British guitarist analyses Steve Goodman's classic live in 1972!

[@johnfauss1562]

I saw Steve Goodman in the Fall of 1976 at U of Buffalo. He came out alone on stage with his guitar and I remember thinking without a band it wouldn't be that great. He captivated the audience for at least two hours. At some point he was taking requests and someone yelled out jokingly "Moon River" (not a song college kids in the 70's would be into). Without missing a beat he broke into the song and played it beautifully. I'll never forget that performance.

[@billb6414]

That was really a great show in Buffalo. Together with my friends Kate and Bone we drove over from Rochester. We were huge fans of Steve’s and expected a phenomenal show; and boy did he deliver After the show was over Kate had brought a bottle of cognac for him and had someone bring it back stage. After a while he came out with his guitar case and thanked her. we asked him if he wanted to go to a local bar for a drink and he said yes. We walked over and at the bar spent probably 30 minutes just talking with him. When we asked him what he would rather be doing if he weren’t a performer, he said he would want to be the announcer for the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Later he excused himself and went up to the bar and talked to some other fans. It was a truly phenomenal night.

[@ameliarhodes5000]

I saw him around that time at Illinois State University. Amazing show and he brought out Earl Scruggs as well. Steve Goodman was a King of the Old Town School of Folk Music. Also saw Corky Segal play in a North Chicago suburb bar in the 70s, very good time. But not to compare apples and oranges, Steve Goodman, well... he was Steve Goodman.

[@royboy56100]

Many artists did not want to follow Steve as he would wear the audience out.Ha.

[@ratwynd]

Thank you for the memories. Saw him quite a few times and will never forget his music. Had not heard "Red Red Robin" in years. I still play "The Dutchman" and "City of New Orleans" at open mics, in part to keep his music alive.

[@atomicsquirrel6457]

Steve Goodman often used to refer to himself as “Cool Hand Leuk” because he’d been diagnosed with Leukemia so early. He always felt he was living on borrowed time. One of the things I love about Steve was that he shared out his talent - he brought Carl Martin along, he brought Jethro Burns to more prominence, he collaborated with John Prime. If you listen to A Tribute to Steve Goodman, you can hear the deep love & respect his peers had for him. The other thing is that he always seemed like he genuinely loved what he was doing. There was so much joy in his performance. There’s just this sense he’s always thinking “It’s so great I get paid to do this.”

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

His cancer may explain the light hearted joy he seems to have just playing. He knows better than most of his audience the impermanence of this world, this life. Left the world a smile to remember him by.

[@philbudne2095]

Seeing him (as well as David Bromberg) in small clubs when I was in my late teens and early twenties set a very high bar for live performers for the rest of my life. Steve had more energy than could be contained in his small body, and was like a blazing ball of fire, he was so present, and could take anything that happened in the room and work it into the show. I didn't understand at the time how much life energy he was channeling, and why. Thanks for featuring one of my favorite performers of all time!

[@thomasw3892]

I once saw Steve at a small club called the Earl Of Old Town. After the show we lingered and once half the crowd was gone John Prine came by unannounced from another gig and the two ended up playing for an hour and a half. One of the best live shows I ever witnessed. Magical night.

[@dogstar7]

The Earl and the Sneak a Joint were where it was at. The cast of the latest Second City revue would be in the audience on the weekends, as well as any Nashville cat who was in town, Dickie Smothers, a stray Weatherman or two...

[@jeffreymarsh7314]

That would be amazing to see. How lucky can you get?

[@carlrosenzweig1867]

I'll admit I'm very jealous. Back in those days I was just a boy lying in bed listening to John and Steve on The Midnight Special on WFMT, dreaming of when I'd be old enough to see them in person at the Earl of Old Town or Holstein's. Sadly, by then Steve was gone and John had moved out of Illinois and the folk scene in Chicago was a shadow of it's former self.

[@dogstar7]

@@carlrosenzweig1867 So sad that John Prine has left for Paradise. I hope he smokes a cigarette five miles long and kisses that girl on the Tilt-a-Whirl

[@Silent-G]

TC ?

[@lisbetsoda4874]

You have something in common with Steve Goodman. You smile a lot and it is very contagious. You both always lift my spirits. 😊

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

Besides his instrumental virtuosity and his ace songwriting, I always loved the smile in Steve Goodman's voice. Sometimes his lyrics were funny, sometimes poignant, but he always delivered them in the friendliest way.

[@thewilytroutesq5260]

I'm glad you spent extra time on his phenomenal guitar skills. People who are unfamiliar with Goodman's work don't realize what a brilliant guitarist he was.

[@richardperkins5046]

Very underrated guitar player as one can tell by watching some of his videos.

[@olathestanwalker6717]

I saw Steve so many times live I couldn't keep count. Great singer/songwriter and performer. One of the nicest guys out there. I cried when I heard he died and couldn't listen his music for a long time without getting chocked up. A great talent. Thank you so much for this.

