John Prine Stories: -Roger Ebert, Kris Kristofferson, Studs Terkel, Steve Goodman in Chicago
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- Back in 1970, Roger Ebert saw an unknown John Prine playing in the Fifth Peg Folk Club in Chicago and was blown away. I tell the story of how this lead to John Prine's first ever press and how that lead to him getting on the Studs Terkel radio show. I also talk about how his friend, Steve Goodman convinced Kris Kristofferson to come see Prine play live, which lead to Kristofferson introducing Prine to the people who would sign him to Atlantic Records. All of this lead to John Prine's first record. In my opinion, it's one of the greatest debut albums of all time.
Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel.
paypal.me/otis...
svenmo.com/Otis...
Here's the Studs Terkel Radio Archive
studsterkel.wf...
Listen to me on Spotify
open.spotify.c....
Download my music on Bandcamp
otisgibbs.band...
otisgibbs.com
/ otisgibbs
/ otisgibbsmusic
/ otisgibbs
.............................
John Prine
Roger Ebert
Prine Ebert
Roger Ebert John Prine
John Prine Roger Ebert
Kris Kristofferson
Studs Terkel Radio Archive
Studs Terkel
Steve Goodman
Old Town School Of Folk Music
I'm curious where you guys are from? I'm guessing some of you might be watching this in or near Chicago and some of you are watching on the other side of the world. I get a big kick out of how the internet connects me to people from around the world, so let me know where you live
Remote BC CANADA
@@annesalfi3649 I drove way out of the way to visit the world's largest wooden bridge somewhere in British Columbia. It must have been 15 years ago at least. : )
I live in Russellville Alabama, about 15 miles south of Muscle Shoals. I can’t even remember where I found you but I've enjoyed the podcast and your music for a long time now. Thank you.
@@wcstults I've driven through there at some point. My partner, Amy is from Russellville, Indiana so I always notice towns with the same name. : )
Post puberty lived NYC, rural Nevada, and in '64 San Francisco and later Oakland. I have been witness to much music and political history; remember like yesterday, the December 2 speech by Mario Savio at Berkeley on 'Free Speech'. Our travels keep winding on out in circles.
My wife and I first saw John at the 1972 Mariposa Folk Festival on the Toronto Islands. I was 25 at the time. We had never heard of him, but after watching his first performance there we made sure we got to see him every time he was on the stage that weekend. I am 76 and we have been a fan of his ever since. I introduced his music to an untold number of people over those years, many times during camping weekends. His music touched everyone, including my Dad who was a fiddle player and loved to play along with my wife and I to Paradise, Grandpa Was a Carpenter, Dear Abby, Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Any More…and welll, many more. I miss them both…John and my Dad. But I still listen to, and play, John’s music every week.
My lifelong friend and I were privileged to witness John Prine in the mountain lair gold ballroom on the campus of West Virginia University in the early 1970s, where he played alone with his acoustic guitar every single song that you just elucidated. And the small crowd, approximately 300 people, knew every word to every song, so much so that John stopped in mid song and said, you guys don't need me, you know all my stuff. We roared and begged him to continue and so he did, doing a call and response for the rest of the concert and it was one of the greatest moments of my life.
That's beautiful, Bob!
There are tons of great guitar players and tons of great songwriters and they all deserve due respect in many cases they didnt get rich or even make a living from their art. But there are a few writers and a few musicians who have the rare gift to lay your soul bare naked. I am proud to say that I have been a john prine fan for 48 years and I would not be who I am without his music. I may not be rich but i have had a good time and i have never abused children animals or women never robbed a liquor store and never shot anybody who didnt really need it i hope john is smoking a nine mile long cigarette and having a beer
Im a lifelong musician of 44 years and Johns mom came to Jazzfest in New Orleans to see her son for the 1st time. I will share after my gig tonight this unreal story
I met John Prine in the early 90' s in Charlotte NC. He opened for the Cowboy Junkies at the Ovens Auditorium. I left during Cowboy's set because all I went for was to see John. I saw John standing by a tour bus in the parking lot smoking a cigarette and chilling. I asked if could talk to him a minute. He smiled and said sure. I told him he should have been the headliner. I also told him how much I loved his music, shook his hand he quietly said thanks. I wished him well and went home. What a night!
Nice story.
That's beautiful! Prine was the best!
In defense of the Cowboy Junkies, they had great taste in openers. I think I remember Townes saying they took him on his only tour bus type tour. I've always heard they were good people, so I figured I'd mention it for whoever is reading this twenty years from now.
I too is from Charlotte and was so sad to hear about John's passing. I and my wife were hunting for concert tickets to see him in 2020. John you will be in our hearts. Thanks for the Music.
I met him much he same way n Norfolk in 92 at the Scope. He was supposed to open for Cowboy Junkies, but they opened for him, then accompanied him on about half his songs. Margot T sang harmony on Angel From Montgomery backed by that unreal squeeze box - one of my favorite concert song performances of all time by anyone and I let him know.
