Career
A native of Center Star, Alabama, Oldham started out playing piano in bands during high school. He then attended classes at the University of North Alabama but turned instead to playing at FAME Studios. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1967 and teamed up with Penn at Chips Moman's American Studios.
Oldham later moved to Los Angeles and has continued to be a sought-after backing musician, recording and performing with such artists as Bob Dylan, Delaney Bramlett, Willy DeVille, Joe Cocker, the Hacienda Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, the Everly Brothers, Dickey Betts, Cat Power, J. J. Cale and Frank Black.
Frequently a backing musician for Neil Young, he played on Young's critically acclaimed 1992 album Harvest Moon, which was the follow-up to Young's 1972 album Harvest released 20 years previous. Oldham also appeared in the concert film, Neil Young: Heart of Gold and backed up Crosby Stills Nash & Young on their 2006 "Freedom of Speech" tour.
In 2007, Oldham toured with the Drive-By Truckers on their "The Dirt Underneath" Tour. In 2008, Oldham played on Last Days at the Lodge, the third album released by folk/soul singer Amos Lee.
On April 4, 2009, Oldham was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman.
In May 2011, Oldham backed Pegi Young on a six-show tour of California.
Read more about this topic: Spooner Oldham
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