"Music Icons Honor Moondog's Extraordinary Legacy"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
A new tribute album titled "Songs and Symphoniques: The Music of Moondog" is being released to honor the incredible life and legacy of Moondog, an eccentric musician and composer who captivated New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his Viking-inspired attire and blind appearance, Moondog was revered by major musicians and covered by artists like Janis Joplin. The album features vocal performances from Rufus Wainwright, Jarvis Cocker, and Joan as Policewoman, among others, and aims to introduce more people to the joy and wonder of Moondog's music. Moondog's archive, filled with hundreds of compositions, showcases his diverse range of musical styles and instruments, many of which he created himself. The tribute album is just the beginning of efforts to spread Moondog's message, with plans for a follow-up set and a tribute show at Carnegie Hall in November.