@@otisgibbs of course they are nice they are canadian great songs too love your channel Otis!
Hi my name is Kris and I am from Madison, WI. I was first turned onto John Prine by my late husband Jeff. Jeff's personalized license plates said, "Oh Boy" he was a HUGE fan. On our second date Jeff took me to Milwaukee to see John....I was blown away. His music really touched me deep inside, it moved me like no other music I had ever heard. And I laughed and laughed! John was such a great story teller and so relatable the humor he injected into his songs was just amazing to me. My husband died at the young age of 49 from Colon cancer just four months after we were married. Our wedding song was, I want to Dance with YOU. Our special song was, In Spite of Ourselves. We would sing that together all the time and laugh and laugh. Such amazing memories I am left with and John Prine was part of everyone of them. Thank you so much for sharing!
I am now living on a sailboat in the Santa Barbara Harbor, listening to John Prine when I want some good memories to flow...
What a sad day losing your husband. Great that you had so much fun with him.
Saw him in 1973, Oshkosh Wisc. I was instantly hooked. Cried the day he passed. I heard what he sang!!
Thank You He was a special person love his songs😊
Thank you!
I didn’t discover John Prine until he died and I listened to his music just to see who this guy was. I was blown away. How had I never heard this music before? He truly was a genius I believe. I’ve since turned my kids on to his music and they love it. A whole new generation is learning about him now. He makes the listener FEEL THE EMOTION. He could communicate a deep point musically, without actually stating it, merely just by implying it. Wow, what a loss.
Much love to ya, Joel!
Same here,saw him on The house of strumbo by accident and like you wondered were was i when he was around,actually when he first played Toronto i was about a mile away in an Irish bar listening to Jimmy Carton slng Blow up your tv,what a world still cry when i hear Sam Stone
I grew up listening to Prine. I could sing every word to that first album when I was 5 years old.
My story is about the day the first spark of adult humor went off in my brain. I was 8 years old and singing along with Dear Abby. My young ears had heard that song 1000 times before, but this time when the verse ends, "signed, Just married." My brain exploded. I can remember laughing so hard I was in tears. This caused my dad to start laughing. It is a great memory. One of many John blessed me with.
Haha! That's beautiful, Michael! : )
My sister had John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" (1972) when I was about 14. It had a few good songs on it, but one stuck with me. It was called 'Paradise". As I did back in the day, I poured over every detail on a record and songwriters names stuck in my head for future reference.
John Prine....next time I remember his name in a record store I must find his music.
Living on Long Island, about 1/2 hour from NYC, I was drawn to that city like a sea otter to shellfish and had been going and sneaking to concerts there since 1970. I was always trying to win concert tickets on any of the radio stations.
One afternoon in 1973, just a year after discovering "Paradise", this DJ on WBAU @ Adelphi University was playing some Handsome Johnny.
He then said he had a couple of tickets to give away to see him at Avery Fisher Music Hall in a week.
I got my finger into the dial and sure enough those tickets were mine.
The evening of the show I got myself into NYC on the Long Island Railroad and found myself at Lincoln Centre. No one I knew at that point in time could make it to the show with me and many of them today kick themselves for not motivating themselves. But that's the way the world goes 'round.
I get settled into my seat in the 5th row, right smack dab in the middle. I had a bit of an illegal smile happening and sat back waiting for this Prine fellow to come out.
Well, I became a fan for life after this extensive set. Between songs he told tales and just blew away anyone in attendance. I can recall it like it was yesterday. So many tears and smiles and laughter have transpired since that day....and John Prine was along for much of that ride with me.
I miss you Johnny....but still always with me.
John Prine - 1973/12/09 - Avery Fisher Hall, New York, NY
01. Spanish Pipedream
02. The Accident
03. Sweet Revenge
04. Donald and Lydia
05. Sam Stone
06. Dear Abby
07. Paradise
08. Clocks and Spoons
09. Onomatopoeia
10. Rocky Mountain Time
11. Pretty Good
12. Christmas in Prison
13. Mexican Home
14. Hello in There
15. Grandpa Was a Carpenter
16. Illegal Smile
17. The Great Compromise
18. Souvenirs
19. The Late John Garfield Blues
20. Please Don't Bury Me
21. Often Is a Word I Seldom Use
22. A Good Time
23. Everybody
Band: John Prine - acoustic guitar, vocals.
Thanks, Paul!
Checking in from Central Valley California. Clocks and spoons has to be one of my favorite songs ever. RIP John Prine. Think about him daily.
Greetings from Indiana, Victor!
I was at a New Year’s Eve show that featured Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and John Prine. John happened to be in the middle of Illegal Smile right before the clock hit midnight. 11:59 Kacey Musgraves frantically runs on the stage to remind John they were supposed to count it down for midnight. He just kept playing. Lol! Finishes the song and says “well folks I feel like I’ve been a couple minutes behind everyone else my whole life so I ain’t gonna stop now.”
