An Interview with John Sebastian

[@ishmaelsix7581]

Anyone else think that if there were more people like John Sebastian the world would be a better place?

[@bobm549]

John is a gem.

[@davearnold8102]

The world would be a much better place if there were more sebastians!!!@!

[@bob733333]

Anyone who is not a liar is good for the world.

[@davidmathews2599]

More than likely.

[@davidmathews2599]

Not a particularly good songwriter but a great human being. Of course that's just an opinion.

[@lduranceau8046]

John Sebastian ages very well. The man was a musical genius.

[@orkneyrd]

Once a musical genius, always a musical genius. Correctamundo!

[@matthewashman1406]

Good but no genius

[@TXBill132]

Even with all his recognized accomplishments, how still underrated was this guy....what a story, and talent.

[@mrb4886]

He is not underrated at all. Stupid word.

[@debishelton9647]

AGREED! :)

[@getrektmemes1883]

@@mrb4886 He literally is. He is only really known for being apart of The Lovin' Spoonful and preforming at Woodstock. I hate to say it as he is one of my biggest inspirations but he is one of the most underrated singer/songwriters of the 20th century. Underrated literally means someone or something doesn't get enough credit for what it is and John Sebastian has not gotten enough recognition in the past two decades.

[@mrb4886]

@@getrektmemes1883 I am 66. Played drums for 20 years. To my generation he is well known. I agree great talent.

[@getrektmemes1883]

@@mrb4886 That's great! I've wanted to be in the music industry my whole life and it's cool to talk to someone in it.

[@grantchallinor5263]

John Sebastian is absolutely one of the greatest songwriters of all time, also comes across as an incredibly humble and down-to-earth guy - which you can't say about so many people with his level of fame and talent. Now in his late 70s he looks amazing (I don't know if it's down to his genes or his healthy and positive outlook on life) and still retains the same twinkle in his eyes that he had in the 60s - an absolute legend!

[@AlizeeDefan]

He was age 75 here, 4 yrs ago. Met him in 1988

[@scottmeli]

The one, the only, John Sebastian. A true American treasure. You have to smile whenever you hear his music. Thanks for posting this enjoyable video.

[@onemat2000]

I was 10 years old in 1965. When "Magic" came out, I immediately knew that the Spoonful were really special. My Dad loved what he heard too and a few years later Dad gave me the greatest hits. So many great songs and performances. Sucks to know the band wasn't paid for their records until the 90s.

[@joelewing4498]

Yep...me too.....10-11 in 1965. 5th grade / Marana Arizona.

[@cmb52]

That's terrible!!!

[@neilsaunders6009]

That's the music business for you.

[@KendrickHarrisKenfinity]

It's always "summer in the city" when we reconnect with our always "believing" and unique musician/performer. Stay safe everyone!

[@dannyholmes2801]

Really nice guy. Opened for him in Utica N.Y. in '74 and got invited to Woodstock to record at Andy Robinson's studio. Met the guys from Orleans and blew a dube with Eric Anderson. I was only 22 but will cherish the memory...and thanks to Harris Goldberg and Tim Moore!🤘🎶💖

[@stevemendenhall2680]

What a nice reminiscence. I have and cherish a few of those “brush with greatness” moments.

[@johnhulsker9123]

Shhhh, the old coffee house folk scene so long ago,

[@johnhulsker9123]

Jim Queskin jug band !!!!

[@johnhulsker9123]

@@stevemendenhall2680 Jeff Mouldar!!!

[@KendrickHarrisKenfinity]

Incredible and truly a musician's story!

[@jorgeespinosa3179]

Looking back all these years later, the Lovin' Spoonful was a great band, and time passed now allows us to acknowledge their impact on our lives.

[@paulgentile1024]

It was great top 40 radio

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

Great interviewer! He's such a gentle and thoughtful man.

