A Conversation with J.J. Cale (continued)

PM: So, old or new, what do you find yourself listening to lately?

JJC: I don't listen to music like I used to because radio has gotten strange. I mean, maybe that's because I'm old. I like some of the new acts. I bought Nickelback's record. I bought Nickel Creek's record. I love some of the stuff coming out of Nashville. Oh, I've bought a couple rap records. I bought Juvenile's record. I bought a Tupac record. And I don't like rap, but those guys are better than most.

PM: Yeah, they did some good stuff.

JJC: Yeah, and most of the rappers are terrible. They're all imitators of those guys, right?

PM: And a few others.

JJC: I'll listen to classical music every once in a while. And if I hear something on the radio, I'll go down and buy it and come home and listen to it.

PM: And are there old records in your collection that never really go too far from the turntable?

JJC: There's a record that Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson made. And they also made number two, but number one is the one you want. It's called The Highwaymen.

PM: Right. That's a great record.

JJC: I constantly go back to that about every year and put that on. And I think Billy Sherrill produced it. I might be wrong about that. But that's a great record. The song "Highwayman," Glen Campbell cut that song. I forget the famous songwriter who wrote that. [Jimmy Webb] But anyway, I'll go back and put this on every once in a while. I love them guys. Half of them are gone, now.

PM: Yeah. I ran into Kristofferson recently, and he was looking awful good.

JJC: Yeah. That particular record, the first Highwaymen record, if you like country music with some attitude to it, that's probably about my favorite.

PM: Are you much of a reader? Do you like reading?

JJC: Books?

PM: Yeah.

JJC: Oh, yeah. Well, yeah, I do. If I'm working a lot, I don't. But if I'm bored and having nothing to do, I'm down at Barnes & Noble's or Borders getting my stash of whatever.

PM: Read anything lately that turned you on?

JJC: No. I've been reading non-fiction here lately. It seems like I was doing more reading about five years ago. I haven't been doing as much reading here lately. Reading is kind of a hobby that you get into, then it's really comforting, and then you kind of get out of it, your life changes.

PM: Yep. Would you call yourself a spiritual cat in any way?

JJC: No.

PM: No.

JJC: I don't know what you mean by that. Religious, or--

PM: Well, I mean whatever people mean by it. Some people--a lot of people say, "Well, I'm not religious, but I'm kind of spiritual. And here's how."

JJC: Well, yeah, I might apply a little bit to that. I've taken my share of dope and alcohol.

[laughter]

JJC: Not lately.

PM: Yeah, right.

Well, you're very kind, John, to give me some time today. A lot of people will come and catch up with J. J. Cale and see what's new, and that's the whole point, because we think the new record is great.

JJC: Well, good. Hey, it's been fun talking to somebody that understands technology, and what it is I'm doing here.

PM: [laughs] Thanks.

JJC: Most of these interviews I do are generally newspaper writers and you have to talk showbiz with them. They don't really want to know anything about tape recorders or techniques or guitars or none of that.

PM: And I know you, you're a guitar man.

JJC: Well, yeah. And then I've gotten into the studio thing, and I think that's what's kept me in it. I enjoyed all the aspects of it. I like being the background man, too.

PM: That's great. I just loved talking to you today, and I'm so happy to hear the new record, and that you'll be out on tour again and we can go out and see you.

JJC: Yeah, I'm getting ready to saddle up. Hey, Frank, thanks a lot.

PM: You bet.

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