Tim Scott McConnell
Tim Scott McConnell aka Tim Scott or Ledfoot (born March 25, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter and 12-string guitarist who performs since 2007 under the artist name Ledfoot and created the music genre Gothic blues. He calls himself the "Master of Gothic Blues". The artist's repertoire consists solely of self-written songs.
Tim Scott McConnell | |
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Live in concert, November 2011 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Tim Scott McConnell |
Also known as | Ledfoot, Tim Scott |
Born | March 25, 1958 |
Origin | Florida, United States |
Genres | Rock, folk, blues |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, guitarist |
Instruments | Vocal, guitar |
Years active | 1975–present |
Labels | Sire, Geffen, Elektra, Warner, Vox |
Associated acts | Bruce Springsteen, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Cash |
Two of his songs gained international popularity through other artists:
- "Swear" was covered by Sheena Easton for her 1984 album A Private Heaven.
- Bruce Springsteen recorded one of his songs, "High Hopes", on the Blood Brother EP (1996). The song, released by Springsteen as a single in November 2013, gave the title to his January 2014 studio album.[1]
McConnell started touring at the age of 15. He got his first recording contract with Sire Records in 1982. He then recorded for Geffen on his next record in 1985, called "High Lonesome Sound". McConnell headed the LA-based band The Havalinas. The band recorded one album The Havalinas and a live album called Go North. After the break-up of The Havalinas, McConnell did a series of solo albums and toured with a band. In 2007, he released his first Ledfoot album and started touring heavily in Europe solo. He plays mainly solo with the Ledfoot project up until today. Since 2010 Ledfoot has had a close musical relationship with Ronni Le Tekrø that culminated in the 2020 duo album A Death Divine.
Discography
- 1981: The Rockats Live at the Ritz – Island Records
- 1983: Tim Scott Swear – Sire Records
- 1985: Tim Scott High Lonesome Sound – Geffen
- 1990: The Havalinas The Havalinas – Elektra
- 1991: The Havalinas Go North – Mo Records
- 1995: Tim Scott Deceivers & Believers – Warner Music
- 1997: Tim Scott Everywhere I´ve Been – Waterfall Records
- 2002: The MoMac Trio MoMac Trio – Farmen
- 2005: Tim Scott 13 songs – Farmen
- 2007: Ledfoot Devils songbook – Grappa/ Blue Mood Records
- 2009: Ledfoot Damned – Vox Records
- 2011: Ledfoot Gothic Blues – Vox Records
- 2019: Ledfoot White Crow – TBC Records
- 2020: Ledfoot & Ronni Le Tekrø A Death Divine – TBC Records
Most popular singles
- "High Hopes" (High Lonesome Sound & The Havalinas)
- "Swear" (Swear) AUS #44 [2]
- "Wicked State of Mind (Damned)
- "Purgatory Road" (Damned)
- "Diggin My Own Grave" (Devils Songbook)
Ledfoot and the Gothic Blues
As Ledfoot McConnell developed his own music style, the "Gothic Blues", between 2004 and 2007. This new style could not be defined by any existing music genre, so he invented a name for it. It is characterized by the unique artist's appearance: black clothes, shiny white hair, silver jewelry and a body full of tattoos – many of which designed by the artist himself. He sings with expressive and strong voice, plays the 12-string mostly in Bb minor tuning with porcelain slide and steel finger picks. Extra heavy strings contribute to a unique, strong sound. Frequently Ledfoot adds some extra rhythm with his stomp box. Lyrics and melody are often dark and atmospheric and describe the blues and worries of modern time human beings.
References
- Greene, Andy. "Bruce Springsteen's New LP 'High Hopes': Early Versions of Six Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
- Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 266. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.