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Amy LaVere: Luminous, Accessible Songcraft

Amy LaVere.
Amy LaVere.

Amy LaVere has taken many roads on her journey to stardom: She's not only a singer, songwriter and bassist, but she's also acted — most notably in Walk the Line, in which she plays rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson. Born in the Deep South and raised in Detroit, she once led a punk band but now lives in Memphis — a town that complements her blend of classic country, jazz and gypsy blues.

LaVere's 2006 debut, This World Is Not My Home, showcases her cathartic twang while drawing from influences as varied as Billie Holliday, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton. Her new Anchors & Anvils, recorded with legendary producer Jim Dickinson, expands on the sounds and themes of its predecessor, while continuing to demonstrate her talent for luminous, accessible songcraft.

This segment originally aired on July 3, 2007.

Copyright 2007 XPN

David Dye
David Dye is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality whose music enthusiasm has captivated listeners of World Cafe® since 1991. World Cafe is produced by WXPN, the public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania.