Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

We open this episode by revisiting the tragic story that closed Part 7, exploring how that event reshaped Bevis’ world. From there, we continue the conversation around working with Jack Douglas, what the partnership meant to Bevis on a personal level, and his experiences recording at the legendary Record Plant.

Once again, Bevis’ grit and resilience are put to the test as another distressing chapter unfolds. This time, stemming from a behind the scenes battle unbeknownst to Bevis, that would eventually lead to him leaving New York City.

This episode is filled with hard-earned lessons and offers the first real glimpse into how mental health becomes a central thread to Bevis’ story.

Sampled Song: "In My Dreams (I Fly)" - Banzai Kik

Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into the early days of Bevis' next band, Banzai Kik, and continue our conversation about the Black Rock Coalition and his pivotal role in the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra. He shares stories from playing the Stalking Heads of ’87 Festival at the legendary CBGB and reflects on how quickly momentum began to build from then on.

We discuss the introduction of producer Jack Douglas, known for his work with John Lennon, Aerosmith, and others, and how success no longer felt distant - it was tangible. Years of hard work and belief were finally paying off. But just as everything was coming together, a sudden and tragic loss of a family member forced Bevis to face a fork in the road.

Sampled Song: "Until the Sky Turns Light" - Banzai Kik

Bevis. M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss his next band, The Bats, hitting a "glass ceiling" in Austin, Lou Ann Barton introducing him to Steven Van Zandt, and how that introduction, a house fire, and divine intervention came together to take Bevis to New York City.

We continue the conversation with his first couple months in New York: plans falling through, taking an internship at Media Sound studios, meeting and working with Greg Tate (writer, The Village Voice) and Vernon Reid (guitarist, Living Colour), and finding his "lost tribe" through the Black Rock Coalition.

Sampled Song: "Balloonhead" by Bevis Griffin & C.K. Bailey - The Paradigm