A Brief Look at the Fascinating History of Greenfield's Stone Coyotes, who celebrate the release of "VIII" this Saturday (5/17) at the Iron Horse

Barbara Keith began her career at the Café Wha? in Greenwich Village, following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Cosby and many others who got their start in that hallowed dive. She was soon recording for MGM/Verve, A&M, and Warner Brothers. Her songs have been covered by such diverse artists as Tanya Tucker, Barbra Streisand, The Dillards, Melanie, Hank Snow, Lowell George and others. “The Bramble and the Rose” has become a folk standard – often receiving the ultimate compliment of being mistaken for a traditional song.

Her husband Doug Tibbles had a whole other life before drumming – A native of Los Angeles, he was a TV writer for such shows as “The Munsters”, “Bewitched”, “Andy Griffith”, “My Three Sons”, “Family Affair”, and many more.

Unhappy with show business in general, Barbara gave back her major label advance, Doug quit his one-day-old job as story editor for “Happy Days”, and they went underground. Doug took up drums and son John took up bass at age eleven. Reclusive by choice, the band moved from L.A. to Western Massachusetts to write and woodshed. They began playing the occasional show while recording in their cellar.

When best selling author Elmore Leonard (“Get Shorty”, “Jackie Brown”, “Out of Sight”) walked into the Troubadour in L.A. one night looking for inspiration for his sequel to “Get Shorty”, he discovered The Stone Coyotes.

They became the model for Chili Palmer’s next adventure, “Be Cool.” Leonard said, “It was music I could understand…straight ahead rock and roll with a twang. And there are good stories going on in the songs.” He included their lyrics in the book and dedicated it to them. He and the band made a string of appearances together around the country with a Words and Music Tour – from New York’s Mercury Lounge to L.A.’s Viper Room.

With support from XM Satellite Radio’s XCountry, along with loyal AAA and college stations, the band has built a strong following from New England to Texas, from coast to coast. On their own label, self-produced, no hype, no roadies, they have ridden hard on the Road Less Travelled - playing, writing and recording and releasing seven albums.

This Saturday, the band hits the Iron Horse stage to celebrate the release of their aptly titled new album "VIII." The show starts at 10pm, with opening duties being handled by Matt Silberstein (also of the Swill Merchants). For a ten spot, you really can't find a better rock show anywhere. Click here to buy tickets to see these local legends!