Jeff Daniels Has Written 450 Original Songs

"The guitar became my best friend." Jeff Daniels opens up about his "best kept secret," his love of acoustic guitar, and reveals that he's written 450 original songs over 25 years playing! Jeff also dishes on his love of playing a larger-than-life character in the new Netflix series "A Man in Full," and breaks down the inspiration behind his incredibly thick southern accent on the show. Also in celebration of Mother's Day coming up, Jeff shares how he owes his acting career to his mom.
#KellyClarksonShow #JeffDaniels
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The Kelly Clarkson Show is the uplifting daytime destination for humor and connection featuring Emmy-winning talk show, Grammy-winning artist and America’s original idol, Kelly Clarkson.

[@Mugsy0407]

"You turned my never nevers into maybe I just might" ...... what a beautiful line

[@Samantha-nx6sz]

That song full on should be on the radio, in a movie score, or something!

[@ellenjones7819]

Exactly. If he doesn't record it, he should ask someone like Kelly if she would. It sounds like he has written a lot of songs that should be shared with the world.

[@JimiJamm]

@@ellenjones7819 If you want to hear the full song more like it is here and playing with his son's band, go to the 2018 album "Acoustic Sittin Tour 2018"

[@gaycramer2658]

I agree ❤

[@EricFlatekval]

Head to Apple Music etc, he has this and TONS of songs recorded! I never knew…

[@terrymckenzie8786]

If you go to folk clubs across the country, or church basement, musians travel all over with hundreds of great musicians playing every night, but you will never hear or see them. Not part of the music machine. Sad . But get out and support live music. Live music for live people.

[@lexirubycutie]

This man is amazing. After his movie success, he went back to his home town of Chelsea, Michigan...at that time it was empty. Half the shops were empty. He built a stage hall for plays and stuff for people who haven't made it. Because of that, stores and restaurants popped back up. He writes plays as well. And now the town brings in 4mil a year. So he saved his hometown.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

Dollars or people?

[@randomvideosbyrobby]

​@@MeMeDaVincieither one is good

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

A WONDERFUL TALENT!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

he saved hi shoe town, and is loved and a multi talent!

[@daevra]

Are you kidding me?! The writing ability of this man. That was one of the most well written songs I've heard in a long time. I'm shook. And his singing too... Who else knew he was a triple threat?!

[@Squirrel36]

Quadruple threat…he’s handsome, too!

[@rogerdaly6326]

Had the pleasure of seeing him live with his son Ben's band in Alexandria Va. Met him after the show and had a 15 min conversation with him. Very nice , very humble. Check his website cause he tours when he doesn't have an acting gig going on. He has some very humorous songs as well as serious contemplative ones.

[@Squirrel36]

@@rogerdaly6326 Sweet!

[@ericbogar9665]

Were you high when you wrote this?

[@Squirrel36]

@@ericbogar9665 Why do you say that?

[@USConsumerReview]

Came here for Jeff and stayed for the guitar. What an awesome guy.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

JUST ENDEARING AND TALENTED AND WHAT A SINGER AND SONGWRITER!

[@blueseruser]

Just a great song, and blew me away! I was a fan of his acting, but now a super fan of Jeff Daniel!!

[@cynthiamoon1880]

Somebody needs to make a movie just about his songwriting and his journey with all of that. How incredible.

[@hsoderberg6505]

& include the story of his Purple Rose Theater

[@cynthiamoon1880]

Oh yes!! I heard about how much amazing things he's done for his hometown. He's literally the American Dream. 🎉🎉🎉. America needs to celebrate this man. I say we petition to have a movie made about this man.

[@mattroper7214]

Have you seen the Newsroom? If not either watch it in full (you won't regret it) or search for "The Newsroom - that's how I got to Memphis" it's a cover that he performs in the final episode

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

@@cynthiamoon1880 THERE SHOULD BE A MOVIE ABOUT THIS MAN!!!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

@@hsoderberg6505 OH, ABSOLUTLEY1!!!!!!!!!!

[@joey2011]

I can hear this driving cross country windows open enjoying the sun and wind

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

yes!!!!

[@hbrailsford8429]

Well said.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

YES!!!!!!!!!

[@markuskoob9335]

I've just added it to my "on the road" playlist (I always hear, when I'm out on my motorcycle). It's perfect fit. Will check out the rest of his songs for sure.

