David Carradine Leaves Behind A Musical Legacy
Jun 04, 2009 - By Jeffrey Hyatt
It’s a sad day for fans of David Carradine with the reports of his death in Bangkok.
Known primarily for his popular TV and film work, Carradine was also a celebrated artist, musician and songwriter throughout his lengthy career.
The man who would one day star as Kwai Chang Caine in the ‘70s TV series “Kung Fu” actually studied musical theory and composition at San Francisco State College. It was while writing music for the college’s drama department that Carradine discovered a desire to act.
Carradine moved to New York City and soon debuted on Broadway debut as a replacement in 1964’s The Deputy.
Flexing his songwriting talent, in 1975 Carradine wrote the score for the film “You and Me.” He also starred in the drama. Carradine would continue to merge his love of acting and music in films like “Cloud Dancer,” “American Reel,” and “Kill Bill: Vol. 2.”
A proven talent on the piano, many will be interested to know that Carradine was equally adept with guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, drums and the sitar.
In-between an eclectic movie career, Carradine released two albums – Grasshopper and As Is – featuring the singles “You and Me,” “Troublemaker” and “Walk The Floor.” All told, he has written more than 100 songs and toured the world, playing his special blend of fun, bluesy soul.
You can hear some of Carradine’s music at the official David Carradine website. Instant review: Not bad at all! A little country, a little folk and definitely someone you can tell had a passion for the craft of songwriting. Highly recommended.
Carradine’s artwork can also be viewed on the official website.
Aside from his solo records, Carradine also had a band: The Cosmic Rescue Team.
How cool is that? Joining Carradine in the bluesy, southern rock-style band was brother Bobby Carradine on guitar, Clynell Jackson III on bass, Leslie Daniel on drums and violinist Sharon Benson. The members of Cosmic Rescue Team also have a website and side-project called Soul Dogs, a terrific band Carradine was known to take the stage with.
As we mourn Carradine’s passing and look back over his career, it seems almost fitting that he portrayed folk singer Woody Guthrie in the 1976 film “Bound for Glory,” a musical performance remembered fondly as one talented man portraying another.
“Somebody once told me that there are no failures in Hollywood, only people who give up too soon,” Carradine said in an interview last year. “It’s not that I’m the very best at everything, but I’ve lived longer than some guys and didn’t quit like others. And I’ve always had music to make the ride that much sweeter.”
Sweeter for all of us.
Saturday, June 6, 2009 5:11AM
I am just now appreciating how great David Carradine was. When he died I realized how much I really loved his work over the years. He was a legend and people are just starting to figure that out after he dies. And the music he did was great too. He acted, wrote and sang music, painted and became involved in martial arts for himself (not just for the roles he played).
Friday, July 17, 2009 9:02PM
So glad people are finally discovering David Carradine's musical Life!
Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:04AM
I loved David Carradines work all the way from the early 70's. The musical part is fairly new to me, There is a whole world to discover. I personally hate it when people die before their time when they are still giving…but David gave a lot and it's time to concentrate and treasure those contributions!
Robert
Friday, August 28, 2009 10:25AM
I have to admit that there were only a few things that I had ever seen David Carradine in: "Kung Fu", of course, "The Long Riders' and 'Kill Bill". At the time of his death I was in the middle of re-watching Kung Fu on DVD. I was using it as escapism after learning that I was loosing my job. It was actually helping me and inspiring me to take Tai Chi classes.
Anyway, after Carradine died I started looking him up a lot-to the point of obsession really. Since he died I have read the "Kill Bill Diary", "Endless Highway", "The Spirit of Shoalin" and "The Kung Fu Book of Caine". I finished the series and proceeded to watch every David Carradine movie I could get a hold of. Among my favorites are: "Boxcar Bertha" (best movie sex in the history of movies) "Bound for Glory "(on which he sang and sang and sang), "The Serpent Egg" (which I liked better than the reviews said I would) "The Long Riders" (again) Death Race 2000 (extremely funny), "Americana" (his directorial 'labor of love') "Grey Lady Down", "Six Against the Rock", "Kill Bill" I and II (again) and the lasted DVD release "Golden Boys". I am slated to tape "Sonny Boy" off TCM early in the AM on 9/12/09. Throw in the original "Kung Fu" pilot and this list is what I call "The Essential David Carradine." Most of these movies should have won him awards, IMHO.
During this exploration I have developed an appreciation for Carradine's multiple musical talents. I really love the theme song that he wrote and sang on "Americana" and I loved the way his daughter,Calista, sang it too. I sent her a message on Face Book to tell her that but she never responded.
Anyway, I am starting a new job. Hopefully I will regain my life soon. But this, to me, has been the summer of David Carradine and , for me, the time was well spent (except do not bother watching "The Donor" with his ex-wife Marina. It is truly the worst movie I have ever tried to watch and the casting was really, really bad. Marina Anderson is the worse actress to ever be filmed).