That's tremendous, Ryan! : )
Saw him in Nashville on New Years Eve 2019. When midnight came and he had all the musicians join him on stage to sing Auld Lang Syne, he paused and said "last year I sang it to the tune of Happy Birthday to me"...
@@chrisup2late Haha! : )
Just like John, he sang for a purpose not a date and time making him real to all.
That’s something you always remember
John Prine was not on many radio or play list in the middle 70's here in Wyoming. But once I was introduced to his lyrics I became an instant follower. It wasn't until July 2019 I had the opportunity to purchase tickets for me and my wife for a performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison Co. Unfortunately he had to cancel that performance due to health reasons. I was sure he would not be able to to see him any time soon, but thanks to his resilience he rescheduled that Red Rocks performance to Sept.18th 2019 and honored the ticket holders that had tickets to the July event in Morrison. I was a memorable 46th wedding anniversary. John Prine had gold too.
I'm glad you got to see him in that gorgeous environment, Dave!
Over 2 continents, I never heard John Prine on any radio station ever. But a few country music artists in Australia have been influence by John P.
Great story. Never heard it before. Thank you.
Very cool!!!!
So you drive a Chevy so you drive a Ford so you drive around the town till you just get bored , then you Change your mind for something else to do, and your heart ❤️ gets bored with your mind and it changes you -- one of my all time favorite lyrics
I have loved John’s music since I was a kid and over the years have seen him live over a dozen times. I live about 15 minutes from where he grew up in Maywood IL. The day after he died, I sat in my car across the street from his childhood home and listened to his music. There hasn’t been a day since that I have not listened to John Prine.
I'll always be grateful to a fraternity brother for introducing me to JP in 1977. My life has been richer for it!
I already miss John Prine.
I don't have a Prine story but i cried uncontrollably that day when i heard he had died and a few days since. It's a hard thing all i know
I'm with ya, Jim! It's sad all around.
I did too, jim. Its still sad for me
@Marcia Thomason. Me to, it's been like a school play ground gut punch that won't go away
Broken hearts and dirty windows makes life difficult to see. God bless John Prine
I've always liked Lake Marie and Quiet Man.
My all time favorite song ever.
I bought tickets to see John Prine at a club in Lexington, Kentucky in 1983-84?. I got to the club early in order to get a good seat. I had a couple of drinks & the combination of alcohol + the 80+ degree heat in the club knocked me out. I ended up passed out in the bushes outside the club & missed the whole damn show. I didn't get another chance to see John until 30 some years later. It was a great show. John's band was smokin' & he sang all his best. I'm glad I got to live long enough to see him.
April 1983. Austin Texas Texas Paramont Theatre I saw John Print 3rd row. He busted a guitar string,afeter the show i went to ask for it and got it. Its long gone .In 97 I wrote him and told him about it and requested another one or signed photo. I received a signed photo in mail with a pink Oh Boy pick taped to the photo. I also mentioned about releasing Soundstage Show from 81. Lo and behold I was at Barnes And Noble i saw the DVD. My life got a little dimmer when he passed. Thank You Otis for caring the torch
John and Steve are sorely missed.
I'm with ya, Jimmy!
Im 30 yrs old and thanks to my awesome dad and his great taste in music i have seen John in concert 4 times. I know i was born in the wrong decade but this man and his infinite wisdom touched my soul with his poetically written songs. My favorite memory was John telling a story on stage about a woman yelling “sing the happy enchilada song” mistakenly referring to the lyrics of “1/2 inch of water and you”ll think ur gonna drown” from thats the way that the world goes round and he laughed so genuinely the whole audience was just as captivated listening to his stories as much as enjoying his songs. As a young child it was world changing to feel a connection to songs, to words, to the stranger singing them next to u. What a gift John was and still is! XOXO
Much love to ya, Alecia!
I’m a street busker in Fayetteville Arkansas. One of my other busker friends told a story about Prine the night he was to play at George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson st. Well my buddy was playing across the street from George’s. Prine sat next to him n listened for a while. Then told my buddy…I wrote a new song today. Cool let’s hear it he said. He played whistling n fishing. Well that gave me goosebumps cause I’m still deep down the John Prine rabbit hole. That you for sharing stories of him.
Love John Prine. Sorry to see him go so soon.
Ain't that the truth!
I have been into John since his first album. I was so taken with his talent for story telling & his succinct and humorous take on the struggles we all go through. His exposing of hypocrisy, his simple but effective use of words & melody. As a young singer/songwriter in the late 60’s & into the 70’s, John was my primary inspiration. At open mikes, I would play most of the songs on his first album, all of which I had learned. What a gift he had, what a gift he was. What a tragedy his loss. His music will live on for generations to come.
