Why Didn't J.J. Cale Become a Superstar? | Op-Docs | The New York Times

This animated Op-Doc explores why J.J. Cale, who wrote such classic songs as "After Midnight," "Cocaine" and "Call Me the Breeze," never achieved stardom.
Read the story here: nyti.ms/1hgxHFk
Subscribe to the Times Video newsletter for free and get a handpicked selection of the best videos from The New York Times every week: bit.ly/timesvid...
Subscribe on KZbin: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
Watch more videos at: nytimes.com/video
---------------------------------------------------------------
Want more from The New York Times?
Twitter: / nytvideo
Facebook: / nytimes
Google+: plus.google.co...
Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch. On KZbin.
Why Didn't J.J. Cale Become a Superstar? | Op-Docs | The New York Times
/ thenewyorktimes

[@JohnnyNowhere]

Plenty of folks knew about Cale back in the 70s. Dude was LIT. Musicians supported him and covered his tunes. He just didn't allow the industry to turn him into radio fodder. Plus - the commentary didn't even bother to mention 'Bringing it Back from Mexico' which Kansas covered in an absolutely flaming version on their debut album.

[@RUNNOFT71]

Amen!

[@paulavandeusen8930]

He was a superstar, to other superstars.

[@lastkayleeuw6706]

Thats so true. Many good guitarist spoke about his influence on them and how great he was. Jsut another quick note: In Germany JJ Cale was quiet famous. He sold many records here, maybe even more then in the US.

[@bas040]

It was beautiful to see the look on Eric Clapton’s face when he played together with his idol on Crossroads 2004.

[@TheMassinissa52]

Well said

[@bradlaue1718]

Saw him when he opened for George Carlin at the San Rafael Civic Center in 1972. Just him and five of his friends sitting in a semicircle. They played Naturally from beginning to end in the same order as the album and then left. One of the best half hours of music I have ever seen.

[@nicholasp5425]

that sounds like a dream !

[@lucasratti]

You are blessed

[@paulbrown1585]

Why didn't he become a superstar ? He didn't want to. Simple as that.

[@robertm2000]

EXACTLY!!

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Balance is beautiful.

[@Gabriel-he6ih]

The most laid-back musician by now

[@dracumelenios]

J.J. Cale was a true master and a giant many stood on. He just never cared about being a pop icon himself. Thanks for spreading the word.

[@stephanep7354]

+dracumelenios well said man. a giant many stood on.

[@ivanmay7890]

JJ Cale is a very good example of boogie rock and blues rock. I do wish people spoke about him in the same way they spoke about Jerry Garcia or even early Fleetwood Mac, because JJ Cale was a great guitarist, and he certainly should be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

[@michaellirodimos3688]

... he didn't become, because he was already one - naturally ... What a great man - a real troubadour ! ... My love to all J.J fans, all over the world - i got this feeling that we all know each other and we are true friends ! ... From Athens Greece - Mike ...

[@vagelisvlavianos7042]

J. J. Cale - true rocker, true man.

[@DucksDeLucks]

Neil Young said the only two guitarists he found interesting were Jimi Hendrix and J.J. Cale.

[@GreyhoundHank86]

And Bert Jansch

[@Flyboysdaughter]

DucksDeLucks well if he didn’t find Clapton “interesting “ it shows either his ignorance, poor taste or jealousy.

[@Digmen1]

I never found Neil Young interesting very over-rated

[@MaidenCanada]

@@Digmen1 Quit bashing Neil, what he actually said was ...of all the guitarists hes heard, JJ Cale and Jimmie Hendrix were the best ., He also said that JJCale was a huge influence on him. Neil Young over rated and uninteresting ? Give your head a shake lol

[@christinef2062]

I love his aura , his no-fuss way of performing speaks volumes. RIP JJ ❤️

[@cyro1079]

J.J Cale may not be a superstar in the eyes of public. But he's a superstar to many of our superstars. A musician's musician. I'm a John Mayer fan, so I was introduced to J.J through Mayer's music. First from his cover of "Call Me The Breeze" in his album Paradise Valley, but at the time I still wasn't aware it was a cover, so still didn't know who Cale was. Nevertheless, the seed was planted. As I went deeper into the John Mayer rabbit hole, came across his involvement in Clapton's J.J. Cale tribute album. Discovered and looked up who Cale is, came across his music and recognized a familiar tune, the aforementioned "Call Me the Breeze". Now I'm a fan of Cale.

