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Music

Watch the New Video for Lonnie Holley's Stunning "Six Space Shuttles and 144,000 Elephants"

A visionary new track from the closest thing America has to a prophet.

Lonnie Holley grew up in abject poverty in Birmingham, Alabama, living on the streets and juvenile hall. The first time he ever made art was in 1979, when he carved sandstone tombstones for his sister's children. He developed into a brilliant sculptor, earning the nickname The Sandman for the twisted stone forms littering the grounds of his Birmingham home. While his art's earned him exhibits nationwide, Holley's spent the last few decades quietly releasing some of the most evocative music in America.

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He's not easy to categorize—his songs aren't folk, soul, or anything so recognizable. Rather, they draw parallels to the visionary pop of Arthur Russell, finding spirituality in fantastic imagery. We're honored to premiere his latest offering, the stunning "Six Space Shuttles and 144,000 Elephants." While you're listening, check out this incredible piece on Holley's background over at The Fader.