Me too; bought his first album in Statesboro Georgia and was hooked; did an interview with him in 75 at the Great Southeastern Music Hall in Atlanta and shared some Henikens and BS. What a real person. I had been a paratrooper in Nam and really appreciated Sam Stone for a couple of fellow vets I knew. Thanks for the comments it was a pleasure.
I was born in 1970. My father had that first album. Fast forward about 20 years and I had forgotten about John. A friend I worked with mentioned him and I was like I vaguely remember his name. This friend made me a cassette tape of Prines music. My younger brother and I traveling to see the grateful dead in Chicago decided to play the tape. Instantly in love with him, but the first time hearing Illegal Smile on my way to see the grateful dead and do LSD was a moment my brother and I will never forget. We still laugh about it today.
That's beautiful, Milo!
Sitting outside in Corpus Christi Tx. Listening to John Prine Lake Maria. It was a very hot day, now it is after sunset and there is a cool breeze blowing. I am sitting here gettin lost in John’s great songs. Came across your you tube site. Great story. I had a dear friend take me to see John play a small theatre in Houston in 1991 I think. John said at one point that he got a divorce for Christmas. He was a bit down but put on a great show. I saw him a couple times after that. One time he had iris dement open for him and she was trembling with stage fright and he came out and got her going and was so great with her. It was always magical just like this evening. Pray for us John until we too get to Heaven. Hope my dad is hanging with you and also has a cig nine miles long..ha
I first experienced John Prine by acquiring "Prime Prine". I later acquired his original first LP and later gifted it to my boss after learning that he was a huge Prine fan. John was a unique and gifted songwriter and I've never heard a song I didn't like.
Thanks for your wonderful stories about John Prine. He's always had a special place in my heart because we both grew up in Maywood, IL. I was a few years younger, but my older brother went to Proviso East High School at the same time John was there. He's sorry to say he has no recollection of their paths ever crossing. John is gone now, but we're all blessed with the songs he gave us.
Thank you, Gary!
I'm from Iowa and have been a fan of John Prine's since the early 70's. Was into Willie and Waylon and Kris at the time and found John through them. Was only able to see John in concert 3 times but those shows were the best I've seen ever!!!!! Soooo sad to lose him but will never forget. 💙💙
Much love to ya, Carol!
My favorite song of John's is a duet with Iris Dement called Inspite Of Ourselves. Thanks.
I saw John Prine at the State Fair Music Hall very close to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. I lived in Dallas at the time and there were lots of concerts during the early 1970s. I speculate it was 1972 or 1973 when I saw him. This was a fairly intimate venue. I saw Cream with Eric Clapton there several years before. Saw countless concerts there. He was on stage with just guitar and voice. He was incredible. Have never forgotten that concert. Later on saw him at Red Rocks (Denver, CO) summer of 2019, with I'm With Her. (Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O'Donovan, and Sara Watkins) He was incredible. Had a full band. A few months later he had passed away.
That early gig sounds amazing, Jimmy!
It was. I am from Duncan, OK but live in Beaufort, SC.
Saw John Prine and Bonnie Rait in Columbus Ohio in the 70s. Drank a LOT of Bourbon listening to John Prine. What a story teller! What a song writer! What a man. Heart, Soul, and Humor. One of a kind. He made this world a better place. RIP
Well said, William! : )
I found John Prine because I heard Bonnie Raitt sing Angel from Montgomery. He was absolutely a treasure, and his wonderful songs will never fade.
I agree with ya 100% : )
Not sure if you've heard the version of them doing Angel together. It's live, & from a Tribute to some fellow Artist. The finest rendition I've Ever heard. Could bring tears to your eyes. 💚💔💛
@@robertos4420 I have. I love that version. That song always brings tears to my eyes.
Love love love John Prine…
Thank you for sharing. I love John Prine.
Thank you, Linda!
I am a Kentuckian and a year younger so I felt a kinship to John. I don't remember which year but it had to have been no long after his first album was released in 1971; John appeared at the Red Barn which was an entertainment venue on the campus of the University of Louisville. Before the concert started I could tell from the snippets of conversation I overheard that many didn't quite know who John Prine was or anything about his music. I thought to myself, "Boy are you folks in for a treat." Had to be one of the best live concerts I ever heard and the crowd was "Blown away."
That had to be a great thing to be part of, Charles!
The whole family bought tickets for each other to see John for Christmas 2018 , scheduled for April , rescheduled for October 2019 , mom , daughter son in-law and his parents , we sang we wish you a merry Christmas in the lobby , now John is gone , mom’s dementia has progressed, what a wonderful memory, my soninlaw and I were both blown away when John sang caravan of fools , came straight home and learned it , my kids received a signed picture and a happy anniversary wish from John . What a gift the times I got to see John live , what a gift to be blessed with a good family
Well said, and much love to ya!
Good story, to better days. thanks.
Thanks, Lawrence!
