Pop Quiz: Joe Henry

Pop Quiz: Joe Henry

Aidin Vaziri | Joe Henry is one of the great unknowns - even though he won a Grammy for his work on Solomon Burke's "Don't Give Up on Me," wrote a hit for his sister-in-law Madonna, and has produced acclaimed works by Aimee Mann, Loudon Wainwright III, and Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. Two two decades after starting his own music career, the Los Angeles singer-songwriter remains popular only to NPR listeners. His 10th solo release, "Civilians," probably won't change that, even though it's stuffed with clever literary-pop gems that evoke Tom Waits and Randy Newman.

Joe Henry
Q: Are you the only person alive who's worked with both Ornette Coleman and Madonna?
A: Yes, as far as I know. I'm certainly the only person who's worked with Ornette Coleman, Madonna and Ramblin' Jack Elliott.
Q: That's the combo to have?
A: That's the trifecta. Anybody could hit two of those bases. The trick is to hit all three.
Q: I'm sure Elvis Costello could give you a run for the money.
A: We've actually had this conversation. He's worked with a lot of good people, but not that particular combination.
Q: Do you have any good stories about the time you were the opening act on a solo tour by Glenn Frey of the Eagles?
A: Not a single one. I've had that chip removed from my brain and donated to the Smithsonian. Continue reading.