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Revision as of 22:48, 24 February 2008 by 76.168.243.73 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Paul "Biff" Rose is an American comedian and singer-songwriter.
Born in New Orleans, by 1966 he moved to Hollywood, worked briefly as a sketch writer with George Carlin for television variety shows. Eventually, Rose moved back to songwriting.
David Bowie covered the song "Fill Your Heart," a melody by Rose and song and lyrics by Paul Williams, on his album Hunky Dory (1971).
Following the release of 1968's The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side, Rose appeared 12 times on The Tonight Show from 1968 to 1970. .
2005 saw a US CD re-released his Tetragrammaton albums and singles, and a UK compilation covered Rose's work from 1968 through 1985.
Musical Style
Rose's early work consists of unaccompanied piano and vocals as well as more orchestrated numbers. Rose's work of the past ten years differs from his early recordings. His newer releases frequently rely on negative racial stereotypes. Many of his websites, such as www.Jewmanity.com, feature anti semitic and anti black statements. This has resulted on various online postings criticizing Rose of being antisemitic and racist .
Discography
Full Length Releases
- The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side (1968, Tetragrammaton, re-released on Buddah)
- Children of Light (1969, Tetragrammaton, re-released on Buddah)
- Biff Rose (1970, Buddah)
- Half Live at the Bitter End (1971, Buddah)
- Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ (1972, United Artists)
- Roast Beef (1978, downpatrecords/Pacific Arts)
Compilations
- Urban (folk) Renewal: Blue Dog Cellar (1962, Kimberly)
- Put Your Hand in the Hand (mid 1970's, Pickwick)
References
- Promotion for the Water Records Compilation includes very detailed bio of Biff Rose by Thom Moore.
- 2005 Interview in Bay Guardian by Kimberly Chun
- Reviews of Biff's albums 1968-1970
- Robert Christgau column, Esquire, Apr. 1969, reviews an early Tonight Show appearance.
- Robert Christgau review of Half Live at the Bitter End comedy album, further commentary on "Tonight Show" appearances, 1971.
- Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's review of 1972 album Uncle Jesus Auntie Christ
- Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's biography on allmusic.com.
- Here and here are references to Bruce Springsteen's Jan-Feb 1973 Max Kansas City shows opening for Biff Rose.
- 2004 Paul Williams liner notes compliment Biff Rose.
External links
- One Biff Rose official website
- Another Biff Rose official website
- Here's another Biff Rose official website
- Biff Rose's message board Biff Rose's musings.