[@SWarren958]

The term "Great" is so easily thrown around. Steve is in a class by himself. Words cannot do his talent justice. He could tell a story and paint a picture with such clarity. He is so deeply missed. Steve Goodman's kind of talent does not come around very often. He was a musical gift to the world. God Bless you Steve and may you Rest in the Arms of God.

[@susieturk1]

Folk freak here!! Steve Goodman such a treat!!! Thank you!

[@kcutoob]

Fil - thanks so much for covering Steve Goodman (and John Prine earlier)! I was a young man in the Chicago area at the time, and saw Steve perform many times in small clubs. He would cover such a range in two sets, so much great guitar playing, clever novelty songs to make you laugh, and touching songs that bring a tear to your eye. And every time he played a song it was a little different, and always seemed so energetic (despite the leukemia). He'd pull out different things, like the theme to “American Bandstand”, you just never knew. One of the greatest performers I've seen. Steve also performed with Kenneth “Jethro” Burns (of Homer and Jethro musical comedy duet), and Jethro was a master mandolin/guitar player, also handled jazz, country - anything. Jethro was Chet Atkins brother-in-law, and Jethro's son John was another great guitar player, and played in John Prine's band. You might want to feature Jethro Burns sometime! Here he is with Chet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXFi2mCqcean7M

[@Billy97ify]

He has it all down. Timing, phrasing, great poetry and vocal and instrumental technique. A real master.

[@carolmoscicke4958]

So glad for your tribute to Steve Goodman. His music meant so much to me as a teenager in Chicago in the 70's.

[@lawrencewestby9229]

As I write this I am lying in the bed of a sleeper compartment of a train heading to New York from Florida, not quite New Orleans but still on a train. Having grown up in the New York City area in the 1970s my main memories of Steve were from his four Easter Sunday guest appearances on deejay Vin Scelsa's radio show on WNEW-FM. Fortunately, tapes of those shows were saved and portions were released in 1996 on an album called "The Easter Tapes".

[@joereichlin258]

Are you riding the Orange Blossom Special?

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I listened to all four shows. Amazing history of a really great man. It was a nice conversation between two old friends, and I think it was just before Steve died. He talked of his illness and the people that were treating him. Steve reminds me of the old Biblical story. An old man is sitting in the road between City A and City B. A man is traveling and stops and asks the old man how the people are in the City B. The old man asks him were the people in City A, and the traveler says they were dishonest, thieving and untrustworthy. The old man said that he should be careful since they are like that in City B. Then another traveler stops and asks the same question, and the old man asks him how the people were in City A. The second traveler said that they were wonderful, gentle, open, very generous and friendly. The old man said that he would be happy to know that the people in City B were exactly like that. Steve Goodman was that second traveler.

[@bekind6763]

Steve was a great songwriter and wonderful performer. With all that he had to deal with health wize he was always so joyful playing. Fil, This was an excellent analyses. Thank you! ✌

[@thomasbriggs4718]

I saw Steve Goodman many times in my college years. He would come up to Mpls. to play the Guthrie at least once a year, but for me his most impressive performance was at the Minnesota State Fair, where he opened for Steve Martin, at the height of the mania for Martin, about 1976. The crowd was full of drunken rowdy Steve Martin fanatics, most of whom had never heard of this other Steve. It took Goodman all of about 45 seconds to have that crowd in the palm of his hand and hold it for the duration of his set. I would not have believed it had I not witnessed it myself.

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

what an accurate portrayal of a very special person,and though you posted this 10 months ago i smiled today reading it ,thank you.

[@Hardcore3DaysGrace]

@@im-already-tired-tomorrow Yes! Steve Goodman was the best performer I have ever seen! I say him at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in the early 70's. I'd never heard of him. He was opening for some famous band which I cannot remember from back then. Could have been the Kinks. Could have been Joni Mitchell, was no doubt a VERY big act. However, I cannot remember them. My only memory from that night was the amazing Steve Goodman. He came out on stage by himself with his acoustic guitar hand held that crowd of, maybe 10-12 thousand people in the palm of his hand for about 30-40 minutes. It was like nothing I've seen before or since. The presence he had. The talent. Phenomenal. Amazing.

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

@@Hardcore3DaysGrace Stu,great story,good for you.if u aren't aware check 'Go Cubs Go' the history of the chicago cubs song.it will reaffirm ur appreciation for Steve, thanks and peace.

[@Hardcore3DaysGrace]

@@im-already-tired-tomorrow I am familiar with the Go Cubs Go. I still watch live Steve Goodman videos (the few of them that there are) regularly. I am actually, (at age 70) still a performing musician myself. (you can see me on facebook at Young Mans Job. I am the one on the right). I take inspiration from watching Steve perform, even after all these years. Not a month goes by during which I don't go on you tube and watch him some. Some of my favorites are "The Dutchman (which I play on a video on our Facebook page), the version of "Souveniers" played live with John Prine. One very special one is a video of him doing I believe an audition in New York City in which he is on a sound stage by himself doing an incredible version of "You're The One I Love". One can never say too many good things about that great man. Oh yeah and the guitar work on Red Red Robin. Amazing.