[@carolcoffey7449]

I relate to Darlin be home soon! Reminds me of my husband who passed in 1990:(

[@daf827]

Wonderful interview with a national treasure. I was a huge Spoonful fan back in the day. I love hearing John’s stories. Imagine growing up in the Village during the ‘60s!

[@loriruggiero8950]

when I graduated high school Summer in the City was popular

[@carlbroman788]

"and I smile when I think how you must have been"

[@tonyarnoldphotography9757]

From the UK....his albums were superb. Genius.

[@gaspersignorelli3724]

My first live concert, Judy Collins and the Lovin Spoonful at Forest Hills Stadium.

[@rtbarnes4893]

The man is a national treasure, people! Love him! Our first gen stars won't be here forever... Should celebrate them daily---

[@debishelton9647]

John Sebastian is a living legend and musical delight!

[@skywire444]

Wow. What a genius that is rediscovered every 10 yrs. So important of a singular talent.

[@jc6594]

Happy 75th Birthday John Sebastian

[@larryrhindress2972]

We are so fortunate to have John Sebastian in our lives!!!! The Spoonful were such an addition to the good things that were happening in our Woodstock time and beyond. I have them on my MP3 player and look forward to all the memories that they ring with their great music. I am very thankful!! Nova Scotia will always listen The Spoonful/John.

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

Quaalude Charlie Here , Just wanted to Thank You for having John on Here , I grew up with the Spoonful Music , great soundtrack of my Life , John Sebastian is still a great Performer to Hire to this day :) QC

[@67Stu]

Great interview! Thank you! John was inducted in to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.

[@terrywright8731]

Saw John In Feb of this year in Ithaca NY. He was great, sounded real good and had some funny stories.

[@Appleholic1]

He is so humble and modest talking about his life and yet he has such a great history to share with us.

[@johngarin8290]

What a ride thru our modern musical history, Job Seb encyclopaedia of Rock n Roll's foundations & pillars who left a priceless legacy 🙏😊🇦🇺 Gold

[@donkeninitz4590]

I remember reading an interview with Stephen Stills where he said he really wanted to play bass for the Spoonful in the worst way, but they already had a guy; then he said that when the Buffalo Springfield fell apart he seriously wanted to start a new band with John Sebastian, but they couldn't get together on it.

[@digitalwasabi2]

Always love John Sebastian. Thanks for the music!

[@rodneykitchen3869]

Saw the Even Dozen Jug Band in New York in the sixties, I still have their album, bought back then

[@harvey1954]

Their Elektra album cover was taken on the roof of Elektra. The Spoonful use the same site for the pix sleeve for Rain On the Roof a few years later.

[@ardalla535]

John had real ability to write excellent lyrics. But darling, be home soon. I couldn't bear to wait An extra minute if you dawdled. My darling, be home soon. It's not just these few hours, But I've been waiting since I toddled, For the great relief of having you to talk to. Who has ever rhymed toddled and dawdled?? Who but John would even think to do that. But many of his songs are like that. That last line is a huge tongue in cheek expression. And Nashville Cats ... Yeah, I was just thirteen, you might say I was a Musical proverbial knee-high When I heard a couple new-sounding tunes on the tubes And they blasted me sky-high And the record man said every one is a yellow sun Record from Nashville And up north here ain't nobody buys 'em And I said, "But I Will" Those lyrics are uniquely John Sebastian. The words fall all over each other but somehow remain upright. He's like Randy Newman: unique. But more than just that. More like uniquely able to hit the musical nail on the head with song after song.

[@eldrinod]

One of my favourite Lovin Spoonful songs too, beautifully observed by a true master singer/songwriter ❤️

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Great interview!!! I really like their music... Timeless is how it should be described...

[@josephkelley8641]

"The Dawn Of Folk-Rock," wow - John's living history - not just a Hall of Famer but great staying with one narrative all the way thru. Never losing where John is.

[@groverbaker6404]

In the early 80s John opened up for 3 dog night..fantastic show..love this man's work

[@palsherwvin7280]

I saw him to a two hour show, a 1 man show, at my university in 1980. HIs skill, musical abilities, showmanship..... he blew me away as a single, one man show. His entire show start to finish did not have a single flat spot. He blew me away. I've never forgotten how good he was.

