History:

Cy Timmons is a singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. Timmons was a popular club owner in Atlanta where he managed and co-owned Cafe Erewhon which is nowhere, pretty much, spelled backwards. He’d perform solo at the lounge accompanied by his classical guitar. He performed mostly original material in a jazz / folk fusion style. Timmons had prior experience playing live in San Francisco in the late 1960’s. In 1973, he returned to Atlanta and opened the previously mentioned lounge. 

Timmons had a large following in Atlanta and he is known as a musical legend in the community today. Timmons recorded and released two albums and a single during his career. The first album was self-titled and released in 1972. It featured a large cast of supporting musicians, including his brother Kirby (who used a pseudonym) on keyboards and arrangements. “What To Say” was covered by a number of local musicians which leads me to believe it received local airplay. The album has two different covers. It was released, like all of Timmons’ other productions, on his Erewhon label. 

Timmons released his second album, “The World’s Greatest Unknown” in 1974. The album was made available in a clever jean design cover. It features Timmons alone accompanied by only his guitar. Due to high demand, several other reissues / represses were made in 1974 with a variety of covers. A cassette release was also issued. This album is Timmons’ most desired and cherished work due to the notability and reputation of the song “Nowhere”. Timmons produced a christmas single in 1980 and a christmas album in 2001. Timmons recorded a third album “Heaven’s Gate” that went unreleased until 2020. It was released exclusively in Japan. 

Timmons relocated to the Highlands, North Carolina in the 1980’s where he still lives and supposedly performs.

Reviews:

Cy Timmons (1972, Erewhon)

Rating: 6/10

I actually got to purchase Timmons’ first album the day after I added this bio to my website. Call it a bit of divine intervention. I never got the opportunity to listen to it save for the outstanding “What To Say” prior. This album is absolutely not for the folk or rock crowds. This is pretty much a jazz affair with a prominent horn section. I personally enjoyed my first listen, noting the great opener “I’d Like To Sing”, the previously mentioned “What To Say”, and “Loved And Lost” as standouts. All three feature Timmons in his element backed by a cavalcade of congas, electric piano, and his nylon string guitar. I also enjoyed “From My Window” which features some good lead guitar work courtesy of Timmons himself. I found many of the tracks, especially on Side-B, to be quite derivative. Collectors would definitely need an open mind to enjoy this one. Not bad but, as I said, derivative. 

The World's Greatest Unknown (1974, Erewhon)

Rating: 8/10

Timmons’ “The World’s Greatest Unknown” is a legendary affair nowadays. “Nowhere” is a fantastic track and rightfully deserves the hype. The stripped back approach of this album allows one to truly assess Timmons’ songwriting chops and his guitar playing skills. It holds up well. The album features a huge jump in lyrical prowess. I come to this album for inspiration when I write songs myself. 

There are too many great songs to list, but I’ll include the stunning “Moonshine Wine”, “It’s Over”, and “I Can Still Smile” as some of my favorites of the lounge / folk genre. The title track is also good as well. I can absoluetely see why people don't like this album due to the massive mishype over the years. However, it remains one of my favorites.