G.E. Smith Full Interview

[@davidasher22]

I love this guy! I was his plumber for his Hampton house on LI. It was a small plumbing company. Just me and my boss Ken Massa. One day we are at G.E.’s house fixing something. Ken mentions that I’m a musician and G.E. Gets all excited and starts pulling out his guitars and we start jamming in his kitchen while Ken is under the sink. Realizing that Ken was doing all the work we are about to stop and Ken says “what ever you do, don’t stop playing now!” Pretty cool memory.

[@JessePesto]

That's an incredible memory David! wow! very cool.

[@mattkaustickomments]

Wow! What an opportunity! And what a cool boss!

[@jerryporter1700]

Laid back cat and got some great stories...

[@graham1745]

Great story, David...😀👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎸🇺🇸

[@benallmark9671]

Awesome story , thanks for sharing and glad to be the 100th like 👍 cheers from Canada 🇨🇦!

[@timgorr4387]

This is probably the best unintentional ASMR video on KZbin. G.E.’s voice is incredibly relaxing to listen to.

[@jamesanderson3006]

I totally agree with you!

[@chavoxo50]

The best thing about KZbin is seeing things like this. As a lifetime player getting access to a guy like GE is priceless and would never have happen in the old days

[@thegaijin]

Seriously

[@Jesse-uj1is]

I did work for him in the hamptons too..i moved his furniture..he was so cool..he gave me a butcher block table and signed the bottom of it

[@8Junio76]

well spoken, educated, intelligent and modest. A world class guy.

[@jstar1000]

Damn he is only 10 years older then me. Wow.

[@Ironworthstriking]

"Does anyone care about this stuff?" Yes G.E., We care. Not to mention the historical value of this video. His gift of storytelling and remembering all of these details really paints a picture of the time.

[@joshuajordan8574]

He had to be archived because he and his memories truly are a treasure.

[@samholding693]

Cool

[@Ironworthstriking]

@@samholding693 I think you misread my comment.

[@MrTaurus48228]

Thanks for your story, G.E. Smith. i really appreciate it,

[@wretchedrider2157]

How the hell does anyone give this a thumbs down?! Lunatics. Met GE in Baltimore during his stint with Moonalice. Was there to see the show, smoking a cigarette outside, when GE walks out of a bus chomping on a cigar right next to me. He got spotted by a freaked out fan who was chatting his ear off and I just casually chimed in about a GE Smith telecaster I had. His eyes lit up and he asked what color it was and how it played. The spaz kept cutting in and annoying us both so I just said thanks for all your music, watched the show, caught up again during another smoke break, and that was that. Genuinely great dude. I hope he keeps playing for a long time.

[@coppertune9124]

This man is a national treasure.

[@davidgidman7561]

Not just national, international.

[@RonRicho]

Every interview should be conducted this way. I love interviews and this is one of best. Many thanks.

[@dolam]

I started casually listening to this interview, 5 minutes in and I am completely fascinated and G. E. Has my total attention.

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Anyone else on a G.E. Smith binge?

[@metricdeep8856]

....Still on it....2024. SNL as a child made me a fan of true talent.

[@markatr6]

now that you mention it, YES...not only his playing, but he tells a great story, i learn stuff, and if anyone in an interview goes off on an ego trip, or bad mouths others, or starts selling soap, ive no time for 'em - not a chance of that with this guy. a sincere talent and speaker.

[@alanhandleman6513]

I don't know why, but, from the first time I saw G. E. Smith on SNL, I sensed that there was something very special about this guy. This interview, one of the best I have ever seen, explains it all to me. I'm in tears. I love hearing all of these stories. I love hearing the background. And I am deeply touched by the humility of a man of such extraordinary talent. For the entire duration of this interview, he talks about all of the great talent that he had the good fortune to play with. And THAT is the one sure indication that you're listening to someone of great talent.

[@daviddesmond2143]

Around 1970 I was playing in local rock bands at night and buying and selling lots of guitars during the day-especially vintage guitars. I worked deals with local music stores to consign them at local music stores. One of the stores I went to was Guitars Unlimited in New Haven, CT. They started our very small and grew into a large business in the downtown area. I met a friendly guy there "George" who gave me his phone number asking me to call him if I had any old Tele's or Esquires. George played in a local band called the Scratch Band whose singer was Christine Ohlman who later became the singer for the SNL band. George was just a really nice guy and glad to see him be successful. I wish I had some of those old electric guitars I sold which were in the 50's and 60's because they are very valuable today.

