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I made this compilation to make it easier for people to find all of these stories. These are all clips from interviews I've done over the years. Feel free to share it with your favorite Willie Nelson fan.
Fantastic job Otis. I been a music fan since the Beatles on ed Sullivan, I was around in the Atlanta scene 68-71 then moved to Texas and loved it and in my life I have met alot of musician heroes, and I saw Willie so many times I lost count and later on I met Willie on the phone while talking to Alex Jones... Lol
This might sound weird but when I was a kid in the 50’s and early 60’s I absolutely loved country music. Especially Ray Price and Patsy Cline. When I learned years later that so many of the songs I loved were written by Willie Nelson I was in awe of that man and still am today. He’s a national treasure . Thanks Otis!
@@WilliamMitchell-sc3fe no in fact at that time county music was arguably at that time was imo at its very best I agree nothing at all wrong with loving that music at all
Ray Price was absolutely underrated as a singer & songwriter. The man has a silky smooth voice / vocal. Burning Bridge was probably my favorite song he has done imo. But he’s got several GREAT hits , but “ Burning Bridges “ will forever be my favorite country song !
@@gregheard9425 Agree 40's 50's & 60's were the best years of country, so many greats, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, Willie, Carl Smith, Roy Acuff, E.T. & many more.
I lived in Austin from 1978-1980. I have my own Willie Nelson story. The short version is that a girl slipped acid in my coffee and before the day was over I ended up being an extra on the set of the movie “Honeysuckle Rose” with Willie, Slim Pickens and Dyan Cannon while I was tripping balls
To think that Willie turns 90 next week is amazing. What an incredible life. He's seen more than some people have ever seen. Love this Otis .Thank you .
I saw Willie play at the Del Mar fair in San Diego, the fair has a rule that concerts end at 11:00pm. When the show is supposed to end, Willie says to the crowd, I've got a new album coming out and if you want to hang around, I'd like to bounce these songs off of you and see how you like them. He played until 12:30am and the Del Mar Fair banned him from ever playing there again. What a great show.
Man, I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel, your stories it has taken me all day to listen to the Willie Nelson stories because I am at work but has been thoroughly enjoyed. Rock on my brother !!! I dig what you do.
Willie is so down to earth. I met him once, years ago out at Luckenbach. He wasn't playing a show, or anything like that. He just showed up one Saturday evening and the cool thing about Luckenbach is everyone really IS somebody there. If you didn't know it was Willie, he could have been just another old timer hanging out. And yep, I got high with him. I offered first, and he said, "here, try this". Even way back then, he had the. "good stuff". I've met several big musicians and various celebrity types of people over the years and NONE were as chill and just "normal" ad he was.
I've been feeling extremely depressed .. flying low if ya will . Listening to these stories of Willie and life on the road has put a huge smile in my face .. thinking about traveling long live willie
One of Willie's first gigs was as a dic jockey in Atascosa County, Tx I think in the late 1950's where my grandparents lived. My grandmother used to say: "I can't stand to look at him with all that hair, but I just love his music." We listened to nothing but Willie, Waylon & Merle on 8 track tapes on all our road trips.
You Know, One of the most important traits about Willie is that he learned a very long time ago to just be yourself. Another great ability that he has is to LISTEN to people. They have so much to say, and there goes another song. He can out talk you and me forever. He's done everything, he's been everywhere and yet he still has the smarts to be quite and listen to what you have to say. Genius! Hell, he still looks at other people playing the guitar to see what he can learn, and he's been playing the guitar every day for 75 years. I heard Willie when I was about 15 years old, and I got hooked by that sound. You could say I'm a Willie Nelson and family freak. I have a good 100 stories, but I'll keep it short. I remember once when Willie was in town, I saw his bur pull into the Holiday Inn on IH 35 in San Antonio. We called the Holiday and asked for him. They called his room and HE AWSERED the phone and talked with us. Just like that! Once, I think it was when he was filming honeysuckle rose, we went to talk to him got on the bus and all. Anyway, when we were leaving, I asked Willie, hey Willie, will you wear my hat on stage when you come out and he replied, let's trade hats. I gave him my Texas Longhorns cap and he gave me some very old farmers cap. When he came on stage, he had my hat on and thru it into the crowd. I was yelling to the fans next to me that that was my cap and the looked at me like I was on crack. After the show, I actually ran into the guy with my cap on. Hey that's my cap and he replied Get the fk away from me you moron. I have a hundred more stories. Willie Nelson is really a down to earth guy. It's not a show. He's just a guy from a tiny little town off of IH 35 north who has worked very very hard at his craft and is absolutely the best at what he does and of course yes, he is undoubtedly the most famous entertainer the world has ever known.
Man, I was 8 years old in 1975 in Memphis TN. My parents had get-togethers every weekend listening to outlaw country and the like. I used to sneak into the living room and hide in a corner while the grown ups would drink and get stoned. I used to get ran out all the time. My mother would freak out because I would be stoned just sitting there and there was always one guy, Randy, who would pass me a joint. Man, I lived in such a great time back then! Snagging my dads Penthouses and trying to be one of the grownups! Good day!
