Roy Book Binder

by Ron Wynn & Stephen Thomas ErlewineAn often stirring folk/blues guitarist and vocalist, Roy Book Binders been playing country blues since the mid-60s, when he began recording for Blue Goose. Greatly influenced by Rev. Gary Davis and Pink Anderson, Book Binder played in East Coast coffeehouses in the early 60s, then began accompanying Rev. Davis on tours in the mid-60s. He also played with Larry Johnson, Arthur Big Boy Crudup and Homesick James. Besides constant concerts and tours, Book Binders made additional recordings for Blue Goose, as well as Adelphi and Rounder. Book Binder began playing blues guitar while he was enlisted in the navy. Following his discharge from the military, he enrolled in Rhode Island Junior College. After a brief spell there, he attended New Yorks New School for Social Research. Book Binder quit school in 1967, after he met the Rev. Gary Davis. Roy became Davis chauffeur, during which he took extensive lessons from the blind guitarist. Book Binder started his recording career slowly, cutting some singles for Kicking Mule and Blue Goose in 1968. In 1969, he toured England with Arthur Big Boy Crudup and Homesick James. The following year, he released his first album, Travelin Man, on Adelphi. After the release of Travelin Man, he began touring America extensively. Book Binder began playing with fiddler Fats Kaplin in 1973, recording Git Fiddle Shuffle the same year. Roy and Fats were a duo for three years, playing numerous concerts and recording a second album, Ragtime Millionaire in 1976. Following the release of Ragtime Millionaire, the duo stopped performing together and Book Binder bought a motor home, which became his permanent residence. Live performances became his primary concern after the release of Goin Back to Tampa in 1979. For nearly ten years, he toured the country in the motor home, driving himself from club to club, hitting numerous coffeehouses and festivals along the way. Book Binder returned to recording in 1988, releasing Bookaroo! on Rounder Records. During the 80s, he recorded regularly — releasing an album every two to four years — in addition to his constant touring.