[@im-already-tired-tomorrow]

@@Hardcore3DaysGraceI agree with all u said,'u don't stop playing cus u get old,u get old cus u stop playing'. not on facebook but if upload to your tube channel we can check them with a click.I think Fil is like Steve in that he is generous with his time and talent and carries a smile on his face,the type that likes to see others do and be well.13:10 Steve hints at Louie Armstrong,my opinion at least.Thanks Stu and 'All The Best' (prine)

[@racinnut77]

Steve was a great Chicagoan die hard Cubs fan. As a Chicagoan I'm glad you did this video. He was taken from us way to soon. As good of a musician Steve was, he was a better guy. He was beloved in his home town. Thank for this video Fil.

[@nickcameronbrown]

For Steve Goodman Chicago Shorty would write you a song, Then he'd play the damned thing all night long, Make you coffee, fry you an egg, Tickle your funnybone, pull your leg, Talk your head off, laugh at your jokes, Kiss your sister and charm your folks, Lend you his house, lend you his car, Give you the strings from his last guitar. Stevie'd let you name the place, Meet your plane and carry your case. Chicago Shorty loved his life, Loved his children, loved his wife. He was a joy for me to know, And I miss the little bastard so. -- Tom Paxton 1984

[@somejailnursedontask4658]

Lovely and from the great Tom Paxton. Thank you. I grew up in Chicago with all the folkies at that time, I was blessed.

[@ChicagoDB]

I’m a native Chicagoan…and the loss of Steve Goodman was quite a blow to all of us who loved him and his music. Brilliant…so many clever songs.

[@johnbambach]

What a tribute. I mostly knew Goodman second hand, from a couple of buddies who played in the restaurant beside where he was performing in Macon, before his first album was released. I was crazy about that album and learned most of it. I finally got to meet him once, in a hotel room in Chicago. He’d just used the royalties from Arlo’s “City” to buy out his contract from Buddah, just before producing Jessie’s Jig. He came to our door, holding a ham that we put out on the hotel window sill that Chicago February, looking enough thinner that I was scared his generally unknown cancer was getting the best of him. He’d just lost some weight. From my friend’s stories, well fleshed out by Clay Neal’s biography, and this one evening… well, I thought I’d developed a pretty good picture. I was just now reading this poetic entry in amazement at the apt, concise description and got to where I saw the author. Tom Paxton, an American original, one of my first folk heroes, was now writing about one of my later heroes. Bless them both.

[@mturner6244]

Very classy tribute to a talented man.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

I've been told that he wrote it at The Illini Inn in Champaign, Illinois. Back then, they had a room in the basement open to patrons, which was only used for storage by the time I first visited the place. A few years ago, they tore the original building down, and put up an apartment building, but with a bar on the ground floor--named, of course, Illini Inn. I still have my Mug Club card. The City of New Orleans hauled me off to join the navy in 1985. Yeah, the song was in my head while I rode.

[@howardstenlund2324]

Thank you...thank you..thank you for highlighting one of my favorite artists. Very few performers had his combination of talent, humor, songwriting ability and emotional connection to his songs and audience. I hope your exposure will give Steve Goodman the audience he deserves.

[@abbydubois3112]

So sweet to see Steve Goodman. He always make me happy! Such a beautiful voice and great songwriter! Thanks for the great analysis Fil!

[@barbaradownie3265]

First time seeing this singer. Love his distinct voice and guitar playing. 😍😍😍

[@Caperhere]

Such a talented, unselfish, sweet person.

[@dh728]

Steve wrote so many great songs. Check out "The 20th century is almost over." He always broke into that great big smile too, when he performed. So glad to see Fil taking a look at him.

[@bretthardin9239]

He wrote the perfect country and western song

[@brucekalter4206]

Loved this tribute, Fil. I am a relatively new fan of Steve Goodman & really love his stuff. THANK YOU, Fil AND Steve!!!

[@debravirden7130]

This is Steve and he was so unassuming but his vocals captured you and held you. Thanks for a lovely analysis. The world lost a precious gift too soon. As I get older, these videos are like gold.

[@billburkhead9737]

Steve was amazing and was the consumate performer. One time I saw him, he opened his show by coming out in and all white suit, hopping across the stage playing "When the red, red robin goes bob bob bobbing along" and at the end of the song he said he had been touring with Steve Martin and the suit wore off on him! He never reached the acclaim due someone with his talent deserved.

