Biography
Herb Metoyer gained what recognition he has primarily through penning the track "Fools Are a Long Time Comin'" featured on Fred Neil's album Sessions. In the mid-1960s, he put out an obscure folk record titled Something New via the Verve/Folkways imprint. Comparable to Odetta and, less so, Terry Collier, Metoyer, as an African-American performer, infused folk music with gospel and blues influences. The backing featured greater rhythmic drive and substance than typical folk releases of the era, incorporating bass along with subtle percussion. Consisting solely of his own compositions that convey a sincere and melancholic tone, the record merits attention despite its somewhat dated earnestness characteristic of 1960s folk revival efforts.
Notably absent from this LP is "Fools Are a Long Time Comin'." Fred Neil encountered the composition via his acquaintance with Metoyer, an introduction facilitated by Joni Mitchell in New York. Metoyer later reflected on a Fred Neil website that "I wrote it as a reflection the many foolish things we are compelled to do over and over again, some whether we want to or not." Something New stands as Metoyer's sole album release; he went on to serve as a helicopter pilot and career military officer while also pursuing book cover design, poetry, and short story writing.
Notably absent from this LP is "Fools Are a Long Time Comin'." Fred Neil encountered the composition via his acquaintance with Metoyer, an introduction facilitated by Joni Mitchell in New York. Metoyer later reflected on a Fred Neil website that "I wrote it as a reflection the many foolish things we are compelled to do over and over again, some whether we want to or not." Something New stands as Metoyer's sole album release; he went on to serve as a helicopter pilot and career military officer while also pursuing book cover design, poetry, and short story writing.
Albums