[@MplsTodd]

Thanks for this interview! I’ve always thought The Lovin’ Spoonful put out some of best songs of the ‘60s. Darling Be Home Soon is a masterpiece IMO. Plus so many more.

[@suzannelawson9215]

"Darlin' Be Home Soon" is one of my favourite songs by the Lovin'' Spoonful. It is a great song!

[@jeanettejakel9088]

I was in love with him and every one of three young men who introduced me to him! Crazy huh!?

[@philsabatini8104]

Love John's library of music. So many notable songs. Some tunes on KZbin should have 10x the views. "My dad was a great cook", as are many Italians! Wish it well known that that he was Italian. Great choice of of stage name....Johann Sebastian Bach always comes to mind....

[@stephengiese7549]

This was a great gentle, warm and fun interview. I am familiar with some of his music but never an interview. He seems to be a gentle and fun loving man. The interviewer was caring and really paying attention about the questions and answers. Thanks John and utube .

[@fenderstratguy]

John seems like the kind of guy who, I just want to buy him a couple beers

[@kennybranshaw7526]

Sebastian still has that fabulous sound that I loved from the Spoonful days!!

[@miriamgreen3973]

His spoken voice is as melodic as his singing voice 🎶

[@kathrynsullivan1887]

Followed John even after Spoonful broke up, Oakdale in Connecticut loved him and his music ❤️🎶❤️

[@ericwarncke]

My first wife was from Bolton. Holy cow it blew my mind when I found out where this concert happened.

[@susanneflaherty8681]

My first concert was at WPI in Massachusetts in 1971? John owned the stage and is one of my happiest memories.

[@robinwanless3496]

He turned into a very handsome older gentleman, yes, gentleman. He comes off as a very down to earth, kind Human Being, a gentleman. I still Love the Music He wrote while in The Lovin' Spoonful, I'd Love to start Listening to any recent music He has done. I don't pretend to know a lot about the man, but what I do know, I Love.

[@orkneyrd]

Never realized that John and Bob Weir & Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead had so much in common. In interviews they all take care when asked where their musical journey began in earnest to back up to a starting line before the interviewer's assumptions and pointedly begin with their respective seminal Jug Bands. And those cool cross linkages with Grisman, and Cass Elliott and Maria Muldour later Laural Canyon playas is also a revelation. Thanks to all concerned. There are more of us out here than you may imagine who have an interest and appreciate your efforts.

[@williamcolmer4184]

Spot on...I'm 68 n saw him at uc Davis n it was a great show...always thought he was a bit underrated but he's an all around all time great...incredible lyricist & singer..kind of a pretty Jimmy buffet!!!

[@williamcolmer4184]

saw him in early '71

[@williamcolmer4184]

Remove pretty

[@harvey1954]

Both Maria and John were in the Even Dozen Jug Band (there is footage of them on TV). Their Elektra album cover was taken on the roof of Elektra. The Spoonful use the same site for the pix sleeve for Rain On the Roof a few years later.

[@welcometototalitarianism812]

I'm 47 and I have such a crush on him.🥰

[@johniorio7951]

Robbie Krieger interviewing john sebastian!....far out, man ....will wonders never cease?

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Also loved Spoonful ! It’s pretty cool how he figured out what the Beatles were trying to play i used to explain that to my own children growing up when they thought their favorite bands were inventing something new finally my daughter realized that one of her favorite bands that i liked grew up being influenced by her Dads music ! When she saw that in a interveiw she came to me saying Dad so and So said they loved this and tat growing up and thats what i grew up on so i told her yes thats what i was talking about with music. It repeats itself every few generations by going back to that influence

[@RoyFive]

Best part for me of course is his performing at the end.

[@stacyblue1980]

Thank you for sharing this with the world. Our hearts to you all and the Lions and their causes and of course to Mr. Sebastian.

