Otis Gibbs

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Otis Gibbs
Otis Gibbs Photo.jpg
Otis Gibbs
Background information
Born
Paul Otis Gibbs III [1]
Origin Wanamaker, Indiana
Genres Folk music
OccupationSinger-songwriter
InstrumentGuitar
Years active2002–present
LabelsWanamaker
Benchmark
Flat Earth
Members Thomm Jutz
Mark Fain
Paul Griffith
Amy Lashley
Website otisgibbs.com

Paul Otis Gibbs III is an American alt-country singer-songwriter and podcaster who has independently released several albums since 2002.

Contents

Biography

Gibbs was raised in Wanamaker, Indiana, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Indianapolis. He recalls being introduced to the music industry at an early age, when a friend of his aunt's that was supposed to be babysitting him would take him to a nearby saloon to earn money by singing while he played the piano. [2]

Gibbs worked for over 10 years as a tree planter in Indiana, planting what he estimates to be over 7,000 trees. [3] [4]

Music career

SXSW 2009: Jovita's, Austin, TX March 21, 2009 (Twangfest party) Otis Gibbs 2009.jpg
SXSW 2009: Jovita's, Austin, TX
March 21, 2009 (Twangfest party)

Gibbs' songs feature stories about everyday life. He has been compared to Woody Guthrie, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and Townes Van Zandt. [5] [6]

His 2014 album, Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth was described as "his most pleasing, direct and artful work" by The Tennessean. [7] Alan Harrison of No Depression notes that "The Darker Side of Me" is the type of song that Johnny Cash would be interested in recording. [7]

Billy Bragg included Gibbs' song "The Peoples Day" in a list of "Top Five Songs with Something to Say", published in the Wall Street Journal . [8] [9] Andy Gill of The Independent wrote that there is a "authenticity and dedication in Gibbs' delivery which is somehow cleansing in its purity". [10]

Other activities

Gibbs has recorded more than 100 podcasts under the title "Thanks for Giving a Damn" that consist of conversational interviews with musicians. Podcasts have included conversations with Mando Saenz, Ramsay Midwood, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), Marshall Crenshaw, Jim White, Delbert McClinton, and Amy Lashley. The podcast has been featured on iTunes' "New And Noteworthy" and "What's Hot" lists. [7]

Personal life

Gibbs lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with his long-time partner Amy Lashley, a singer-songwriter and children's book author. [3]

Discography

YearTitleLabel
200249th and MelancholyFlat Earth Records
2003Once I Dreamed of ChristmasBenchmark
2004One Day Our WhispersBenchmark
2008Grandpa Walked a PicketlineWanamaker
2010Joe Hill's AshesWanamaker
2012Harder Than Hammered HellWanamaker
2014Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth [11] Wanamaker
2016Mount RenrawWanamaker
2020Hoosier NationalWanamaker
2025The Trust of CrowsWanamaker

References

  1. ↑ "AIN T NOTHIN SPECIAL". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  2. ↑ Matheson, Whitney (August 20, 2014). "Otis Gibbs: Man, can this singer tell a story ..." USA Today . Retrieved May 20, 2015.
  3. 1 2 Cornell, Rick (July 2, 2012). "Otis Gibbs: Interview Recap". Americana Music Show. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
  4. ↑ Joiner, James (August 13, 2014). "Exclusive: Listen to Otis Gibbs's New Album". Esquire. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  5. ↑ Lewis, Randy (January 12, 2009). "Album review: Otis Gibbs' 'Grandpa Walked a Picketline'". Pop & Hiss The LA Times Music Blog. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  6. ↑ Lankford Jr, Ronnie. "One Day Our Whispers". Allmusic . Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 Cooper, Peter (August 23, 2014). "Otis Gibbs remains East Nashville's unfiltered troubadour". The Tennessean. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
  8. ↑ Maclagan, Kirsty (May 9, 2009). "Folk singer Otis Gibbs comes to West Coker". Yeovil Express. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  9. ↑ Jurgensen, John (May 30, 2008). "Songs With Something to Say; Rocker Billy Bragg on His Favorite 'Message Music'". Wall Street Journal . p. W.2.
  10. ↑ Gill, Andy (May 28, 2010). "Album: Otis Gibbs, Joe Hill's Ashes (Wanamaker)" . The Independent . London. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  11. ↑ Gibbs, Otis (July 22, 2013). "Souvenirs Of A Misspent Youth". Kickstarter. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
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