Steve Goodman - City Of New Orleans - 4/18/1976 - Capitol Theatre (Official)

[@tomsoule1366]

I feel a Steve Goodman marathon coming on tonight!

[@anghiggy5029]

Happened to me too.

[@jefffentross6932]

Why doesn't Steve Martin talk about Steve Goodman

[@johnconsidine5208]

I met Steve Goodman on a TRAIN!! He had just written it a year or so earlier. Steve and I were campaigning for Ed Muskie for President in 1971, and there's this short chubby character with a guitar singing this terrific song. He gave me a personal concert!! I was so very sad to hear he died so young. And so sad I didn't take more time and talk to Steve. Awesome fellow. SUCH A GREAT SONG

[@directapprec]

Wow that's a cool panic-dote

[@vincenzotesoro4211]

Man the kid can sure pick that guitar that sounds like there’s 100 people playing it one of the greatest songs ever written

[@billcass5726]

I loved Arlo's version of this incredible song but there is something special to hear it from the person who wrote the song.

[@bythehandofbob]

Nobody says Kankakee correctly unless theyre from around there. Goodman is the only singer for this.

[@jp-mc2bp]

just great music

[@tonyschram1260]

I like Arlo’s version too but I think the original is still the best✌️

[@gereonjanzing3050]

Thanks to Arlo this song became very famous. And thanks to this song Steve became immortal after his early death.

[@DIOSpeedDemon]

@@bythehandofbob How do you say it correctly? Kan/KAA/ Kee???? I live in a little Indian named town with the same problem.

[@greggh]

When he wrote this, he achieved immortality. Way to go Steve.

[@magnehoiberg]

he made immortality before and after this to. he was a songwriter the world could not be without.

[@directapprec]

Arlo made it immortal Like J Cash with Hurt

[@dimitrasaxpat6415]

​@magnehoiberΜαλλον γι'αυτό έφυγε για την αιωνιότητα.Πολλες φορές τα τραγούδια είναι προφητικά.Τωρα είναι σε ένα σύννεφο κουνάει τα πόδια του παίζοντας κιθάρα και τραγουδάει.

[@lhs66]

“A friend of mine named Steve Goodman wrote that song. And he told me it was the perfect country and western song.”

[@lessonoftheday426]

"I told him it was not the perfect country and western song, it said nothing about trains, trucks, getting drunk, prison"

[@kaplok]

@@lessonoftheday426 So, he wrote another verse...

[@lessonoftheday426]

@@kaplok and so I wrote him back letting him know he did write the perfect country and western song, so I was obliged to put it on this album

[@gailwilliams2678]

That comment was made about "You Never even Call Me by My Name." It's not about "City of New Orleans."

[@Stadanco]

But I wrote him back and said "xXxX"

[@knightwatchman]

Probably the best American folks song ever written.

[@slownoman]

Certainly the best railroad song ever written- and there have been many. A masterpiece.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I can't argue with that. "Angel From Montgomery" has to be in the top two.

[@knightwatchman]

Here is a really nice version of City by Steve ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqXPoIeih92Ybbs

[@bobby_greene]

I reported you for truth

[@1UTUBEUSERNAME]

Yeah, I'm gonna agree with that for sure.

[@RichardCastaldo-k8w]

I been playing music for a long time... But never learned bout Steve til a month ago

[@rmp7400]

It's never too late to learn about a phenomenon ⚡

[@jeddyhi]

Even famous successful songwriters listen to this song in amazement. Steve found some magic here.

[@MrLayneKent]

Been alive over a half century and just discovered this genius today.

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

Geezer here and I discovered him in the '70's. I was doing my internship after medical school and there were several Chicago guys in our class in LA. Of course the LA sound was blowing up then with the Eagles, Linda etc but the Chicago crowd wasn't impressed and said listen to Steve. So I did and haven't stopped in 50 years.

[@rmp7400]

a genius and a real heartfelt man; approachable.👍

[@rmp7400]

Genius songwriter and, a heartfelt, approachable man.✨

[@Telabib-q2d]

I've been around for 77 years and just discovered this fella.