We saw John many times, but one of the last was in Worcester MA. The show was fabulous as alway. During the concert there was a lull between song and the crowd was very quiet. Out of the darkness in the hall a voice rang out saying, "John, thank you for coming to earth."
I was browsing a record store back in the 70's (when they had record stores), and there was music being played in house. It caught my ear and I was hearing "Grandpa was a Carpenter" for the first time. I was hooked immediately! I bought the album and every album ever since. I have seen him perform live as often he came to town. I last saw him in San Diego on his "Tree of Forgiveness" tour. RIP.
Much love to ya, Mike!
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t listen to John Prine, sing one of his songs, or think of a lyric. I was so lucky to see him perform many times over the years. The last time was at Clowes Hall in 2018. I just moved back to Indiana after leaving Nashville. It was like having an old friend come visit. No one better in my book. His influence on music can’t be overstated. Will always miss him.
Well said!
If I ever get my shot, I hope I’m as humble as Goodman and push for my friends to be there right beside me.
Me and one of my best friends from the '70s I still stay in contact with saw Prine at the Exit/End in Nashville Tennessee. I believe it was in 1975. Great show with just his guitar. One of my all time favorite "Souvenirs"!
I'm amazed at how people talk about "discovering" John Prine even just a few years ago. Just goes to show what a timeless musical genius he was. I just looked at my ticket stub from when I saw him. July 19, 1978, Ravinia, with Steve Goodman. I had already been a fan of both for several years and seeing them together was something special indeed. I cried and cried for days when he died. I am so grateful he has been with me most of my life. By the way, I'm in Montana. We love him here too.
Much love to ya from Indiana, Maria!
I font have a John Prine story other than to say I was the oddball teenager in 1970's Pennsylvania that loved listening to artists like John Prine. His music touched my soul and I'll always be grateful for that. Seeing him on the boobtube not that long ago from a gig in his layer years wad an absolute treat. His voice had taken on even more character and hearing him do his older tunes became a new experience. He is a true National treasure.
Well said!
Love this story and John Prine too❤
Thanks, Anita!
Loved John. I have my own story or two . I met John several times from my teaching guitar in Chicago and later Phoenix , Az. in 1974 before I ever had met him.. I read in the Sun times that he was in the hospital. a small blurb since he was at least known at that time. I called the hospital to see if I could get his room to send him a get well card.. Instead they simply connected me to his room! He answered and we talked for 15 minutes!! I was stunned that I was talking to a man I was already learning to play. He told me he had gall bladder surgery and told me" I wish I could get out of here soon" . :) Meeting John on other occasions backstage ( along with Steve Goodman who he usually toured with back then).. remains some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Humble man and gentle soul.
John Prine, I was so glad that I got to see him perform. I’m born and raised in Chicago , yet I did not see him when I was young. I got to see him at The Chicago Theatre.. a wonderful show it was. It was a show that made you feel like we were all in his living room and just having fun. Magnificent. Anyway, if you are ever in Chicago, stop at Bernice’s Tavern, one mile from Sox park , on the south side of the city. It’s a family owned bar, an old school tavern, and after five decades of a family business, hopefully, very hopefully, we are still there. This 2020badyear has made it rough. God Bless. We are big supporters of the arts.
In terms of seeing John, I was lucky enough to see him in Dec 2018 in Las Vegas. My wife and I are both big fans and we found out he was playing there. My in-laws live just outside Vegas, so for X-mas we splurged on killer seats for the show and booked a couple nights at the Casino, then spent a few days at her parents. John and his band were on fire. An absolutely magical show and all around trip.
That sounds like a great trip!
I just had a buddy turn me on to Prine's music about 2 years ago, I've always loved folk music but I had never heard Prine before, and he blew me away, he introduced me to Prine and I introduced him to Jim Croche
That Ebert review would have run when I was a freshman in high school in the Chicago suburbs. Sadly, never saw him perform live although he regularly appeared locally in small clubs. A friend of mine’s boyfriend and later husband was an early fan and I regret now never joining them when they attended his many local performances in the 70s and 80s. Favorites: Hello in There and Angel from Montgomery. Since his death I’ve been diving deep into his work. What a talent.
I’m 69 years old and “discovered” John Prine about four years ago. I can’t believe it took me so long. My wife and I saw him dance around his guitar and off stage in Albany, saw him again at Radio City and had tickets to see him again at the Apollo Theater, but corona virus took him too soon. Thank you Otis. I watch your RUclips videos all the time and enjoy every one.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Bob and I'm glad you dig this stuff!
I’m 45 and I discovered John Prine about 2 years ago. My husband took me to see him perform last Christmas in Florida and I sat there the whole time in awe. He is my number one performer on my playlist...My favorites are crazy as a loon, summers end, hello in there, speed of the sound of loneliness, clocks and spoons, and pretty much every other song.