[@andrewcaddell2670]

Amazing interview! ❤️

[@jimmywayne4280]

Sebastian and the Spoonful are proof that you don't have to be full of anxiety or miserable to create great music. Thanks John.

[@drummer42050]

one week or so after Woodstock I was in the Village to see John and Harvey Mandel.....John walked out of the dressing room, on his way to the stage, he sat next to me tuning and said to me....hey man, with his big smile. Told him I enjoyed his set at Woodstock...and off he went...

[@kathleengreen6889]

What an enjoyable time I’ve had, watching and listening to this interview. John, I hope you read the new comments. Your performance at Woodstock was very personal to me, and I think I can say, us. I was 18. I came with my cousin and younger brother and his friend. When you sang “Where have you been, my darling children…” it was like you were singing us a lullaby. All these years later, your humble presence, loving way, kind voice, and of course, you being beloved by us all, was just what we needed. You made that unique time personal and sweet. Thank you so much. I always get a warm feeling when I think of you singing us that song. I loved your Spoonful music, and still do. My children do, too, and know how much your singing us that lullaby meant to their mother. Thank you so much! ✌🏻♥️🙏🏻

[@johnalucard7860]

I do love and appreciate Mr Sebastian.!!!!

[@bcrater6400]

he puts rainbows all over my blues....

[@katiezee2]

when I realize the Spoonful's records were over 50 years ago.. god how old we all are now -- yikes !

[@brucejones8047]

Kate Quinn : yep, kinda scary!

[@mikewilkinson4588]

just turned 66 in June......getting old takes courage......still love listening to the Lovin Spoonful.....

[@relentlessmadman]

If ye ain't dead yet your only as old as you let yourself be. keep[keep pushing against the pain. don't sit and wait to die!

[@cathyspelker8756]

Well I just turned 70 😁

[@funkyalfonso]

Kate Quinn I'm 66 and I tell my friends it's not our fault that we still feel funky. And behaving that way.

[@dbrew2u]

"You didn't have to be so nice . I would have liked you anyway ". That line pretty much sums up my feelings about Jon Sebastian .

[@juliestrom412]

When l heard hot time summer in the city l literally thought that were looking for a cat. I love that song. I was about 4. 60's really were great. My sister always had her radio with her....something about the sixties!

[@coffeegirl6854]

Thank you for posting this interview! It is wonderful. Could listen to John all day 😊♥️

[@andrewsudders1060]

I love the hippy music and jon sebastian was excelent at creating it brilliant and i loved to learn more with this interview thankyou

[@MrMarkar1959]

Thanks for the awesome songs

[@baphillips3876]

I saw this guy's interview of John Sebastian and pushed play. Immediately I began ripping apart this poor guy's personality,(for basically being a "phony baloney weirdo')... And then I began to listen to what he was saying... And then I erased my original comment, and wrote this one instead. I am absolutely thrilled to see that there is someone out there like himself who is still waving the flag for old John, whom I hold in the highest regard (regarding) his musicianship and songwriting.Youre top shelf John !

[@baphillips3876]

By the way, I am using my girlfriend's phone. My name is Sean Smith Portland Oregon and I posted this late September of 21. Thank you and best of the best to you all.

[@randallbarnes207]

Great Interview with a true American. Wish I'd seen him/them.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Damn I saw John in concert in the 1980s at Miami Metro Zoo man was he good

[@Skycop51]

I emailed asking for autographe, never expecting to get on I did. Thank you John.

[@hoz49]

Yank Rachell the Blues mandolin man (look him up) was getting on in age and enduring dialysis. When John learned of his circumstances he came to Indianapolis, booked a studio and recorded some songs with Yank. Besides paying Yank for his time at the end he gave Yank a brand new mandolin. John later said the sessions were just for fun and probably wouldn't be released, but he had a ball spending time with a legendary bluesman.

[@anthonyasart]

A gentleman and modest too.

