Born on August 20: John Hiatt, the American rock troubadour who seduced Nashville

He was born in 1952 in Indianapolis (Indiana). Although he is not very well known, his influence is nevertheless immense...

While his name probably only evokes vague memories for most of you, his songs have been covered by the greatest artists. In doubt? Here are a few examples to convince you. Bob Dylan performed "The Usual" for the soundtrack of the film "Hearts Of Fire" (1987). Emmylou Harris made "Icy Blue Eye" her own. Eric Clapton sang "Riding With The King" as a duet with B.B. King for their joint album in 2000. Don Henley of the Eagles chose "Through Your Hands". Even Iggy Pop opted for "Something Wild" (an ideal title for him) as the soundtrack for the fabulous film of the same name directed by Jonathan Demme. But we can also mention Rosanne Cash, Joan Baez, Little Village, Jeff Healey, Willie Nelson and many others. Although he never made it into the Billboard Top 100, John Hiatt is nonetheless a master of contemporary American music.

Born in a large family and marked by early hardships such as the death of his father at the age of 9 and the suicide of his older brother, John Hiatt found refuge in writing and music as a teenager. At 18, he left Indianapolis for Nashville, where he joined the songwriter circuit and quickly signed with a music publishing company that attempted to place his compositions with other artists.

In the 1970s, his recording debut, notably with "Hangin' Around the Observatory" (1974), largely went under the radar, although he was already recognized for his unique style. Gradually, his lyrics, sometimes tinged with offbeat humor, sometimes with a form of introspective pain, ended up seducing a demanding audience seeking sincerity.

In 1987, the album "Bring the Family," recorded with Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe, and Jim Keltner, marked a turning point and remains considered a key link in his career.

Over the decades, with nearly 25 studio albums, Hiatt has delivered a dense discography that often leaves room for the social chronicles he so cherishes.

A longtime resident of Nashville, Hiatt embodies a certain idea of Americana, a movement that blends folk, blues, rock, and country. His latest album, "Leftover Feelings" (2021), was recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic in live conditions with the Jerry Douglas Band in his hometown of Nashville.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo : © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: John Hiatt on stage at the Rock Werchter festival (Belgium) on July 8, 1985