[@midnight1963]

I was born and raised in the same neighborhood where Steve was from (Chicago’s north-side) so, I was VERY fortunate to have known about “this genius” since I was just a boy… but the real magic of true talent like Steve Goodman is - how his music will touch souls long after anyone reading this has left this mortal show… Steve’s a keeper!

[@evanmathison2837]

In His Brief time, Steve Goodman forever changed the face of American Folk Music ... His Brilliance on the guitar is often over looked ... He was a Master Entertainer, Who always delivered the Goods, and brought His Audiences to Their feet. I was privileged to listen to Him Live, and the Experience stays with, Me Decades later. Thanks Steve, for Your irrepressible Spirit, Your Wonderful Humour, and Your Genuine Humility. Our world is a better place for having experienced Youand P.S. Thanks for the Greatest Train Song ever written!!!!

[@johnshaw7328]

Amen. Well written comment. Steve was one darn good picker and that only scratches the surface of his natural talent.

[@LachlanFountain]

whilst I love the song, Kenny Rodgers - The Gambler has got to be the greatest train song

[@vodkaone1053]

Great to hear Steve Goodman once again so obviously havin' such a great time doing his song. I'd forgotten just how good he was playing guitar. I started playing just because of hearing him so many times.

[@originalgod9087]

Lucky! That's Awesome!

[@thendrjazz]

Always great to hear live. Even with his best known tunes like this he could never it the same way twice. My wife slept through a Kris Kristofferson set so she could be awake to hear Steve.

[@patricklemmon8260]

I've lost track of how many times I heard Stevie sing this. Alot. Some think this is INE of the best folk songs ever written, including myself. It sure as hell is THE best train song ever written. Leukemia Sucks, Sail on Stevie.

[@forestshomer4043]

"Little Stevie" Goodman was the shining voice in our congregational choir in the late Fifties. You could sense he was destined to be known.

[@HeatStroke954]

One of the Best Guitar Solo's for this Song- and I love how both Artists- Steve and Arlo when performing the song- give shout-outs to each other. Showing the love and appreciation.. But this is my favorite performance by Steve Goodman.. May he be forever remembered for this Masterpiece! And R.I.P- Still listening in 2024-and Beyond!

[@ScienceFan-ds1nh]

I miss you my old friend ❤. Just now found this video. Miss you even more. RIP. Jeannie sends love also. Silvia

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

More people should know the name Steve Goodman.

[@rmp7400]

Especially since many more know of his songs! "Tell them you wrote it"... Indeed... City of New Orleans is one of many of his contributions that stand the test of time🎉

[@DIOSpeedDemon]

As an old man from the sixties, we really need to get back to Folk Music. A guitar, A piano, 3 tuned voices, back by symphonies like the 60s. Songs that make you feel good, not upset or mad. Like the Seekers or Arlo, or Joan Baez.

[@jp-mc2bp]

RIP Steve We need more of yoyr music

[@bertmarien6926]

Stevey is one out of a million. I'll remeber him from yesterday, and I'll remeber him 20 years from now. Just lile Arlo used to be, this is a guy we all love!

[@allan8371]

I hope that one day my Grandchild will ask, Papa, what was it like to be alive when there was music like this. My answer, magical little one, just magical.

[@JakerPete]

Listening for the first time......2024!

[@rmp7400]

Welcome!!!

[@chrisdoe6890]

Steve is once again reunited with his Chicago early days buddy John Prine. Steve helped John get his start when he brought Kris Kristofferson over to see him play on a late Sunday night . Now they’re all entertaining in the big Arena in the sky. God Speed and thanks for all great songs .

[@christinestill5002]

chris doe That was the only comforting thought when we lost John Prine a few days ago.

[@musicstewart9744]

John Fogerty's family covered this a couple of weeks ago. I typed in " The sound you hear is Mr. Goodman applauding. So is his buddy John. ". Thankfully it got some thumbs ups.

[@tomcip59]

@@patmatt9730 Yes....thank God he still is.

[@jerrymcjunkin8398]

Awesome 👌 🆒️ 🙌!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@williamdunnington9799]

Well said! Thank you

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

"Through the Mississippi darkness rollin' on down to the sea." One of the greatest lines of poetry in the English language.