I'm glad you got to see him last year, Susan and your song favorites are excellent! Of course, all of his songs are excellent. : )
Pretty soon I met a woman ... pretty soon she done me wrong ... pretty soon my life got sadder than any country song ... Best Line in a song ever from Crazy As A Loon !!!!
I cry just thinking about losing him and not much makes me cry....been his biggest fan since 1972
Much love to ya, Ralph!
your stories make me cry. in a good way
I appreciate that, John! : )
Thank you! You are a terrific teller of worthy stories. Tonight I watched you speak about two of my favorite artists; Jerry Lee Lewis (Grand Ole Opry feud) and John Prine (Ebert "discovery").
Living in New Orleans back then (Bath, Maine now), I celebrated my 35th birthday in 1981 with two sweet beautiful women aboard the river boat "President"; rolling on the Mississippi River with Jerry Lee playing his heart out after he'd cancelled for health reasons and recuperated (or just fought on) enough to make the gig and do it proud. Five quick years later my fortieth birthday was celebrated at Tipitina's with an ex-friend's kind ex-girlfriend while John Prine performed his magical sad smile music. Dancing was easy both nights; audiences were way less than crowded. Thinking about John Prine brings smiling tears.
Much love to ya, Bruce!
Daddy and Them; what a cast.
In 1974 our Philly-based PBS TV station would rebroadcast the Philly Folk Fest in 1-hr time slots. Prince, Goodman, Frankie Armstrong, Martin, Bogen & Armstrong were all on these films, as well as many more. In 2015 I inquired to see if there were any plans to rebroadcast or digitize these films and was answered with crickets. There were no records of these films existing. A true loss.
“I Remember Everything” and “Hello In There” get me every time… what an amazing guy. Wasn’t it Kris Kristofferson who said: “No way somebody this young can be writing so heavy,” he said. “John Prine is so good, we may have to break his thumbs.”? Could be wrong there, but even if I am, it’s rather befitting. Greetings from Scotland.
Love these stories Otis, John was something, I saw him once in a club with Asleep at the wheel, it was around the time of bruised orange, he had his full band, and they rocked, saddle in the rain, all the good stuff, asleep at the wheel were great also great memory.it was in Jackson Mississippi around 78.
That had to be a magical night, Tim!
I miss that era where'd that magic now when we need it ? We had it all.
Summers End is a great song.
Love hearing all your stories Otis. I grew up in Indianapolis, now I winter in Ajo, Arizona. I found this place chasing Abbey.
The only John Prine story I have for you is, I was a big fan for years and when I got older I had the chance to go see him play a few years ago, it was on my birthday. But I was out here in Arizona and Ajo is a long two drive to Phoenix and I had a dog ( I still got her ) I couldn’t leave her with anyone so I stayed home, bought his new Cd the tree of forgiveness and had a drink with the wife while the dog slept. I thought John would be ok with that. Stay warm back home and I’ll come see you play when all is clear again.
Scratch that dog's ears for me, Birt!
Can’t listen to Paradise without tearing up. Every damn time!
I'm with ya, Aaron! It's about as good as it gets!
@@quij7ote222 I understand completely!
Excellent
Thank you, Joseph!
I have the honor (if you want to call it that) of being able to claim that I provided John Prine with about 25 years worth of lead guitar players! Two of my former students, David Steele and Jason Wilber, played with him. I got to see him many times. One of a kind, for sure.
I ran into David Steele a few years ago at Ryan Bingham's house in California. He was driving a cool ass old car. Maybe a Nova or a Trans Am. I can't remember for sure. : )
@@otisgibbs I think he's the President of the American Hot Rod Foundation. He'll always be a high-school aged kid to me. :)
I saw him in live performance three times. Once, on a portable stage in Little Rock under bright lights he was bombarded by a squadron of some of the biggest moths I’ve ever seen. He got to laughing while he was singing and said “I hope the next one just finishes me off”. His sense of humor was as big as everything else about him.
That's beautiful, Bruce! : )
Roger Elbert not the only person blown away the first time he heard unknown singer John Prine. "Hello In There" first tune that caught my ear years ago. Years later, at age 78 listening to "Hello In There" is a whole different masterpiece that speaks to me even louder and more meaningful than ever.
Edward Moriarity- I'm just a few years behind you - been performing JP songs for nearly 50 years - not long after I first heard it. Like you, it blew me away then and still does every time I hear it. Bruised Orange has of late become "my" JP song, followed by Hello in There, Mexican Home Blue Umbrella and Donald and Lydia. Probably played each 2000 times and will never tire of either playing them, or hearing another kindred spirit cover them... I'm just now getting his most prophetic piece "When I Get To Heaven" committed to memory.... used to be able to listen twice and could play any story teller's song back word for word. Not any more....
Me too! And that song- like so many of his opened up another window of compassion that hadn't been there before.
I didn't discover JP until I was 78 years old--two years ago.