Another good interview is johnny cash last one he did. He talks about all the musicians who want to meet him and who he wants to meet. Makes you wonder if he ever met kid rock
The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky. When Willie was asked in an interview in 1991 what his favorite lyrics were, that was his reply! Those lyrics are my favorite as well, I feel we are kindred spirits which brings a song-writer comfort. Thanks for all your time arrangeing an entertaining and educational video! Peace,Love, and Happiness Always.
I was at Tootsies in 2018 . The fighter squadron I was in during the Vietnam war had our 50th anniversary in Nashville. I wanted to go to Tootsies so we did. We were drink cold beers and reminiscing. A couple of people heard us talking along with our waitress and bar keeper. Our tab was paid by Tootsie as appreciation for our service. The waitress told us we were in Willie's booth along with Johnny Cash. I haven't washed those jeans yet. It was a great experience.
I don’t comment a lot, but you talking about Willie Nelson. When I was a kid in the 70s, my dad worked at the family business Acme brick which was right down the street from Bill McDavid Pontiac. Will he was friends with them at Davidson would often be in his truck coming in or out of the dealership where he was talking to her hanging out with the McDavid. So a couple of times on the bike I got to lean into his truck and say hey Willie While I was on my way to visit my dad usually for lunch. These encounters probably lasted no more than seconds. I do believe that’s the first time I smelt marijuana. He was just around this was the 70s. Of course he was already famous but I think it’s famous become much bigger by now. I have friends that have better stories in mine. Fort Worth was an interesting place to grow up in many other stories. But that’s my one Willie Nelson encounter. I’m enjoying hearing the conversation here. Oh I have to subscribe to you now.
I was at a Willie Nelson, concert, and when it was over, everyone, in the audience, wanted him to sign ,anything, AND,WILLIE ,MADE AN ANOUNSENTMENT " IF I HAVE TO RENT THIS PLACE FOR 3 DAYS, I'LL SIGN EVERYONE'S
Thanks so much for these stories about Willie and his life and travels. My dad died around eleven years ago at the age of 93. He was ww2 and Korean War vet. I turned him on to Willies music back in the seventies and he always thought he and Willie were kindred spirits I believe. So over the years dad kinda grew to resemble Willie, he really didn’t know anything about him but loved his music. We’ve always been fans, and appreciate his contributions. Thanks again!
Thanks for that! I saw every one of these prior, but all the editorial work (picky-choosy stuff, the order/timing, individual cuts/transitions, etc .) makes a difference. My specifics don't matter, the interactions and how they add up will be different for everyone, but I'm damn sure that a lot of other viewers saw one thing or another in a new light, too Made me think of Maxwell Perkins, other ink-stained desk jockeys, and a whole host of record producers I tend not to remember often. The selection and timing, and the sheer "fit" of Dale's cameo here, gave it a whole new sparkle. Thanks for the demonstration! Should be handier for people, among many other good things.
Rheta Grimsley Johnson was a reporter and columnist who worked for King Features Syndicate of New York and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. She is retired.
Great stories Otis, some of them I haven't heard before. Willie is a national treasure that everyone needs to know about. I learned a lot about music by listening to his songs . Take care man.
Willie became my musical hero in 1979, when I was 14. The parents took me to three concerts in Watsonville CA in 79-80-81, and all three were like spiritual experiences. After the show in 1980 I got to mingle with Willie and the band backstage at this little amphitheater. I was so in awe just to be in the same room with the man, I couldn't speak.
Wow man, I never knew much about Willie Nelson. My stepdad would play some songs of his, and I saw him on TV a little. I wasn’t into country music at the time. I’ve had some good things happen to me because I chose to do the right thing. That’s what I’m gleaning from this video. Thank you Otis. It’s good to hear that there are still good people in this world!
Otis, this is great. The stories. The history. The music. The characters. Listen close. But watch the faces of these storytellers. They tell their own story. Thank you ❤
Summer of 1973 a long haired acquaintance from work and I went out for a beer after work. We were talking and the conversation got around to what kind of music we listened to. He loved country music I was into rock and roll so he asked me if I had heard The Byrds album Sweetheart of the Rodeo and Meryl Haggard. I didn’t really know either one so he invited me to his house to listen to some music. He played The Byrds album for me and an album by Meryl and I loved both albums . That was my reintroduction to country. Before that I’d listened to country when I was riding around with my dad in his truck. I prefer older country but I have some current artists who I really like. Right now I’m into Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives big time .
Thanks for the video. My uncle Jody Pain was Willie Nelson‘s rhythm guitar player until he passed away about 10 years ago. Loved hearing these stories.
@@TheBlindGuitarSlingerI looked forward to hearing your Uncle Jody every time I ever saw Willie! I was casual friends with Chris Ethridge (bass player for the Byrds and Emmy's Hot Band) . Willie's band, back in the day, was as good of a jam band as The Grateful Dead or anyone else! They absolutely lived in the moment, and that brought the songs to life in a different way every night.
