Kashgrab
Records
Brother Scott Graham
Brother Scott Graham’s message of love and freedom has touched millions across the world. It is all the more inspirational in light of his troubled youth and struggle to overcome his demons.
In 1977 Scott Graham, a scam artist from Baltimore, spent a year successfully impersonating Billy Carter. His con was discovered when on a trip to Iran he attempted to steal the Shah's rare Rosemary's Baby pinball machine. The Iranians handed Graham over to the US embassy in exchange for a print of "The Anchorhead Scene" from Star Wars. Upon his return to the United States, he was tried and convicted on several counts of larceny and fraud and sentenced to a total of 20 years in Federal prison. While incarcerated, Scott discovered the writings of Hermann Hesse and Richard Gere and eventually converted to Buddhism. “Buddhism saved my life,” says Brother Scott. “If you’re going to spend 14 years tossin’ the salad, you either learn to do some really deep meditation or you learn to like the taste of ass. And I was never much one for ass, especially with the food they’ve got in the joint.”
Paroled in 1992, Brother Scott immediately went to work on what would become Love Songs to Tibet. “I had no musical training,” says Brother Scott, “but I had all this joy and love bursting from my heart. Plus my PO was up my ass to stay out of trouble and music seemed like a good way to keep me occupied.” He slowly taught himself to play the rag-dung trumpet and discovered he had a particular talent for tingshas. In 1999, he recorded a 3 song demo that caught the attention of Kris Kashgrab and eventually led to a record deal and sessions at 37.5: The Studio.
When Love Songs to Tibet was finally released on September 11, 2001, it was largely overlooked by the entertainment press. Says Brother Scott, “Goddamn! Why do they always have to release CDs on a Tuesday?” Determined to get his message out, Brother Scott slowly built up grassroots support through the nascent Friendster social networking site and frequent appearances at AA and NA meetings. “I used to go to the methadone clinics before they opened and play to the people in line… kind of a captive audience.”
Eventually the hard work paid off, CD sales picked up, and in May 2003 Brother Scott embarked on an 18-month world tour. “I tell you, that was exhausting,” recalls Brother Scott. “Luckily once you get out of the US you don’t get hassled about amphetamines too much.”
Brother Scott Graham plans to return to the studio next year to record a follow-up to Long Songs to Tibet and has been in discussions with the Beastie Boys about reviving the Tibetan Freedom Concert. He is also awaiting trial in Federal district court on charges of racketeering and Income Tax evasion.
Praise for Loves Songs to Tibet:
“Brother Scott Graham is a beautiful man and Love
Songs to Tibet is an amazing gift to humanity.”
– Richard Gere
“Whenever I make a mix-tape for a chick, I always
throw on a track from Love Songs to Tibet. Usually I put it third or
forth – that’s when I want to give them a little taste of my sensitive
side.“
– Bill Clinton
“I particularly love the songs Gautama of my Heart
and Fuck the Chinese.”
– The Dalai Lama.
“The gayest album I’ve ever heard.”
– Rob Halford.