[@GordonCaledonia]

Yeah, that's a great image. America isn't cities, it's the landscape and the Mississippi is at the heart of that landscape. I say this as a Scotsman who has never been to America, but even the integral force of that mighty, ancient river is known to me.

[@patricklemmon8260]

The conductor sings his song again refers to : Passengers will please refrain from using the restrooms while the train remains in the station.

[@roberthunerberg1509]

One of the greatest railroad songs ever!!! RIP Steve Goodman.

[@stevecullen3182]

How could anyone not like this song and Steve's incredible one man band performance. I was lucky enough to see him several times live. The first time in a high school auditorium. Also twice with John Prine.. He was a true showman and a brilliant songwriter. Miss him.

[@kevincaldwell9202]

His shows with Prine were OUTSTANDING...two great writers on stage at the same time is astounding!

[@vodkaone1053]

People frequently listen to Steve Goodman without realizing what a great guitarist he was.

[@mikeglasgow9618]

Like " TALK BACKWORDS " LIVE

[@schueweTV]

Awesome!!! The way how Goodman plays his guitar is so incredible. What a fantastic singer/songwriter and guitar player he was.

[@umpireplb]

I was lucky enough to know him. When the last thing someone says to you is "I love you" because he knows he's dying and he wants to comfort YOU, that's pretty special. Steve was all you see in this video; all that, and much more.

[@captainwhackencracker4589]

That's awesome.

[@paulbrasier372]

Wow, in the day I saw and met about everybody. But I always have a missing diamond, Never saw Steve. I spent a night with John Prine asking questions and listening too stories about him.

[@104GT]

Some songs don't need padded production - Goodman singing his song with verve and heart is the best rendition I've ever heard, It moves the soul.

[@markcooper4380]

Thanks Steve for writing a great song. I just love it, guitar too. Happy song forever.

[@christopherfaughner772]

It's absolutely incredible this guy was a a mazing song rip my friend

[@Celynalba]

How wonderful to hear this sung by Steve Goodman himself.

[@tonyschram1260]

The original is still the best, great musician ✌️

[@peterfrost6507]

One of my all time favorites. Sorry, Arlo, this is the version I listen to repeatedly.

[@iamelvisman68]

I'm sure arlo wouldn't be mad

[@chris...9497]

I tear up watching this, crying for the talent gone from this world... I so loved this man's music & humor. At least I got to see him once in concert, with the Roches.

[@johnmontuori2035]

During the Super Bowl Half Time Show, I had to show everyone there this video as what real music is! Just a man with a guitar and his voice. Love this music.

[@slayer-y5d]

Beautiful, best of folksongs that must never be forgotten ❤️

[@jaycathedral9079]

How often do we hear a great song song by the artist who wrote it or the artist that had the hit and have it sung the exact same way each time it's performed? Not so with Steve Goodman. He keeps experiencing the song and it changes with his mood or simply the moment. The incessant pulsing of the guitar puts you on the train and the story is heard as it travels over the tracks. I will steal a comment made about someone else: Steve Goodman did not write this song or the lyrics. He went to that ethereal place in the universe where perfect music exists, captured it and brought to our world. Thank you Steve.

[@patrickhawkinson8399]

Man that guitar playing is solid.

[@pallen2532]

I used to see him play at the Flick Coffee House in Miami (Coral Gables) and later Bubbas in the Coconut Grove. When he played "City of New Orleans" he brought the house down. He once came over to my table and sat down and was very kind on a night when I was very down. One of the great ones; loved, but even then, probably under appreciated. He left behind a beautiful and funny body of work

[@rmp7400]

"Weigh, hey! Tow them away!" 🏴‍☠️

[@richardbunting1031]

Love this. Steve seemed genuinely taken aback by the scale of the applause! This is the best ever version. As a minus point, listening to this I realised that I was not even an adequate guitarist!

[@YorickWell]

Some of us have to be a well-educated audience. It's not as grand as being adequate guitarists, but it is a necessary part.

[@kevincaldwell9202]

We, in NJ know great music when we hear it. That night still stands out in my mind as a truly perfect night of music.....except it was cold as hell outside.

[@dalecarlson5199]

Immortality Indeed! A true genius! I only wish Phil Ochs had live longer too. Both geniuses!

