Blaze Foley

In the realm of American country music, there exists a name that is both revered and lamented - Blaze Foley. Born as Michael David Fuller in Malvern, Arkansas on December 18, 1949, Foley's life was marred by tragedy and hardship, yet his artistic soul shone through the darkness. Today, we delve deep into the enigmatic life and legacy of this country music singer-songwriter, poet, and artist from Austin, Texas.

Growing up in San Antonio, Foley's early musical roots can be traced back to his performance days in a gospel band called The Singing Fuller Family, where he shared the stage with his mother, brother, and sisters. However, the shadows of adversity loomed over young Foley as he contracted polio, causing one of his legs to be shorter than the other, forcing him to drag his foot while walking. Despite the challenges, his indomitable spirit earned him the nickname "Deputy Dawg" in the early years of his career.

Foley's artistic journey took an unexpected turn in the spring of 1975 when he met Sybil Rosen while living in a small artists' community outside Whitesburg, Georgia. Rosen became a significant influence and companion in his life, together leaving the community to support Foley's musical pursuits. The couple embarked on a musical odyssey, performing in various cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and eventually finding their way to the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. However, the pressures of a burgeoning career took their toll, leading Foley down a path of increasing alcohol consumption and strained relationships.

Throughout his tumultuous journey, Foley found solace in his close friendship with the legendary Townes Van Zandt, a relationship that greatly influenced his music. Taking inspiration from musician Red Foley and burlesque performer Blaze Starr, Foley decided to adopt the stage name that would become synonymous with his artistry.

Tragically, Foley's career was riddled with misfortune. The master tapes of his debut studio album were confiscated by the DEA during a drug bust involving the album's executive producer. Another studio album vanished when the master copies were stolen alongside Foley's belongings from his humble station wagon home. A third studio album, Wanted More Dead Than Alive, seemingly disappeared until years after Foley's death when a friend, cleaning out his car, stumbled upon what appeared to be the long-lost recordings. Sadly, Foley's untimely demise led to the immediate nullification of his recording contract, and the master tapes were lost in the annals of history, reportedly destroyed in a flood.

Despite his struggles, Foley collaborated with notable artists such as Gurf Morlix, Guy Schwartz, Billy Block, Calvin Russell, and B.W. Stevenson, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he worked with.

On February 1, 1989, tragedy struck Foley's life once again. He was shot in the chest and killed by Carey January, the son of Foley's close friend Concho January, during a confrontation stemming from accusations of stolen veteran pension and welfare checks. The subsequent trial was marked by conflicting testimonies and a questionable account of self-defense, leading to Carey January's acquittal of first-degree murder. The circumstances surrounding Foley's death only added to the air of mystery that surrounded him.

Foley's unconventional nature carried into his funeral, where his casket was infamously coated with duct tape by his friends as a symbol of his rugged authenticity. A chilling anecdote told by Townes Van Zandt recalls van Zandt and his musicians visiting Foley's grave to unearth his body, driven by their quest for the pawn ticket held by Foley for Van Zandt's guitar.

The impact of Foley's music stretches beyond his lifetime. His soul-stirring compositions are featured prominently in the documentary film "Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah," directed by Kevin Triplett. Foley's music has also found its way into popular television shows and films, such as "Preacher," "The Mentalist," and "Homestate." His life story was even brought to the silver screen in the biographical drama "Blaze," directed by Ethan Hawke and featuring musician Ben Dickey as Foley.

Today, the reverberations of Foley's talent echo across musical genres. His song "If I Could Only Fly" has been covered by iconic artists like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Joe Nichols, Nanci Griffith, and Kimmie Rhodes, each paying homage to the enduring legacy of Blaze Foley. Even contemporary bands like Kings of Leon and Whitney have paid their dues to the great folk troubadour by including Foley tribute songs in their albums.

Blaze Foley was a complex figure, filled with raw talent and haunted by personal demons. His music touched the souls of those who truly understood its essence. As we lose ourselves in the anthems of the chart-topping musicians of today, let us not forget the martyrs of the past, like Blaze Foley, whose artistic genius continues to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.