@@wshow11 that’s cool. I just found out recently that Billy strings has one of Jodi‘s old acoustic guitars, and he even has a little of Jodi‘s ashes that got knocked over on it, and he caused the guitar Jodi. I thought that was awesome.
@@TheBlindGuitarSlinger Yeah man..... I think I heard Billy tell the story of getting it. I have followed him since he was a kid...very talented young man! Do you play?
Love the compalation videos. Ask about farm aid 1986 at Manerd Downs outside of Austin. Willie started the show then flew to NYC to sing at unveiling the refurbished statue of liberty then came back to farm aide Jesse Jackson was speaking late that night crowd was getting unruly listening to him and Willie broke out in Whisky River. That calmed the crowd then he introduced SRV everything went back to normal.
willie nelson makes the world a better place...i commented them on a post abotu him and its gotten approaching a thousand likes deservedlly....and otis gibbs makes the world a better place!
I loved the stories my Grandfather would tell of Willie. Way back in the late 50’s or so, Willie was a disc jockey and musician in the local beer joints and ice houses in Pasadena Tx. My Grandfather would tell of smoking dope with Willie even back then. Kinda funny hearing that from your Grandfather.
In the mid 70’s when I was about 8 years old I had front row center seats to one of his shows. I had a custom made t shirt that said I ❤ Willie. I had braids and a red bandana and red cowboy boots. I tossed him my bandana and he played with it on the end of trigger and threw it back to me and smiled. Some very large horrible woman snatched it out of the air and wouldn’t let me have it. He was mid song and glared at her and strummed trigger extra hard in displeasure while the crowd at the front booed her. Later he gave me an autograph when he saw me and he had already turned down many. Funny thing was he was so drunk from passing a whisky jug back and forth with fans in the front row that his signature looked more like it said Waylon than it did Willie. But I will never forget that moment we had. I will be absolutely gutted when he heads off yonder.
I listen to a lot of music history stories... genre not that important...from the oldest of blues to the punk/metal of the early 80s...I also am a lover of the art of story telling....that said between Otis's natural ease of delivery and just about every single guest being great story tellers themselves ...what a cool place this for legit Americana this channel is....and def the most consistent w great stories of musicians......
I met Willie Nelson, his sister Bobby, Paul and the band in Charlotte in 1974. I worked with someone whose wife went to school with Willie in Abbott, Texas. We went to a hotel across Independence Boulevard from the Charlotte Coliseum and asked the hotel clerk to ask Willie if we could come to his room. We went to his room and his band members were in a back room smoking. Later he took us to another room to meet his sister Bobby. He was such a nice guy and after the concert he had us come to the stage and hang out.
Would you consider doing something on Warren Zevon? His music has deep roots in country, folk and “Americana.”He was covered by country artists like Dwight Yoakham and Terri Clark, and was championed by his peers and collaborators, such as Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen. His wife’s book, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead: the dirty life & times of Warren zevon”is an incredible read for any fan of the singer-songwriter art form. Other Warren zevon books are not as profound. Thank you for this, and for the hours upon hours of insightful entertainment.
Thank you Mr. Gibbs for putting these videos together. I can't quit watching them. Good stuff! You've also got some great music of your own. Wishing you much success in all you do! Thank you!
Good job Otis. I lived in Austin for many of those years. Had an old friend who was one of the DJ's at KOKE back in the day. This video hit the right notes regarding Willie.
Waylon’s brother James was giving me a drive around their hometown Littlefield Texas. He told about the time Waylon’s son Terry was working for him as his manager. They were in town for the free concert Waylon did every year and Willie drove up in a rental car. He stepped aboard Waylon’s bus, and must’ve assumed Terry was a roadie, because he threw him his car keys and said “go park my car boy.” Terry said nothing and left. Later after the show, Willie found him and asked where his car was, and Terry said “I parked it somewhere in Lubbock. You go find it boy.” James laughed telling me how mad Waylon was about it. 😂😂
Worked at an old-school pawn shop. Customer told me his Willie story: his wife wanted to get an autograph so they go knock on the bus door after a gig. They got pulled on the bus, met Willie, got blasted on joints for the first time ever, just had a grand old time. Bus has to go and it’s time to leave. They leave the bus and make it to their car as the bus pulls away and his wife realizes they forgot to ask for an autograph.
Mr Gibbs, I have watched your videos religiously since I found you and always enjoy them but this one is amazing and could have gone on another few hours and I wouldn’t have noticed … also: I was lucky enough to hang out with Hank Cochran during the Flora Bama song writes festival around 1988 at the owners house next door. He brought up Guy Clark and I told him I had been a huge fan of his since the mid 70’s , he then pulled out a homemade cassette that Guy had made and given to him and told me the classic story behind it as he handed it to me and said I hope you enjoy it and he was sure Guy wouldn’t mind. I no longer have it (shit happens) but I have the memory and I am still a huge Guy Clark fan. Thank You for what you’re doing and please don’t stop …… mm
Hello there, I’ve been so pleased to get to know such a great stories about Willie. I’ve been living in Austin now for 7 and a half years. From now on I rather say , I live in Willie Austin Tejas !! Thanks so much much for this wonderful stories. ❤️🎼✌️☮️🤟
Ever since I bought the 4 disc anthology on Willie that covered his carreer upbtill then I've always liked "She's Not For You" I enjoy many of his hits like "On The Road Again" and his classic cover of "Blue Skies" and "Just Breathe"
OTIS, God bless our hero's in music artist myself at 67 , I find they are starting to fade into the next world leaving part of THEIR souls on record for us in this one to remember and give us love in our hearts when times get hard for us.......bless you OTIS for the memories ....... I find myself going back to my records and playing them and loving that there are a few new AMERICANA artist carrying the torch of old to the new generation.
