In the early 1980’s, I was in and out of Nashville frequently, trying to get songs heard and such, like everyone else. I played a bunch of clubs (kinda the last days of nightclubs) around the South. I always played a bunch of Prine’s songs. He was my hero, but most people hadn’t caught on to him. He had what they called a “cult” following, but they were totally dedicated fans. (Of which I certainly was one). Anyway, I was back home in Alabama, sleeping one night (2:00 a.m.) and my phone rang. I sleepily answered the phone (black desk-type phone, lol) and a guy said, “ is this Steve?.” I said yes, the other person said, “this is John Prine”. I (thinking that it was one of my buddies playing a joke) said immediately, “Well, if you’re John Prine, how about singing a line or two of Please Don’t Bury Me. You can imagine my surprise when I heard John Prine singing to me on the phone. Damn, it WAS him. A buddy of mine in Nashville had told him that I had been singing his songs all around home for years to anyone who would listen, so he called to just say hi and that he appreciated me singing his songs and passing the word on his music. Unbelievable! What a wake-up call! lol. He was surely the Best Ever!
What a great experience that had to be, I am sure you were blown away. Of course probably all of your friends thought you had been dreaming when you shared your story. 🤣
@@mojo6778 really….. lol….wasn’t even ANY need to tell them anything about it! lol. I’ve just had to keep it close to my heart. They never would have believed me anyway. To think about it now is crazy. At the time I really didn’t know how precious the moment would turn out to be, but I knew that I would never forget it. And I haven’t! lol
im over 60 so it was my daughter who first exposed me to Nirvana . She took it pretty hard when kurt passed.. John Prines passing devastated me . I was lucky to meet him in the 80s. I cried for days thinking he died alone in a hospital. Im so grateful you interviewed someone who informed us his wife was with him .
Another great chat! You said it best…we all felt like Prine was our friend…I became a friend of a Prine when I heard Dear Abby when I was 10 years old in 1976. I picked up the guitar to learn Johns songs…also had a chance to eat at Arnold’s before it closed. I had a Prine shirt on…the lady there said “oh, you want meatloaf with gravy on the side, just like Johnny!” You know it! Will we ever see you at Kerrville?
I found out about John Prine's death when Michael D Higgins, the President of Ireland issued a tribute- which is a good refection on both John and Michael D!
Why is Arnold's in Nashville closing? Kahlil Arnold said he plans to close Arnold's for about a year and then open two new Arnold's restaurants. He plans to open at least one restaurant in Williamson County. He said his mother's health is part of the reason for the restaurant's immediate closure, along with expensive taxes in downtown Nashville.Jan 9, 2023
Kurt used *way* more than three chords. Many of the songs were fairly sophisticated. There was something magic about the harmonic content of his voice. Beato has a thing with Butch Vig that's worth seeing.
I was born a few months before Kurt died, the first time I remember hearing Nirvana was the live album “from the muddy banks of the wishkah”, my dad gave me the CD, I listened to it all the time but his music only started to really mean anything to me until I hit my 20s. I couldn’t live without it now.
I need to add this to the topic today. My father absolutely loved John Prine. I need to dig into his music more. Thanks for another great chat Otis.👍✌️
I was about 12 when Nevermind was released. Hearing Smells Like Teen Spirit changed my life and my understanding of music. Nirvana leads me down the road to Punk and college radio, which lead me to Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Even in my 40s, I firmly believe that you shouldn't play 10 notes when 5 will do, that belief in what you are playing is much more important than technical proficiency and beautiful voices, and that the magic of music is in the intangible moments that you connect with the music, not in a slick studio polish.
About John: I discovered John Prine when I was in high school, in 1974. I would go to my sister's house for dinner occasionally; along with her husband Chuck, we'd play card games and listen to records. Chuck turned me on to many artists, John among them. Having older siblings, I'd already been exposed to folk(ish) through Dylan & others, much more so than my classmates. So I was very open to it. But I've always associated John with three people, unfortunately due to sad circumstances: my brother-in-law later committed suicide; my father was a version of Sam Stone, a Vietnam vet with PTSD, who drank himself to an early grave in the 70s; my grandfather was a lonely, depressed, but very loving & gentle man who was the character in Hello In There. Those songs never fail to bring me to tears, even now, 50 years later. Of course there are other songs that I've had better connections with, but these were my earliest experiences with John. I did get to shake his hand after seeing him for the first time, but I wish I'd had more opportunities to see him.
I was 13 when Kurt died. I live in the Seattle area. It was a big deal at school with all the rocker kids. Nirvana and that day had the biggest impact on me starting playing guitar. I was a fan but watching the MTV deck the hall ball concert, I just thought he was the coolest. I started taking lessons a month or 2 later after he died. Still playing Nirvana songs.
Hey Otis ... You showed me blaze Foley I can't be more thankful since then everyday I listen to some blaze and play one or two thank you so much man really life changing music I was sitting on my mom's kitchen table waiting to leave for basketball practice I was 14 we both heard Kurt loder on the TV in the living room say he died it hurt in a way not much else has I remember being sad then very upset he left me and I still needed him Thank you again your fan Smokey
Thanks Otis! Every time you talk about John Prine, all of the best people come out to listen. Great post. You brought three interesting people to the table today.
I first heard John Prine (singing Sam Stone) on a sampler album I got second hand in the late seventies when I was about fifteen or so. I found it really beautiful and wise and moving, but I couldn't find any of his albums. No one else I knew had ever heard of him. This was England. I had my first acoustic guitar around then too. Anyway... a little bit later there was a guy playing in a bar one night and to my amazement and delight he played Sam Stone - probably for his own amusement. It was great and I went to see him in his break and thanked him for playing it. He sat me right down and showed me the chord changes and told me where I could find some Prine in a big record shop in the next town. Subsequently, I haven't met many roots and branches musicians who don't love him. My wife and I had "In Spite of Ourselves" played at our wedding 23 years ago!!
