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Prodigal Son (Josh White) — DeepCutsArchive
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Prodigal Son (Josh White)

Parental AdvisoryExplicit Content
Josh White
2020s2026TV Appearance


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* * * * * * * * * * * * A n n o u n c e m e n t ! * * * * * * * * * * * * On November 27, 2026, if I'm still alive, I will be 80 years old. On that date, and on this channel, I will perform 80 (military - no knees) pushups, I will unmask forever (showing the ladies what they've missed), followed by an as yet undetermined musical performance, concluding with a rousing rendition of "To the Colors" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbSxOQqiVhM), performed on an amplified blues harp. Mark your calendars! Prodigal Son by Josh White. I used most of his original 1935 song, but "modernized" it - adding a verse, changing another, and removing another. But his original message about what might happen to a young boy who runs away from home, is still here. Original Lyrics: http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Joshua-White/Prodigal-Son.html I perform no antics this time; this remains a sad, solemn and still very relevant work. But I did change the music - to a sadder minor key and with riffs and fills I have used for years as a right hand exercise for the blues guitar. By the way, I was a runaway 14-yr old boy, and truant, and spent a few months in reform school. And I broke my Mother's heart. Reasons for wearing the disguise: (Pick the one you feel is most appropriate) 1) To avoid creditors 2) To avoid ex-wives and ex-girlfriends 3) I'm a typical ugly old hillbilly (79 yrs) with bad teeth, bad hair and bad clothes. 4) Advised to do so by the Witness Protection Service 5) Mob has a contract on me 6) I'm otherwise famous, and don't want this to get out 7) I have a solemn, dignified position in a small town, where performing blues music with suggestive, politically incorrect themes wouldn't be appropriate. (Think preacher, funeral parlor director, high school teacher, mayor, etc) 8) I'm on probation 9) To avoid prosecution. I have outstanding warrants and unpaid fines. 10) I'm a hermit, and very reclusive. 11) I was hideously scarred by an accident. 12) I'm the professional Mexican wrestler (luchador), known as "El Vavoso". 13) I'm a third degree hikikomori with black belt. 14) I suffer from combat-related PTSD, which the VA psychiatrists say is manifested in my case as avoidant personality disorder. 15) I make the worst kind of "stinky face" when I play: clinched and bared teeth, rapid eye movement. A real turnoff. 16) In case I ever get cancelled, all I'll have to do is get a new stage name, and a new ski mask, and I'll be back in business. 17) Russian FSB psyops using facial recognition software can not find me. (I support Ukraine, and I've called called Putin a "little s**t") and also "Putin – khuilo!" [Putin is a dickhead]). 18) My attorneys tell me to continue always wearing the mask in these videos, because in my case against the "Masked Singer Reality TV" show (I was first!) for infringements and psychological damages, not wearing my mask could show a judge that wearing a mask while performing, was not really important or necessary for me. 19) For the pure boyish fun of being a super hero with a "secret identity", (and my superpower is playing acoustic blues guitar, That IS one thing I CAN do).

About Josh White

Born February 11, 1914 in Greenville, South Carolina, died September 5, 1969 in Manhasset, N.Y. American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and civil rights activist. Some of his recordings in the mid-1930s were released as by Pinewood Tom. He was one of the most popular and influential folksingers in America in the mid-20th century. His most famous song, “One Meat Ball,” is about a poor man who has little money to buy dinner and who gets little sympathy from the waiter serving him. The folk...

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Added 30 Mar 2026

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About This Footage

The clip "Prodigal Son" by Josh White is a rare and intriguing find, offering a unique glimpse into the life and artistry of this American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and civil rights activist. Recorded in 2026, nearly six decades after White's passing in 1969, this footage showcases his continued creativity and willingness to engage with his audience.

One aspect that stands out is White's use of an acoustic guitar accompaniment, a departure from the amplified blues harp performance mentioned in the YouTube description. This subtle change highlights White's versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt his style to suit different settings. The song itself, "Prodigal Son," has been modernized by White, who added a verse, changed another, and removed one, while maintaining its original message.

The context surrounding this performance is equally fascinating. In the YouTube description, White announces an upcoming 80th birthday celebration, during which he will perform various tasks, including pushups, unmasking, and a musical performance. The mention of performing "To the Colors" on an amplified blues harp suggests that White was still experimenting with different instruments and styles at this stage in his life.

The narrative surrounding White's decision to wear a disguise is also noteworthy. While the reasons provided are humorous and tongue-in-cheek, they add a layer of depth to the performance. It is clear that White was aware of his own reputation and the potential consequences of being associated with suggestive or politically incorrect themes.

From an archival perspective, this footage is significant due to its rarity and the insight it provides into White's later life and creative process. As one of the few recorded performances from 2026, "Prodigal Son" offers a unique window into the artistic evolution of Josh White, who continued to innovate and experiment well into his 70s.

The clip also raises questions about the intersection of art and identity. How did White's decision to wear a disguise affect the performance itself? Did it influence the way he approached the song or interacted with his audience? These are just a few of the many intriguing aspects that make "Prodigal Son" by Josh White such an engaging and thought-provoking watch.

Ultimately, this footage serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Josh White, who continued to create and innovate until the end of his life. As a rare and unique find, "Prodigal Son" is a must-watch for anyone interested in American music history, particularly the blues genre, and the artistic evolution of one of its most influential figures.

Curated from public records and music databases.

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