2017 30A Songwriters Festival: John Gorka
From New Jersey, folk legend John Gorka got his start living in a music club’s basement and acting as resident MC and sound man. His exposure to folk troubadours inspired him, and before long he was performing his own songs – mostly as an opener for visiting acts. Soon he started traveling to New York City and folk meccas like Texas’ Kerrville Folk Festival (where he won the New Folk Award in 1984) and Boston where his stunningly soulful baritone voice and original songwriting began turning heads.
In 1987, the Minnesota-based Red House Records caught wind of John’s talents and released his first album. He moved to Windham Hill/High Street before returning to his musical roots at Red House.
Over the years of his rich career, Gorka has established himself as one of folk music’s most respected and beloved singer/songwriters, representing the bridge generation between the Folk Revival and the rise of Americana. Folk Alley caught up with John at the 2017 30A Songwriters Festival where his performances of songs and stories from his long and successful career (plus a beautiful Prince cover) were captured by BeeHive Productions.