Hey Otis (and Windell), thanks for the morning chat. Sitting on the couch with the guit'r playing James McMurtry songs... looks like I'll be shifting gears to Prine tunes for the rest of the days. Thanks again,
Otis, I caught your show this morning. I shared it personally with a friend, who also gives a damned. As always, great total content. Thanks for your homage to John Prine & Kurt Cobain. I heard “Teen Spirit “ on a 5:00 am drive to work. I was blown away. Truly, it wasn’t my thing either, but, undeniably heavy. As we are both huge John Prine enthusiasts, we were discussing today, dating his passing. Whether happenstance, or, Devine intervention, (we were listening to your Pandora channel) a John Prine tune played. I’m not dragging this on, THANK YOU FOR GIVING A DAMNED, & bringing your library of interviews, & priceless encounters to us.
You're true to your promise - it IS a good way to spend a Saturday morning. I could listen to you all day. Thank you. A lot of profound moments in today's video.
I found out about Kurt Cobain’s death from my red neck shop teacher. He was making jokes about it. Nirvana was and is an important part of my life. It taught me to not give someone a hard time about what kind of art moves them, it’s all valid.
I remember vividly where I was when I heard about John Prine passing. I was with my parents, my youngest cousin and her friend and we were all going up to southern Indiana to see my brother in Tell City. We were between the Mulhenburg county line and the Green River when Elizabeth Cook announced the news on the xmOutlaw 60.
Love your videos Otis. Moon’s death was a real tragedy, he was really trying to clean up and actually died in the same apartment(flat or townhouse, whatever they’re called) in London that Cass Elliot died in a few years prior. It was owned by Harry Nilsson who was pretty shaken by all of that. I was lucky enough to see Prine at the Ryman at least 2, maybe 3 times…always a great show, he was a true songwriter. Crazy how he beat cancer and Covid got him. It’s a real shame, but their music lives on.
I remember exactly where I was and who I was with when I heard Smells Like for the first time and it felt like the world had just shifted on its axis a bit, I knew it was significant. Amazing feeling.
Thanks Otis, thought provoking show. When I heard of Kurt's passing I was at a (very small) studio just west of Denver playing acoustic jams w/three guys and the smart ass mandolin player told us in a rude way. It didn't surprise me, Cobain burned hot and flamed out young. He always seemed depressed to me. But the news shook us. John Prine saddened me allot. With all the political nonsense going on his passing seemed like an after thought where I was when I saw it. We of course listened to a couple hours of his music. I love John Prines music. Thanks brother.
I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit for the first time on the radio when I was driving down Colfax Ave. in Denver. I only lived there for a year and a half. It was clearly so different than anything else I'd heard before that. I wish we could've seen what he could've done in the future.
I worked music retail @PHANTASMAGORIA Montreal between june 1991 & july 1993. Good times for new music ! Although I was the jazz blues guy. They never were a fave of mine I need more Psych and roots. Now ARC ANGELS and RED DEVILS releases were exciting !
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻 Happy Saturday Hi! Wendell! In the early 90s I had been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard, married, and moved to Portland (Seattle adjacent). The 'Seattle Sound' was a thing, and I still had hopes and dreams of being a rock star. "Nevermind" allowed me to believe that was possible, as did Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and other local bands. I was aware of John Prine, but I don't think I was ready to get deep into his music. I liked what I'd heard, but I was still very much into the heavy and brutal rock and roll. I started digging into Prine's discography about 10 years ago, and grew to appreciate the songs and stories he crafted. Both Kurt's and John's deaths affected me heavily. Kurt's, because he was still young and vibrant, and a creative force; and John's because he'd battled so hard to come back from cancer. Deep admiration and love for both. Arnold's makes me think of Happy Days... and my preference for local restaurants and shops. Not much of a chain or big box establishment. Dive bars and hole-in-the-wall places are where the interesting things happen. Be good to you 🤍💛
Hey Otis, I'm one of the many fans that wept for days when John Prine passed away. I learned the news by having five different friends reach out to share the news. That was better than having to find out on facebook. I bought a few copies of the No Depression magazine that had him on the cover and used to give them to people who did not know his music.
I thought about going to see John Prine’s 2019-20 New Years Eve show in Nashville. Really regret I missed it. Thanks for all you do! I start my Saturdays with you.
When I heard about Kurt I was laying in the floor watching mtv while on spring break in St Simon’s Georgia. I was 17 and it was devastating. I first heard Nirvana on the radio. 88.5 in Atlanta. Those were heady days. I wish he could’ve stuck around.
Otis, you need to interview David Steele. He lives out in LA now, but is originally from Bedford, IN. Played guitar with John for a year or two before leaving and recommending his friend, Jason Wilber for the gig. Or heck, Jason still lives in Bloomington. Interview him, too!
I still feel like I have a void in my life with JP's passing. ...and a big regret, too. About 2 yrs prior to the Pandemic, JP was was performing in a ritzy place in Philly.... Tickets were over $100/each. The NEXT night, however, he was going to be in a tiny theater in Asbury Park, NJ where tickets were $38. I should have made that purchase..... I hope JP is enjoying that 9-mile long cigarette.
Listening to you in so calming. You kind of give off the vibe that every thing is going to be all right. I’m going to try to see if I can make it to Seymour on the 28th. Thanks.
#johnprine 💙 I hardly knew John Prine’s music when I first got to meet him. He’s my friend Doug’s Uncle, so when I first met him, it was cool, but his true brilliance and artistry was lost on me. That was good in a way because I was giging that evening and John asked me about it. JP: “Where you playing?” Me: A place called Phyllis’ Musical Inn. It’s been there forever. JP: “I don’t know it. They still pay bands badly around here?” Me: Haha. Yeah. JP: “Your wearing a suit so I thought they might be paying ya something.” Me: We’ll see. This was the mid to late 90s and It was the beginning of a Prine family reunion of sorts that I just happened to see on the periphery. On another occasion, he sang some songs right there in the basement. Capo high. That voice. Something totally new to me. The guitar went around the room and even I had the audacity to play one of my own songs in front of him. That was nothing compared to watching a Chicago Police Officer attempt a Iron Maiden solo though. It was a surreal good time! John remembered me when I last saw him a few years ago. Such a cool guy! One of thee greatest American songwriters, as I later figured out for myself. He’s touched so many people deeply, it’s hard to fathom. He was so direct and so unassuming that he’s in the fabric forevermore. His music will always be here finding new hearts.
