When you start playing music for a living, you quickly learn that people love to draw comparisons. It’s only natural, I suppose. Over the years, I’ve been compared to some of the greats—Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. While these comparisons are flattering, they often leave me reflecting on the journey that led me to where I am today.
The Influence of the Folk artists I grew up listening to are the legends of folk music. Paul Simon’s poetic lyricism, Bob Dylan’s unapologetic truth-telling, and Johnny Cash’s raw, heartfelt performances all left a mark on me. Their music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a means of expression, a way to connect with something deeper. As an Orthodox Jew, I found parallels between their messages and the spiritual teachings I hold dear. Music, like faith, has the power to transcend boundaries, touch the soul, and inspire change.
When I started performing, it wasn’t long before people began likening me to these artists. These labels were both humbling and a bit surprising. After all, I wasn’t trying to be anyone but myself. But as I continued to write and perform, I realized that the comparisons were more about the spirit of the music than anything else. Like Simon, Dylan, and Cash, I was using music to tell stories, to convey emotions, and to reach people on a profound level.
Music That Speaks to the Heart
One of the most powerful things about folk music is its ability to speak directly to the heart. It’s music that tells stories, often about struggle, hope, and redemption—universal themes that resonate with people from all walks of life. When I began performing in prisons, I quickly realized that this was the kind of music that inmates connected with the most.
In a prison setting, where life can feel bleak and unforgiving, music becomes a lifeline. It’s a reminder that there’s more to life than the mistakes of the past. The simplicity of folk music, with its straightforward melodies and honest lyrics, cuts through the noise and speaks to the core of what it means to be human. Whether I’m strumming my guitar in a prison chapel or a gymnasium, I see the impact that this music has on those who hear it. In those moments, the labels—Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash—fall away, and it’s just me, the music, and the people I’m there to reach.
The Power of Relatability
One of the reasons I believe folk music resonates so strongly with inmates is its relatability. Folk songs often tell stories of hardship, resilience, and the quest for meaning. Stories that many inmates can relate to on a personal level. Whether it’s a song about lost love, a plea for redemption, or a cry for justice, the themes in folk music mirror the struggles and hopes of those behind bars.
When I perform, I see the way these songs connect with the audience. Inmates who might have been skeptical or indifferent at first begin to lean in, listening more closely as the music unfolds. The power of folk music lies in its ability to turn individual stories into universal experiences, making each listener feel seen and understood. It’s a reminder that, no matter where we are in life, we all share a common humanity.
The Mission of A New Song
A New Song USA was born out of this very understanding. My mission has always been to bring hope and healing to those who need it most, and I’ve found that music is one of the most effective ways to do that. Folk music, with its rich history of storytelling and social commentary, is the perfect medium for this work. It’s music that doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, comforts, and inspires.
As I travel from prison to prison, I’m reminded of the power of music to break down barriers and build connections. Each performance is an opportunity to share a message of hope, to remind those who are incarcerated that they are not forgotten, and to offer them a new song for their journey forward. The comparisons to Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash are flattering, but ultimately, I’m just a musician with a guitar, doing my best to make a difference in the world.