And just in time because the love of my life died four months ago after a long journey with Alzheimers. JP is my go to for solace. I can listen and watch him on RUclips for hours. My favorites are Glory of True Love, Hello in There, and When I get to Heaven. I am deeply grateful for the man and for his music.
Thanks for the honest and loving review of the individual John Prine!
Loved this thank you! I love the memory and the music of John PrineI sing and play alot of his music and he helped me get into Travis Picking!
This was fascinating. Had no idea he was a mailman. Been an RCA for 4 years now myself
Was lucky enough to see him outside Raleigh with my Mom about 10 years ago. We cried like absolute babies when he did Hello in There, it was a moment I'll never forget. Godspeed John.
That's beautiful that you were able to share that moment with your mom! : )
Angel from Montgomery has been on my top ten list for forever! I saw a performance of John Prine with Nanci Griffith at the Mann Center in Philadelphia in 3rd row seats and I will never forget it!!!
It's hard to beat that one, Jodie!
Goose bumps! I envy Roger’s spot.
I'm with ya, Steve!
I had never cried, never grieved over the death of someone I didn't know personally until John Prine passed. I still get misty at times when the right Prine song comes on at the wrong time. My then girlfriend asked me why I was so affected. I said that it didn't make sense, but I felt like John Price loved me, personally, even though we'd never met. It felt like he and I had a relationship through his music and concerts. He was the loving father I never had. And he didn't just love me personally, he loved all of us personally. I know, I know, it's crazy, but I still think it might be true. I went to John's All The Best Fest in November of 2019. That might have been the best week of my life. Gig Harbor, Washington.
Hang in there, Don!
I can’t thank you enough for posting these stories! It makes missing John a little more bearable. I last saw John in September 18 2019 at red rocks amphitheater with the Colorado symphony orchestra. He had postponed the date due to a stroke several months prior and I was worried for him.. wondering if he’d be able to come. He not only came, he came and he killed it! He played for 3 hours and included songs from every era of his work. He gave each and every listener exactly what they came for and it was truly amazing. I know that he lives on through his life and work but I miss him soo much. Thanks again!
I only got to see John Prine one time in my life but it was purely magic
It really doesn't get any better, Steve!
Fantastic
My first agent at CAA was Al Bunetta. I had just built and opened The Agora Ballroom in Columbus Ohio. Went back to NY with him where we went to a folk club where he signed John Prine. He stayed with him all his life! I stayed at Paul Anka’s Brownstone. Booked John and Stevie all my life!
We had a showcase live music club in the early 80’s and John, as a favorite of all of us owner’s, was our favorite act to promote. Over a course of 20+ shows he was a delight, sometimes a handful or more, mostly timely but always beloved!
I love me some John Prine, and I am always happy to hear old tales about him. I have heard a lot of this before, but there are always gems when you tell your stories. Today it was the Studs Terkel Radio Archive. Thanks for what you do. My second favorite thing about John is listening to his lyrics, his stories, and seeing the way he lived his life, makes me a better human being. My favorite thing is it is not just me, I don't know if it is all of John's fans, but all the ones I have met are genuine and decent human beings. Shared this on the John Prine Group on Facebook. Hoping they come for the John Prine and stay for the Otis Gibbs.
Thank you for sharing this stuff, Max! It really helps me get the word out and I appreciate that.
I have been to Johns small venue shows when Steve Goodman joined in. Never heard better acoustic guitar
Ebert said it so well in 1970 about John:
"He appears on stage with such modesty he almost seems to be backing into the spotlight. He sings rather quietly, and his guitar work is good, but he doesn’t show off. He starts slow. But after a song or two, even the drunks in the room begin to listen to his lyrics. And then he has you."
Boy, we miss you John.
Great story, well told as always Otis. I miss pre-COVID music, and the community it brought.
I remember seeing John Prine on Austin City Limits and Sessions at West 54th growing up. He seemed like some kind of character out of a Muppet movie. All of his songs sounded like a script from some sort of indie movie. The characters, the scenes and the pictures he painted with his words. Hearing his songs, how good they were, was so intimidating to me that I aspire to become a guitarist, and never really a songwriter.
My aspirations of changed in the last few years, and now I find myself in my mid-40s starting to write songs. John has been a guiding light for sure, someone I hold my own work up to to measure how good it is.
The world has diminished a little bit without him in it I think.
It's a huge loss for sure, Allan.
I just heard a new song by John Prine that I fell in love with! "All The Best" Otis, Thanks for sharing. Peace, Love & Music!!!
Much love to ya, Lennie!
@@otisgibbs ~ Thank you, that is very nice of you. Much love to ya too! You seem to be a real cool person.