The whole reason I learned how to play guitar and sing twenty years ago was because of John Prine. I only wanted to be able to sing his songs around a campfire. After his passing, I still play my gigs but I have lost interest in going to shows. He kept me inspired knowing that he was on the road.(I am 56, I hope I get interested in seeing live music again. Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry.
I was in Nashville in Grad school at Vanderbilt in 1994 when Cobain died. I was into REM l, U2, Smiths then. Starting to get into folk but god I wish I could go back i time to my 27yo self now after being part of your community for the last 2 years!!
My friend Kyle called me one evening and said I HAD to come to his place to watch MTV. I live way out in the sticks with no cable or sat. When I get there we just talk and watch videos like normal. Finally he says this is it. There it was Smells like Teen Spirit. We watch in silence.When we turn and look at each other way after it is over he says what do you think? I told him I didn't know if I loved it or hated it but I wanted to see it again. He said he had seen it five times and felt the same way.
I agree with what you said about the fame & fortune rocket. It seems to rip a lot of talented people apart. And we all just watch in amusement and awe, which is somewhat shameful.
Kind of crazy that you picked these two. They were both my favorite musicians at the time of their deaths (John Prine still is my favorite). The Nevermind album was the first album I bought with my own money. Nirvana inspired me to start playing guitar. I am always surprised at how much music I have been exposed to by wearing a John Prine shirt. Whenever I wear one in public someone will say to me "if you like John Prine you should check out ______". I have never been disappointed by their recommendations.
Prine: I saw a great review for “Prime Prine” in Rolling Stone, went out and bought it, and was hooked. I only saw him one time, in 76 or 77, at Lafayette‘s Music Room in Memphis. He was great.
Otis, great stuff lately, I've been binging your channel. Krist Novoselic seems to be quietly "living his best life", as the kids say. He's a gentleman farmer, is a small plane pilot, plays in a few bands, one called "3rd Secret", with guys from Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. One called "Giants in the Trees", with 1, sometimes 2, female singers. Krist also played accordion on a Foo Fighters song, there's video on RUclips of all his bands, including a fun one of him tracking the accordion. Krist has a blog telling what he's up to, it's called "Deep River Dispatch."
The day before John past I was wearing a Prine shirt and my sister who is not a fan asked me if he’d past away. I flipped out and was like no and went straight to the web and there was no mention so I settled myself. Past out woke up the next morning to a fb notification that he passed. I just thought cause I looked maybe it wasn’t true, took a shower and got another notification from my other sister who is my partner in Prine and I lost it. It was my turning point during the entire epidemic. It’ll always be that thing that stands out about the epidemic. He we’ll always be my go to selection
I think you and I are a lot alike Otis. I'm an old country, rock, Americana type, starting out in 1969. I had a lot of those Dylan years also, and I've always been a Traveling Wilburys fan!! John Prine has also been a favorite, bless him. It may take awhile but someday people will realize how great a songwriter, and person he was!! I admire so many people, Ray Wylie Hubbard is another one. There was a breakfast place in Nashville our buddy Uncle Larry, Tommy Bukovac always talked about. They had an egg cheese and sausage sandwich known as the Bukovac Special. LOL That C19 thing was real hard on them, they couldn't pay the bills. A bunch of us made donations through that "go fund me" thing, but it wasn't enough, they had to close. One last thing, I first realized Nirvana when they did "Unplugged". Then I got it. LOL I also really liked The White Stripes. I think Jack lost a step when he and Meg split, but I like what he is doing with 3ed man records. I could write a book!! Thanks much Otis, I appreciate y'all !! 8) --gary
Thinking about that committee and Keith Moon. Someone probably did know, but they didn’t want to put themselves out there to say to the higher ups that they were clueless.
I first heard Nirvana on some Sub Pop compilation. 200, I think. Then I I heard Nevermind when I went to buy Bleach, but it happened to be the day Nevermind came out, and they didn't have Bleach. I got to see them live 4 times. I was working in the TV and Stereo section of Costco when it was announced on the radio. I'm about the same age as you, Otis, and was bummed, but also not devastated. My roommates and I watched MTV all that night. It was Nirvana all night
Wendel was so patient for this video. The only two musicians who I can remember where I was when I heard of their passing was Elvis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Jerry Jeff Walker. There are a bunch of them, including Prine, that upset me, but my mind doesn't attach a place to the news of their passing.
I first heard Nirvana while browsing at a Wherehouse Records in San Bernardino CA. “Nevermind” was playing over the house PA. After hearing a few songs, I asked a clerk who the band was and if all of the album was that good. She dismissively said, “It’s OK.” I didn’t get it for another month or more. I later bought - and preferred - “Bleach.”
i wasnt going to comment more but yes EMPATHY! also, Joshua Britt was telling me abotu that CBS profile by John Dikcerson who was a huge Prine fan, in one of his livestreams during the recent Prine Tribtue week, and you cna watch the entire 1.5 horu piece as wel as the shorrt and its terrific purrrfect prine
I don’t recall the first time I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit, but I remember that Heart Shaped Box was the first Nirvana song I ever heard. I saw the music video on this tv channel we had for a while that would just show random tv shows. I had to be in like the 5th or 6th grade because it was about the same time I saw Love Is Strong by Rolling Stones. I for the Voodoo Lounge cassette for Christmas that year.
Good question on Kurt Cobain. Being the age that I am I didn’t listen to those cats but when it happened a supervisor from the next department came over to talk to me about his son. Apparently he was super depressed afterwards and wanted my advice on what to do. He said he knew I was a wild kinda guy who played music and in a band. I told him to be supportive of the kid and let him grieve. Take him out, let him look at some guitars. He did and the kid started taking some lessons. Don’t know how he’s doing now,,,, John Prine was a guy that I followed and have been a fan for years,,,, I had a few chances to see him live but never did,,,,, eat more pie! ✌🏽
Rick Beato recently published some excellent interviews on his YT channel where Nirvana was discussed. One was a grunge interview video that included Krist Novoselic maybe four months ago, and another was an excellent interview about three weeks ago with Nevermind producer Butch Vig. He also published a tour of Abbey Road two days ago, but we/you weren’t discussing the Beatles.
