Jersey’s Unsigned Heroes — Skip Denenberg

We're rolling out a new video series to give unsigned musicians the exposure to one day land them in the big time. If you're an artist or band not signed to a label and you'd like to take advantage of our massive web audience, please send your info to steve.trevelise@gmail.com. Today we feature Skip Dennenberg.

It isn’t writing the theme song “Don’t Bet The Farm” that Skip Denenberg remembers most about Farm Aid. Nor is it playing the song for over 5000 people with Willie Nelson and the band backing him up, nor being described by Willie as one of his favorite new songwriters, nor even sharing the stage with his heroes Steve Earle, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp.
The most memorable moment for Skip came after the show when the caterer approached him backstage to tell him how much Skip’s songwriting had touched him, and he just had to come back and tell him so.

This is the magic of Skip and his music -- honest, powerful songs that brush against the elusive common nerve that every songwriter seeks to tap. Skip’s music has a distinct American feel that seems instantly familiar and comfortable.

As a film and television composer, Skip has scored programs, promos, films and documentaries, ranging from “Sesame Street” to “Olympic Highlight Reels”, and was a contributing writer for the 2012 Grammy Winning “Best Children’s Album”, along with being nominated for 7 Mid-Atlantic Emmys in the last decade.

He has shared stages with such artists as Willie Nelson, Donovan, Richie Havens, Steve Earle, Dar Williams, Al Kooper, Steve Forbert, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ron Sexsmith, Warren Zevon, the Saw Doctors, the Neville Brothers, and many others.

He is the songwriter for the Philadelphia Phillies, and his children’s songs are featured on WXPN’s “Kids Corner.”

Praised by artist Peter Himmelman as “an organic songwriter of the finest caliber” and by music critic, Chris Smith as “proof that there is hope for the American song,” Skip is earning a loyal following everywhere he plays, one fan at a time.

Skip's latest CD "Morningstar Sessions" is getting rave reviews and he came on my show and performed a shortened version of "My Pet Peeve" which is a song inspired by his wife's cat.

Jerseywise, Skip summered in Atlantic City as a kid, and docked the family boat at Dredge Harbor, NJ. He also worked as a lifeguard at Chelsea Hotel and Ritz Carlton but music is his calling.

Skip returned to AC opening for Dom Irrera and John Oates at Borgata. Most recently he's played the Sundown Series 7/5 with Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers In Haddon Heights.

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