[@MaggieVT2NSB]

Christine is a New Haven Legend. So talented, a wonderful woman. G.E. , I saw You and Bob Dylan at Toad's Place in New Haven CT. You played from 9pm until 2 am or so. 5 sets. That night, as locals, we just went nuts and talk about that night and our good fortune to get in to that show still !!. New Haven is a magical place for musicians. Replay Records still holds down the fort with Mary & Doug Snyder at the helm. The old days ! Love ya GE. That was a wonderful night. Too special. Thank you .

[@donesomeage]

Wouldn’t you love to hang with this guy? God, what a down to earth, humble, nice, regular guy he is. Not to mention his body of work. Just outstanding. Thanks GE, for the interview and all the music you’ve given the world.

[@MrVbobby]

This guy is something else, this is the coolest interview I have ever seen G.E. Smith is so humble and so sincere I loved listening to him and getting to know more about him. G.E. if you ever read this I want you to know that you are one of the real cats in my eyes all day long. Best of luck in all you do.

[@mano1971music]

G.E. Smith is the true definition of a MUSICIAN. He lives and breathes music.....Not to mention, he looks so friggin cool playing that Strat up on stage!!

[@dannydangelo762]

So the little boy who asked his mother ' what's that ?' Becomes a man and has himself that memorable moment on stage playing Tambourine Man with Bob Dylan. What resonated for me is how he mentions about timing and networking of meeting the right people at the right time. Just think had his mother answered his ' what's that?' , instead with " Oh that's your Uncles guitar , you can't touch that". He wouldn't be " now those were the real cats " What an excellent interview . Great inspiration.

[@stulax1216]

Thanks for posting the whole interview

[@Mr_Gray_Sky]

I love that he speaks while looking into the middle distance. He's one of those guys you want to be more like.

[@stevemartin7096]

Gentle, articulate, humble, confident, what a great combination for a Professional to have. G.E. talks about being really lucky; the old adage says, "You make your own luck." Hard work, consistency, sacrifice, I'm guessing he has more than a little of those attributes.

[@johncanton2764]

I always loved seeing him play on Saturday night live. He always had this cool vibe about him and his playing was always great. I saw him in concert with Hall and Oates and he tore it up. I’ve seen Hall and Oates a few times and they never sounded better than when GE Smith was playing with them. I loved seeing how humble and down to earth he is in this interview. Just a genuine guy. Thank you for this interview .

[@ratsofftoya6775]

Thank you for this! I’ve been re-watching the mini-clips for a year wishing I had the entire conversation. I love this.

[@daviswall3319]

Pretty sure it was summer of ‘89 when I saw GE play with Bob at the Audubon Zoo. They were spot on and sounded oh so good. It was an outdoor show and the ticket says “rain or shine”. It flooded right before the show. It was one of those Louisiana summertime two hour downpours. It was a mud hole in front of the stage but no one cared. We were right there thirty feet away and it was one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen

[@danielsalisbury245]

This is definitive 20th century American history. Thank you for making this available.

[@morgancatherwood5665]

GE is amazing. Been watching this dude on the scene since I was a kid and he was doing SNL. He knows everyone and has played with almost everyone. He's an understated legend and a cool cat

[@edgeyt1]

I'm 55 years old, I've been into blues and rock since I was about 12 or 13 - how come I've never heard of this guy?!! He's great.

[@georgearagon2546]

Class act. SNL was never the same without him. Loved his SNL record. Wish he'd wright another album.

[@billr2375]

Just a humble real kind of guy from a small PA town---I love that part of the interview, his early years and start and the "coincidences" that came his way and brought him further along, as well as his value of networking , although simple was powerful in the interview. This dude has played with and directed the best in the world and never puts himself on a pedestal. I'll bet he's a fun guy to just talk with let alone know.

[@mpmmclaughlin]

have watched this several times now. thank you for posting this

[@GibsonDE]

That was awesome. Best 2 hours I spent in a long time.