Hey Otis In the early eighties I was at the Patio to watch my friends punk band. At the end of the night someone invited me to come to the "Secret House". It was someone's home within walking distance of the Patio. We went down to the basement and there were musicians jamming there. I was a little inebriated by then and could never remember where this house was located. Have you ever heard of the Secret house?
The song Sam Stone played on WDVX radio in Knoxville Tn was THE John Prine song at Christmas time was the I GET IT , John Prine is the Man. I knew who he was but Sam Stone did it.I worked with so many Vietnam Combat Vets when I was younger
Good job my friend. Its hard for me to understand how anyone could not know that Kieth Moon is dead. I was playing drums back then so I guess that helped me to know , musicians are in love with music. But he was so great at his instrument and so entertaining to watch , hearing of his death was so tragic to me. I was driving in my car when I heard the news. I had the opportunity to see him play one night in Chattanooga Tn . The guy was so cool , and held the crowd spellbound . This was a great video today man thanks to you and Amy oh yeàh and Wendell for letting you share his time with us. 😀😎
I saw Keith play in 1975 in Chicago and he was pretty chill. He wasn't flamboyant or anything he just sat back and played the drums and he was Excellent. I spent a lot of time watching him and John. They both amazed me. He played about half the night with headphones on which at the time I thought he was using as monitors but I much later found out it was the synthesizer part along with a click track because the synth part was piped in so Keith played to that and the band locked onto Keith and that's how it worked. Pretty damn impressive. If you notice when Keith used those headphones it was on all the synthesizer songs.
@@garytrew2766 Your welcome. It was probably the greatest show I've ever seen. On top of that Toot's and the Maytals was the warm up band which I didn't know about that until I was there. Great night.
the thing with Nirvana at that time, it didn't really come out of nowhere. We had the Pixies, Jane's Addiction, Dino Jr., Sonic Youth and tons of other bands on the college rock circuit that had paved the way. that being said they had undeniable power and broke the ceiling. It was exciting to see where things would go. Unfortunately, it went bad, and I ultimately blame them for the Limp Biscuits and Linkin Parks to come. Just one dude's opinion.
John Prine is a significant person in my music life. I could not listen to his music for a long time after he passed. I am now back to celebrating him often with his music. Enjoyed Led Zeppelin for a long time. Still do from time to time. Never a fan of Nirvana. Not my thing as you said, Otis. At the beginning you mentioned a quote. It reminded me of one of my favorites. “Meetings, because none of us is as dumb as all of us.” Hey Wendell!
Nevermind was the last time an album moved world culture to a new place. It was fucking fantastic hearing Teen Spirit for the first time, on contemporary radio, no less. Knocked everybody out. Kurt didn’t have a chance to mature and an artist. J.J. Cale publicly complemented Kurt’s guitar playing. His riffs and swing were damned good. Solos were just cryptic and emotive.
The first time I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit, I was laying in bed listening to KDHX in St. Louis (literally the only place to hear that kind of music at the time). So I'm about to fall asleep and they start playing it, I'm hearing this sound I've never heard before. I decide I need to stay awake until the end of the song to hear who it was, so I forced myself to sit up and listen to the end. The next day I hit a couple record stores and there was nothing to be found, Nevermind came out about a month later. I have always kinda thought that Uncle Tupelo was doing the same thing to country music that Nirvana did to rock at essentially the same time. By the way speaking of Brian Henneman I'm going to see him and Mark Ortmann later tonight in their band Diesel Island!
My family owned a local restaurant for 45 years starting in the early 60’s. Everything was made fresh. My grandma was one of the bakers that made the fresh pies until she had to retire at about 89 years old. We couldn’t go anywhere in the 70’s and 80’s without someone coming up to my dad and telling him how great the Strawberry Shortcake was at the restaurant. I’ll bet if you google Tebos strawberry shortcake you’d get some hits. Unfortunately after my dad sold the restaurant to the long time managers, things in the food business changed and places like this would have to change to. Before covid they ended up selling the real estate to a car dealership and that was the end of that.
Slightly off-topic but speaking of Uncle Tupelo reminded me of Nadine, a band that came out of the same mélange. Saw them in a bar in Scotland with three other people. Great night, great band. Did you ever come across them??
In the early 1980’s, I was in and out of Nashville frequently, trying to get songs heard and such, like everyone else. I played a bunch of clubs (kinda the last days of nightclubs) around the South. I always played a bunch of Prine’s songs. He was my hero, but most people hadn’t caught on to him. He had what they called a “cult” following, but they were totally dedicated fans. (Of which I certainly was one). Anyway, I was back home in Alabama, sleeping one night (2:00 a.m.) and my phone rang. I sleepily answered the phone (black desk-type phone, lol) and a guy said, “ is this Steve?.” I said yes, the other person said, “this is John Prine”. I (thinking that it was one of my buddies playing a joke) said immediately, “Well, if you’re John Prine, how about singing a line or two of Please Don’t Bury Me. You can imagine my surprise when I heard John Prine singing to me on the phone. Damn, it WAS him. A buddy of mine in Nashville had told him that I had been singing his songs all around home for years to anyone who would listen, so he called to just say hi and that he appreciated me singing his songs and passing the word on his music. Unbelievable! What a wake-up call! lol. He was surely the Best Ever!
What a great experience that had to be, I am sure you were blown away. Of course probably all of your friends thought you had been dreaming when you shared your story. 🤣
@@mojo6778 really….. lol….wasn’t even ANY need to tell them anything about it! lol. I’ve just had to keep it close to my heart. They never would have believed me anyway. To think about it now is crazy. At the time I really didn’t know how precious the moment would turn out to be, but I knew that I would never forget it. And I haven’t! lol
Damn!
Hard to believe it has been 3 years. John Prine ‘s music continues to live on.
im over 60 so it was my daughter who first exposed me to Nirvana . She took it pretty hard when
kurt passed.. John Prines passing devastated me . I was lucky to meet him in the 80s. I cried for days thinking he died alone in a hospital. Im so grateful you interviewed someone who informed us his wife was with him .