One of my favorite willie songs is his version of a kris kristopherson song called “Moments of Forever “. But I love them all. I’ve seen him play many times but I’d love to meet him so much. Just to hang out with him.
In 1986, our band was playing a street dance in Malone Texas, population next to nothing, when Willie and his childhood friend Zeke Varnon drove up in an old van behind the stage. They had been playing dominoes at Zeke's house down the road and heard the music. Willie came up on the stage/flatbed trailer and sang a dozen of his greatest hits with us, completely impromptu. A week later, we were backing Willie with everyone who was backstage (Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gary P Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Fromholz, BW Stevenson, BoxCar Willie etc) for a 45 minute segment at Farm Aid II in front of 50,000 people and live on VHI. (the FarmAid youtube channel has several clips) We were signed to a development deal by Willie and over the next couple of years played at his picnics, and various events in Willie's orbit.
Seen him once right after Merle passed. They were touring together . His sons played his set. Willies set was great as I expected. I was glad to see cats his age which I’m sure we’re old friends as the band itself. Long live country music.
Used to see him every time he played the Wisconsin State Fair, plus in Rockford twice , Poplar Creek Music Theater and the Rosemont Horizon, both were in Chicago suburbs. Always a great show, never disappointed. At the Fair his 2 little girls would come on stage for the last song. All these were back in the 70's and 80's. He also played the IL State Fair every year when Jim Edgar was the governor. They had a tradition of having chilli together whenever Willie came to Springfield for the fair. Willie was everyone's buddy. Met him once backstage, he is so real. and I could see how he got in trouble with the ladies. He talked close and right into my eyes, took my breath away ...LOL.
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I made this compilation to make it easier for people to find all of these stories. These are all clips from interviews I've done over the years. Feel free to share it with your favorite Willie Nelson fan.
Thank you for this compilation.
👍
really cool format
Thank you Sir. This is really great
Fantastic job Otis. I been a music fan since the Beatles on ed Sullivan, I was around in the Atlanta scene 68-71 then moved to Texas and loved it and in my life I have met alot of musician heroes, and I saw Willie so many times I lost count and later on I met Willie on the phone while talking to Alex Jones... Lol
This might sound weird but when I was a kid in the 50’s and early 60’s I absolutely loved country music. Especially Ray Price and Patsy Cline. When I learned years later that so many of the songs I loved were written by Willie Nelson I was in awe of that man and still am today. He’s a national treasure . Thanks Otis!
@zendixie, there's absolutely nothing weird about you enjoying country music during the '50s and '60s. There's nothing weird about that at all ❤️👍
@@WilliamMitchell-sc3fe no in fact at that time county music was arguably at that time was imo at its very best I agree nothing at all wrong with loving that music at all
Awesome he is the King❤
Ray Price was absolutely underrated as a singer & songwriter. The man has a silky smooth voice / vocal.
Burning Bridge was probably my favorite song he has done imo.
But he’s got several GREAT hits , but “ Burning Bridges “ will forever be my favorite country song !
@@gregheard9425 Agree 40's 50's & 60's were the best years of country, so many greats, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Faron Young, Marty Robbins, Willie, Carl Smith, Roy Acuff, E.T. & many more.
I lived in Austin from 1978-1980. I have my own Willie Nelson story. The short version is that a girl slipped acid in my coffee and before the day was over I ended up being an extra on the set of the movie “Honeysuckle Rose” with Willie, Slim Pickens and Dyan Cannon while I was tripping balls
To think that Willie turns 90 next week is amazing. What an incredible life. He's seen more than some people have ever seen. Love this Otis .Thank you .
Go see his 90th at the Hollywood Bowl, may be your last chance.
@@indiandaeng Alas , Live in the UK and I'm broke so the chances are pretty slim. 😂 Bet it will be an amazing night ! 🎶🎸🎤
SMOKE POT IS WHat that tells me
I saw Willie play at the Del Mar fair in San Diego, the fair has a rule that concerts end at 11:00pm. When the show is supposed to end, Willie says to the crowd, I've got a new album coming out and if you want to hang around, I'd like to bounce these songs off of you and see how you like them. He played until 12:30am and the Del Mar Fair banned him from ever playing there again.
What a great show.
What a treat to have all these stories collected in one place. Thanks Otis. Here's to more kindness.
I looked in the dictionary for a definition of Badass and I found this video.
Thanks Otis! 🎶🎩
Man, I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel, your stories it has taken me all day to listen to the Willie Nelson stories because I am at work but has been thoroughly enjoyed. Rock on my brother !!! I dig what you do.