[@TheOilkd]

He was such a positive force in this world. Gone after only 36 years. Thank you for posting this.

[@rmp7400]

Not forgotten 💐

[@puckmastr2505]

Wow- what guitar work! It sounds like he's play8ing 3 parts at once, and all at high tempo. Amazing.

[@tonythegrip]

Last September I, and my oldest friend, just had to take the train from Memphis to New Orleans just because of this song. It was a favourite when I ran a folk club in London back in the late 70.

[@ewetoobe100]

"Between Hank Williams pain songs, and Steve Goodmans train songs".... Thank you for sharing this.

[@josephpetrilli5419]

Awesome. Love the Willie Nelson Highwaymen version too. Song brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it. Thanks to a great Cub fan Steve!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

In '76 I was a grad student at the U. of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), had students from Kankeekee. What a time and place to be young. Wonderful song (and with Goodman's original lyrics).

[@paulcarroll7061]

In 1978 I went to see Steve Martins' Wild & Crazy Guy tour in Dallas. Steve Goodman came out as the unannounced warm up act. I had seen a few shows on PBS with Goodman, and was very pleasantly surprised to see Him. I felt like I was the only one there who knew who he was. Everyone was there to see crazy Steve Martin, not some unknown singer, and yet within a few songs His incredible charismatic stage presence had them in the palm of His hand. It was very impressive, and He did a very entertaining 30 min set. I'll never forget it, He made such a impact in His too short life. A few years later Steve Martin came on the Johnny Carson show and mentioned that He was doing a fund raising show to benefit Goodmans' wife and kids. I didn't know He was sick, or that He died. It was a shocking blow to hear. You feel so robbed when someone could have had a long career is abruptly gone. So sad. At least His music remains.

[@tonyha3827]

I knew the song is an iconic song but Mr. Goodman plays a mean guitar too

[@jasonknight5770]

Steve...the Cubbies did it !! World Champs...remembering you, the ultimate Cubs fan !

[@shumpeikawasaki]

Yep

[@randyklimstra5817]

My mom liked the Cubbies to even though we lived in Iowa City. She and dad would go down to Arizona for spring training. I don't think she ever saw him win, mom died of cancer 2. I miss them both

[@rmp7400]

And when he was watching them play, they were NOT YET a very successful team...❤

[@kitspics526]

Troubadour's are so needed this newly born year of 2022. Story tellers, philosophers may be the last hope .

[@shaunkelly7480]

The late John Prince once called Steve Goodman’s, "The City of New Orleans"... "the best damn train song ever written," and I would emphatically agree. The astonishing thing is that the singer/songwriter from Chicago was just 22 when he composed it and featured it on his first solo LP when it was released 50 years ago this spring. While another buddy, Arlo Guthrie, enjoyed a significant cover of it two years after Steve came out with the original, there is an unmistakable fidelity here, which makes Goodman's version even better. According to legend, Steve scribbled the lyrics on a sketch pad after his wife fell asleep on the Illinois Central train, where they were going to visit his spouse's grandmother. Goodman wrote about what he saw looking out the windows of the train and playing cards in the club car. After he returned home, the young songwriter heard that the train was scheduled to be decommissioned due to a lack of passengers. He was encouraged to use this song to save the train, so he retouched the lyrics and released it on his much-admired debut album. Sadly, Steve Goodman, who battled cancer on and off for much of his short life, died of leukemia 12 years after he recorded this unqualified masterpiece.

[@brianwilke592]

Thanks for the info. He was a genius. I think he was very underrated as a guitar player....especially on this edition.

[@sallyjackson3728]

yes, for sure, best train song ever.

[@roberts7931]

👋 Thanks for the Background info Shaun ~ * You Really Know your Stuff !

[@leokreimer6492]

John Prine

[@kevincaldwell9202]

you meant JOHN PRINE......

[@colinbaldwin3833]

I’ve known the song for years. Never knew who wrote it. Absolutely fantastic. Just wonderful.

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

R.I.P. Steve. Thank you for this gem of a tune. Rest in peace.

[@troybingham6426]

In addition to being a once in a generation song writer, he had some wicked guitar skills. Not a powerful voice but he sang with real soul. Seemed like a genuine, good natured guy too.

