Margo Guryan: Artist Yeshiva
With the recent yartzeit of the cult-classic baroque pop musician Margo Guryan (4 Kislev 5782) and the release of the critically acclaimed tribute album Like Someone I Know by Sub Pop Records, we’re taking a moment to reflect on Guryan’s life, legacy, and her lasting Jewish cultural impact.
Photo by Jonathan Rosner
Margo Guryan, born September 20, 1937 in New York City, emerged as a distinctive voice in the 1960s music scene. Raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, she was the daughter of Seymour "Sey" Guryan and Evelyn (née Lessoff), both of Ashkenazi Jewish descent from Russia. Her parents' shared passion for piano undoubtedly influenced her early musical inclinations.
Guryan's formal education in music began at Boston University, where she immersed herself in classical music and jazz composition. Her studies led her to the Lenox School of Jazz, where she collaborated with luminaries such as Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry. This period was pivotal in shaping her unique musical perspective.
In 1958, Guryan's songwriting talents gained recognition when jazz vocalist Chris Connor recorded her composition "Moon Ride." This success opened doors for her to write for esteemed artists like Harry Belafonte and Dizzy Gillespie. However, it was the Beach Boys' 1966 album "Pet Sounds" that profoundly shifted her musical trajectory. The track "God Only Knows" inspired her to explore pop music, leading to the creation of "Think of Rain," a song that encapsulates her seamless fusion of jazz sophistication with pop sensibilities.
Photo via Numero Group
Guryan's most renowned composition, "Sunday Mornin'," became a hit for Spanky and Our Gang in the late 1960s. This success paved the way for her own album, "Take a Picture," released in 1968. The album showcased her ethereal vocals and intricate arrangements, blending elements of baroque pop and jazz. Despite critical acclaim, Guryan's reluctance to tour hindered the album's commercial success, leading her to retreat from the spotlight and focus on songwriting and teaching.
While explicit references to Guryan's Jewish heritage in her music are scarce, her upbringing in a culturally rich Jewish environment may have subtly influenced her artistic expression. The themes of introspection and nuanced emotion present in her work resonate with the depth often found in Jewish artistic traditions.
Like Someone I Know, a tribute album for Margo Guryan (2024)
Guryan's music experienced a resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, captivating a new generation of listeners. Her song "Bo Ha-Bayta," an Israeli cover of "Sunday Mornin'," exemplifies the international reach and adaptability of her compositions.
In November 2024, Sub Pop Records released "Like Someone I Know: A Celebration of Margo Guryan," a tribute album featuring contemporary artists such as Clairo, Empress Of, and Margo Price reinterpreting her songs. This compilation not only honors Guryan's enduring influence but also allocates a portion of its proceeds to support affordable reproductive health services, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility.
Margo Guryan's legacy is a testament to her innovative spirit and the timeless allure of her music, which continues to inspire and resonate across generations.