Willie is so down to earth. I met him once, years ago out at Luckenbach. He wasn't playing a show, or anything like that. He just showed up one Saturday evening and the cool thing about Luckenbach is everyone really IS somebody there. If you didn't know it was Willie, he could have been just another old timer hanging out. And yep, I got high with him. I offered first, and he said, "here, try this". Even way back then, he had the. "good stuff".
I've met several big musicians and various celebrity types of people over the years and NONE were as chill and just "normal" ad he was.
No ka oi 😂😅😊
"It felt like I was watching Louis Armstrong rehearse." What a great quote.
I caught that as well. Man, I really bit into that quote!
Good line for sure!
Yes!
I've been feeling extremely depressed .. flying low if ya will . Listening to these stories of Willie and life on the road has put a huge smile in my face .. thinking about traveling long live willie
I hope you’re feeling better.
@@killerkomedian1342
I've met some of these cats. Juust be cool and don't say much. They really are funny as hell.
One of Willie's first gigs was as a dic jockey in Atascosa County, Tx I think in the late 1950's where my grandparents lived. My grandmother used to say: "I can't stand to look at him with all that hair, but I just love his music." We listened to nothing but Willie, Waylon & Merle on 8 track tapes on all our road trips.
Willie Nelson, An American Icon!
You Know, One of the most important traits about Willie is that he learned a very long time ago to just be yourself.
Another great ability that he has is to LISTEN to people. They have so much to say, and there goes another song. He can out talk you and me forever. He's done everything, he's been everywhere and yet he still has the smarts to be quite and listen to what you have to say. Genius! Hell, he still looks at other people playing the guitar to see what he can learn, and he's been playing the guitar every day for 75 years. I heard Willie when I was about 15 years old, and I got hooked by that sound. You could say I'm a Willie Nelson and family freak. I have a good 100 stories, but I'll keep it short. I remember once when Willie was in town, I saw his bur pull into the Holiday Inn on IH 35 in San Antonio. We called the Holiday and asked for him. They called his room and HE AWSERED the phone and talked with us. Just like that! Once, I think it was when he was filming honeysuckle rose, we went to talk to him got on the bus and all. Anyway, when we were leaving, I asked Willie, hey Willie, will you wear my hat on stage when you come out and he replied, let's trade hats. I gave him my Texas Longhorns cap and he gave me some very old farmers cap. When he came on stage, he had my hat on and thru it into the crowd. I was yelling to the fans next to me that that was my cap and the looked at me like I was on crack. After the show, I actually ran into the guy with my cap on. Hey that's my cap and he replied Get the fk away from me you moron. I have a hundred more stories. Willie Nelson is really a down to earth guy. It's not a show. He's just a guy from a tiny little town off of IH 35 north who has worked very very hard at his craft and is absolutely the best at what he does and of course yes, he is undoubtedly the most famous entertainer the world has ever known.
Thank you Otis Gibbs... Whether you like it or not you're a great historian and journalist..
Man, I was 8 years old in 1975 in Memphis TN. My parents had get-togethers every weekend listening to outlaw country and the like. I used to sneak into the living room and hide in a corner while the grown ups would drink and get stoned. I used to get ran out all the time. My mother would freak out because I would be stoned just sitting there and there was always one guy, Randy, who would pass me a joint. Man, I lived in such a great time back then! Snagging my dads Penthouses and trying to be one of the grownups! Good day!
Did you know any Sachenbachers in Memphis? They lived Lamar/Pearson neighborhood
My kids grew up in a fun household too! Lol back in the 80’s
I got a shiver down my spine when one guy here was talking about Bobbie and Willie being shown the chords to "Great Speckled Bird"
Another good interview is johnny cash last one he did. He talks about all the musicians who want to meet him and who he wants to meet. Makes you wonder if he ever met kid rock
Yeah, Red Headed Stranger is such a great record
Joe Nick Patoski is a guy I could listen to all day.
Otis, how thoughtful of you to collect these Willie stories, thank you.
The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky. When Willie was asked in an interview in 1991 what his favorite lyrics were, that was his reply! Those lyrics are my favorite as well, I feel we are kindred spirits which brings a song-writer comfort. Thanks for all your time arrangeing an entertaining and educational video! Peace,Love, and Happiness Always.
I was at Tootsies in 2018 . The fighter squadron I was in during the Vietnam war had our 50th anniversary in Nashville. I wanted to go to Tootsies so we did. We were drink cold beers and reminiscing. A couple of people heard us talking along with our waitress and bar keeper. Our tab was paid by Tootsie as appreciation for our service. The waitress told us we were in Willie's booth along with Johnny Cash. I haven't washed those jeans yet. It was a great experience.
I don’t comment a lot, but you talking about Willie Nelson.
When I was a kid in the 70s, my dad worked at the family business Acme brick which was right down the street from Bill McDavid Pontiac. Will he was friends with them at Davidson would often be in his truck coming in or out of the dealership where he was talking to her hanging out with the McDavid. So a couple of times on the bike I got to lean into his truck and say hey Willie While I was on my way to visit my dad usually for lunch.
