Episode 226: Chris Pierce

Chris Pierce was born and raised in Pasadena, California and he’s been working diligently in music since the mid-1990s, which by this point nearly makes him a journeyman. His new album, 'Songs for the Heavy Hearted' is his 12 - depending on how you count live albums and other releases. It’s a warm mix of Laurel Canyon folk and Ben E. King-style soul, and, like the rest of his music, it is built on a foundation of spreading the gospel of human kindness and social justice in equal measure. He is a bit of a joyful warrior, and he has earned his wisdom in the best manner anyone does, which is through, struggle, triumph and persistence. As for challenges, Pierce suffered hearing loss courtesy of an illness at the age of 15 but regained enough of it to pursue a career in music. He is also living proof that enduring racism need not leave one bitter. As for triumphs, his profile got a boost not so long ago after receiving an invitation to open for Neil Young on a run of west coast tour dates in 2023. I first discovered Chris Pierce’s music at one of those Neil Young shows and I immediately sent him an invitation to join me here on Independent’s Day. That invitation languished in an unused inbox for fully three years until he recently found it and reached out to say that he would be happy to be a guest on Independent's Day. Not as half as happy as I am to have him. Better late than never.