[@nwilcox1120]

I was blessed to be friends with Steve Goodman in Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1969. He hadn’t sold any songs yet, but was talking to 2 female artists of the time, I can’t remember who but he was very excited. He had mutual friends from Chicago who were going to school there. We would gather there and Steve would play and be Steve. At that point he his leukemia hadn’t been diagnosed then but he may have had a good idea. His friends and I all to the train north on the weekends. We were all telling him about the conductor who had written a song for each town where the train stopped. Since there were no intercoms, the conductors had to go to each car when arriving and leaving each town and say the same give the info and rules the passengers needed. He would start singing his little ditty while walking through the car and be done by the time he was at the other door. He would always start with an adjective or two and the town’s name then the thing that was always the same was “The passengers will please refrain from smoking and drinking liquor in the car.” Then tell them to go to the club car. The only time that I left Monday morning which was the only train that was named the City of New Orleans. I met the train in Effingham. I was the only one getting on there, I was walking down the side of the train and noticed someone keeping pace with me inside. I couldn’t see who it was and didn’t try because I knew the returning college train was Sunday night. I was expecting a couple of quiet hours. When I got to the conductor was waiting for me, Steve was also there greeting me with his joyful enthusiasm. He was as happy to see me as I was to see him. He told me that he had been playing cards with some old guys up in the club car, but was done. We sat down and he was telling things that he’d found out about the train, he was very excited to be on it for the first time. He was disappointed that our conductor didn’t sing the information. The conductor came back to take my ticket and Steve started asking him questions about the trains and the state of the future of the Illinois Central passenger service. The passenger cars were quite old, and they weren’t putting any money into them and the conductors weren’t expecting them to be running much longer. One of the wheels on our car had been flat sided, and they hadn’t fixed it, so it was making a lot of noise grinding on the rail. Steve was asking them how long they had worked for the IC. Everyone of them had been there their whole lives as their fathers had before then. I told them that my Grandfather was Railroad man and had worked on the steam locomotives. Steve asked if anyone besides family members were riding trains. They had a pretty grime view of the future of passenger trains as well as all trains. They thought it was the end of an era. They moved on up the train and Steve and I decided to go to the back to get some air. As we were walking by the only other passenger in our car, Steve commented that she had her baby asleep on her shoulder and she was rocking to the bet the wheels were making as they crossed where one rail connected to the next. We stood at the back of the train in the open air and smoked. He told me that he had just found out that he had leukemia and was going to have to move back home. Then in the next breath he smiled really big and told me that he had asked his childhood sweetheart to marry him and she said yes! He was so happy. I wish everyone knew that a day or two after he found he was dying he road The City of New Orleans. I didn’t see him until many years later. So when I was driving out in the country by myself and Arlo Gunther came on the radio with his new song I knew Steve had to write it. When I heard the conductor sings his songs, and then playing cards in the the club car. Then and sons of Pullman porters and sons of engineers ride their father’s magic carpets made of steam it put me right back to that day. Steve Goodman was an amazing man, I was very lucky to spend time with him for the few months I knew him.

[@randalbladel2817]

Wow. Great recounting of the birth of a wonderful song. Thanks for posting this. Have our ever considered writing it up for the Chicago Tribune or something? More of Steve’s fans would love this story. The Old Town School of Folk Music might be another place to bounce it off of.

[@jimmayors2315]

Hello Phil... There is a Steve Goodman song (video) that he does called Talk Backwards, and it's worth a look for anyone wanting to enjoy his flawless skill at playing the guitar while telling a story at the same time! Sdrawkcab Klat!

[@triffidgrower]

Thanks for putting this review up. The Arlo/Steve Goodman/Kristofferson branch line of music has been a secret pleasure for me for a bloody long time. As much as I enjoyed the total content of this clip, my personal highlight is the expression of total joy on Steve's face when he is finished fooling around with 'Red Red Robin'. That is one happy human.......

[@TheDivayenta]

What a charming and gifted artist.

[@patriciavance5167]

I had only heard "City of New Orleans" performed by Arlo Guthrie and John Denver; had no idea that this song was written and performed by Steve Goodman. Thank you Fil, for expanding my musical knowledge, once again!

[@DanielOrme]

Re Goodman being a Chicago Cubs fan, he also wrote and recorded "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request." Several versions to be found on KZbin.

[@markglenn1712]

Love the line about being "traded to the Angels."

[@KathyOnOBX]

Steve wrote and recorded "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" first, but the GM of the Cubs said it was a depressing song. So Steve then wrote "Go Cubs, Go!" to be cheeky.

[@sanford943]

There is a live version. Dallas Green hated the song, but he did go on to write Go Cubs Go, which is played after a Cubs victory.. The night after they won the world series the Chicago cast of Hamilton sang it. You can find videos of that on line. Very cool.

[@sanford943]

@@KathyOnOBX It wasn't so much that it was depressing, but that it was more about losing. I think it was Green that asked him to write the song or it was John McDonough . As I mentioned there is a great bio about Steve called Facing the Music by Clay Eals.

[@claudeschlecker800]

My wife and I sat at the first table next to the stage at ParkWest when Steve Goodman announced he had written a new song on the airplane from California to Chicago; which he sang and that was “A Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request”. So we were big fans and literally the first audience to here this song for which the Cubs management banned his version of Go Cubs Go! The song proved to be better than the team! Miss Steve and his uplifting personality!

