Quick Q and A with Spider John Koerner
 by Kathy S-B  ·  15 September 2009

“Spider” John Koerner has been an influential practitioner of traditional folk music and country blues since the days of the late-’50s/early-’60s folk revival. Both in his group, Koerner, Ray & Glover and on his own, he has helped popularize early folk and blues music through his performances and recordings, directly affecting the careers of Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt, and influencing many others. For more information about Spider John, check out his website. This fascinating promotional video for Blues, Rags & Hollers is a must see!

You’ve got quite an impressive discography. Is there one project that you’re particularly proud of?

Three are good as projects — Blues, Rags & Hollers, Running, Jumping, Standing Still and Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Been. RJSS was particularly interesting.

As a kid growing up, what kind of music were you exposed to and what did you gravitate toward?

I grew up in Rochester, NY and wasn’t interested in music until 1958 in Minnesota. My association with Dave Ray and Tony Glover got me going with black southern blues from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s. I since have changed focus somewhat.

Is there ONE song that you would say is your signature song?

No, but three that interest me over the years are Running, Jumping, Standing Still, The Summer of ‘88 and Last Lonesome Blues, in chronological order.

I’m interested in your passion for astronomy and the fact that you have actually built and reconstructed telescopes! Tell us a little bit about that part of your life.

Go outside on a clear night and learn the cosmos until you can tell you’re out in space.