[@estarling8766]

This is the best tribute JJ Cale got imo. Greetings guys. I love his attitude against lip sync. He was one true artist.

[@SHALAt22]

I truly appreciate this video. I have always thought the exact same way - that J.J. Cale was never a sell-out! and yet all the superstars emulated him.

[@stevenwelk1901]

I knew J.J. Cale I called him J.J. snail. He saw what Fame could do. And he knew what kept an artist alive. They say You're Not Dead until the last person stops talking about you. If you'll notice most all of his songs are in the rough. They're not tweet. He wrote them so other musicians would hear them and want to complete them. He will be one of the most copied artists in history. He just wanted to write them put them out there and write more. I even met his old lady and talked with her at the Golden Bear. Christine Lakeland quite the artist herself.

[@tunesmith7437]

Wow. He is a big deal to me. I saw him live in the early 1970's and was a fan back then. Still a fan today.

[@kumarabhishekjha]

Cale truly represented (& the only one, presumably to) how 'laid back' & 'being reticent' can be uber-cool. He was everything a Rock n Roller wasn't supposed to be. And yet, he was everything the biggest influences in Rock aspired to be. To me, Cale really represented my kinda cool!

[@LucaLindemann]

I discovered JJ when I was 15. I remember exactly the day. I was in Brighton (UK), in a park. A guy had a big stereo cassette player (very common in the eighties) and he was laying in the grass listening to it. The tape was "Troubadour" and I was blown away by that music. I walked by and asked him who was the artist. The rest is history, I'm 52 now, and still listening to him. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to see him live. With Clapton, the one who influenced me the most. ❤️

[@pradeepkumar-vm5ue]

He is simple, humble musician with great lyrics. He is super star because Guitar God Clapton has a great regards for him. His songs like after midnight, Tulsa time, Cocaine are played by Clapton. Cale does not bite the guitar and show false showman ship. When EC says he is good there is no question and for us he is a superstar.

[@wladekwloszcz3803]

Six years now since J.J.'s passing, just like one second, he's still with me, almost every day.

[@1wiesehoefer1]

he was really a superstar but a musician superstar and not a business superstar, RIP

[@RudyC99]

Absolutely

[@robbiebeck22]

I have heard that he was not really not interested in being a "superstar".

[@krisscanlon4051]

to paraphrase an old saying about john cale or maybe it was graham parker... he literally strangled his career at the neck. ornery dudes.

[@RTB88KEYS]

He was a true authentic musician songwriter and friend to many . I met him when I played Cains Ballroom in Tulsa and again at armadillo world headquarters in Austin Texas . Soft spoken shy and real !!!

[@alanbrunt3919]

'They don't make em like him anymore'. That about sums it up. JJ was a hero, but just about the most modest hero there could be. In addition to the blues, folk, country and rock, there's even some jazz in the canon. He was the musician's musician.

[@summercoat]

Reluctant heroes are the only ones you can trust.

[@bsnf-5]

He was a cool cat. One of the best performers ever, for sure.

[@iplaymytele]

I worked in a Record music store between 1976. - and 1978 and became a JJ Cale fan during this time I still am a vinyl audiophile...! And I’ve been a JJ Cale fan for many many years....! He will always be one of my guitar heroes being a player myself....🎵🎶🙏❤️❤️🙏🎶🎵

[@harry6555]

he was shy and humble that is why he is loved long after his death and his fame increases with time

[@malibbis]

I thought he was a superstar; certainly was in my opinion, and many musicians

[@rickburnette4331]

True artist from head to toe. A lot of people owe this man a lot of thanks. Your great singer's/songwriter's/musician's are what made them great and they stood their ground and Mr. Cale was one of them...

[@perryscott2983]

Good to see kids getting in to JJ....May well be in another 20 years they'll understand why..Artists create...period.

