2024 was a great year, full of work, travel, and good times. My daughters Kate and Maddy remain the apples of my eye, and are each maintaining thoughtful, creative lives. A highlight of the year was renting a place on the Atlantic in Rhode Island, and enjoying some down time with them, Jenny, and Elinor. Jenny had never been to RI, and it was fun to show her around. Elinor was, at that point, nearing the end of a year’s worth of cancer treatments, which she has now finished with, and we anticipate a full recovery.

While the others flew to RI, Kate and I drove the 1100 miles. We were able to visit my niece Mary Anne and her family en route to RI. Family remains important to me. Earlier in the year, I’d seen my other niece Jenn when the band played in Boston. One of my two nephews who are both named Dave lives nearby, and is the music director at St Bartholomew's in Nashville. Once a month, he invites me to get behind a drum kit and play there, which means I get to see him and his sweet family.

I’m still with Emmyou Harris — it’s hard to believe that it’s been 17 years! It’s still fun, and while we will be playing less in 2025, there are some dates on the books. Meanwhile, Red Dirt Boys (her backing band) have played some wonderful shows on our own. We also play Brown’s Diner in Nashville, either as the quartet, or as Phil Madeira Trio.

I released my “Funky Covers” record in 2024, and I’m about to release a new project of originals in early 2025, called “Falcon”. Google that title with my name and you’ll find out more. It’s hard to believe that at age 72, l am more productive than ever, but here I am, still doing it!

I did two Mercyland Songwriter Workshops — one in Ireland with my mate Sammy Horner, and one in Hot Springs, NC — always a wonderful time. While I have an upcoming workshop in Ireland, I’m still trying to sort out where to do the summer US workshop, as Hot Springs NC was devastated by the floods that overtook much of North Carolina this year. I sure hope they are able to rebuild that lovely town.

Jenny and I spent a week in Florida with Bryan Owings and his wife Sylvia in August. What a great time with two of our dearest friends! 2024 has been the year of vacations, fun, and guilt-free. I love my work so much that it’s hard not to take it with me, but how nice to just be someplace with nothing to do but read, swim, and cook with friends.

I was invited to produce some incidental music for a major motion picture — “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, which happens to be a story that I’ve always loved. Red Dirt Boys and I threw together 4 jazzy, quirky takes on some old carols, and had fun doing it. Elinor, Jenny, Kate, and Maddy joined me at a theatre on the film’s opening weekend, and we all loved it. I’m proud to have a small part in what I think will be a classic for years to come.

In November, I had the opportunity to go into Blackbird Studios and record new music, which I can never pass up, so there will be yet another PM record coming toward the end of 2025. Still at it! I guess I’m a late bloomer.

One fun thing I did purely for myself — I bought an old Miata. Jenny won’t get near the thing, so the idea of a romantic drive with her in the country is limited to my old Flex wagon, and the Miata is a solo escape. Top down, no music, no nothing, except the sound of shifting through 6 gears. One thing I’ve noticed is that I smile when I drive it.

I’m thankful for my steady friends, most of whom I play music with. And I still maintain my regular hike, and I’m thankful that I can still ascend the Tennessee hills, usually with a friend.

2025 is wide open. A few Emmylou shows, some workshops, and who knows what else? I am finished with my next book — maybe I’ll have the courage to publish it this coming year.

I’m probably missing something important in terms of my news, but I’m sure you can live without hearing about whatever it was. I do enjoy hearing from any and all of you, and I do send my best regards for the new year. And I’ll keep saying the same old prayer for peace, hoping that one day, it’ll take.

I still believe!

Love,

Phil

2024 Christmas Letter