I've always had a soft spot for musicians who sacrifice fame and fortune to remain true to their own creative vision. Back in 1977, Rickie Lee Jones was waiting tables in LA when she met fellow beat musicians Chuck Weiss and Tom Waits. Barely in her 20s, she had the reputaton for being both streetwise and sophisticated. She became romantically involved with Tom Waits who once proclaimed, "You can learn a lot about a woman by getting totally smashed with her" referring to Rickie Lee. With the rocketing success of her self titled debut album, an instant radio hit with Chuck E.'s in Love and with her infamous white beret/black bra picture gracing the cover of Rolling Stone, it appeared that Rickie Lee Jones was destined for super stardom. Yet, despite a series of solid albums, Rickie Lee was never able to capture the popular success of her first record. Four albums later and ten years after her debut, the mysterious one released the critically acclaimed Flying Cowboys which produced a minor college radio hit with Satellites but which was modestly received by the general public.
April 15th, Rickie Lee Jones swings into the Tupelo Music Hall for an intimate night of music. The cozy, relaxed atmosphere that has made Tupelo a favorite spot for many touring musicians should provide the perfect backdrop to hear the "Duchess of Coolsville" performing songs from her 30 year career. Don't miss this one!
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