[@christinelaws4894]

I am 76. Just. Found. Him😃love his. Music.

[@LindaMcRae42]

I love the animation for this piece. I’m a big JJ Cale fan and this piece is pretty awesome. Thank you so much.

[@PatrickCommiskey]

had a similar experience with that album cover as a teenager -- my dad loved that jj cale.... i came to prefer these versions of songs over their covers. his sound was so smooth.

[@gavriloprincip1477]

"Discovered" JJ Cale whilst surfing uncrowded waves in Southern Morocco in late 1974. I now live VERY remotely in the Australian Outback and listen to him every couple of weeks. This gives me pleasure, great pleasure. (Thank you Mr Cale) Always wondered why he was not "famous." Thanks for the insight.

[@OurBackwoodsHomestead]

Always loved his version of the songs, I have played many of his songs over the years from the 70s on.

[@privateprivate4378]

Me too.

[@stevenwelk1901]

JJ left everything undone in the demo mode. He realized that others would come along and pick up where he left off and they would play his music till the end of the world. This way he will never be forgotten.

[@famosisimo]

The first song I heard of him was "right down here" back in the early 70s and ever since I Loved his music to this day. I love J J Cale.

[@ChordtoChord]

That album "Naturally" is one classic song after another.

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Good on JJ. Best music of my lifetime

[@camaro789]

I loved his music...still play a number of his songs...bought Naturally as an eight track, cassette, record, and later as a CD...

[@rohitranjan78]

seriously you got to know jj through other artists first and then discover the 'original'. I guess one reason why he's not as much of a 'superstar' for he didn't choose to amplify it loud like other artists did and kept it minimal. Thats the beauty of his art as an innovator of Cajun blues, swamp rock and the Tulsa sound etc. A fabulous song writer in the first place besides being a guitar maestro.

[@danieldickerson3391]

R.I.P ! J.J. Cale! The man and his beautiful music! Wow!

[@tulsatombob2769]

I played bass in a dozen different bands in Tulsa years ago. I played bass with the piano player, Rocky Frisco who passed away recently and Jimmy Karstein, the drummer who played and toured with J.J Cale. They are all salt of the earth great guys and phenomenal musicians. Bill Rafensberger, the bass player passed away along with J.J. and Rocky. God bless their soles, may they RIP. Yes J.J. Cale was very special. He was a true musician who could care less about fame and fortune.

[@shippenman5977]

was fortunate enough to have met JJ, Rocky, Christine and Bill. They were all cool nice folks.

[@lorenzoblum868]

Fortune? He received loyalties didn't he...?

[@oldskool4612]

I'm a huge John Cale fan. Been so since early seventies. Hadn't heard the American Bandstand story. Not surprised one iota. Even though JJ is gone his music will live forever. RIP buddy.

[@KateBates22zabu]

Maybe not a superstar but a legend to all that knew him. Magnolia is haunting

[@pagepage4944]

When I was in the U.S.A. ....in1984 .......no one there knew him where as in Europe he was very well known ....especially among the musicians and more underground. Crowd .......personally I. Place him high up as one of the Greatest Troubadours Ever .....👍❤️

[@rachidqam1961]

Waow. Says who ??? JJ Cale is a superstar and an Icon for people who taste music and know what real of music is. Lyrics , rhythm, all instruments and unique voice......He is well known around the world especially in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. A real star is the one who can infiltrate your soul and JJ was that star that we may not see somebody alike in the years, decencies and centuries to come. May GOD bless his soul.

[@tyr678]

Because his music is from his heart in depth

[@martinstubs6203]

One day decades ago, I won the record, Crazy Mama, in a raffle in Hamburg, Germany. After playing it one time, I was hooked. I have been an avid fan of his to this day.

[@kth5077]

The story is true, but there is more to it than that. Cale was never interested in being famous in the first place. He just wanted to play his music, not the attention.

