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J.J. Cale wrote hits for Eric Clapton and Waylon Jennings. Neil Young famously called him one of the two best electric guitar players ever. Cale was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in Tulsa. As a teenager he hung out in rhythm and blues clubs on the black side of town. He died earlier this year at the age of 74.

Abby spoke with his long-time friend and part-time harmonica player, Jimmy Markham, about Cale’s natural swagger and his distaste for fame.

Music
“Crazy Mama” by J.J. Cale
“Moonglow” by Les Paul
“Cool It” by Flash Terry
“Magnolia” by J.J. Cale

Read more in The Making of Longhair Music, where J.J. Cale discusses the beginnings of the Tulsa Sound