Old No. 1 at 50 – Celebrating the Spirit of Guy Clark

On November 7, 1975, the day after his 34th birthday, RCA Records released Old No. 1, legendary songwriter Guy Clark’s debut album. While not a commercial success by any stretch, the album was highly praised by the press and “L.A. Freeway,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “Rita Ballou” “Texas 1947” “Let Him Roll” and “That Old Time Feeling” soon became instant classics. No one could have known then that Old No. 1 would inspire generations of American songwriters, troubadours and music fans.

The Guy Clark Family Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting songwriters, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Old No. 1 with a series of concerts around the country to bring awareness to the organization, and to boost songwriters who work in the spirit of Guy Clark. Songwriters will perform songs from Old No. 1, followed by a set of their own original material. 

Ticket sales will benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation.

About the performers:

Meghan Cary”

Meghan delivers award-winning original songs with powerful vocals and unshakable stage presence. Hailed a “storytelling troubadour” by Billboard Magazine, Cary inspires connection and community with music that’s earned comparisons to Melissa Etheridge and Brandi Carlile. Her anthem “Sing Louder” and 2025 single “Raise Your Voice” rally audiences to hope and action. A favorite at festivals like Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Fest, she’s shared stages with Joan Osborne, Chris Smither, and more. Whether performing, teaching, or speaking, Cary empowers others to embrace their stories with humor and heart. “If you can get to a Meghan Cary show—run, don’t walk.”

Adam Monaco:

“Adam Monaco lives what he writes and writes what he lives, allowing him to deeply connect with those he plays for and alongside of.” – Trevor Gordon Hall

These words will ring true for anyone who has experienced folk/Americana artist Adam Monaco’s thoughtful songwriting and poignant presence firsthand. Adam’s music is lush, colorful, melodic, and takes deep root in the complex, beautiful stories that connect humanity. His lyrics resonate like a conversation with an old friend: personal, profound, engaged, and thought-provoking. His authentic performances showcase his ability to evoke the full range and complexity of human emotions; in one musical moment, he can bring audiences to tears, then lift them back up with witty banter and a relatable anecdote.

Buddy Mondlock:

Buddy Mondlock met Guy Clark on top of a hill at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1986. It was a moment that changed his life. Guy liked the song he heard and started passing around tapes of the young Chicago songwriter’s songs to people he knew in Nashville. When Guy Clark gives you a tape, you listen. Soon Buddy was headed south to a publishing deal and a manager. Since then his songs have been recorded by Nancy Griffith, Joan Baez, David Wilcox, Janis Ian, Peter, Paul & Mary, Garth Brooks and a host of other artists. In 2001 he co-wrote and recorded a trio album with Art Garfunkel and Maia Sharp called “Everything Waits To Be Noticed.” Guy Clark’s album “The Dark” is bookended with songs Clark and Mondlock wrote together - “Mud” and the title song, “The Dark,” which was their first co-write.

Rees Shad:

Rees met Guy for the first time at a recording session in Nashville, where Guy lent his vocal talents to a track on Shad’s debut album.  Guy’s kindness led to manty more people paying attention to the album than would have otherwise, and to pay it forward, Shad has been the organizer of this and other shows in the Northeast to benefit the Foundation.

Over the course of a prolific 40+ year career, 32 releases and 17 solo albums, Shad has crafted music that is both poignant and profound. He is dedicated to crafting short story songs that cross genre lines to serve the spirit of each tale he weaves and engage his audiences in deep and meaningful ways.

Shad’s latest release Porcelain Angel has spent the last few months near the top of the Folk charts being and has lauded for its “grace and elegance” (Americana UK), “all-knowing tonality” (Americana Highways), and for “pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling” (The Rogovoy Report).

Carole Wise:

Carole Wise is a Maine-based singer-songwriter known for her sweet and soulful folk-acoustic music, often described as honest and relatable. Her songs explore themes of love, loss, societal issues, and personal growth, always with a focus on finding the silver lining. She also incorporates her love for nature and her experiences navigating life's challenges into her songwriting. Carole was an award winner at the Rose Garden Songwriter Competition in 2022 and was a finalist for the ISSA Emerging Artist and Best Video awards in 2023. 

About the Guy Clark Family Foundation

The Guy Clark Family Foundation was established in 2024 by Guy’s only grandchildren, Dylan and Ellie. The Foundation’s mission is to honor Guy’s memory and continue his love and support for songwriters. “Songwriting is not a competitive sport,” Guy often said. He opened his home and heart to songwriters from all over the world. The Guy Clark Family Foundation will do the same. We will offer songwriters who work in the spirit of Guy Clark the opportunity to learn, write, collaborate, record, perform, and share their work with a global audience while we continue to honor Guy’s legacy.

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