grayson capps

Biography

Grayson Capps, born April 17, 1967 in Opelika, Alabama, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter whose work is deeply rooted in the traditions of Americana and alt-country. Raised in a musical household, Capps was surrounded by the sounds of his father and friends playing classic country and folk songs, experiences that would later shape his narrative-driven songwriting. He attended Tulane University in New Orleans on a theater scholarship, where he formed his first bands, The House Levelers and the blues-influenced Stavin' Chain, both of which achieved moderate national success and opened for acts like Keith Richards and The Replacements.

After the dissolution of his early bands, Capps embarked on a solo career, drawing inspiration from the gritty realities of Southern life. His music often features characters on society’s fringes, blending Southern soul, back-country stomp, and roadhouse blues. Capps' storytelling prowess caught wider attention when several of his songs were featured in the 2004 film 'A Love Song for Bobby Long,' based on his father's unpublished novel. He released his debut solo album, 'If You Knew My Mind,' in 2005, followed by a series of acclaimed records including 'Wail & Ride,' 'Rott 'n' Roll,' and projects with bands like The Stumpknockers and The Lost Cause Minstrels. Though based in New Orleans for many years, Hurricane Katrina forced him to relocate, eventually settling back in Alabama, where he continues to write, record, and perform.

Capps is recognized for his raw, poetic lyricism and his ability to channel the spirit of the American South. His influence extends beyond his own recordings, as he has become a respected figure in the roots music community, known for his marathon live performances and his dedication to the authenticity of Southern storytelling.

Fun Facts

• Capps' songs and life story inspired the film 'A Love Song for Bobby Long,' starring John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson, with Capps making a cameo and contributing four songs to the soundtrack.
• He coined the term 'Rott 'N' Roll' to describe his unique blend of roots music, a phrase that originated with his New Orleans fans and became the title of one of his albums.
• After Hurricane Katrina, Capps lived in a converted farmhouse in Tennessee, where he recorded much of his material before returning to Alabama.
• He has performed at major festivals including Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and has a strong following in Europe, notably selling out Amsterdam's Paradiso.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ronnie Capps - Grayson's father, a key early musical influence who played and sang around the house, introducing Grayson to classic country and folk traditions. (Family jam sessions, formative years) [1967–1980s]
• Fred Stokes and Bobby Long - Family friends who regularly played music with Grayson’s father, shaping his early musical environment. (Family gatherings) [1967–1980s]
• Hank Williams, Tom T. Hall, Glenn Campbell, Woody Guthrie - Stylistic influences whose songs were played in Grayson's home and whose storytelling traditions are reflected in his work. (Influence on songwriting style) [1960s–present]

Key Collaborators

• John Lawrence - Co-founder of the band Stavin' Chain with Capps; recorded and toured together. (Stavin' Chain (1999 album)) [1998–1999]
• Trina Shoemaker - Co-producer and partner, worked closely on multiple albums including 'Wail & Ride' and 'The Lost Cause Minstrels.' (Wail & Ride, The Lost Cause Minstrels) [2005–present]
• The Stumpknockers - Backing band featured on 'Rott 'n' Roll' and other projects. (Rott 'n' Roll) [2008–present]
• The Lost Cause Minstrels - Band formed by Capps after relocating to Alabama; recorded and toured together. (The Lost Cause Minstrels (2011 album)) [2010–present]
• Corky Hughes - Multi-instrumentalist who has performed and recorded with Capps, notably on his covers album. (Heartbreak, Misery and Death) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Willie Sugarcapps - Supergroup including Capps, whose collaborative work has influenced the Gulf Coast Americana scene. (Willie Sugarcapps (self-titled album)) [2013–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. A Love Song for Bobby Long (If You Knew My Mind)
2. Bag of Weed (Scarlett Roses)
3. Washboard Lisa (If You Knew My Mind)
4. Lorraine's Song (If You Knew My Mind)
5. Washboard Lisa (Songbones)
6. Get Back Up (If You Knew My Mind)
7. If You Knew My Mind (If You Knew My Mind)
8. May We Love (South Front Street)
9. Ike (Rott 'N' Roll)
10. Moody River (Heartbreak, Misery & Death)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #country, #folk, #rock