[@leebaker5518]

The sheer number of comments speaks to how much Steve was loved and missed.

[@hippiechic65]

Literally the best recording of this song in existence. RIP Steve

[@judyperilstein9752]

Thank you for highlighting Steve Goodman ...He was a true poet troubadour , always holding the audience in the palm of his hand and pouring his heart and soul right into yours. I remember him at Pete Seeger’s fantastic festival Clearwater Revival in the early eighties, and Steve sang “My Old Man”..being Father’s Day weekend, we all suddenly felt guilty being there and not with our own old man! I swear he was singing with such sadness and emotion we all had lumps in our throats. “If I could hear what he said when I wasn’t listening.. to my old man”.Thanks again Fil

[@SpiritualSpectrum]

Thanks so much for covering Steve Goodman! I was one of your many fans who emailed you about him. So glad you covered his great guitar playing, AND his vocals and song writing. I get tears sometimes listening to him. I had a ticket so see him at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver many years ago. But I was full time musician and my band had an audition that night so I missed my only chance to see Steve (and we didn't even get the gig!). I'm emailing you two more great bands to think about covering (Gentle Giant and David Sancious and Tone) from the 1970's. Thanks for the great work you do! We musicians greatly appreciate your contribution to exposing these great groups and artists to the new generations.

[@tahoemike5828]

I think that may be the first time I've seen you pick up the guitar to illustrate your point. I like it, and hope you will do more of it. I love "City of New Orleans," and have actually learned it. I'd never seen the original version, thanks for that.

[@Bluelew777]

he was brilliant, I always enjoy his song "talk backwards"

[@scottcurrie]

My then girlfriend (now wife of 39 years) and I saw Steve perform in San Diego in 1977 or 1978, as the opening act for a Randy Newman concert. Neither of us had ever heard of Steve Goodman. He came out alone with his guitar, wearing a t-shirt, jeans and bright red high-top sneakers, this tiny guy, popping and sparking with electricity... He said "Hi!!" and launched into "Red red robin" after his INCREDIBLE opening guitar intro. He completely captured everyone in the house within about 15 seconds..., so that he got a shouting, cheering standing ovation at the end of his first song. And probably only a couple of the audience members even knew until later that this was the guy who wrote the best train song ever (City of New Orleans). To this day, it is the greatest performance I've ever seen. Steve, the opening act, played at least twice as long as Randy Newman did later on that evening. It was as though Randy Newman had thrown in the towel and admitted that this was really Steve's show.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I love train songs: Oscar Peterson and Gordon Lightfoot and midnight trains to neverland. Steve was a master. Thank you for this. When this came out, I remembered a train journey I took with my mother when I was four years old. It was magic and traumatic and transformative for me and my mother. Those rhythms still propel us forward and evoke memories.

[@pattybips5519]

Catherine Fraser Jenny loved trains, rmember that one?

[@johnbates5118]

John Prine said that Goodman sounded better tuning up than he (Prine) did on his best night. Thanks again, Fil, for taking us old guys back.

[@randalbladel2817]

Best live performer I have ever seen. He had a way of gettin the audience into the palm of his hand in seconds. Great memories.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

You rarely do two songs by a performer, so this was a special video. He wrote so many great songs, this was really cool with the Django sound thrown in. My Mom actually never went to prison but she worked for the railroad and always loved traveling by train. She loved coming to Europe to visit also to travel on the trains here.

[@immedgerto]

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Steve Goodman do a solo double concert in Eugene, Oregon in the 70's. That show has stayed with me as one of the best, if not the best concerts I've ever seen and I've seen a whole lot of people play over the years. He had a cold, his opening act couldn't play and he did over two hours straight of the best music I'd ever heard.

[@wrstew1272]

You are one lucky man!

[@BOOMNERD51]

Thanks again, Fil for real immersion in the artists you analyze. I came to love Steve Goodman thru one of my heros John Prine . There's a nice video of them doing John's "Souvenirs" and oh how full they sounded together followed by a sweet song by Steve "One of these Days I'm gonna have to tell you." He sure squeezed joy into his short life, and I love watching his guitar solo flights. You're really tuned into his style and showmanship. Thanks for digging beneath the surface! ❤️

[@KathyOnOBX]

I truly love John Prine and Steve Goodman's "Souvenirs", too. Steve's guitar playing in it is phenomenal. But I most enjoy watching Steve watching John throughout the song. Take note that Steve laughs just as John sings, "Memories, they can't be 'boughten' " because, as John Prine told it, Steve thought it was hysterical that John made up the word boughten for the song!

[@lindaz1290]

Love that we got a double dose of Steve Goodman to get a better look at his skills PLUS we got a demo from you! For me, this particular demo was a most helpful complement to your explanation. 👍

[@donnaguy9057]

Thank YOU for featuring Steve Goodman. It was nice to go down memory lane with his music. Wonderful!

