Biff Rose

File:BiffRose.jpg

Biff Rose's self-titled 1970 album.

Paul "Biff" Rose is an American singer-songwriter. David Bowie recorded the song "Fill Your Heart", co-written by Rose and Paul Williams, on his album Hunky Dory (1971). The song was recorded by Tiny Tim in 1968 . Bowie played Rose songs in his live performances. Other Rose songs were covered by John Denver and Pat Boone.

Rose appeared on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. He was a guest on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, American Bandstand, and Hugh Hefner's Playboy After Dark. He emceed the Atlantic City Pop Festival of 1969, and the Atlanta Pop Festival of 1970. 1978's Roast Beef was produced by Mike Nesmith.

Rose's later work differs from his early recordings. There is anti-semitic language found on his websites, and his newer lyrics make negative and controversial use of racial stereotypes.

2005 has seen more new re-releases of Rose's back catalog.

Discography

Commercial albums

• The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side (1968, Tetragrammaton)
• Children of Light (1969, Tetragrammaton)
• Biff Rose [some copies titled Ride On] (1970, Buddah)
• Half Live at the Bitter End (1971, Buddah)
• Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ (1972, United Artists)
• Hamburger Blues [w/ Wall Matthews] (1974, Sweet Jane Limited)
• Roast Beef (1978, Down Pat/Pacific Arts)
• Thee Messiah Album/Live at Gatsby's (1979, Pacific Arts)

Self released

• Biff, Cliff, and Warren (1961)
• Banjo and Ballyhoo (1963, Angry Young Man Records)
• Bone Again (1996, Fast Eddy)
• The Elizabethan Period [w/ Elizabeth Suggs] (2000, GoddessOne)
• E-Stir Parade (2003, Wascals)
• Live At The Earl Of Oldtown (recorded 1977, released 2003, Wascals)
• The Knight Wigguh and the Nippie Higger (2004, Wascals)

non-album singles

• Take Care of My Brother/Myrtle's Pies (1969, Tetragrammaton)
• Rudolph [features Biff and his children] (1971, United Artists)

Compilations

• Urban (folk) Renewal: Blue Dog Cellar [live compilation w/ 3 other artists] (1962, Kimberly)
• Put Your Hand in the Hand [odd various artist compilation featuring songs from 1970's Biff Rose] (mid 1970's, Pickwick)
• The Acoustic Highway Collection: The Road To Country Rock [features previously unreleased track] (EMI, 1996)
• The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side/Children of Light (2005, Water Records)
• Fill Your Heart With Biff Rose (2005 RPM Records)

References

• Promotion for the Water Records Compilation includes very detailed bio of Biff Rose by Thom Moore.
• 2005 Interview in Bay Guardian by Kimberly Chun
• Reviews of Biff's albums 1968-1970
• Robert Christgau column, Esquire, Apr. 1969, reviews an early Tonight Show appearance.
• Smothers Brothers appearance, aired 4/13/69.
• Atlantic City Pop Festival, August 1-3, 1969.
• Playboy After Dark appearance, aired 11/5/69.
• American Bandstand appearance, aired 1/24/70.
• Atlanta Pop Festival, July 4th weekend, 1970.
• Later Tonight Show appearance, aired 12/11/70.
• Robert Christgau review of Half Live at the Bitter End comedy album, further commentary on "Tonight Show" appearances, 1971.
• Bowie plays Rose, Sep 25th 1971, Aylesbury
• Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's review of 1972 album Uncle Jesus Auntie Christ
• Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's biography on allmusic.com.
• Here and here are references to Bruce Springsteen's Jan-Feb 1973 Max Kansas City shows opening for Biff Rose.
• Pat Boone's 1968 album "Departure" includes Rose songs "What's Gnawing At Me" and "Molly."
• John Denver's 1970 album "Take Me To Tomorrow" covers Biff Rose song "Molly."
• 2004 Paul Williams liner notes compliment Biff Rose.

Links

• Biff Rose's official website
• Biff Rose's message board Biff Rose's musings.