[@andrewsudders1060]

Wow, wow, wow, what a life, what a talent, what a man fantastic great interview love the music

[@grampandrich7486]

Always loved the music from the love of spoonful. Awesome. Totally awesome music.

[@ericab936]

May God Bless u Sir! Thanks for the memories ❤️

[@markovschriov9904]

love this guy. "You're all beautiful. Goodbye."

[@sionyevans]

Haha thats frim WOODSTOCK hey dude..much love brother...

[@paulgartner4619]

love that first John Hurt album on Piedmont and statue behind interviewer

[@MrRoach-yo3mz]

Spoonful was the best!

[@milestrotter6844]

Spoonful is the best! Indubitably!

[@maybee...]

John Sebastian is one of the nicest people whose success never went to his head. Growing up in the 60's we had the best music of any generation, that includes Frank Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles, Gary Pucket and the Union Gap, Johnny Cash, and the Loving Spoonfuls, it was the best of times. Let's not forget Janis Joplin, the Hermans Hermits, the Monkeys, Tommy James and the Shondels, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

[@jackoshaw]

One of my Favorite Albums of all time. Called, " Cheapo Cheapo Productions presents, the real live John Sabastian" Very Simple but the talent shines through...

[@rivett310]

I sure would like to see JS live on stage again 🌺❤️ so entertaining

[@mwmann]

I'm 65 and I loved the Spoonful. I hate getting old.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Stay in touch with your inner 6 year old!

[@craighunt6098]

same here! from a fellow 1955 er....

[@harvey1954]

Old Folks The Lovin' Spoonful You'll always hear me say "Hello Ma'am" "Thank you" Good morning" Looking fine" It's all those old folks left here waiting That left my heart into my mind It's a sad, sad feeling To still be around On every sunny Sunday morning All golden-aged and sittin' in Comes out to putter in the sunshine And shuffle through his deck of bin It's a sad, sad feeling To still be around And it's the same old tired park bench Nobody's found Soft wrinkled stories if you listen About the lazy days back when Your mom and dad were little babies And he had friends still livin' then It's a sad, sad feeling To still be around And it's the same old tired park bench Nobody's found And there was a tree put there for shading That they cut down The fields of lovenut turned to highways From horse to car to plane to moon Staying well meant, but he feels older Yet none of his kids have the room It's a sad, sad feeling To still be around And it's the same old tired park bench Nobody's found There was a tree put there for shading That they cut down And his old shoes Had worn a spot there From grass to ground

[@lazur1]

Richard Thompson live kicked-off a tune w/Zal's intro from "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?" One great's homage to another.

[@scottburton9701]

John Sebastian is an outstanding performer.

[@joelewing4498]

What a great interviewer......and great interviewee. This has been SO enjoyable. Thoroughly. jbeinarizona

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

Excellent Interview. So glad that, as far as I know, the guy has always steered clear of making pompous political endorsements. A real class act.

[@markrago7217]

Thank you to The Lions. We exclusively use Lions Club brooms at home and I always donate

[@glennlewman1377]

Younger Generation is one of the greatest songs of all times

[@miguell6862]

Love it. ❤️ From 🇨🇷

[@Lowden025]

he s got a Mississippi john Hurt album in the bookcase behind them. Cool

[@dannymarz2568]

Met John twice in Woodstock, N.Y. and hes a NICE GUY!

[@carolworthington-levy3186]

i belonged to Lions Club and loved the mission but i never could get the group to take on any project like this! I'm not a member now, it just became too mundane, no matter how many times i brought up interesting project ideas. BRAVO to you for doing this project!!!!!!

[@dropfacebook7533]

What a man. Great!