[@glennveness]

Thanks so much for making that guys. Restored my faith in humanity. Bless you all x

[@ToddSauve]

JJ, in my opinion, was more of a recording artist than a concert artist. I believe that is how he saw himself, as well. He made a horde of money off of the covers Eric Clapton made of his songs and that made him more than happy because it let him do what he wanted to do. Write songs and record them the way he wanted to, because he was also a recording engineer at heart. And absolutely YES! The Dire Straits first album is almost a carbon copy of JJ's "Naturally." Play one right after the other and see if you don't notice the similarities.

[@christinef2062]

JJ’s doesn’t strike me as more of a recording artist .. watch his face when performing “ Mama don’t” as each musician plays his / her part. He’s quietly conducting his orchestra and so very proud of each musician in it. What a master!

[@ToddSauve]

@@christinef2062 I just don't find JJ's live performances all that enjoyable. But his recordings! Now there is something to listen to! 👍💖🎶🎸🎸🎸

[@framrozebugli1337]

Bro, he was the backbone of the backbones of other bands who got great in their lifetime. He infused music in them.

[@terryflynn8240]

I have a lot of ? not answered never understood It. Cult great first heard him maybe 69 -72 Always thought he was great and he was great. Really opened me up to new great tradition of regional music and more to the idea of fusion of traditional blues jazz Cajun style and a straight rhythm bump. As always fantastic guitar playing and arranging. He is my personal Idol of sorts.

[@Jeagma]

If you watch To Tulsa and Back JJ never went to the AB studios,watch him in his own words describe what happened,it was a phone call.

[@bethbartlett5692]

JJ - a Star's Star. Always happy in his skin - Well done mini-doc

[@childofthelight9071]

His music will always have a special place in my heart! ❤ Crazy Mama where you been so long......

[@jfbegley]

He always was and always will be a superstar.

[@jakenalex2593]

J.J. Cale was in a band with my wife’s grandpa (Leo Feathers) and Leon Russell called ‘The Starlighters’. Leo Feathers went on to play with stars such as Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, John Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Reba McEntire, Dwight Yoakam, Ronnie Dunn and many more huge names in music. He even spent some time in the studio with Carl Perkins. Leo and J.J. were both the epitome of a musician. One of the big reasons Leo stopped playin in Nashville, is cause everybody was after money and didn’t actually care about the music. Leo never chased the spotlight. He just wanted to play music. Leon Russell recruited him to start a band at around the age 15 and then Leo was hired by Jerry Lee Lewis at about the of 17.

[@chrisdacosta6986]

Thanks and God bless you JJ Cale.

[@wittecom]

My Hero!

[@PeriodDrama]

Same, he’s actually my hero. Both musically and as a guy.

[@Najvelja]

SENSITIVE KIND The most beautiful love song

[@alexselivanov299]

love him! one of a kind!

[@JonathanHorwitz]

JJ was a human being. If he would have been interested in being a "superstar," he would have been. Instead, as he sang it, "I make rock and roll records, I sell 'em for a dime." He didn't want that superstar life. At one point he lived in the middle of the desert in a trailer just to get away from the Tinseltown bs. No, he wasn't a superstar. He was a Super Star. Thank you, J J. And Thank You for the Music - it sounds just as fresh and new and real as the first time I heard it 50 years ago! J J Lives!!!!

[@taylorpaulmusic]

Just found this video. Loved it. Excited to dig deeper and learn more about this awesome dude.

[@Comfortzonestudiocom]

Mr. J. J. Cale had Talent, Heart and Soul, his music was real and so was he. These qualities are no longer a requirement to be a star in the music business. Today one needs only a photogenic face, the right demographic and strong financial backing, to become a star. Back in the day one had to develop a track record of dues paid by playing live for years, and by making good records. Question, unlike analog recordings, what do digital downloads and most of todays so called stars have in common? Answer, they both sound like crap, but they are easy to package. It is just like homemade hamburgers compared to fast food, the first one is made with love, the other is shoved out of a hole in the wall. We are now a microwave society of entitlement minded, selfish, childish, idiots, with no class, and no taste in food or music, we just want everything fast, like success and lunch, so we can keep on texting, to try to prove to each other how hip. trendy and cool we are, while in reality we are lazy, ignorant, empty soulless shells, with no culture or knowledge of history, or sense of purpose or of self, who by our actions and words, convey the attitude that we are owed something, just because we are breathing. When music became a business and video killed the radio star, quantity overshadowed quality. To paraphrase an old commercial on another subject, I'm not a great singer or musician but I play one on TV. America is circling the drain, because we have already been flushed, now that's a real download. If you are lucky enough to find the door, please wash your hands with soap and turn the fan on and the light off on your way out. Peace

[@jasondownsnet]

Yep, I always say that, pop music is like the McDonalds of music; a music like product, it kind of sounds like music, it can even feel like music, but there's no nutritional value to it.

