Rohn Bailey
Carrollton, Texas, United States | SELF
Music
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Texas rocker’s tribute to George Harrison
Hot on the heels of Martin Scorsese’s new documentary on former Beatle George Harrison – Living In A Material World – a Texan singer-songwriter has released a special cover version of one of the guitarist’s epic songs.
Dallas musician Rohn Bailey has recorded an unusual piano-driven version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps from The Beatles’ White Album as the final track to his latest CD Life Café. He believes its lyrics are among the most moving ever written.
‘The line that gets me every time I sing it is “With every mistake we must surely be learning” – probably because I'm living it,’ said Bailey, who performs regularly at Truluck’s in Southlake. The other nine tracks are his own compositions.
One has already been chosen as the theme song of a major TV series to come out some time late next year. But Bailey isn’t saying which track. ‘I can't say anything further about that, for obvious reasons,’ he explained.
The music is reminiscent of 70s Billy Joel and Elton John – Piano Man and Tumbleweed Connection may well spring to mind. But the words reflect the heart of a musician facing the challenges of reaching mid-life in the 21st century.
Bailey hired key players to help him. Producer was award-winning artist Tom Prasada-Rao, who has performed with the likes of Janis Ian and Ritchie Havens. Bassist was Chuck Rainey, who’s played for Steely Dan and Aretha Franklin.
‘All the songs were written in a five-month period,’ said Bailey, who’s been chosen as a featured artist on the TV show Troubadour Texas. ‘I found myself with a new audience, new genre – new everything. Yet I'm unknown. At my age that’s a risk.
‘However, I refuse to live with regrets for not having tried. If there were a campaign entitled, “It's never too late to follow your dreams”, I’d be the poster child for it. I’m playing, singing and writing better than at any time in my life.’ - Clive Price Interview
Discography
Life Cafe - released Oct 2011
11 original songs in the singer/songwriter genre
plus a tribute to George Harrison with a haunting piano based arrangement of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
Photos
Bio
Rohn Bailey is an accomplished singer, songwriter, recording artist and in-demand studio musician who has performed to audiences worldwide. Rohn’s first foray as a touring musician was as the keyboard player and vocalist with several contemporary christian bands. Then came his first solo album, which got the attention of the manager of a fast-rising Texas pop/rock band named Backstreet that led to him joining the group. After 3 years playing with these talented musicians, opening for a number of national rock acts and competing on Ed McMahon’s national television show “Star Search”, the management company refocused the band’s direction changing their name to Boyfriend, positioning Rohn as the principle writer and front man of the group. The band secured a new recording contract and gained a national reputation as a hot band to watch. Their debut album featured the single DFW Girls, which went to be a #1 song at a numerous stations across TX.
Shortly thereafter, Rohn felt a calling back to his gospel roots and recorded several albums of praise & worship music opening the door for him to travel internationally as a featured praise & worship leader in large crusades and revivals. Since then he has served several large churches as music director and featured praise & worship performer.
Rohn currently is refocusing in his writing and performance style to that of a contemporary singer/songwriter and is soon to release a new record showcasing 10 piano based Americana / Acoustic Pop style songs reminiscent of early Billy Joel and Leon Russell with a mix of Gino Vanelli added for cool texture. Rohn’s silky smooth vocals will remind you of the feeling you get when you’re wearing a favorite pair of jeans, sipping a glass of wine with your loved one sitting around a roaring fire. Warm and friendly, yet so fresh and exciting.
Out of over 500 artists, Rohn was also chosen as one of the 25 troubadours for the national TV show, Troubadour Texas on the CW network.
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