John Leventhal’s Musical Journey Leads to Debut Album at 71

New York's well-respected musician and producer, John Leventhal, has taken his time stepping into the limelight as a solo artist. At 71 years old, he's stepping away from his role behind the scenes to introduce his first album, an achievement that defies the stereotype of budding young artists in today's music scene.

Leventhal's impressive career spans collaboration with renowned artists such as Shawn Colvin, Jim Lauderdale, Marc Cohn, Sarah Jarosz, and even performances alongside icons like Jackson Browne and Willie Nelson. A six-time Grammy Award winner, his most notable feat was the song "Sunny Came Home," which he co-wrote and produced for Shawn Colvin.

Now presenting his own record Rumble Strip, Leventhal not only starts his own label but explores a primarily instrumental and roots-centric sound. This eclectic collection includes collaborations with his wife Rosanne Cash, Marc Cohn, and Matt Berninger of The National. He bravely steps into singing on three tracks, sharing the spotlight with Cash on two duets, and going solo on "The Only Ghost."

Why the Wait for Solo Work?

Leventhal admits the road to releasing his album was a gradual realization, spurred by a lifetime of musical ideas accumulating. He acknowledges how the lockdown period of the pandemic finally cornered him into pursuing the project, confronting what it means to be the artist in the spotlight rather than the guiding force behind it.

The Evolution of an Artist

Leventhal looks back at his journey, crediting his growth and success to his evolution as a songwriter, arranger, and producer. He reflects that had he attempted this album 50 years prior, it wouldn’t carry the depth and experience he has acquired throughout his extensive career.

Audience Expectations and Musical Style

Curious about who will tune into his debut solo work, Leventhal approached Rumble Strip with a different creative process. Unlike producing for others, he did not contemplate the audience during creation, preferring to see who the music will naturally appeal to.

Choosing a Unique Path for the Album

He also shies away from the idea of producing a collaborative album with artists he has previously worked with, seeing that approach as a safe and predictable route. For Leventhal, the debut is about establishing his own voice and authenticity in the music industry.

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