[@susanarnold2371]

Not a powerful voice? I'm sorry, but you're stupid.

[@bobrau830]

His voice sounds strong enough in this rendition.

[@duboisdvoleur]

For anyone who attempts to write songs the lyrics and story telling in this song set a very high bar

[@m0j0b0ne]

Holy shit. I've had a long relationship with Steve Goodman's songs. A maybe longer relationship with Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson, but hearing Steve's original take has been a revelation. Thanks for posting this.

[@SaucyWench7]

He was such a great guitarist as well as a great songwriter

[@ThomRousselle]

Oh my! I always thought Arlo wrote this song but now I’m so very happy to find out about Steve Goodman. He is, indeed a good man. I was 25 and in DC when the video was taken, just sorry I didn’t see him performing live. I hope he’s still around. Well done!

[@rogerschiffman28]

Johnny Cash said it was the "Best damn train song ever written." Man, could Goodman play the guitar. I heard him live in '75 at the University of Missouri, and he played it about like this.

[@NortonsNestMonthly]

A restless classic with the spare beauty of American life. Perfection.

[@christophercrooks4795]

I am 69 and only discovered Steve Goodman last week!

[@theadvocate4698]

discovered him at 45, still amazed by his talent! Waiting for more!

[@rmp7400]

Welcome aboard!!!

[@billbakeriii5866]

WHOA never realized he could play like that! Sounds like a dozen guitars 🎉

[@roscomare1]

Used to see him at the Quiet Knight and Wrigley Field❤

[@edgewoodil]

and the sons of Pullman porters...I lived right across the street from the Pullman shops,went to Pullman school,OH, and my grandfather worked at the pullman shops...gone now

[@joeherald7319]

His songs are so memorable and full of beautiful real life pictures and he had such an overwhelming likeability.

[@musiccollector]

Move over, Arlo. THE best version on the planet. R.I.P., Steve.

[@vsibirsky]

Arlo wouldn't argue on this. He loved Steve.

[@lisarubens7581]

i was honored to hear him play here in Philadelphia in a very small venue Will always be a great memory

[@larrywood3147]

It's hard to say how great this is --word's are beyond me -- I've listened to this most of my life--and never imagined --something to say after so many years--Steve Goodman thank you so very much----such a supreme talent and expression,,,I know I'm a day late and a dollar short but there it is---THANK YOU----

[@BarbaraLynched]

Hope John and Steve find each other in heaven. The best humans ever and so grateful to have their songs. Maybe dead but not gone.

[@stobbinsboy]

A national treasure without doubt.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Great Song it will be around for hundreds of years or more .. Man can he play that guitar .. it is part of him ... Just amazing

[@lynnadams7017]

Good morning America should do a show on Steve Goo

[@firstlast4413]

Moved North from NYC in the late 80s. Last thing I did before moving away was drop by the 'Finyl Vinyl' record shop at the corner of 1st St and 2nd Avenue looking for a copy of Steve's album 'Somebody Else's Troubles' because it had 'The Dutchman' on it and I could never remember all the words when I sang it. They didn't have it...but each time I dropped back into town to visit friends or clean up old business, I stopped back there to check. Still no joy.... On the very last trip I ever made to the Big Apple, I breezed by that shop on my way out of town. The owner remembered me even after all those years. 'You must be blessed, my friend,' he said. 'A clean copy of that record came in yesterday, and I put it aside for you. I knew you'd be back eventually.' Steve would have smiled, I'm sure.

[@williamc.1198]

Such a great talent! Gone way too soon. RIP, Steve!

[@RobertBeerbohm]

First time I have heard composer Steve G perform his own version of this timeless classic. All I can say is Wonderful - and better late than never!

[@chriscarter5720]

I have known this song for many years, in the version played by John Denver. I have only recently heard Steve Goodman sing his song. What a virtuoso performance and what a great guitarist. For me, now, there is no other version worth listening to. What a loss this man was.

[@markusr7421]

One of the few real treasures in American Music - great songwriting!!

[@kennethterrell7409]

RIP Stevie. And thank you for introducing America to John Prine. You would have been one of the greatest songwriters of all time if God hadn't called you home too soon.