Perfect description of John Prine. A friend, a musical companion through life.
Another great chat! You said it best…we all felt like Prine was our friend…I became a friend of a Prine when I heard Dear Abby when I was 10 years old in 1976. I picked up the guitar to learn Johns songs…also had a chance to eat at Arnold’s before it closed. I had a Prine shirt on…the lady there said “oh, you want meatloaf with gravy on the side, just like Johnny!” You know it! Will we ever see you at Kerrville?
I found out about John Prine's death when Michael D Higgins, the President of Ireland issued a tribute- which is a good refection on both John and Michael D!
Why is Arnold's in Nashville closing?
Kahlil Arnold said he plans to close Arnold's for about a year and then open two new Arnold's restaurants. He plans to open at least one restaurant in Williamson County. He said his mother's health is part of the reason for the restaurant's immediate closure, along with expensive taxes in downtown Nashville.Jan 9, 2023
Kurt used *way* more than three chords. Many of the songs were fairly sophisticated. There was something magic about the harmonic content of his voice. Beato has a thing with Butch Vig that's worth seeing.
You know he’s not saying that in a bad way, right?
@@bustedflatpickr - yessir.
Wendell is a patient dude. Mine would have been in my lap after I said the words “dog park”.
Thanks for the early morning laugh, Otis! RIP Mr. Moon
I was born a few months before Kurt died, the first time I remember hearing Nirvana was the live album “from the muddy banks of the wishkah”, my dad gave me the CD, I listened to it all the time but his music only started to really mean anything to me until I hit my 20s. I couldn’t live without it now.
I need to add this to the topic today. My father absolutely loved John Prine. I need to dig into his music more. Thanks for another great chat Otis.👍✌️
Kurt Cobain was a 1 of a kind young man. Most nicest guy to ever rock the world.
I was about 12 when Nevermind was released. Hearing Smells Like Teen Spirit changed my life and my understanding of music. Nirvana leads me down the road to Punk and college radio, which lead me to Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. Even in my 40s, I firmly believe that you shouldn't play 10 notes when 5 will do, that belief in what you are playing is much more important than technical proficiency and beautiful voices, and that the magic of music is in the intangible moments that you connect with the music, not in a slick studio polish.
About John: I discovered John Prine when I was in high school, in 1974. I would go to my sister's house for dinner occasionally; along with her husband Chuck, we'd play card games and listen to records. Chuck turned me on to many artists, John among them. Having older siblings, I'd already been exposed to folk(ish) through Dylan & others, much more so than my classmates. So I was very open to it. But I've always associated John with three people, unfortunately due to sad circumstances: my brother-in-law later committed suicide; my father was a version of Sam Stone, a Vietnam vet with PTSD, who drank himself to an early grave in the 70s; my grandfather was a lonely, depressed, but very loving & gentle man who was the character in Hello In There. Those songs never fail to bring me to tears, even now, 50 years later. Of course there are other songs that I've had better connections with, but these were my earliest experiences with John. I did get to shake his hand after seeing him for the first time, but I wish I'd had more opportunities to see him.
The interviews were stellar this week !!! And THANK YOU for the lead on John Fullbright. He's off the charts talented. An old soul.
John Prine had a golden soul. You've got one too Otis.
Hey Otis, Im happy I stumbled across your path. You're doing it perfectly. Thanks so much for all your efforts.
I was 13 when Kurt died. I live in the Seattle area. It was a big deal at school with all the rocker kids. Nirvana and that day had the biggest impact on me starting playing guitar. I was a fan but watching the MTV deck the hall ball concert, I just thought he was the coolest. I started taking lessons a month or 2 later after he died. Still playing Nirvana songs.
Coffee with Wendell. Good words said here. I hope you find time to paint and all is well with you. Thank you for sharing your stories. ❤
Thanks again for the stories, Otis. Hope you, Amy and Wendell have a Happy Easter. 🐣🐰
Love to hear your stories, Otis. I hope you have a blessed Easter.
Hey Otis ... You showed me blaze Foley I can't be more thankful since then everyday I listen to some blaze and play one or two thank you so much man really life changing music
I was sitting on my mom's kitchen table waiting to leave for basketball practice I was 14 we both heard Kurt loder on the TV in the living room say he died it hurt in a way not much else has I remember being sad then very upset he left me and I still needed him
Thank you again your fan
Smokey
Thanks Otis! Every time you talk about John Prine, all of the best people come out to listen. Great post. You brought three interesting people to the table today.
RIP all three, thanks for the anecdotes/remembrances...
I first heard John Prine (singing Sam Stone) on a sampler album I got second hand in the late seventies when I was about fifteen or so. I found it really beautiful and wise and moving, but I couldn't find any of his albums. No one else I knew had ever heard of him. This was England. I had my first acoustic guitar around then too. Anyway... a little bit later there was a guy playing in a bar one night and to my amazement and delight he played Sam Stone - probably for his own amusement. It was great and I went to see him in his break and thanked him for playing it. He sat me right down and showed me the chord changes and told me where I could find some Prine in a big record shop in the next town. Subsequently, I haven't met many roots and branches musicians who don't love him. My wife and I had "In Spite of Ourselves" played at our wedding 23 years ago!!
Hey Otis (and Windell), thanks for the morning chat. Sitting on the couch with the guit'r playing James McMurtry songs... looks like I'll be shifting gears to Prine tunes for the rest of the days. Thanks again,
Otis, I caught your show this morning. I shared it personally with a friend, who also gives a damned. As always, great total content. Thanks for your homage to John Prine & Kurt Cobain. I heard “Teen Spirit “ on a 5:00 am drive to work. I was blown away. Truly, it wasn’t my thing either, but, undeniably heavy.
As we are both huge John Prine enthusiasts, we were discussing today, dating his passing. Whether happenstance, or, Devine intervention, (we were listening to your Pandora channel) a John Prine tune played. I’m not dragging this on, THANK YOU FOR GIVING A DAMNED, & bringing your library of interviews, & priceless encounters to us.
