Biloxi (RS#34)

This song was written by Jesse Winchester (05/17/1944 — 04/11/2014). Winchester grew up in the American South, mostly Mississippi and Tennessee. During the Vietnam War he was opposed to the war and went to Canada to avoid the draft and military service. While in Canada ,he established a musical career as a singer/songwriter. His first record, Jesse Winchester, was released in 1970. That record was produced by the Band’s Robbie Robertson and included Levon Helm on drums and mandolin. Unfortunately, Winchester was unable to tour in the US to promote his music until 1976 when amnesty was granted to those who avoid the draft. Phil Ochs once introduced a song of his as being “a cinematic song.” I do a few songs that I think meet that description perfectly, and Biloxi is one of them (RS#2, Roseville Fair is another). Now, I’ve never been to Biloxi, MS. But, I swear, when I play this song I can visualize it in my minds eye — and it’s beautiful! That’s the power of a song. The first time I heard this song was on Tom Rush’s album Wrong End of the Rainbow (1970). My brother-in-law, Roger, had a record collection that included a number of Winchester albums. It was from Roger’s records that I first heard Yankee Lady and The Brand New Tennessee Waltz, two other songs by Winchester that I learned and still play to this day. Winchester released many albums in his lifetime. His songs were recorded by many well known and established artists. Songwriting is an art and a craft and Winchester was one of the best at his craft. I think most people would consider Winchester to be a songwriters songwriter. It was a profoundly sad day when I heard he passed away from bladder cancer in 2014. Key: A (capo II, G chording) Instrument: Guitar Tuning: EADGBE NOTE This music video, and the above information, is offered for educational purposes only as I do not own the rights to this song.