These encounters probably lasted no more than seconds. I do believe that’s the first time I smelt marijuana. He was just around this was the 70s. Of course he was already famous but I think it’s famous become much bigger by now.
I have friends that have better stories in mine. Fort Worth was an interesting place to grow up in many other stories. But that’s my one Willie Nelson encounter.
I’m enjoying hearing the conversation here. Oh I have to subscribe to you now.
I was at a Willie Nelson, concert, and when it was over, everyone, in the audience, wanted him to sign ,anything, AND,WILLIE ,MADE AN ANOUNSENTMENT " IF I HAVE TO RENT THIS PLACE FOR 3 DAYS, I'LL SIGN EVERYONE'S
Thanks so much for these stories about Willie and his life and travels. My dad died around eleven years ago at the age of 93. He was ww2 and Korean War vet. I turned him on to Willies music back in the seventies and he always thought he and Willie were kindred spirits I believe. So over the years dad kinda grew to resemble Willie, he really didn’t know anything about him but loved his music. We’ve always been fans, and appreciate his contributions. Thanks again!
Wow, great series of interviews, Otis. The people sharing are about as interesting as Willie himself.
Glad I got to see him. One of last greats of Country royalty.
Each moment that passes Willie becomes more vital to how we understand music...
An hour and 48 minutes of Willie stories? Well all right. I'm in. Thanks for sharing, Otis!
Thank you Otis
In Willie we trust!!!
Otis, I enjoyed this very much! Wonderful stories of a wonderful man. Thank goodness Willie didn’t quit and drive a truck!
I enjoyed every second of this video, thanks man ❤
Willie truly is my favorite. Thanks for this great compilation. Saw him two days ago in Mesa, still the man!!! I’m from Poseyville Indiana.😀
Thanks for that!
I saw every one of these prior, but all the editorial work (picky-choosy stuff, the order/timing, individual cuts/transitions, etc .) makes a difference.
My specifics don't matter, the interactions and how they add up will be different for everyone,
but I'm damn sure that a lot of other viewers saw one thing or another in a new light, too
Made me think of Maxwell Perkins, other ink-stained desk jockeys, and a whole host of record producers I tend not to remember often.
The selection and timing, and the sheer "fit" of Dale's cameo here, gave it a whole new sparkle. Thanks for the demonstration!
Should be handier for people, among many other good things.
Loved Willie the first time i heard him singing his first major release (Touch Me)
Duuude. Such a treasure trove of treasures here.
Otis, what an Excellent video! I watched from start to finish, hanging on every word, Thank you Otis !
Rheta Grimsley Johnson was a reporter and columnist who worked for King Features Syndicate of New York and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. She is retired.
Great stories Otis, some of them I haven't heard before. Willie is a national treasure that everyone needs to know about. I learned a lot about music by listening to his songs . Take care man.
Thank you Otis, this is a wealth of interviews to be savored over time; it has been placed in folder to be played and replayed. 👍
Willie became my musical hero in 1979, when I was 14. The parents took me to three concerts in Watsonville CA in 79-80-81, and all three were like spiritual experiences. After the show in 1980 I got to mingle with Willie and the band backstage at this little amphitheater. I was so in awe just to be in the same room with the man, I couldn't speak.
Wow man, I never knew much about Willie Nelson. My stepdad would play some songs of his, and I saw him on TV a little. I wasn’t into country music at the time. I’ve had some good things happen to me because I chose to do the right thing. That’s what I’m gleaning from this video.
Thank you Otis. It’s good to hear that there are still good people in this world!
Otis, this is great.
The stories. The history.
The music. The characters. Listen close.
But watch the faces of these storytellers.
They tell their own story.
Thank you ❤
Otis, this was awesome. I was going to watch a little, and come back to it. I couldn’t stop. Keep up the good work.
Summer of 1973 a long haired acquaintance from work and I went out for a beer after work. We were talking and the conversation got around to what kind of music we listened to. He loved country music I was into rock and roll so he asked me if I had heard The Byrds album Sweetheart of the Rodeo and Meryl Haggard. I didn’t really know either one so he invited me to his house to listen to some music. He played The Byrds album for me and an album by Meryl and I loved both albums . That was my reintroduction to country. Before that I’d listened to country when I was riding around with my dad in his truck. I prefer older country but I have some current artists who I really like. Right now I’m into Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives big time .
Thanks for the video. My uncle Jody Pain was Willie Nelson‘s rhythm guitar player until he passed away about 10 years ago. Loved hearing these stories.
@@rriveter9927 I am blind, so I have to use talk to text. I know how to spell my uncles name Bruh. lol!
@@TheBlindGuitarSlingerI looked forward to hearing your Uncle Jody every time I ever saw Willie! I was casual friends with Chris Ethridge (bass player for the Byrds and Emmy's Hot Band) . Willie's band, back in the day, was as good of a jam band as The Grateful Dead or anyone else! They absolutely lived in the moment, and that brought the songs to life in a different way every night.
