Tired & Weary is the true story of Anthony McKinney, who has been incarcerated since 2005 for a murder he maintains he did not commit. The lyrics to this song are based on Anthony's real life experiences -- except for the "all white" jury, which was based on the trial of Die Jim Crow artist Spoon Jackson, whose all white jury sentenced him to life without parole. The courtroom dialogue is identical to the transcript. Anthony has been fighting for his release the entire time of his incarceration.
Tired & Weary was recorded at Warren Correctional Institution with Anthony singing, playing guitar, and drumming. The background vocalists (aside from vocal coach Lauren Kelly Benson), recorded at revolutionsound in Brooklyn NY, are all formerly incarcerated women.
from
Die Jim Crow EP,
released May 1, 2016
Lyrics by Anthony “Big Ant” McKinney
Music by Anthony McKinney
Vocals, guitar, drums: Anthony McKinney
Organ: Ben Pagano
Bass: Josh Werner
Saxophone: Elliot “Stackman” Callier
Judge: Harold Spivack
Background vocals: Pastor Anna Smith, Apostle Heloise, Ezette Edouard, Lauren Kelly Benson
Vocals, drums, and guitar recorded by dr. Israel at Warren Correctional Institution, Lebanon OH.
Background vocals and organ recorded by dr. Israel at revolutionsound, Brooklyn NY.
Bass recorded by Josh Werner at home studio, Brooklyn NY.
Saxophone recorded by MJWB at Titty Pink Studios, New Orleans LA.
Judge recorded by Fury Young at Zayde Studios, Long Island NY.
Produced by Fury Young
Co-producer/Engineer: dr. Israel
Mixed by dr. Israel
Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper at TurtleTone Studio NYC
