Dave Alvin | Artist

David Alvin is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, music producer and poet born 1955 in Downey California. He is a former and founding member of the roots rock band the Blasters, as well as being a member of influential LA bands X, The Flesh Eaters and The Knitters. Alvin has recorded and performed as a solo artist since the late 1980s and has been involved in various side projects and collaborations, most recently with outlaw country artist Jimmie Dale Gilmour. Growing up in Downey, CA, as teenagers Dave and his older brother, Phil Alvin frequented rockabilly and country music venues. After attending Long Beach State University, Dave and Phil formed the roots-rock band The Blasters with fellow Downey residents Bill Bateman and John Bazz. His outstanding playing and song writing abilities made him a highly sought after guitarist on the vibrant LA psycho-billy scene of the late 70's thru mid 80's, when he played with X, Flesh Eaters and The Knitters, appearing on many of their albums. As a soloist and leader of his own bands, Alvin has released fifteen studio albums to-date, of consistently excellent standard. Highlights include King of California (1994), Blackjack David (1998), Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land (2000) and Ashgrove (2004). Also recommended is the recent 2020 archival release From an Old Guitar: Rare and Unreleased Recordings. The 2000 album Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land, comprised a collection of traditional folk and blues classics, which earned him a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Alvin has published two books of poetry: Any Rough Times Are Now Behind You and Nana, Big Joe & the Fourth of July.

Artist Website: davealvin.net

Featured Albums: Dave Alvin

Related Artists: X, The Blasters, The Flesh Eaters, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Jimmie Dale Gilmour

Video Clips: Fourth of July, Highway 61 Revisited, Harlan County Line