It isn’t writing the theme song “Don’t Bet The Farm” that Skip Denenberg remembers most about Farm Aid. Nor is it playing the song for over 5000 people with Willie Nelson and the band backing him up, nor being described by Willie as one of his favorite new songwriters, nor even sharing the stage with his heroes Steve Earle, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson. The most memorable moment for Skip came after the show when the caterer approached him backstage to tell him how much Skip’s songwriting had touched him, and he just had to come back and tell him so.
This is the magic of Skip and his music — honest, powerful songs that brush against the elusive common nerve that every songwriter seeks to tap. Skip’s music has a distinct American feel that seems instantly familiar and comfortable. As a film and television composer, Skip has scored programs and promos ranging from Sesame Street to Olympic Highlight reels, and was a contributing writer for the 2012 Grammy winning Best Children’s Album, along with being nominated for 7 Mid-Atlantic Emmys.
He has shared stages with such artists as Willie Nelson, Donovan, John Oates, Warren Zevon, Richie Havens, Steve Earle, Dar Williams, Al Kooper, Steve Forbert, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ron Sexsmith, the Saw Doctors, The Neville Brothers, and many others.
He is the songwriter for the Philadelphia Phillies, and can be heard on WIP’s Sports Radio’s “Morning Show”. His popular children’s songs are regularly featured on WXPN’s “Kid’s Corner”.
Praised by artist Peter Himmelman as “an organic songwriter of the finest caliber” and by music critic, Chris Smith as “proof that there is hope for the American song”, Skip is earning a loyal following everywhere he plays, one fan at a time.