Mentor Williams, Writer of "Drift Away" Passes

via youtube

It's been quite a while since I've written something new for this music blog. The reason has nothing to do with inspiration and everything to do with monetization. As in, my life is much more enjoyable when I get paid to write, so besides some writing for a site or two that have been supportive to me in other ways, earning a living is where my focus has been.

That being said, when this blog began nearly five years ago its purpose was to "shine a little light on some damn fine music." The first blog post acknowledged the passing of the singer whose biggest hit expressed exactly what music meant to me. The singer was Dobie Gray, and the song was "Drift Away."

"Gimme the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away."

Yeah.
We lost Dobie in 2011, and today word comes that we've lost the writer of that song, Mentor Williams. A longtime resident of Taos, it's easy to see where he found his inspiration. A journeyman songwriter, he held seminars and gave lectures on his craft, helping young songwriters in the business he knew best. Mentor also produced and worked with artists from Paul McCartney to Kim Carnes and Gerry Rafferty.

Over the years, I've called "Drift Away" the quintessential song written about music. I still believe that today. Thank you Mentor Williams for believing in the song and letting us all get lost in your rock & roll and drift away.

Easy Journey.

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Yeah, give me the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

And when my mind is free

You know a melody can move me

And when I'm feelin' blue

The guitar's comin' through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you've given me

I want you to know I believe in your song

And rhythm and rhyme and harmony

You've helped me along

Makin' me strong

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Give me the beat boys and free my soul

I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away