 in 1969 with “Polk Salad Annie,” and penned the soulful ballad “Rainy Night in Georgia,” first made famous by Brook Benton, but has been covered by countless performers.He’s worked with everyone from Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton to Jerry Lee Lewis and Joe Cocker. His latest album is stripped-down affair called Bad Mouthin’ from Yep Roc records.White talks about the record that inspired him to start writing songs of his own. Plus, what it was like not only having Elvis Presley record three of his compositions, but also getting the opportunity to hang out with The King backstage.