Biography
Spencer Bohren was born on April 5, 1950, in Casper, Wyoming, into a gospel-singing family. Immersed in church harmonies from a young age, he began performing publicly as a teenager after being inspired by folk music on the radio. By the late 1960s, Bohren had left Wyoming for Denver, where he absorbed acoustic folk-blues traditions firsthand from artists such as Rev. Gary Davis, and later honed his craft in Seattle’s blues scene.
In the mid-1970s, Bohren relocated to New Orleans, a city that profoundly shaped his musical identity. He became a fixture in the local scene, performing regularly at legendary venues like Tipitina’s and the Old Absinthe Bar. His career as a touring musician flourished, and from 1983 he spent seven years traveling the U.S. with his family, sharing his blend of blues, folk, gospel, and country. Bohren’s discography spans over 20 solo albums, including collaborations with Dr. John and tributes to his musical heroes Hank Williams and Bob Dylan. He was also known for his evocative lap steel guitar work and his ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and grace.
Bohren’s legacy is rooted in his mastery of American roots music and his commitment to sharing its traditions. He performed at major festivals across the U.S. and Europe, opened for icons like B.B. King and Muddy Waters, and influenced countless musicians through his performances, recordings, and teaching. He passed away on June 8, 2019, in New Orleans, leaving behind a rich musical heritage and a devoted family.
Fun Facts
- Spencer Bohren opened for blues legends B.B. King and Muddy Waters, including a notable show at La Cigale Theatre in Paris.
- He sang a gospel tune with bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley on the radio show 'A Prairie Home Companion.'
- Bohren spent seven years touring the U.S. with his family in an Airstream RV, performing in countless venues.
- He had a Top 40 hit in Sweden in 1989 and developed a strong following in Germany and Italy.
Associated Acts
- Spencer Bohren & The Whippersnappers - eponymous
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Rev. Gary Davis - Learned acoustic folk-blues firsthand at the Denver Folklore Center (Live performances, repertoire influence) [Late 1960s]
- Hank Williams - Stylistic influence; subject of tribute album (The Blues According to Hank Williams) [Throughout career]
- Bob Dylan - Major songwriting and stylistic influence (Recorded covers of Dylan's songs) [Throughout career]
Key Collaborators
- Dr. John - Played piano, organ, and vocals on debut album (Born in a Biscayne (1983))
- Ralph Stanley - Sang a gospel tune together on public radio (A Prairie Home Companion performance) [Date unspecified]
- Dale Bohren - Brother and bassist; toured Europe together (Live performances, The Tremors) [Various, notably during European tours]
- Cory McDaniel - Longtime friend and bandmate; toured Italy together (Live performances, The Tremors) [Various]
- Aaron Neville - Shared New Orleans stages (Live performances) [Various]
- Earl King - Shared New Orleans stages (Live performances) [Various]
Artists Influenced
- Andre Bohren - Son; inspired musically and performed together (Live performances, family collaborations) [2000s–2010s]
- The Tremors - Helped launch European tours for the group (including brother Dale and Cory McDaniel) (Live performances in Europe) [1980s–1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Makin' It Home to You | 2017-10-23 | Album |
| Southern Cross | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Carry the Word | 2000-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Thief in the Night (Makin' It Home to You)
- People Get Ready (Southern Cross)
- Lost Forever in Your Kiss (Makin' It Home to You)
- Blues Stay Away From Me (Southern Cross)
- Travelin' (Makin' It Home to You)
- Makin' It Home to You (Makin' It Home to You)
- The River's Risin' (Makin' It Home to You)
- Goin' Down the Bayou (Southern Cross)
- I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (Southern Cross)
- I'll Be Around (Southern Cross)
External Links
Tags: #blues, #singer-songwriter
References
Heard on WWOZ
Spencer Bohren has been played 15 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.