A truly major tribute would be a live concert later released as a concert DVD.
A multi-artist, in person, concert is a huge undertaking. Logistically and financially. A collection of multiple individual sessions is probably more doable. Having a CD of R&P covers by a mix of new and established singers (heavy on LGBT/Queer representation and activist performers) would still be a dream come true. And if individual singers, musicians, designers and technical folk are inspired to donate (or discount) their time and skill, well that would make it all the easier.
The image here of a CD jewel case (more likely cardboard sleeve) links to a larger version.
I personally have neither the funds, connexions, nor ability to undertake this as a “Production of The Digital Gryphon llc (my small photography and design business). My attempts to find someone to produce Family of Lovers have so far been unsuccessful. But I didn’t make it this far by abandoning ship prematurely.
A music CD may contain up to 74 minutes uncompressed music; marketing a CD as “including over an hour of music” is a nice touch. Most R&P tracks are less than 4 minutes- although there are songs up to 5 minutes. Choral versions (think ‘Gay Mens Chorus’) probably are easier to extend; with the additional complications of rehearsal times, revising instrumental and vocal arrangements, as well as recording a large group. Not to dissuade any choral interest in this project, I also have Wimp: The Music of R&P as an idea for a musical theatre production or choral programme. It “tells the story of one man’s journey from lonely, nonathletic loner to out and proud gay young man in 18 songs.”
Who would I like to see? Well, I don’t really listen to many new ‘underground’ artists, but I’ve no doubt there are plenty of great singers who could do R&P’s catalogue justice. Feel free to pass this idea along to anyone.
As for singers who’s work I do know, I have thoughts. Here are some names and suggested songs. Note that a couple of folks have since announced retirement, but are included ‘just in case’. I have added other singers since the original post. And of course my pairing of songs with artists is only a suggestion.
Song titles link to a blog post if I’ve written one;
Lyrics and Clips links are to the official R&P website;
R&P is now available on Bandcamp and most songs are available there as well;
@ Alan Cummings- Oh No… I’m In Love [With My Therapist] (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Billy Porter- Living With AIDS (Song Lyrics);
@ Buffy Ste Marie- Be Political, Not Polite (Song Lyrics);
@ Eric Milligan- Red Moon Over Boston (Song Lyrics);
@ Holly Near- The Woman Next Door (Song Lyrics);
@ Ivan Coyote- We’ll Begin Again;
@ Janis Ian- Living In The Nuclear Age;
@ Jesse Hultberg- A Measure of Sadness;
@ Jo Lambert- The Alternative Parenting Song;
@ Margaret Cho- Don’t Use Your Penis For A Brain (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Matt Alber- Once Upon A Time (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Morgxn- Hymn (Song Lyrics);
@ Paul Williams- Love Is All It Takes (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Rae Spoon- The Perfect Crime;
@ Randy Rainbow- Guilt Trip (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Rufus Wainright- Le Jardin de Bernadette; or perhaps Desert Rain (on youTube);
@ Ryan Amador- To Myself (Song Lyrics);
@ Ryan Cassata- Ho- Ho- Homophobia;
@ Sandra Bernhard- Let’s Flaunt It (Song Lyrics);
@ Sandy & Richard Riccardi- Carnival People (Song Lyrics);
@ Steven Gellman- Lost Emotions (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip);
@ Steve Grand- Closing Chapter (Song Lyrics);
@ Tom Goss- Family of Lovers (Song Lyrics) (Short Clip).
MORE LINKS
+ This list tilts toward ballads; many of R&P’s upbeat songs are protest songs that thankfully are becoming a bit dated. See my Queer Progress (2016) for more info;
+ The above singer/song title pairings are suggestions. The official website’s Discography has lyrics of most R&P albums with many more tracks;
+ The R&P youTube channel has added most of their tracks.
To be clear I’m speaking as a private individual without the funds to complete either project. I am a long-time fan, loyal friend, and stubborn old queer, ruminating on what I would love to have happen and putting this out to the universe. No idea who’s under contract where, if any of these folks are interested, or all the intricacies of making this happen (although clearly there would be plenty of details to be wrangled).