[@dmwood5066]

Thank you so much for keeping real talent alive, Fil!!!

[@Cavie1974]

Thanks for your analysis of one of my all time favorite performers. I have to smile every time I see Steve play. He was just so engaging.

[@markglenn1712]

Back in the early '80s, I worked at a small wine shop in Seal Beach, CA. He was a fairly frequent visitor to tastings which were conducted a couple of times a week. I sometimes would take my guitar to work, and during lunch, walk down to a park next to the pier and play for a while before heading back to resume work. I'd keep the case propped up against an out of the way spot behind the counter. One afternoon Steve came in to get on the list for the evening's event, when he noticed the case sitting there. He asked who owned the guitar, and I told him it was mine. He then asked if he could see it (like I'd refuse!), so I got it out and handed it to him. After seating himself on a wine barrel, he started playing. A surreal moment for sure. There were only a handful of customers and employees on hand for what has to be one of the most "intimate" performances he'd played. It was awesome. To this day, he's the best player to ever play it. RIP Steve.

[@ChicagoDB]

Wow…that’s quite a precious memory… 🙂

[@shannondawn44]

Oh wow . Treasure that guitar

[@michaelfinlay6341]

I rode the City of Orleans back home to Chicago a lifetime ago, back when I had a reason to go home. I was thinking of Steve all throughout that long trip.

[@robertgross6465]

Watching him change a string without missing a beat during a song always was amazing.. I was lucky to have been able to call him a friend.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I saw that video. He added verses in the song to get his tech guy to search for the G-String, and he changed it on stage. Amazing.

[@dave26250]

Saw him do that several times, usually on Hang On Sloopy.

[@atomicsquirrel6457]

There’s a rumor Steve would deliberately play with strings that were likely to break just so he could pull that off.

[@darlatidwell6255]

He was such a natural at his craft, and was obviously meant to do what he did best, to totally captivate the audience with his folk singing and then his performance as a folk guitarist comes in second to his superior rapport with the audience. Which proves how much he was a master of both crafts. The song City of New Orleans was there throughout my life and now it reminds me how much I miss the America I knew then. TY Fil, great video and analysis!👍

[@MichaelT199]

Thanks so much Fil for highlighting this American Icon! Very informative and superb analysis as usual.

[@kurtisle]

Thank you so much for recognizing Steve Goodman. He's been on my play list for, well I don't remember when I didn't have him there. Steve had a case of nerves. Not necessarily stage fright but just a nervous guy. If you've got a box of tissues handy, listen to "My Old Man". RIP Steve Goodman.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! One of the storytelling singers of the 70s! He died way to young...we lost so many to different tragedies. It seems accidents, or sickness took some of the best....I was thinking back to the ones no longer here...Steve had his own style! ✌️

[@drewpall2598]

Suzanne Robbins... Sad so many have left this earth too soon! yet, we can enjoy these footages and recording they left behind in fond memories.

[@johncook30284]

On the second song red robin he's doing ragtime on the guitar instead of piano which is really interesting to listen to. Thanks for pulling out these. Old videos Fil.

[@kathyirvine6719]

Great Choice, Love Steve Goodman, gone too soon!

[@dorian3260]

"So I'll hang around as long as you will let me. I never minded standing in the rain. You don't have to call me darlin'--darlin. You never even called me by my name." --Steve Goodman (the perfect country western song)

[@ICGDeltaDivision]

I'm so glad you featured this performance, Fil! It's my favorite of his song from any artist. Being from the path of the City Of New Orleans in the Mississippi Delta, this song and story is a part of me.

[@christiebrown3223]

I'm on that path with you. My grandfather was an engineer on the city of New Orleans and we rode it often. The dining car had it's own monogrammed China, linen and silverware. You won't find that style on the rails anymore

[@ICGDeltaDivision]

That's awesome! I've not been on it yet, but heard it and seen it many, many times over the years. My Great Uncle worked for IC for 40+ years, from the last couple of years of the steam era until just after the CN/IC merger. The Panama Limited and City of New Orleans were style personified.

[@DanOCan]

Born in 1972, the same year as this performance. Have watched this particular video dozens of times so I am really happy to see it covered here.

[@zenhaelcero8481]

John Prine the other day, now Cool Hand Leuk! This is the content I subscribed for!

[@laurastrobel718]

This is a real treat☺

[@lisaeverett4967]

Shakin it, Boss! RIP to two great men.

[@wrstew1272]

I remember well the day I heard that Steve left us, tears streamed down my face….such a talent who left so early, a loss to the world and music.

[@thomaskline]

Willie Nelson says Steve taught him how to tell a story. The KZbin of Steve in the huge cowboy hat singing You Never Even Called Me By My Name is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.

[@ChicagoDB]

It’s superb.