Really enjoyed this Otis! 🙌
Great stories Otis! Especially about the diners! Thank you for sharing!
You're true to your promise - it IS a good way to spend a Saturday morning. I could listen to you all day. Thank you. A lot of profound moments in today's video.
I found out about Kurt Cobain’s death from my red neck shop teacher. He was making jokes about it. Nirvana was and is an important part of my life. It taught me to not give someone a hard time about what kind of art moves them, it’s all valid.
I remember vividly where I was when I heard about John Prine passing. I was with my parents, my youngest cousin and her friend and we were all going up to southern Indiana to see my brother in Tell City. We were between the Mulhenburg county line and the Green River when Elizabeth Cook announced the news on the xmOutlaw 60.
Love your videos Otis. Moon’s death was a real tragedy, he was really trying to clean up and actually died in the same apartment(flat or townhouse, whatever they’re called) in London that Cass Elliot died in a few years prior. It was owned by Harry Nilsson who was pretty shaken by all of that. I was lucky enough to see Prine at the Ryman at least 2, maybe 3 times…always a great show, he was a true songwriter. Crazy how he beat cancer and Covid got him. It’s a real shame, but their music lives on.
Dude I just listen to your "It was a train" Great song sounds great.
Otis your channel is consistently sharp, entertaining, and full of heart. Thank you.
Listening to Otis talk is so therapeutic. Otis (speaking about damn near anything) + coffee = perfection.
Thanks Otis! You help make Saturday special.
Such great commentary Otis.
I remember exactly where I was and who I was with when I heard Smells Like for the first time and it felt like the world had just shifted on its axis a bit, I knew it was significant. Amazing feeling.
Thanks Otis, thought provoking show. When I heard of Kurt's passing I was at a (very small) studio just west of Denver playing acoustic jams w/three guys and the smart ass mandolin player told us in a rude way. It didn't surprise me, Cobain burned hot and flamed out young. He always seemed depressed to me. But the news shook us. John Prine saddened me allot. With all the political nonsense going on his passing seemed like an after thought where I was when I saw it. We of course listened to a couple hours of his music. I love John Prines music. Thanks brother.
I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit for the first time on the radio when I was driving down Colfax Ave. in Denver. I only lived there for a year and a half. It was clearly so different than anything else I'd heard before that. I wish we could've seen what he could've done in the future.
Same..I followed JP on facebook and IG. Wish I had the chance to say "hello in there".
Great episode Otis ! Your wisdom is deep my friend!
I’m old AF and will be forever grateful I lived through John Prine’s and Guy Clark’s life
I worked music retail @PHANTASMAGORIA Montreal between june 1991 & july 1993. Good times for new music ! Although I was the jazz blues guy. They never were a fave of mine I need more Psych and roots. Now ARC ANGELS and RED DEVILS releases were exciting !
Hi from Ft. Cllins Co--you knocked it out of the park again, Otis.
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻
Happy Saturday
Hi! Wendell!
In the early 90s I had been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard, married, and moved to Portland (Seattle adjacent). The 'Seattle Sound' was a thing, and I still had hopes and dreams of being a rock star. "Nevermind" allowed me to believe that was possible, as did Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and other local bands.
I was aware of John Prine, but I don't think I was ready to get deep into his music. I liked what I'd heard, but I was still very much into the heavy and brutal rock and roll. I started digging into Prine's discography about 10 years ago, and grew to appreciate the songs and stories he crafted.
Both Kurt's and John's deaths affected me heavily. Kurt's, because he was still young and vibrant, and a creative force; and John's because he'd battled so hard to come back from cancer.
Deep admiration and love for both.
Arnold's makes me think of Happy Days... and my preference for local restaurants and shops. Not much of a chain or big box establishment. Dive bars and hole-in-the-wall places are where the interesting things happen.
Be good to you 🤍💛
Hey Otis, I'm one of the many fans that wept for days when John Prine passed away. I learned the news by having five different friends reach out to share the news. That was better than having to find out on facebook. I bought a few copies of the No Depression magazine that had him on the cover and used to give them to people who did not know his music.
I miss Kurt so much.
I thought about going to see John Prine’s 2019-20 New Years Eve show in Nashville. Really regret I missed it.
Thanks for all you do! I start my Saturdays with you.
Wow, a wonderful smorgasbord of topics! I’d never heard that Moony story about the Olympic committee.
When I heard about Kurt I was laying in the floor watching mtv while on spring break in St Simon’s Georgia. I was 17 and it was devastating. I first heard Nirvana on the radio. 88.5 in Atlanta. Those were heady days. I wish he could’ve stuck around.
Otis, you need to interview David Steele. He lives out in LA now, but is originally from Bedford, IN. Played guitar with John for a year or two before leaving and recommending his friend, Jason Wilber for the gig. Or heck, Jason still lives in Bloomington. Interview him, too!
I still feel like I have a void in my life with JP's passing. ...and a big regret, too. About 2 yrs prior to the Pandemic, JP was was performing in a ritzy place in Philly.... Tickets were over $100/each. The NEXT night, however, he was going to be in a tiny theater in Asbury Park, NJ where tickets were $38. I should have made that purchase.....
I hope JP is enjoying that 9-mile long cigarette.
This is one of my favorite videos of all time .... thank you so much for sharing.
Listening to you in so calming. You kind of give off the vibe that every thing is going to be all right.
I’m going to try to see if I can make it to Seymour on the 28th. Thanks.
#johnprine 💙
I hardly knew John Prine’s music when I first got to meet him. He’s my friend Doug’s Uncle, so when I first met him, it was cool, but his true brilliance and artistry was lost on me. That was good in a way because I was giging that evening and John asked me about it.
JP: “Where you playing?”
Me: A place called Phyllis’ Musical Inn. It’s been there forever.
JP: “I don’t know it. They still pay bands badly around here?”
Me: Haha. Yeah.
JP: “Your wearing a suit so I thought they might be paying ya something.”
Me: We’ll see.
This was the mid to late 90s and It was the beginning of a Prine family reunion of sorts that I just happened to see on the periphery. On another occasion, he sang some songs right there in the basement. Capo high. That voice. Something totally new to me. The guitar went around the room and even I had the audacity to play one of my own songs in front of him. That was nothing compared to watching a Chicago Police Officer attempt a Iron Maiden solo though. It was a surreal good time!