I stumbled upon John Prine while at college. After knocking down a few beers at the local college watering hole I stopped by a small records store next to the bar. I was on my way to work so I didn’t have much time. I walked over to a discount bin and saw John’s first album. There it was, a demo album mixed in with the other unknown groups and performers. I’m guessing the owner must have decided to sell it without even listening to it. It caught my attention because it had linear notes from. Kris Kristroperson who me and my buddies worshipped because our Sundays were exactly like those he described in “Sunday Morning Coming Down. So I laid down one dollar and walked out the door with the album in hand. I took a chance on the purchase without having any clue who Prine was. After putting in my six hours of work and returning to our small cramped room that I shared with my brother in an apartment in Compton, California (now well known) I popped the album on my record player later that night. I was floored by what I heard. Every song was outstanding. I especially related to his stories because they were a voice from the working class something that connected to my life and the people I knew. Although I managed to go to college I worked over thirty hours a week while managing college classes. Songs like Sam Stone reminded me of a close buddy who became a heroin addict upon returning from Vietnam. Your Flag Decal reminded me of the division at the time over the Vietnam War and two incidents where my buddies had the shit kicked out of them for their antiwar feelings. Spanish Pipedream reminds me of an occasional strip club my buddies and I use to drop by after a long night of drunken revelry. “Hello in There” brings back memories of some of the old broken down men in the neighborhood who had toiled there whole life only to be forgotten in their older years. Every song struck a note in my own life. Over the years I purchased every John Prine album and talked about him but nobody seen to know who he was until the last fifteen years of his life. I saw him three times and was planning to see him play in August of that year with two other John Prine followers. Unfortunately my close buddy who I planned on going with to see Prine died before the concert. My buddy died just after his last album was released. Maybe he and John Prine are having a vodka and ginger ale “while kissing the pretty girls on the “tilt a world”
@@larryhazlett4445 I like the idea of your buddy having a vodka with Prine, Larry!
I saw John Prine open up for Arlo Guthrie back in 85'. After seeing John Prine, I completely forgot about Arlo Guthrie. Prine just amazed me as it was just him and an acoustic guitar. Nothing more. And he blew Guthrie off stage. Just amazing. And I am from Rockford IL.
Greetings from Columbus, Mississippi!
Fabulous recollections, sir. John Prine has been a part of many lives, especially those of us from the Chicago area. Since Covid hit and the terrible passing of John, he has been my closest musical companion. Not a day goes by when John doesn’t touch my life in a song, a TV performance, a story such as you are sharing, or simply a Facebook post. Lake Marié is my most recent JP jam. The lyrics are a jumbled word map offering clues but not always answers. The guitar accompaniment, especially on some live renderings, can be a bit feistier than many Prine classics. Which I like, too. Thank you for sharing and remembering Chicago icons and builders Ebert, Studs, Steve Goldman, and of course, Mr. John Prine...man, they was sizzling!
Well said, Dave and I agree with every word!
Otis, I live near Charlotte NC. John is my favorite singer songwriter. I've followed him since the early 80s. I've seen him many times in the following cities. Charlotte,Asheville,Nashville,Wilmington NC. I have lost count of how many times. Our last show was the 2019 tour in Asheville Halloween weekend. He was crisp and full of himself. When he died my wife and I cried. We still do every time we listen to Hello In There. Thanks for your channel.
I understand that sentiment completely!
Luvvit! Thanx!
YES!!!
Picture this if you will. I'm 64 now but around 71 or so I was about 14. A buddy from school had an older brother who brought the first JP disc home. I don't think I'd heard any songs prior. We are sitting in a suburban Dallas 2nd floor bedroom with one of those little 30 pound luggable turntables with two external speakers. Kind of looks like a tweed suitcase. The needle drops onto Sam Stone and outside time and space froze and my 14 year old skull is coming to grips with another version of reality. I didn't see the Beatles live on Sullivan but that was my A-Haa moment. Things were different from that moment on-I became aware of a different reality, the Vietnam war was real in a way that the papers and TV could not reveal. Dope was around us in Jr High but it was 4 finger thick baggies of mexican weed for $10-Sam Stone brought home the horrors of addiction in a way the pulpy comic books they passed out in phys ed did not convey. A new genius was revealed to us and folks of my age were there at the beginning in a way our older brothers were around for Dylan and the Fabs. I still remember that fall afternoon in my buddy's BR like it was last week-that is the kind of impression John Prine made on me.
That's amazing and beautiful, Steve. You painted quite the picture!
By the way, I have that same record player. I bought it 20 years ago at a thrift store in Milwaukee.
@@otisgibbs Thanks Otis-love your channel. I'm sorry it took the passing of JJW and your reaction to make me aware of you. You remind me of a former Austin TV personality Jim Swift who told local tales in a rocking chair on his front porch.
You're right, Prines debut album is one of the greatest, and Kris debut album is also one of the greatest debut albums. So nice to hear about how closley connected they were.
I absolutely love me some Kris Kristofferson and I agree about his debut album!
Kristofferson also had the knack of story telling succinctly in song, so takes one to know one. He knew the goods when he witnessed prine
I live in Warrenville IL been a fan since early 70's. RIP JP
Greetings from Indiana, Marcy!