[@machtschnell7452]

That is from the 1974 Austin City Limits show. The version You Never Even Call Me By My Name with Prine is on KZbin.

[@bellesmom238]

One of the greatest songwriters ever, love the picking style THANKS FIL

[@jetobey5656]

As a young man, (1960's) I had the run of Old Town, North Rush St. Chicago (same times when I was welcomed in Southside clubs to hear Muddy Waters, young Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, Elmore James and more, like Otis Spann, Muddy's cousin) and it was a special time in my life when I drank more alcohol than was legal or wise, but was welcomed at any club because I was there for the music.Goodman is a beautiful legend for any youngster growing up in Chicago who loved the real blues, mixed with folk and the movement with it. Steve stayed on the Northside. I can even forgive him for being a Cubs( for a Brit, quite North) fan; I was a "Southsider "and a White Sox fan.

[@williamaker7803]

I've always known of Steve Goodman as a great songwriter. I didn't know that he was such a good guitarist and singer. Thanks for broadening my horizons again Fil. Love your videos.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@garyphelps9123]

YOU SURPRISE ME FIL STEVE GOODMAN IS SUPPOSED TO BE A WELL KEPT SECRET LOL GOOD ON YA FIL I WONT BE SURPISED AGAIN VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE MAN FOR SOMEONE SO YOUNG CREDIT TO YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC EXCEPTIONAL TASTE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FIL ENJOY YOUR COMMENTARY

[@barryrenouf3450]

He was always mentioned by John Prine.during his concerts.

[@jimmie200]

They were best friends.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Barry, .... and John was getting credit for the all the "good parts" Steve played. (John mentioned it jokingly and very nice way.)

[@ginfonte3386]

John introduced me to a lifelong love affair with Steve. John also taken too soon. Thanks for this Fil!

[@TonyWhite22351]

Hi Fil thanks for your analysis of Steve Goodman,as usual you did a great job.I love your enthusiasm and respect! As you know KZbin is a wonderful forum and has quite a few of Steves’ songs.If you can find the time to spend browsing you will find many more great performances of his. In particular I would like to mention Would You Like To Learn To Dance,Old Fashioned Girl,It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie and If She Were You, Rock on

[@mikkibaker883]

I saw many performances by Steve Goodman. I don't think I ever saw anyone who enjoyed performing more that Steve Goodman. He wrote many fun songs and ones that could touch your heart. "Penny Evans" was his response to the was in Southeast Asia and it was pretty much impossible to find a dry eye in the house when he did it. My personal favorite is "I've Got the I Don't Know Where I'm Going but I'm Going Nowhere in a Hurry Blues" -- great fun with social awareness content. He was an astonishing guitarist and I loved his last years touring with mandolin master Jethro Burns. I was driving when I heard that leukemia finally took him. I had to pull over to weep. I still miss him.Lots of other people loved him, too. After his death Willie Nelson recorded "City of New Orleans" as a loving tribute to Steve Goodman. It became the record of the year.

[@MrNegative57]

Thank you Fil !!!! John Prine said Steve would call him at all hours whenever he finished a song he really wanted John to hear . 2 o'clock in the morning " You gotta hear this ..." And immediately start playing the song. John said he really missed those calls. What a loss

[@judithweiss6727]

Oh I love you. Steve was so wonderful and is so obscure now. And his "Red Red Robin" was a pinnacle.

[@judithweiss6727]

"wonderful and obscure" reminds me of Ellen MacIlwaine. Criminally underrated slide guitarist and singer. She needs an episode.

[@thewilytroutesq5260]

Like Prine, Goodman once worked for the US Postal Service. President Obama and an Act of Congress named Steve's old post office in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago after him. Great Henry Sternberg mural in there, as well as some Goodman memorabilia, including Steve's bar mitzvah photos - which look like they were taken an hour before this video.

[@bobyriverside]

He began his singing career at a very early age -- well before his bar mitzvah -- in synagogue. Even so young, he already had more than a good voice but a sweet voice. I miss him to this day.

[@timgelder4263]

Great job Fil and I'm so glad you showed the second video demonstrating Steves guitar skills. He could make you laugh or cry. I miss that guy

[@steveclark3879]

We're native Chicagoans and huge Cubs fans, so Steve Goodman has always held a very special place in our hearts. We have lots of fond childhood memories of vacations spent crisscrossing the nation on trains, and yes they all had names (this was long before Amtrak!). Good night America!!! Thanks Fil! Great technical analysis. Love that jazzy second clip as well - shades of Django?

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Go Cubs Go! Listening to Steve makes me terribly homesick.

[@ChicagoDB]

Fellow native Chicagoan…from Old Town…and I never tire of Steve!

[@tomhiggins875]

Fil thank so much for featuring Steve Goodman! I spent tens of hours trying to pick the perfect song/video for you to analyze and couldn't settle on a particular one. These and many others were both options I looked at but indecisiveness/ perfectionism/anxiety are my cross to bear.

