Pokey LaFarge is an American singer, songwriter, bandleader and musician from Bloomington, United States, based in St. Louis, Missouri. His work is rooted in americana and draws on early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing, along with folk, blues and ragtime influences.

Career

LaFarge begins recording in 2007 with Marmalade, followed by Beat, Move and Shake in 2008 and Riverboat Soul in 2010. Riverboat Soul and Middle of Everywhere each receive Independent Music Awards for Best Americana Album. In 2013 he signs with Jack White’s Third Man Records for his fifth full-length album, Pokey LaFarge.

Appearances and collaborations

He appears as a musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman and on The Late Late Show on Ireland’s RTÉ One network. His version of “Lovesick Blues”, recorded with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks for Boardwalk Empire, is included on the series’ official soundtrack volume 2. He also appears in Disney’s The Lone Ranger, both on screen and on the film’s original score, and features on A Prairie Home Companion and NPR’s World Cafe. He records a song for ATO Records’ Divided & United: Songs of the Civil War, produced by Randall Poster.

Touring and live work

LaFarge tours extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand, and performs at clubs and festivals across North America and Europe. He opens for Jack White on the Blunderbuss tour and plays at venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Radio City Music Hall.

Band members and associated acts

For group-credited work, he appears as Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three. Named members include Ryan Koenig on harmonica, washboard and snare, Adam Hoskins on guitar and Joey Glynn on upright bass. A later five-piece backing band also includes Chloe Feoranzo on clarinet and TJ Muller on cornet. Other associated names include Southside Collective.

Style and approach

His songs combine vintage American styles with storytelling lyrics and expressive vocals. He also works as an entertainer and preservationist, and his performances are described through a strong emphasis on wit and on reworking older musical traditions rather than simply reproducing them.

Collaborators and other artists

LaFarge performs with or alongside Jack White, The Raconteurs, Wanda Jackson, Old Crow Medicine Show and Carolina Chocolate Drops.