Biff Rose
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 (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
- Bone Again (1996, Fast Eddy)
- The Elizabethan Period [w/ Elizabeth Suggs] (2000, GoddessOne)
- E-Stir Parade (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 (1971, United Artists)
Compilations
- Urban (folk) Renewal: Blue Dog Cellar (1962, Kimberly)
- The Acoustic Highway Collection: The Road To Country Rock (EMI, 1996)
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
- 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.
- Bowie plays Rose, Sep 25th 1971, Aylesbury
- Biff Rose Richie Unterberger's review of 1972 album Uncle Jesus Auntie Christ
- 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.