JACKSON, Wyo. — Residents of Jackson, both new and old, are likely familiar with the major players of the Tetons; the valley is replete with wildlife, epic mountain views, world-class athletes, van-lifers, cowboys, ranchers, ski bums and millionaires.
A place such as this, abundant with both unbelievable landscape and vibrant community, is bound to inspire all kinds of artists, including musicians. The American West, and particularly Wyoming, is an oft-celebrated trope in music. Many might recognize songs by artists like John Denver (“Song of Wyoming”), Lost Dog Street Band and Benjamin Tod Flippo (“Wyoming”) and Colter Wall (“Cowpoke”).
So, which musicians have been inspired specifically by the valley that Buckrail calls home?
The late Bob Weir, who died earlier this year on Jan. 10 due to underlying lung issues after a battle with cancer, mentions Jackson Hole in his song “Cottonwood Lullaby” which was released in his 2016 album, “Blue Mountain.” The song itself evokes feelings of peace and finality, suggesting some restful conclusion with lyrics like: “And goodnight, wide Wyoming, if that’s still where we are. But if we’ve wandered into heaven, well, Jackson Hole’s just not that far.”
Other artists have paid homage to Jackson by using the Tetons as art for album covers. Some Buckrail readers might remember Kanye West’s Diamond Cross Ranch release party for his album “Ye,” which came out in 2018. The cover of his album is a classic Tetons shot from the east, overlaid with the text “I hate being Bi-Polar, it’s awesome.”
Modest Mouse also notably wrote the song “Blame it on the Tetons,” which they played at a sold-out King Concert series show last summer. “Blame it on the Tetons,” frontman Isaak Brock sang, “Yeah, I need a scapegoat now.”
Lesser known artists have referred to Jackson in music as well, like The Wild Feathers in their 2019 song “Jacksonville to Jackson Hole.” They croon about love and adventure on a shared roadtrip.
Musicians have been finding their way to Jackson for years, and for a town that touts a year-round population of only around 10,000, big names continue to find a way to perform in the valley. Back in the days of JacksonHoleLive — a free concert series at the base of Snow King that acted as the antecedent to King Concerts, which are held at the top — names like The Wood Brothers, Futurebirds, Blitzen Trapper, Shakey Graves and Turnpike Troubadours all found audiences here.