[@oldarpanet]

Thank you, Fil, for analyzing this one. I requested it (I have no idea how many others may have, also...) but, you did it! It's a classic. Steve is such a lovely guy... Thanks for covering it for us. Your demonstration of what/how on the acoustic was great! I just love how you explain all this to us. I understand what I'm saying when I say" "I don't know about music, but I know what I like." but you are able to let me understand why I like it. Why it's so good. Thanks for doing this. Maybe (if you haven't already) John Prine's "Paradise" or "Angel from Montgomery" (or anything else from John...)

[@gonshocks]

What a great songwriter Steve was!

[@maighreadt]

What a wonderful treat. Watching you enjoy Steve's music made me think of Chip Taylor and his song 'What a smile you had'

[@Douglastrades]

One of our most prolific song writers, takes me back to days long gone, but not forgotten!

[@ivannovotny4552]

Thank you Fil for your awesome choice and analysis. Yeah, Steve and Jonn Prine were unseparable and both incredibly talented.

[@gwag8410]

Steve was such a multitalented guy! It’s sad he left us so early.... He did a song, Would You Like To Learn To Dance... it’s such a beautiful tune, that will touch you I’m sure....

[@kcutoob]

" Would You Like To Learn To Dance." - Steve would often introduce that one with a story. Steve was quite short of stature, and he said he met his future wife while she was tending tables at the club he was performing at. He said she was tall, and "well endowed", and one night he turned to step off the stage, and his face was right into her "ampleness". He was quick with a line and said " Would You Like To Learn To Dance?"

[@michele21auntiem]

Thanks i will look it up.

[@tomhiggins875]

Kris Kristofferson in the following great video praises "Would You Like Me To Teach You to Dance" kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4vbaKt5gJusnNE

[@jamesdana1273]

@@tomhiggins875 My Old Man is another one that, live, is as honest a performance as one can conceive . He lays his soul out as naked as a trout.

[@IsopropylRecordings]

Never heard this song before now (City of New Orleans) , or heard about the man. What a treasure!!! Had to rewind 3 times before continuing the video. Amazing is not covering it just wow. Thanx for the introduction. Great video of yours, great song and all the jazz.

[@BartholomewSmutz]

As a rural Illinoisan it's nice to hear some references in the lyrics I can relate to such as Kankakee. We have a lot of smaller towns with Native American names. Cahokia, DuQuoin, Kaskaskia, Algonquin, Mahomet, and Moweaqua to name just a few.

[@dogstar7]

The Dutchman - you can thank me later Native Chicagoan who saw Steve in his prime in small clubs as close as a handshake away. Thanks for recognizing his virtuoso instrumental licks. I believe Red Red Robin is Steve's rendition of a Django Reinhardt recording

[@KathyOnOBX]

I love Steve's version of The Dutchman, too, but it was written by someone else. He gives credit to the fellow in most recordings of it.

[@randalbladel2817]

I think The Dutchman was written by Mike Smith.

[@terryvalliant6389]

MY. You never cease to amaze me. Steve is an artist I had never heard of. I am so expanding my music world on your site. Thank you.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

I've always loved this song. It makes me want to jump on a train!!

[@SteppingRaven56]

Thanks Fil.. This one has been playing in my head for a few days now. Many love and miss Steve.

[@lavendertent]

I love watching you watching him--so full of joy, from you both. Thank you.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

I know Steve wrote this and gave it to Arlo Guthrie. This song is in my top 20 favorites. He was such a giant talent! Wow! that second video is awesome!

[@oddibepjones]

I can't believe I missed that you had done this, I recommended Steve's performance of Red, Red Robin. As always, your insights into guitar playing are captivating. You are the personification of what's great about music and musicians. So many of us that are just music fans cling to our preferred styles, but real musicians enjoy and appreciate music seemingly regardless of genre. Thanks for showing off Steve's playing to some folks that may never have heard of him.

[@judithweiss6727]

lol I just suggested that too!

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Great songwriter, guitarist and vocalist. Only a few in this world can say that. Left us way too soon, made the most of his 37 years. Always had a smile, is now with his buddy john prine

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

Damn, Fil! You did it, again! I haven't heard, or thought, about this song (City of New Orleans) since I was a kid. I LOVE this song! I never knew who did it. Now I must seek more of him. Thanks much, Fil. GREAT guitar analysis. Once again, I wish you could have been my guitar teacher. Good to see you play acoustic.

[@sloebone7399]

Steve Goodman’s greatest contribution to music is “Go Cubs Go” played at Wrigley Field after every Cubs home victory. Fans stay til the end just to sing along. It’s an amazing thing to experience.

[@SKB1955]

Absolutely wonderful! Thanks for a great analysis and demonstration!

[@1WastedMango]

I'm so glad you let it go all the way through before you started getting into your bit, and that you call out his phenomenal guitar chops. Bravo! I sure wish you'd gotten to see him live. He was the most fun and engaging performer I've ever seen.