Peter Laughner - Dear Richard

Peter Laughner was, among other things, one of the founders of Rocket from the Tombs, the band in the YouTube clip I posted on Monday. He's not in the clip. He died in 1977, well before he turned thirty, and for those so inclined, became another one of the doomed Byronic heroes that populate so much of the history of rock and roll. I first heard of him from someone who had known him, and who saw nothing romantic or glamorous in his death, just tragedy.

His songs continue to be performed. Here's one that is not among his best-known, but is a good example of his gifts: intelligent and skilled songwriting, engaged and expressive singing, masterful but not showboat-y lead guitar, and absolute commitment. As with so much of his recorded work, it's basically an amateur recording, so allow for that when you listen. (Note: he takes the second guitar solo.)

Here's his AllMusic entry for more detail.