John remembered me when I last saw him a few years ago. Such a cool guy! One of thee greatest American songwriters, as I later figured out for myself. He’s touched so many people deeply, it’s hard to fathom. He was so direct and so unassuming that he’s in the fabric forevermore. His music will always be here finding new hearts.
Hey Wendell! Good boy!
The whole reason I learned how to play guitar and sing twenty years ago was because of John Prine. I only wanted to be able to sing his songs around a campfire. After his passing, I still play my gigs but I have lost interest in going to shows. He kept me inspired knowing that he was on the road.(I am 56, I hope I get interested in seeing live music again. Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Also Layne Stayley's death date too.
Gee Otis, when you started doing your yeah yeah Cobain impression, I thought I was at a Nirvana concert! Love your channel, peace!
I was in Nashville in Grad school at Vanderbilt in 1994 when Cobain died. I was into REM l, U2, Smiths then. Starting to get into folk but god I wish I could go back i time to my 27yo self now after being part of your community for the last 2 years!!
My friend Kyle called me one evening and said I HAD to come to his place to watch MTV. I live way out in the sticks with no cable or sat. When I get there we just talk and watch videos like normal. Finally he says this is it. There it was Smells like Teen Spirit. We watch in silence.When we turn and look at each other way after it is over he says what do you think? I told him I didn't know if I loved it or hated it but I wanted to see it again. He said he had seen it five times and felt the same way.
Anyone who discusses Brian Henneman and John Prine is good by me. They both have a sense of humor and that’s the key to why I like them so much.
I agree with what you said about the fame & fortune rocket. It seems to rip a lot of talented people apart. And we all just watch in amusement and awe, which is somewhat shameful.
Really miss John Prine! Maybe one day we will all meet up with him at the Tree of Forgiveness
Kind of crazy that you picked these two. They were both my favorite musicians at the time of their deaths (John Prine still is my favorite). The Nevermind album was the first album I bought with my own money. Nirvana inspired me to start playing guitar. I am always surprised at how much music I have been exposed to by wearing a John Prine shirt. Whenever I wear one in public someone will say to me "if you like John Prine you should check out ______". I have never been disappointed by their recommendations.
Prine: I saw a great review for “Prime Prine” in Rolling Stone, went out and bought it, and was hooked. I only saw him one time, in 76 or 77, at Lafayette‘s Music Room in Memphis. He was great.
Otis, great stuff lately, I've been binging your channel. Krist Novoselic seems to be quietly "living his best life", as the kids say. He's a gentleman farmer, is a small plane pilot, plays in a few bands, one called "3rd Secret", with guys from Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. One called "Giants in the Trees", with 1, sometimes 2, female singers. Krist also played accordion on a Foo Fighters song, there's video on RUclips of all his bands, including a fun one of him tracking the accordion. Krist has a blog telling what he's up to, it's called "Deep River Dispatch."
The day before John past I was wearing a Prine shirt and my sister who is not a fan asked me if he’d past away. I flipped out and was like no and went straight to the web and there was no mention so I settled myself. Past out woke up the next morning to a fb notification that he passed. I just thought cause I looked maybe it wasn’t true, took a shower and got another notification from my other sister who is my partner in Prine and I lost it. It was my turning point during the entire epidemic. It’ll always be that thing that stands out about the epidemic. He we’ll always be my go to selection
I think you and I are a lot alike Otis. I'm an old country, rock, Americana type, starting out in 1969. I had a lot of those Dylan years also, and I've always been a Traveling Wilburys fan!! John Prine has also been a favorite, bless him. It may take awhile but someday people will realize how great a songwriter, and person he was!! I admire so many people, Ray Wylie Hubbard is another one. There was a breakfast place in Nashville our buddy Uncle Larry, Tommy Bukovac always talked about. They had an egg cheese and sausage sandwich known as the Bukovac Special. LOL That C19 thing was real hard on them, they couldn't pay the bills. A bunch of us made donations through that "go fund me" thing, but it wasn't enough, they had to close. One last thing, I first realized Nirvana when they did "Unplugged". Then I got it. LOL I also really liked The White Stripes. I think Jack lost a step when he and Meg split, but I like what he is doing with 3ed man records. I could write a book!! Thanks much Otis, I appreciate y'all !! 8) --gary
One of your best, Otis!
Hey Wendell! What a good good boy. 🐶💕
I was painting a mural of Artists on a wall for Record Store warehouse & painting the Nirvana baby on the mural & the radio said he passed…
Bummer…
Thinking about that committee and Keith Moon. Someone probably did know, but they didn’t want to put themselves out there to say to the higher ups that they were clueless.
thanks go ahead mr wendell thanks for sharing poppa otis with us
I first heard Nirvana on some Sub Pop compilation. 200, I think. Then I I heard Nevermind when I went to buy Bleach, but it happened to be the day Nevermind came out, and they didn't have Bleach. I got to see them live 4 times. I was working in the TV and Stereo section of Costco when it was announced on the radio. I'm about the same age as you, Otis, and was bummed, but also not devastated. My roommates and I watched MTV all that night. It was Nirvana all night
I remember wanting to like it more than I did because I could hear something there but it just seemed slick and like they were down the wrong road
Wendel was so patient for this video. The only two musicians who I can remember where I was when I heard of their passing was Elvis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Jerry Jeff Walker. There are a bunch of them, including Prine, that upset me, but my mind doesn't attach a place to the news of their passing.
I first heard Nirvana while browsing at a Wherehouse Records in San Bernardino CA. “Nevermind” was playing over the house PA. After hearing a few songs, I asked a clerk who the band was and if all of the album was that good. She dismissively said, “It’s OK.” I didn’t get it for another month or more. I later bought - and preferred - “Bleach.”
i wasnt going to comment more but yes EMPATHY! also, Joshua Britt was telling me abotu that CBS profile by John Dikcerson who was a huge Prine fan, in one of his livestreams during the recent Prine Tribtue week, and you cna watch the entire 1.5 horu piece as wel as the shorrt and its terrific purrrfect prine
I don’t recall the first time I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit, but I remember that Heart Shaped Box was the first Nirvana song I ever heard. I saw the music video on this tv channel we had for a while that would just show random tv shows. I had to be in like the 5th or 6th grade because it was about the same time I saw Love Is Strong by Rolling Stones. I for the Voodoo Lounge cassette for Christmas that year.