[@acarouselofantics]

Jason Downs Really good point! I like your statement there!

[@ahmadmuhammad3678]

yep me too agree with your word pop music no nutritional value

[@jackjackattack9137]

True and we'll said.

[@brianm2881]

I'm not sure if a JJ Cale video is the place for a bitter rant on the state of modern society, yet here we are. Anyway, as long as popular music has been, ahem, popular, there has been banal & superficial music readily consumed by the public. The reason why we look back on decades past and say, "Oh, music was better, then." is because none of the crappy music from those times makes it into the present day awareness. It's the musical equivalent of looking at someone's photos on Facebook and thinking they have a much better life than you - a sort of 'highlight reel effect'. In actuality, 99 percent of recording acts have been one-hit (if that) wonders, most recorded music has been disposable, and even more has been forgettable.

[@mikemchugh3073]

Well, he actually was a superstar. A superstar of a writer to artists that covered his songs or (tried to) copy his very original style. Hope he realized $$$ from royalties and glad he didn't fall for the corporate shuffle (What a lie). I feel so lucky to have seen him headlining a triple bill in NYC with Duke Robillard and The West Coast Blues Band.

[@bonzomio]

Great tribute Op-Doc....love the artwork/animation! JJ defined cool.

[@valdassteponaitis6133]

He's superstar for me and for many others I think :) Rest in peace....

[@kwong7058]

Wow, thanks for the intro- going to check J.J.Cale out now...he's before my time, and being in Asia doesn't help...

[@darthravo]

I've heard this clip many manny times but I always love enjoying listening to this story again

[@framrozebugli1337]

Salute to one of the greatest musician who lived and died in the shadows

[@wasabiginger6993]

I have always preferred JJ’s over the other’s versions … he lived to play music HIS WAY … NO STRESS way … lived hand to mouth … just imagine if all our lives were that simple … being so creative!

[@asfjaojgutobe]

Love your music, JJ Cale

[@georgeboyce6231]

That's awesome. He was happy enough just playing the music

[@lucioflorencio2801]

What's the name of the music that plays at the final of the video?

[@patrickhiggins6726]

'Naturally' brilliant album, 'Troubadour' and many more are excellent. Fine guitarist.

[@MK-md3jb]

Genuine love for music, still miss him

[@theHeretick653]

After Midnight was put out as a 45 demo originally, it had the faster pace. Clapton covered the demo version, hence the quicker tempo. JJ switched it up for the album. True story. Naturally is just outta sight, Okie is not far behind, my favorites.

[@jeremygreen2198]

Saw this truly great musician and his band near on 50 years ago when vhe toured here in Melbourne Australia! Eric Clapton a "Johnny come lately!" Knew 50 years ago just how good a musician JJ Cale really was! Thanks for all the great music for over half a century RIP J J!! "

[@michaelmorrissey1052]

Absolutely true. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@callum1651]

He is hero of our hearts

[@johnardenzedaker2813]

I bet your folks used to listen to that album over and over and over again..... I was fortunate enough to be gifted some really cool LPS tambien....

[@jon_good]

I have that record (the one with racoon on it), I actually was just listening to it yesterday. He's definitely a very underrated musician.

[@hinspect]

I saw him and his Band live 3 times. "Ella Guru's" Knoxville, "Bijou Theatre" Knoxville and "Be Here Now" in Asheville

[@BoycottChinaa]

I found him when I was a Napster jerk, downloading over a landline a song a night for a month, because I was amazed this guy was ripping everyone off! LOL That was 2000 and he's been a favorite ever since, Downtown LA and 13 Days are my two favorites. Widespread Panic's Traveling Light was what triggered the original download.. nice work, thanks!