[@tallstranger3662]

Thank you so much for posting the full version of what is an absolutely fantastic interview, one of my all time favourites.

[@scottgibbs5903]

First time I’ve listened to G.E. Smith. I like this guy! Humble, grateful, and soft spoken. I could definitely hang out with this guy.

[@iy76tvb7b7]

i saw this interview before . thanks for putting up again , it is one everybody should watch

[@gsmarin1]

When I lived in West Marin in Northern California I was out in the yard on a Saturday morning. Then this incredible music came wafting thru the air. As it turned out GE and Roger McNamee from Moonalice were rehearsing for a Benefit at my daughter's elementary school. Got to meet them briefly, rock solid humans, very happy to have made that connect.

[@nazznomad]

Who in the hell gives this a thumbs down? This is pure gold and historically important for music

[@rmp7400]

There are a few folks out there who only like the "sacred monsters"..... real talent from a humble man they simple cannot process🤷🏽‍♀️

[@TNbear0126]

The Spanic Boys is who he’s talking about at 59:30. I bought their CD based on their SNL appearance. Father and son, both with glasses and playing chiming, melodic Telecasters. Conan had them on hissshow as well. As G.E. Says, kind of a retro/throwback vibe with Everly Brothers harmonies and Buddy Holly songs/guitar. Good stuff!

[@Dogsnark]

Fabulous to hear this man talk about his life and work. Wow. I listened to the whole thing at one sitting. Thanks GE, and thanks to Foundation for putting this together.

[@williamgutierrez8834]

Thanks for getting this! G.E. Is so cool!

[@mfdrums5120]

There’s something magical about his nonchalant comment “does anybody even care about this stuff” in the sense that, in his world it’s just life. Sort of touches on what he means when he says “the real cats”. They don’t know they are themselves, they just are.

[@dphotos007]

Great stories. I like how gives others credit and he showed players he respected.

[@johnpick8336]

Thank you for posting !

[@birsay123]

Thank you for posting this interview 👍❤️

[@joshuajordan8574]

Thank you for putting this video up. I've been a fan of his music for years, but never heard him interviewed. Fascinating, smart guy. But a regular guy! Cool as they come!

[@Patrick-fm5dk]

He saw Josh White and Odetta?! One of my favourites seeing two more of my favourites!!

[@thegaijin]

Listening to GE Smith talking about learning bar chords is just amazing.

[@gear_vintage]

I just watched this for the first time today. I gotta say, I had guitar idols I looked up to in bands (Rev Billy G, Page, Gilmour, Clapton, SRV, etc..) and then influenced how I played a lot. But I just realized after watching this how much GE influenced as a band member. We only got a few TV channels growing up, and SNL was one of the only ways I could see bands on TV (had Austin city limits from PBS and Friday night videos, that was it). And I always loved watching GE as a band leader in that band and he was always smiling when they did the commercial breaks playing his guitar. It brought me to listening to a broad range of music. I loved watching him so much back then, I saw an ad in guitar magazine for ghs strings, and he was in it, and to this day, I still play ghs strings. And I recently got a Tele since I never had one, and when asked why, I said because Keith Richards, Page, Billy G and GE played them. Thanks for sharing this video. He seems like a very genuine guy, I'd love to jam with him one day. So cool. Have a great one! And GE, you are a cool kat my man. Love it

[@keithfortier9172]

I have always been intrigued by GE since seeing him play with Hall and Oates. I would love watching him on SNL, all the guys he would bring on. On Sunday, I would re-play on VHS that I recorded from the Saturday show all his bits and try to learn them. Such an underrated player and talented man. I watch him speak and relish and hang on his every word and listen to him speak about his experiences and stories. National treasure!

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

Wonderful, gracious and uber-talented man. This is pure gold.

[@bamcleod-aster8060]

Mahalo for posting this,,,We love You GE!!!

[@lglennable]

GE has been one I have followed for years. Class act.

[@DMEB]

Ah great the full interview!!! So happy now Thanks for the upload!!!

[@costasarantidis4499]

Thank you for this!

[@0biwan77]

What a great guy! I never got his stage persona and had exactly the wrong impression. Now I understand. What a treat to listen to G.E.

[@randyhines9066]

Great interview! Thanks for the music, G.E.. Loved hearing your story.

