elliott murphy

Elliott Murphy is, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding characters of the rock and roll scene. He was born in New York but he actually lives in Paris. Even though he expatriated himself from the “big apple” and made a career far from the big record companies, he is considered one of the most passionate, cultivated and intelligent among the rock composers. He has many fans in the rock and roll business, such as Peter Buck from REM, Lou Reed, Tom Petty, John Mellecamp and Elvis Costello. Bruce Springsteen worked on one of his latest albums ( and every time he plays in Paris he invites Elliot up to the stage).

From 1973 Murphy has published twenty-nine albums, receiving an outstanding critical response. Since he released his acclaimed first album Aquashow, (of which the prestigious magazine Rolling Stone said: “As long as Rock'n'Roll exists Elliott Murphy and his music will be with us”) up to his last album Coming Home Again, Elliott has shown a very personal and genuine style. His poetic imagery, the way he masters the story-telling and his introspective lyrics have made people worship him in the United States and a really popular artist in Europe. “I didn't know anyone there knew who was I ,” ­ he says in retrospect, “until I played my first concert in Paris and I got six encores”.

Today, Elliott Murphy lives in Paris with his wife, Francoise, and his son Gaspard. He tours constantly. Apart from his impressive musical output  he has written a  collection of short stories and a novel (Cold and Electric) translated into several languages as well.  He wrote the classic liner notes to the Velvet Underground's 69 live album. "Literature is my religion," Murphy stated on a recent TV show,  "but rock ‘n roll is my addiction."  But not everything in Elliott's career was music and literature since he played a small role in Fellini's movie Roma.

“Rock'n'Roll never let me down. Actually, I reckon it is us that let the Rock'n'Roll dream down, whatever that dream meant”. After thirty four years and twenty nine records, the story still goes on.