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A conversation with Gary Louis of the Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have been called everything from the grandfathers of alt country to one of America's best rock bands to the best group to come from Minneapolis since the Replacements. Since their formation in 1985, the band have built a catalog of entrancing, memorable songs that — while drawing on country twang and the influence of the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo — encompass a broad swath of American music. 

The Jayhawks have been called everything from the grandfathers of alt country to one of America's best rock bands to the best group to come from Minneapolis since the Replacements. Since their formation in 1985, the band have built a catalog of entrancing, memorable songs that — while drawing on country twang and the influence of the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo — encompass a broad swath of American music. 

Gary Louris, who started the band and co-wrote many of their early staples with guitarist Mark Olson, now leads the band and his songwriting dominates the latest Jayhawks record, the charming Paging Mr. Proust. Infused with literary references and gorgeous harmonies, it's a clear-eyed, charming collection that stands with the band's best work. And there's a great story behind the record's striking cover image. 

Louris took a break from the band's U.S. tour to join Dad Rock's Patrick Foster and USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider (filling in for Jim Lenahan) for a wide-ranging talk that touched on parenthood (he has a son in high school), songwriting methodology, the band's enduring legacy and his recent stint in rehab for opioid addiction. 

"I absolutely love playing live," Louris says, "but I never see myself as an entertainer. I see myself as a writer who has to entertain to make a living." 

Listen to the full interview below: 

 

 

 

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