[@madratter]

John's Woodstock was beautiful . He was put on stage spur of the moment. Completely wasted at the time agreed to a few songs. Incredible show

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I had the pleasure of seeing John live in the 1980s at Miami Metro Zoo right after they first opened it was a outdoor Venue and he was way more entertaining than I thought he was going to be one of my friends at the time was a pretty successfull Freelance Photographer that would bring his camera equipment along and let us take any pictures we wanted the camera straps had lots of press Passes. Attached to them from other engagements and Security though i belonged as close to stage as possible when i walked towards it so they ushered me right to the stage and was only about 15 feet from John on Stage over years i fell out of touch with the photographer and ive never seen any of the pictures from that day as of yet

[@barbaralabarca3653]

John you are the best man I've ever seen in the world and you are enjoying your life and your family and your friends and church . Your music is very good and awesome

[@andymathewson160]

Does John Sebastian attend church? I've never heard that before! Good for him if he does!

[@clenbullard]

A sweet man,

[@TIMOWHITEBUFFALO]

I just remember on SNL...when you said..." Can I start over again ??""..I was so dissapointed..you are still my hero..

[@vanrozay8871]

can i start over again (not being TOO slavishly "professional"), is an asset in my opinion. human. way too much effort and posing goes into looking perfect.

[@Fordham1969]

Didn't you hear the loud feedback? It wasn't his fault, it happened just after he started the song so he decided to stop and take it from the top.

[@orkneyrd]

@@vanrozay8871 Amen. And in those moments, as with Patty Smith losing her concentration when accepting a prestigious European award for Bob Dylan and making the heartbreaking, split second pro decision to get a grip, begin again and , suck up her humiliation for after she fulfills her commitment to one of her lifelong heroes, whom she was there to represent. While John's false start wasn't his doing, they both rose to the occasion in a manner that we still remember. I vividly recall as well John's possibly ill fated Woodstock performance that his very nature converted in real time to well, magic, and that's when I became a believer. On topic, let's note the link with the SNL performance comment above and at Woodstock, where the 'organizers' were woefully not quite "ready" to kick off the promised show to the massive crowd, running hours behind schedule and who do these panicky 'organizers' spot and cajole into going out there, right now, and well, do whatever. It may be an apocryphal tale, but what I've heard is that John's amenable, can-do personality was a major factor when he was suddenly deputized as a non headline, in the breech immediate performer and restless crowd soother. Being such a cooperative bloke it seems he chose not to mention the potent psychedelics he'd ingested not long before being ushered out to interact with the multitudes. The result is the stuff of legend, when he also stopped his performance at Woodstock, mid verse, memorably paused for a WTF? nanosecond, and then reached out to them all for in the moment for help and support from that awesome, undulating sea of humanity. I was already a fan, yet sitting in the theatre as Woodstock unspooled was transformative when John Sebastian's performance, clad in a tie dye clam digger ensemble seemed to fill that huge theatre with a palpable, warm sense of loving beatific benevolence. I've been a huge fan and admirer of his ever since.

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

"John Sebastian & the Bolton Lions"! A great band name if I ever heard one!

[@GuitarJimBourke]

Tell John I was with Dwain Story RIP for 3 hours,on his last day on earth.

[@semmcstevenson]

John is one cool dude. 👍🏻

[@bryonperkovic7915]

This guy is cool, need more like him

[@craighunt6098]

"Welcome back., Mr. Sebastian---Your dreams were your ticket out :) "

[@welcometototalitarianism812]

That song is so mournful. Every time I hear it emotions flood through me.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

I did not realise that John Sebastian wrote that song, until now... And during that interview, he revealed that he had it ready in a 24 hour period.. Wow!

[@harvey1954]

Note in 2022 CBS is using that song to pitch their Fall lineup.

[@carmelaseverino681]

He is just gorgeous ❤

[@josephkelley8641]

John took over the World - was marveling, in Awe. Of his lyrics/hits the other day. Actually it took about 3-4 days.

[@josephkelley8641]

Looks fantastic sounds fantastic, thank you Bolton Lions.

[@1attheback]

Saw John at the Isle of Wight festival 1969 (or was it 1970, I went to both). He was brilliant.

[@MrPhilfridge]

1970 , came on around noon i think.