@@wshow11 that’s cool. I just found out recently that Billy strings has one of Jodi‘s old acoustic guitars, and he even has a little of Jodi‘s ashes that got knocked over on it, and he caused the guitar Jodi. I thought that was awesome.
@@TheBlindGuitarSlinger Yeah man..... I think I heard Billy tell the story of getting it. I have followed him since he was a kid...very talented young man! Do you play?
@@wshow11 yes. I teach guitar on my channel.
This channel is an archive of historical treasure.
Thank you, Tim Carroll. ✌🙏
Wow, thanks for your work cutting these up...appreciate it Otis!
Love the compalation videos.
Ask about farm aid 1986 at Manerd Downs outside of Austin. Willie started the show then flew to NYC to sing at unveiling the refurbished statue of liberty then came back to farm aide Jesse Jackson was speaking late that night crowd was getting unruly listening to him and Willie broke out in Whisky River. That calmed the crowd then he introduced SRV everything went back to normal.
willie nelson makes the world a better place...i commented them on a post abotu him and its gotten approaching a thousand likes deservedlly....and otis gibbs makes the world a better place!
Thank you, Joe Nick Patoski. ✌🙏
That was a nice night spent, thank you Otis, and all the contributors.
I loved the stories my Grandfather would tell of Willie. Way back in the late 50’s or so, Willie was a disc jockey and musician in the local beer joints and ice houses in Pasadena Tx. My Grandfather would tell of smoking dope with Willie even back then. Kinda funny hearing that from your Grandfather.
Hello Otis...Kudos across the board...EXCELLENT!!!...One of the best I've seen you ever put together...Thanks!
In the mid 70’s when I was about 8 years old I had front row center seats to one of his shows. I had a custom made t shirt that said I ❤ Willie. I had braids and a red bandana and red cowboy boots. I tossed him my bandana and he played with it on the end of trigger and threw it back to me and smiled. Some very large horrible woman snatched it out of the air and wouldn’t let me have it. He was mid song and glared at her and strummed trigger extra hard in displeasure while the crowd at the front booed her. Later he gave me an autograph when he saw me and he had already turned down many. Funny thing was he was so drunk from passing a whisky jug back and forth with fans in the front row that his signature looked more like it said Waylon than it did Willie. But I will never forget that moment we had. I will be absolutely gutted when he heads off yonder.
I listen to a lot of music history stories... genre not that important...from the oldest of blues to the punk/metal of the early 80s...I also am a lover of the art of story telling....that said between Otis's natural ease of delivery and just about every single guest being great story tellers themselves ...what a cool place this for legit Americana this channel is....and def the most consistent w great stories of musicians......
“legit Americans.” Are Canadians welcome? LOL.
@@KameaMediaabsolutely!
This is fabulous! Thank you for taking the time to edit this great compilation ✌️
I met Willie Nelson, his sister Bobby, Paul and the band in Charlotte in 1974. I worked with someone whose wife went to school with Willie in Abbott, Texas. We went to a hotel across Independence Boulevard from the Charlotte Coliseum and asked the hotel clerk to ask Willie if we could come to his room. We went to his room and his band members were in a back room smoking. Later he took us to another room to meet his sister Bobby. He was such a nice guy and after the concert he had us come to the stage and hang out.
WIILIE NELSON.
AMERICA’S BEST.
THANK YOU WILLIE, all ways
🎵🎸❤️🌻
Fantastic job Otis
Would you consider doing something on Warren Zevon? His music has deep roots in country, folk and “Americana.”He was covered by country artists like Dwight Yoakham and Terri Clark, and was championed by his peers and collaborators, such as Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen. His wife’s book, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead: the dirty life & times of Warren zevon”is an incredible read for any fan of the singer-songwriter art form. Other Warren zevon books are not as profound.
Thank you for this, and for the hours upon hours of insightful entertainment.
Warren Zevon was great. I really like his live album. I forget the name of it.
Jim Morrison owneed my soul for about a decade....I was born 10-9-1971...................3 months after he passed...........
Thank you Mr. Gibbs for putting these videos together. I can't quit watching them. Good stuff! You've also got some great music of your own. Wishing you much success in all you do! Thank you!
Good job Otis. I lived in Austin for many of those years. Had an old friend who was one of the DJ's at KOKE back in the day. This video hit the right notes regarding Willie.
Awesome stories! I just found your channel, thank you.
Waylon’s brother James was giving me a drive around their hometown Littlefield Texas. He told about the time Waylon’s son Terry was working for him as his manager. They were in town for the free concert Waylon did every year and Willie drove up in a rental car. He stepped aboard Waylon’s bus, and must’ve assumed Terry was a roadie, because he threw him his car keys and said “go park my car boy.” Terry said nothing and left. Later after the show, Willie found him and asked where his car was, and Terry said “I parked it somewhere in Lubbock. You go find it boy.” James laughed telling me how mad Waylon was about it. 😂😂
Obrigado. Thx you brother Otis.
