Poet, performer, singer and songwriter James Talley may not have instant name recognition in every household, but the list of performers who have performed his songs do - Johnny Cash and Paycheck, Gene Clark, Alan Jackson and Moby have all recorded James Talley songs. During Talley's long career he has performed twice in the White House, played the Smithsonian and even had B.B. King lay guitar tracks on his albums.

The Mehan, Oklahoma born singer's career spans more than 40 years garnering him universal praise for his folk-country-blues songs written with lightness, impact and beauty. After receiving encouragement from Pete Seeger, Talley began to write songs that drew upon the culture of the Southwest that he experienced growing up. His songs, like his poetry serves as a vehicle for Talley to tell stories that will be familiar to anyone with a working class background.

Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler said of Talley, "you remain for me one of America's greatest songwriters." With all that said, it can't be understated enough what an amazing opportunity to touch greatness you have when James Talley gives a free performance.

OLYMPIC ROOM, 7 P.M., NO COVER, TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH, 1102 TACOMA AVE. S., TACOMA, 253.292.2001