The Last Folk Hero

This review is about the book “The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Legacy of Joe Jackson”. This book gives readers an in-depth look at the remarkable life and legacy of the late singer-songwriter and folk music legend, Joe Jackson. Written by author and folk music scholar, Brad Balfour, this book offers a comprehensive overview of Jackson’s life and career, including his rise to stardom, his struggles with addiction and depression, and his eventual death in 2003. This book features rare photographs, exclusive interviews, and detailed analysis of Jackson’s musical output. The Last Folk Hero provides an insightful examination into one of American music’s most influential figures.

In order to provide readers with an accurate portrait of Joe Jackson, Brad Balfour leverages an impressive array of resources ranging from archival documents to oral histories. He delves deep into Jackson’s personal history, exploring his upbringing in rural Tennessee and his journey to become a world-famous musician. Additionally, he examines Jackson’s creative process and considers the impact that his songwriting had on generations of musicians who followed him. In short, The Last Folk Hero is a comprehensive biography that captures both the highs and lows of Joe Jackson’s incredible life story.