[@alwojtas3730]

I knew Steve in High School, Maine Township H.S. East, class of 1965. We had several classes together. He was a real and decent guy. During the class council elections he was always in high demand for his musical skills for before class hallway skits and during class assembles. His musical ability was apparent then and obviously recognized soon after by many in the entertainment industry. I was shocked when I heard of his death many years ago. Like many of that era, he died too soon. However, his music lives on...so be it.

[@StevenMcGeady1]

Steve died of leukemia, so not so much the "any of that era", fwiw. He was a great guy, I met him several times in and around Chicago. But yes, too soon, as is true of so many.

[@Observ45er]

I took up guitar in high school, but somehow never ran across Steve. I sure wish I had. He was 2 years behind me and I see your name, AW in the 63 yearbook. It was just Maine at that time.

[@andrewz4537]

Did you know Hillary Rodham too?

[@alwojtas3730]

@@andrewz4537 Hi Andrew, I really didn't know Hillary, just knew of her. I dated a girl that lived just down the street from her, on Washington street, they were close friends. The Junior year Maine East had approx. 5300 students total and around 1300 in the junior class alone. Just about impossible to know everyone. The class split for the senior year when Maine South opened, Hillary went to south, I stayed at East.

[@leenadillingham]

Thank you so much for writing this tribute. I just found out that Steve wrote this song. I was crying through it- hearing the beauty of his voice and guitar playing. I saw Arlo live once...he could never match this.

[@GiggleFishy]

I'm always amazed at how amazing of a guitar player he was. Something to aspire to.

[@cynthiasealy573]

The first time I ever heard this song, it was a cover done by LoneStar. I loved it the first time I heard it; such a beautiful evocative song!

[@nathaliestacy4626]

Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations. My heart is about to explode!

[@SeanP.Aaronson]

That’s some mighty fine pickin and singin.

[@marie-joseogier7100]

C 'est joe Fassin qui me l'a fait connaître cette superbe chanson. Merci pour ce grand bonheur..bises de france

[@thewatcher077]

I used to take this train from Chicago down to Champaign for school at U. of Illinois....several crazy things happened on that train!! (This was a million years ago.)

[@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother]

I used to ride it to Carbondale. 5 hour trip usually took 14.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

To this date, Spotify says the song and lyrics to City of New Orleans were written by Arlo Guthrie. Yes, Steve, your manager was right. You DID need to tell everyone you wrote this song. We here in Chicago remember. Always.

[@roadrunner3867]

April 18, 1775, exactly 201 years before this night in NJ, Paul Revere made his famous ride resulting in about400 plus minutemen converging on the British retreating from Concord, MA. The result was this great song about America.

[@casaflyr]

Steve, the cubs are trying to win it all this year!

[@EmilyNoelM]

He's such a sweet soul. Oh lord. What an amazing person.

[@theiceman6941]

Fantastic! Thank you for this, I like this much more than his studio version (more stripped-down adds to it for me, and the tempo here is just great)

[@bobyriverside]

Feel bad for people that never got to see him. Ultimate entertainer. And awesome guitarist. Funny guy. Sweet guy. Miss him.

[@ieuandavies4134]

Powerful. and wonderful.

[@magnificentfailure2390]

This always takes my breath away. Steve was such a good vocalist and an incomparable guitarist. I've been playing this song for more than 20 years and I still get amazed by the shit Steve does. I can't come close.

[@bobfortner6940]

One of the all-time best singer/songwriters and pickers of all time. Sadly, way too many people never got to discover him. Glad to say the soundtrack of my life has plenty of him in it. Thank you, sir.

[@w.rustylane5650]

RIP my brother. I really love this song, especially by you!

[@jimbalsbaugh7365]

The sound difference of a miced acoustic guitar is so much better than the ones using pickups. This video is such a great example!

[@rswem]

My friend and the kindest man I ever knew.

[@roushanam]

He seems so.

[@rdred8693]

He still lives with his wonderful talent.

[@Observ45er]

I took up guitar in high school, but somehow never ran across Steve. I so wish I had. He was 2 years behind me at Maine Township..

[@charlie35lc]

I love this song and it is great to hear Steve perform it!!