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'I'm Old As Dirt But I Can Still Sing': Sweet Pea Atkinson On 'Get What You Deserve'

NPR | By Melissa Block,
Ned Wharton
Published October 22, 2017 at 7:37 AM EDT
Sweet Pea Atkinson's first solo album in 35 years, Get What You Deserve, is out now.
Mathieu Bitton
/
Courtesy of the artist
Sweet Pea Atkinson's first solo album in 35 years, Get What You Deserve, is out now.

Sweet Pea Atkinson's croon is probably best exhibited in the campy 1980s MTV hit "Walk the Dinosaur" by the group Was (Not Was). The track featured the Detroit singer's distinctive growl, and the accompanying music video cemented his dapper image with his wide lapels and trademark fedora.

Since then, Atkinson has kept a lower profile, serving as a background vocalist for numerous artists: Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and others.

Now, at 72, he is back with a solo album of covers that span funk, blues and soul. It's titled Get What You Deserve, and it's his first in 35 years. Hear Atkinson and producer and former bandmate Don Was discuss the record at the audio link above.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Melissa Block
As special correspondent and guest host of NPR's news programs, Melissa Block brings her signature combination of warmth and incisive reporting. Her work over the decades has earned her journalism's highest honors, and has made her one of NPR's most familiar and beloved voices.
See stories by Melissa Block
Ned Wharton
Ned Wharton is a senior producer and music director for Weekend Edition.
See stories by Ned Wharton

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