Good question on Kurt Cobain. Being the age that I am I didn’t listen to those cats but when it happened a supervisor from the next department came over to talk to me about his son. Apparently he was super depressed afterwards and wanted my advice on what to do. He said he knew I was a wild kinda guy who played music and in a band. I told him to be supportive of the kid and let him grieve. Take him out, let him look at some guitars. He did and the kid started taking some lessons. Don’t know how he’s doing now,,,, John Prine was a guy that I followed and have been a fan for years,,,, I had a few chances to see him live but never did,,,,, eat more pie! ✌🏽
Incredibly envious that I missed out on seeing Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore at the Patio. And glad I only heard about it now. 😅
Never heard that Moon story! To think no one on that commitee ever considered Googling him!
Rick Beato recently published some excellent interviews on his YT channel where Nirvana was discussed. One was a grunge interview video that included Krist Novoselic maybe four months ago, and another was an excellent interview about three weeks ago with Nevermind producer Butch Vig. He also published a tour of Abbey Road two days ago, but we/you weren’t discussing the Beatles.
Hey Otis
In the early eighties I was at the Patio to watch my friends punk band. At the end of the night someone invited me to come to the "Secret House". It was someone's home within walking distance of the Patio. We went down to the basement and there were musicians jamming there.
I was a little inebriated by then and could never remember where this house was located.
Have you ever heard of the Secret house?
The song Sam Stone played on WDVX radio in Knoxville Tn was THE John Prine song at Christmas time was the I GET IT , John Prine is the Man. I knew who he was but Sam Stone did it.I worked with so many Vietnam Combat Vets when I was younger
Good job my friend. Its hard for me to understand how anyone could not know that Kieth Moon is dead. I was playing drums back then so I guess that helped me to know , musicians are in love with music. But he was so great at his instrument and so entertaining to watch , hearing of his death was so tragic to me. I was driving in my car when I heard the news. I had the opportunity to see him play one night in Chattanooga Tn . The guy was so cool , and held the crowd spellbound . This was a great video today man thanks to you and Amy oh yeàh and Wendell for letting you share his time with us. 😀😎
I saw Keith play in 1975 in Chicago and he was pretty chill. He wasn't flamboyant or anything he just sat back and played the drums and he was Excellent. I spent a lot of time watching him and John. They both amazed me. He played about half the night with headphones on which at the time I thought he was using as monitors but I much later found out it was the synthesizer part along with a click track because the synth part was piped in so Keith played to that and the band locked onto Keith and that's how it worked. Pretty damn impressive. If you notice when Keith used those headphones it was on all the synthesizer songs.
@@dannydine5263 far out man, I recall seeing him with headphones on TV. I never knew about that , it all makes total sense now. Thanks brother.
@@garytrew2766 Your welcome. It was probably the greatest show I've ever seen. On top of that Toot's and the Maytals was the warm up band which I didn't know about that until I was there. Great night.
Arnolds was my favorite meat & 3 and when i was in Nashville I would go by for lunch and visit Carter's. I hate to hear they've closed.
Great chat! Happy Saturday, Otis!
I knew Chris and Drew at the Patio and should have been there more often. I’m disgusted that I missed Uncle Tupelo.
the thing with Nirvana at that time, it didn't really come out of nowhere. We had the Pixies, Jane's Addiction, Dino Jr., Sonic Youth and tons of other bands on the college rock circuit that had paved the way. that being said they had undeniable power and broke the ceiling. It was exciting to see where things would go. Unfortunately, it went bad, and I ultimately blame them for the Limp Biscuits and Linkin Parks to come. Just one dude's opinion.
John Prine is a significant person in my music life. I could not listen to his music for a long time after he passed. I am now back to celebrating him often with his music. Enjoyed Led Zeppelin for a long time. Still do from time to time. Never a fan of Nirvana. Not my thing as you said, Otis. At the beginning you mentioned a quote. It reminded me of one of my favorites. “Meetings, because none of us is as dumb as all of us.” Hey Wendell!
Nevermind was the last time an album moved world culture to a new place. It was fucking fantastic hearing Teen Spirit for the first time, on contemporary radio, no less. Knocked everybody out. Kurt didn’t have a chance to mature and an artist. J.J. Cale publicly complemented Kurt’s guitar playing. His riffs and swing were damned good. Solos were just cryptic and emotive.
The first time I heard Smells Like Teen Spirit, I was laying in bed listening to KDHX in St. Louis (literally the only place to hear that kind of music at the time). So I'm about to fall asleep and they start playing it, I'm hearing this sound I've never heard before. I decide I need to stay awake until the end of the song to hear who it was, so I forced myself to sit up and listen to the end. The next day I hit a couple record stores and there was nothing to be found, Nevermind came out about a month later.
I have always kinda thought that Uncle Tupelo was doing the same thing to country music that Nirvana did to rock at essentially the same time.
By the way speaking of Brian Henneman I'm going to see him and Mark Ortmann later tonight in their band Diesel Island!
My family owned a local restaurant for 45 years starting in the early 60’s. Everything was made fresh. My grandma was one of the bakers that made the fresh pies until she had to retire at about 89 years old. We couldn’t go anywhere in the 70’s and 80’s without someone coming up to my dad and telling him how great the Strawberry Shortcake was at the restaurant. I’ll bet if you google Tebos strawberry shortcake you’d get some hits. Unfortunately after my dad sold the restaurant to the long time managers, things in the food business changed and places like this would have to change to. Before covid they ended up selling the real estate to a car dealership and that was the end of that.
Great storytelling! One take!
Slightly off-topic but speaking of Uncle Tupelo reminded me of Nadine, a band that came out of the same mélange. Saw them in a bar in Scotland with three other people. Great night, great band. Did you ever come across them??