Second Cup Cafe: Phoebe Snow

(CBS)  Ever since singer/guitarist Phoebe Snow's poetry crossed over to lyrics to her songs, she has performed wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Born in New York City, Snow wasn't interested in piano lessons; instead, she was drawn to the guitar.

Snow stopped by the The Early Show's "Second Cup Café" Saturday to perform songs from her first in-concert album, "Phoebe Snow - Live," which was recorded in July in Woodstock, N.Y.

As a teen, Snow began performing in front of audiences at amateur nights. She took on clubs in New York City's Greenwich Village in the '70s with her soulful, soothing, yet folksy sound.

It was that very sound that caught the attention of a promotions executive, who signed her onto Shelter Records. She then released her self-titled album in 1974, which featuring guest performances by The Persuasions, Zoot Sims, Toddy Wilson, David Bromberg and Dave Mason.

Her hit song "Poetry Man" hit No. 5 on the singles charts and garnered her a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist. The attention didn't stop there. Snow appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, and platinum records followed.

With her newfound fame, Snow toured alongside music legend Paul Simon, proving she could perform with the best of them.

The next 15 years, Snow didn't slow down. She went on to record several solos, including "Second Childhood" (1975), "It Looks Like Snow" (1976), "Never Letting Go" (1978), "Against The Grain" (1979), "Rock Away" (1980), and "Something Real" (1989).

In 1992, Snow also toured with Donald Fagen's popular New York Rock And Soul Revue. They enjoyed making music with Snow so much so that she was featured on the group's album recorded live at the Beacon Theater in New York City.

Snow has also shared the stage with an impressive lineup of musicians that have included Jewel, Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Michael Bolton, Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald and Cece Peniston, among others.
By Melissa Castellanos

[justsane-2009]

i am so sorry that i missed the show this morning!

if memory serves me right, she disappeared from the scene for quite some time because she had a special needs child and felt that she needed to devote her time and energy to him. now that''s a woman who is a real advocate for special needs children :)

[uniqueziar]

My goodness it''s been a long time coming to hear someone as lovly as yourself, i did more of you and all that you do, i loved Ms. Show in the 70''s and remember when she pass on the other side and now here you are!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much for being ever lasting, please visit my web site www.oneuniqueziar.com to give me more informatiom on your music.

[brianbwb-2009]

Phoebe Snow is truly an under-recognized national treasure. She is one of the reasons we need a true alternative TV network just for live music performance, to showcase America''s true music talent, and leave the "manufactured-sexpot-angst-filled-drug-abusing problem children" to the rest of the channels.

[imrichie33]

Phoebe Snow, where have you been? you have the only voice comparable to Queen Ella Fitzgerald. i think even Ella said that. why don''t we hear more from you, what is holding you back? all you have to do is sing.... sing ella, your are so good, you deserve her crown.
thanks to CBS, for bringing you too us. and, thanks for the segmt, Second Cup Of Coffee, i love it.

[wellcrap7]

Phoebe Snow!!!! ohmygosh. I love her music. I''ve been a fan since the 70s. Her music took me through some tough times (relationship). I am so happy to see she''s... well, that she''s still singing. I''m outta the loop so I have probably missed out on her career lately, but ohmygosh.... here she is again. Lucky for me I''m on the west coast and the Second Cup Cafe hasn''t been on yet. You can betcha I''ll be watching and probably tearing up a bit. I LOVE YOUR MUSIC PHOEBE!! So much so that I tried 14 times to register just so I could give a shout-out. Way ta go CBS... Way ta go The Early Show!! Thank you.