Todd Butler and I wrote this instrumental when we were in Wee Wee Pole with RuPaul & the U-Hauls in '82/'84. It allowed Ru and the U-Hauls to change costumes mid-set. "Painting a Vast Blue Sky" was wildly different from the new wave funk of Wee Wee Pole. With Ru, we tried to be like Prince, The Time, Bow Wow Wow, and Diana Ross (see here:
Whereas, with "Painting a Vast Blue Sky," Todd and I were trying to be like REM and/or The Cure. Clearly.
I recorded this abbreviated version with acoustic guitar for my album Redheaded Friend, a tribute to my friendship with Todd. Dean Jones produced it, busting out his vintage circa late 60s Rhythm King drum machine.
I could use your help finishing this music and getting it into the world. Please check out my Indiegogo link here:
I made this video from photos taken by Susanna Hernandez-Gray, Clare Butler, Craig Williams, and Jon Witherspoon, plus video from Dick Richards and James Zeke Bond of the American Music Show and Funtone Archives. Deep gratitude to all of them for having the presence of mind to capture these moments.
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