Worked at an old-school pawn shop. Customer told me his Willie story: his wife wanted to get an autograph so they go knock on the bus door after a gig. They got pulled on the bus, met Willie, got blasted on joints for the first time ever, just had a grand old time. Bus has to go and it’s time to leave. They leave the bus and make it to their car as the bus pulls away and his wife realizes they forgot to ask for an autograph.
What a great interview.... love this... ❤❤❤
Most excellent, Otis. Most excellent.
WOW, what great Willie stories. Thank you so much Otis
I got a record of Johnny gamble and the bosci bandits....it was a live recording from the 70 s...great album...
Mr Gibbs, I have watched your videos religiously since I found you and always enjoy them but this one is amazing and could have gone on another few hours and I wouldn’t have noticed … also: I was lucky enough to hang out with Hank Cochran during the Flora Bama song writes festival around 1988 at the owners house next door. He brought up Guy Clark and I told him I had been a huge fan of his since the mid 70’s , he then pulled out a homemade cassette that Guy had made and given to him and told me the classic story behind it as he handed it to me and said I hope you enjoy it and he was sure Guy wouldn’t mind. I no longer have it (shit happens) but I have the memory and I am still a huge Guy Clark fan. Thank You for what you’re doing and please don’t stop …… mm
Great story's brother, luv ya man.
THANX 4 THIS COMPILATION
I really enjoyed this, thanks, couldn't sleep.
I gave up trying,and just listened to this instead
Hello there, I’ve been so pleased to get to know such a great stories about Willie. I’ve been living in Austin now for 7 and a half years. From now on I rather say , I live in Willie Austin Tejas !!
Thanks so much much for this wonderful stories. ❤️🎼✌️☮️🤟
Thanks Again Otis
Love Brother Willie 👍👍👍❤️❤️
Ever since I bought the 4 disc anthology on Willie that covered his carreer upbtill then I've always liked "She's Not For You"
I enjoy many of his hits like "On The Road Again" and his classic cover of "Blue Skies" and "Just Breathe"
Very nice. Was surprised by no mention of the Outlaws album. That was and still is a pretty big deal
Otis, you pulled me out of the blues this morning. What a great story you've told. Thank you so much.
Thank you Otis! I love your channel!
OTIS, God bless our hero's in music artist myself at 67 , I find they are starting to fade into the next world leaving part of THEIR souls on record for us in this one to remember and give us love in our hearts when times get hard for us.......bless you OTIS for the memories ....... I find myself going back to my records and playing them and loving that there are a few new AMERICANA artist carrying the torch of old to the new generation.
Billy Strings , chec out the video of him n his step dad doing a concert together .
This is Awesome! You Rock Otis! 🤘👽👽👽🎸
Thank you
Carol to Carroll Mandella Efects!😂❤ Best road music ever Willie!😂❤
Fantastic......❤
Thanks loads Otis.
Thank you for bringing these stories to us. I appreciate you so much.
I love Willie Nelson he's the man I've seen him live Grateful Fest in like 2018 such a great time but yeah I'm 30 and I love Willie Nelson
I saw Willie play in Bricktown in 2001. Great show. His son Lucas played Texas Flood I remember.
Watched all of ‘em again Otis; thanks for this (again).
Oh I need this today after yesterday. Mr.Gibbs,Otis I appreciate you on many levels. ✌🏻
What's your favorite Willie Nelson song and/or album? Have you ever seen him live? Have you met him?
One of my favorite willie songs is his version of a kris kristopherson song called “Moments of Forever “. But I love them all. I’ve seen him play many times but I’d love to meet him so much. Just to hang out with him.
In 1986, our band was playing a street dance in Malone Texas, population next to nothing, when Willie and his childhood friend Zeke Varnon drove up in an old van behind the stage. They had been playing dominoes at Zeke's house down the road and heard the music. Willie came up on the stage/flatbed trailer and sang a dozen of his greatest hits with us, completely impromptu. A week later, we were backing Willie with everyone who was backstage (Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gary P Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Fromholz, BW Stevenson, BoxCar Willie etc) for a 45 minute segment at Farm Aid II in front of 50,000 people and live on VHI. (the FarmAid youtube channel has several clips) We were signed to a development deal by Willie and over the next couple of years played at his picnics, and various events in Willie's orbit.
Seen him once right after Merle passed. They were touring together . His sons played his set. Willies set was great as I expected. I was glad to see cats his age which I’m sure we’re old friends as the band itself. Long live country music.
Used to see him every time he played the Wisconsin State Fair, plus in Rockford twice , Poplar Creek Music Theater and the Rosemont Horizon, both were in Chicago suburbs. Always a great show, never disappointed. At the Fair his 2 little girls would
come on stage for the last song. All these were back in the 70's and 80's. He also played the IL State Fair every year when Jim Edgar was the governor. They had a tradition of having chilli together whenever Willie came to Springfield for the fair. Willie was everyone's buddy. Met him once backstage, he is so real. and I could see how he got in trouble with the ladies. He talked close and right into my eyes, took my breath away ...LOL.
Thank you Otis love the stories❤️😎
Accidently met Willy twice in Austin (and so many times at 4am in grey jamys and thought he was homeless). Very nice guy .