PRINTInside tracks with Raven Wolf C. Felton Jennings II
Raven Wolf shares his six favorite songs with Vox
File photo
April 26, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Got headphones? Vox has song suggestions from the city’s music masterminds. When St. Louis native Raven Wolf C. Felton Jennings II isn’t performing outside Lakota Coffee Company, where he has performed almost every Friday since May 2009, he says he’s usually listening to his album, Spiritual Jazz ... on South 9th Street, but, over the years, he’s drawn inspiration from other tracks, too.
“Amazing Grace” by Rocky Tucker
That was my Aunt Wanda’s favorite song, and my mom loved it, too. They liked the way I played it on the flute. I like it because they liked it, and it reminds me of them.
“Drown in My Own Tears” by Ray Charles
After my soulmate, Linda, passed in February 2007, I didn’t play for 19 months because every time I picked up the horn, it made me cry. That song brought me back. It helped me to understand that nothing lasts forever. Grief and crying won’t last forever.
“Crazy” by Patsy Cline
It speaks of love and the many ways that it manifests in our lives. It’s crazy; it never comes at us the same way twice, and if you’re open to it, you can reap the benefits of it. If not, it passes you by.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
This song reminds me of people I have known who have made their transition, passed on, and I will always love them.
“America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles
I love the U.S. of A., and that song captures everything I love about it and everything I hope for America. “America the Beautiful,” that’s what she really is.
“Hummingbirds and Dragonflies” by Raven Wolf C. Felton Jennings II
This song was composed and written about the two great loves of my life. The dragonflies are Linda and her love. I’m currently in a relationship, and she is the hummingbird in my life. It’s about Linda leaving and new love coming into my life, and that’s why it’s my favorite.
