Donovan performing & signing autographs at J&R in NYC before Syracuse Jazz Festival

June 21, 2012

Donovan

Donovan will be in the Northeast US this weekend for Syracuse Jazz Fest, but before he makes his way upstate, he’ll stop in NYC for a free performance and autograph signing at J&R’s 23 Park Row location at 5 PM.

Donovan, who has been creating great folk, pop, and psychedelia since the mid-’60s, was inducted into the Rock N roll Hall of Fame this year. Here’s what he had to say about it:

I suppose that it is a bit like an Academy Award, as one is awarded by one’s peers. It is wonderful. Of all the awards that I have received in my career, this one is very, very singular and very, very large. It is quite pleasant, really. It will focus a searchlight on my work.

I love awards just for that reason; this one is huge. When my work is highlighted, then a younger generation will discover my work. When the word “Donovan” is Googled then twenty seven albums will appear for them to discover. This is an extraordinary thing because the young people will be able to discover my music. My mission has always been to continually be of assistance to young people everywhere. My music and my poetry are filled with stuff that they can use. This award has double meaning as it has a very personal feeling attached to it, as well as being a great honor to my work.

There is poetic justice to it all, as well. My work will be reevaluated by a whole new generation and they’ll find in it comfort that they can use. Whether they are musicians, students or just young people in general, my work is positive and I am so glad that they will be exposed to it.

In honor of the induction, he released an expanded edition of Essential Donovan, with bonus tracks. He also plans to release his “vast and rediscovered archive” with “many songs [he] forgot [he] wrote or recorded.” Stay tuned for more info on that.

A list of all dates and some videos below…

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Donovan – “Sunshine Superman”