That time Joe Henry told me about his new homage to Richard Pryor, my favourite comedian of all time

By Steve Newton

Back in June of 2001 I interviewed American singer-songwriter Joe Henry while he was touring behind his eighth studio album, Scar.

That album opens with a jazzy, mournful track titled “Richard Pryor Addresses a Tearful Nation”, an homage to the comedy legend that features a sax solo by Ornette Coleman.

The Scar album was dedicated to Pryor, and included a plug for his recent box set, …And It’s Deep, Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968–1992).

Since Richard Pryor was my favourite comedian of all time, I made sure to ask Henry how that song came about.

Have a listen:

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