[@johnniepage3844]

I’ve always loved ur style and ur overall sound! I would stay up late as a child to watch SNL just to hear you play!!! Blew my mind every time!! Thanks for inspiring me to play!!!!

[@ssgoifvet]

A very underrated player and one of the most down to earth musicians.. I'd love to meet him one day

[@jacksoneverage7163]

Met him while he was playing with Dylan. Talk about a great guy and was just as nice and genuine then as he is here. Great interview.

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

Thanks for posting! I couldn't find the FULL thing on the original site, just an hour long version.

[@s.r.t.8758]

Great Interview! Thank you for putting this up. He's one GREAT musician!

[@JessePesto]

One of the greats!!

[@carloscota8839]

Thank you so much for this. I love this interview

[@jonathanhudak2059]

I remember watching SNL in the early to mid 90s and always being in awe of him. Just a great musician and exuded "coolness". He was always fun to watch and I'm definitely a fan of his. He seems like a cool, nice and down to earth guy too. Cool cat indeed!

[@Ivearted]

Me too!!!!!! We’d go see my dad every other weekend. He’d always have SNL on! I wish I somehow could have known how lucky I was to be a kid in the late 80’s-early 90’s!!😎

[@NealR2000]

It's a testament to his personality (important) and talent when you see how many major artists have hired him.

[@jstar1000]

What an epic life story, thank you for sharing GE! I really enjoyed it all.

[@lorimchair2190]

Nice guy….❤️🙏🏼👏👏👏 talented and accomplished much!

[@carianoff]

Watched the whole thing. This could be 5 hours long, I'd still watch him talk for hours.

[@denniswilliam4232]

Great interview with GE Smith....so many stories and all the people he has worked with .....WOW!! Rock and Roll!! 🎸😎 Dennis W

[@rmp7400]

...and some very accomplished blues..

[@xtrict]

Must be my 3rd or 4th watch of this interview, I'm sure I'll watch it again. The man is just so cool.

[@surpriseme1082]

I’m going to see and expect to meet him tomorrow And am flipping the freak out bc I loved him way back on snl and it’s just awesome to hear him talk but I’m praying I get a pic with him tomorrow. He’s the most excited I’ve ever been to meet in my life!!!!

[@robroyce6845]

i loved G E Smith (pre SNL!) on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson September 3rd 1980 as guitarist for David Bowie's only late tv show appearance that day!!

[@oiramsq73]

If you gave GE Smith a piece of paper and a pencil and asked him to draw a line, he’d draw a line that was cool and smart and thoughtful. I’m not going to be cliche and say “I play because of... GE Smith” - ( that dubious distinction goes to Mark Knopfler !) But I will say that I think guitar playing is COOL because of GE Smith. Other guys can definitely play a tune - but they make it look like dental surgery. GE Smith makes it look cool! This video is a great insight into his life and his craft.

[@ShiningEyeBrigade]

So glad for this interview. Such a great ambassador for guitar, musicianship, and from everything I have heard, just being a darn good guy. Thoughtful, introspective, strong communicator, tasty, flexible player.

[@mrchopsticks3]

The moral if this interview is that if you work hard, stay humble, and expect nothing from anyone, good things can happen in this world.

[@jerryporter1700]

Hell yeah...I only G.E. Smith as a backup musician from SNL....he is an extremely cool laid back cat and a great music story historian...

[@smkxodnwbwkdns8369]

really i thought good things never happen

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

I've seen little pieces chopped up here and there and snippets but thank you for uploading the whole thing I'm looking forward to watching this in a couple of days on my day off

[@josephr.lejeune4539]

Beautiful interview! A wonderful story told. Thank you, this is a real gift. I’ve watched it several times and it reveals something new each time. Excellent job and timeless.

[@johncarden8985]

I first saw GE Smith on KZbin doing My Back Pages with Dylan, Harrison, Young, Petty, Clapton (which he arranged) and Flying (Beatles) with The Analogues. Both great pieces of music. This is a good interview with plenty of space for him to talk.

[@markdicarlo216]

Seems down to earth. Honest. I did not pick up any real insights or comments about American popular musicians. Maybe that contributes to his success. I like some acerbic commentary.