[@francoisnoir10x]

One of my favs. Period.

[@marcosgomes7681]

JJ a Giant Man what talent he had

[@johnnyplatis]

They dont make them like him anymore. Exactly. You said it all.

[@summercoat]

After the release of his first album, some industry type told him “You gotta make another album.” JJ was like “What’s wrong with the one we put out?” I love (LOVE)! him.

[@RHack1]

Pretty sure that was Willis Alan Ramsey. People are still waiting for his second album.

[@1000mg.]

Love JJ Cale I have troubadour and five on vinyl. $1.80 total for both. I particularly liked him playing "breeze" on live with Jules but can't find it on KZbin anymore.

[@privateprivate4378]

There are many ironies involved with JJ Cale. For example, his celebrated 'laid-back' guitar playing style: (this he was a celebrated pioneer of), and was so often was featured on his records & live recordings. However if you hear his studio (with video) recordings (availagle on KZbin.com) with Leon Russel, it is readily apparent that he could 'shred' scales, riffs and anything else with as much as much acumen as any rock, jazz, 'metal' or blues guitar player that ever was---its just that he SELLECTED out of that, the killer riffs that SAID the most, that MEANT the most for the music that he was playing. Most of this he did (famously among musicians) on a cheap. pawnshop Harmony acoustic guitar that set him back a staggering $30.00.. He had removed the back from this guitar, and installed tone shaping pedal electronics (without their clamshells) that were controlled by knobs on the face of the guitar. Many guitarists offered him thousands to possess this instrument and (of course) he was never a seller. A talented musician would know that the could have left Page, Beck, and any other 'shredder' in the dust. But for all those that would pay tribute to him in time, most were simply in a state of terminal jealously when it came to him, because in the end THEY simply could not compete. The audiophilles, the musicians, the connoisseurs of music: whether of studio or performance, knew and knew this very, very well--his greatness. He DOES rest in peace and in permanent glory. Amen.

[@ammarmidani6358]

he was the idol of the superstars, a musician's musician.

[@iaeinterior]

I think he was the best sound and chord finder,anyway people is also die who think he wasnt popular:) he was a superstar for me . usa giving error sometimes like mr. sugarman rodrigez .

[@hellomyfriend9227]

I just watched a concert, j.j. cale n Eric Clapton, playing in San Francisco CA.... it was filmed in 2016, and didn't pass on in 2013, like it said at end of video, truth be known, it's a far truth from having true respect for the feller, true American musician, happy and humble too share his music, like a book writer letting acts such as skynard and Clapton, too represent him, happy enough with the royalties as we know, God Bless.... my mistake on him passing n 2013, just heard Eric Clapton talking about it, when he was talking about, they call me the breeze.......

[@garylehrjr1616]

Don't blame him on that. Love that album Naturally. Like the live stuff I seen to with Leon Russell to.

[@johnnyplatis]

Right to the point. Bravo.

[@cornelmasson4610]

"That weird, cool fusion between Rock and Country and Blues and Folk"... Spot on!

[@jsamc8420]

great animation

[@workingtheworld68]

I remember seeing that album cover often in used or cut-out record bins. Still a fan however

[@torontolarrivee7965]

Has a similar vibe to Mike Judge's 'Tales from the Tour Bus' - love it. Great animation.

[@chrisl.johnston6622]

1st time I've heard the AB story ! JJ put the Cool in Laid Back ! Glad to be from T-Town ! RiP Mr.jj Cale

[@mrbell1367]

He played music...he didn't act like he played music. My beautiful father got me into jj when I was a teen listening to Jimmy Hendrix and Eric Clapton. He said,.. if I thought "SLOWHAND WAS GOD" than "JJ is his maker "...my father was wise on music...rip dad rip jj

[@jamescampbell9533]

If you grew up in Tulsa in the 60s,John was a superstar. Him and Leon and Teagarden and Gates and many many more.

[@paaao]

“Bringing it back from Mexico!” Long time listener here on the Southern boarder