[@markcantwell5144]

What an awesome cat. I've only been vaguely aware of him over the the decades watching SNL (I was lucky enough to see the very first show as a kid and it blew little mind). But this interview was the first time I've heard him speak. So genuine. Kind. Honest. A real character in the best sense.

[@mcanderson3511]

That story about learning the bar chords is exactly how it happened for me. I knew the E shape bar chord for quite a while, knew there were others but couldn't figure it out. Then, one weekend we went to the "sock hop" at the high school and they had a band. I never danced but I liked to watch the bands and I saw a guitar player up on stage, using that A shape bar chord and it hit me like a brick...I thought, that's it! Couldn't wait to get home and see if I remembered it correctly, which I did somehow. As a guitar player, I've always focused on what the players were playing, and I managed to steal a lot of licks over the years.

[@michelleguinyard6038]

What an extraordinary talent and artistic genius wrapped up in a humble man, whose enthusiasm for life and art is as brilliant as the boy who once dreamed of being a music man. This interview is a beautiful piece of American history. God bless GE Smith!

[@Stratmandew]

G.E Smith can truly find the voice of a guitar. Legend. 🎸😎

[@myronscott8611]

I come back every year just to hear him

[@karladrian8640]

Just a joy to listen to this man as he is so humble and full of knowledge

[@Hyperion_Studios1]

“You’re never high enough.” -G.E. Smith ❤️

[@mattwaller5636]

Great interview. The Robert Mitchum story was great 1:11:56.

[@TheFrederic888]

Ouah! Great great interview!

[@artmajor1]

Fantastic interview. Loved every second.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Oh my God...what a treat. Thank you so much. I love this man. This will be my go to for a long time. Thank you again Emily Dickinson.

[@Bmcgro]

What a class act, great interview 👍🏻💗

[@deanmead7135]

What a great guy!!! Fantastic interview!!!

[@barryanderson3910]

I've seen snippets of this before, but not the whole thing. I don't have time to listen to it all at once so I'm doing it in chunks. I'm presently at 22 minutes and I'm fascinated. Besides all that he's accomplished, GE could also do voice over with his smooth, deep voice and delivery.

[@video2000_TV]

two hours and not even a mention of Live Aid, the greatest gig ever.. the show he put on that night definitely put Dylan in the shadow for a moment in time

[@brianaxel4589]

G.E. Smith - an icon of genius.

[@toms3664]

Every single minute is fascinating, Mr Smith. Thanks so much

[@TonySchopp]

G E is a one of a kind great guy and a superbly talented musician. He deserves way more credit than he gives himself.

[@bransemlin56]

What a wonderful man and musician G.E. is!

[@lyleslie52]

A wonderful, underappreciated, humble, talented musical gift to America. Love you G.E.

[@alfredoferrini]

A great musician, a great person....I saw him live with Bob.....so lucky to be there........

[@vwharman]

G.E. Just sweats out coolness. Honestly, dude is amazing.

[@TheSlandis]

The lesson? Connections and relationships are everything. Yes, you have to have the skill, but the thing that gets you gigs is relationships. Check out Maddie Rice, who has risen surprisingly fast. Well, my daughter looked up to her because she was an amazing guitarist at School of Rock, four years older than my daughter. Maddie went on to Berklee and my daughter followed four years later. In a class my daughter attended, the prof asked everyone to introduce themselves and their instruments. When my daughter said she played guitar, and was from Utah, the prof said he knew of a recent grad who was also from Utah. Yes, Maddie Rice. He didn't extol her amazing guitar playing, he said she was the best networker he ever knew. Maddie joined Stephen Colbert's house band, Stay Human, at the age of 23. And now she is on the SNL house band at the age of 27. She also played in several other bands on the way, but it goes to show just how important network development is.

[@kellyomalley1873]

Maddie is great with the SNL Band.

[@rmp7400]

Connections, relationships...and Divine Providence - because it is unlikely that Smith sold his soul, as many did. G.E. uses the term "luck" - but what else can he say to a secular fan base, and not sound pretentious?

[@LC-ou812]

George Edward Smith is a guitar savant. I could listen to GE all day long. He is a true man and professional!!!

[@Gothiczartan]

I want to see G.E. Smith return to Saturday Night Live once more time.