[@michellemiles9966]

As a guitarist that song brings me to tears. 🥰 Well someone needs to develop a script that will utilize this amazing talent. We need more! ❤ Bravo, sir. 👏👏👏

[@gregmock6808]

I felt the same thing as a guitarist...why th hell have I never written a love song to my guitar? Because Jeff just wrote the best one...warms the heart!

[@SomethingLocal]

same, fellow guitarist. that blew my mind. So well constructed and such solid effortless picking and playing with a voice that was so perfect for the song. Made me cry.

[@wabbit1699]

He sang and played a couple of times during when he did The Newsroom. In the Bin Laden episode in Season 1, it was a brief scene during the party at the beginning of the episode. Later, they had him playing again in the finale at the post-funeral celebration. Both of those scenes were with John Gallagher, Jr., who is no slouch himself when it comes to musical talent. The guy has legitimate talent. He's shown he can cover just about anything if he does the work to learn it. I think he'd be great doing clubs and small theater venues (1,000 or less capacity). He could sing songs, tell stories, maybe do some Q&A, and have a blast with it.

[@johng92]

The line “I ain’t holding you, my friend, it’s you that’s holding me” choked me up this morning when I saw this. Had to go give my guitar a hug lol

[@collier6794]

"When my finger finds your stings" He isnt even known for singing but this song is better than 80% of all country songs being released nowadays ❤

[@user-lr2sq5qx2r]

I know as someone who dabbles in song writing myself I was just completely floored by this song. And you are right most of the country songs on mainstream radio are questionable.

[@diegojimenez2017]

This song is better than 80% of all that is out there nowadays

[@pistolpak]

You speak the truth

[@stevenlewis4376]

80%? More like 99%.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!

[@gretelguerra]

Jeff Daniels is absolutely fantastic !!!!!! Great interview Kelly !!!!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

He was great. She was a rude interview."Being honest," she said--meaning "I doubted you'd be very good, but said Ok to having you on" YIKES!!!

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

He's knows that's a damn good song to have the absolute confidence and aplomb to sing it for the fabulous Kelly Clarkson. And brought her to actual tears. She was so floored that this unexpected depth and talent came out of old Jeff. What a Cool dude. That was a wow. You don't see a spontaneous standing ovation like that very often. Well deserved.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

Kelly was rude, AS IF if he could not Possibly be talented, and how could the song be so beautiful.? It creeped me out. Audience Loved it, and him, and Got his multi talent.! Kelly had a doubtful challenging look on her face. Ick. He was acting and writing 450 songs, and performing, BEFORE any of her nice work was enjoyed. ...DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED IN HER RESPONSE . SHE SHOULD BE ASHAMED. LOVED THE SONG, HIS VOICE, HIS PERSONALITY, AND THE DEPTH OF HIS TALENT AND SKILL!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

SHE PUBLICALLY EXUDED DOUBT BEFORE HE SANG---HOW EMBARASSING. HE'S THE BOMB!

[@user-pu2ek2zt9o]

I can picture a group of us sitting on his porch listening to him play all night. Thank you!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

AMEN!!!

[@djr3386]

Jeff Daniels is a diamond of a human being.

[@christiecook2241]

I just adore Jeff Daniels. What a nice guy. ❤ And I like his voice and music style. Super relaxing.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

LOVE HIS TALENT AND THE MAN!! KELLY WAS LUCKY LUCKY TO HAVE HIM AS A GUEST! ( MAY 20) AND I HAVE REPLAYED HIS SONG, 4 TIMES, ALREADY. MEMORABLE SONGWRITING!!!!!

[@ericl7842]

Who ever thought that Harry from Dumb and Dumber would make me cry with music 30 years later. ❤. Love this so much.

[@dr.markevers8331]

Hey Harry, you never called…

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

YES. WASTED ON THAT MOVIE.

[@aprylparker6694]

I predict Jeff's song will be a huge hit!!

[@_maxmouse_]

His rendition of "That's How I Got to Memphis" on The Newsroom is my absolute favorite!!

[@Naurulegend]

I forgot about that one. Excellent rendition indeed

[@wilmerlau2846]

Yes it made me cry

[@bobbyterrito8011]

I’m a lifelong guitar player and I’m crying like a baby over that song! Those words are so beautiful and hit so deep!

[@starexplorers1202]

One of his favorites. He's been playing it live for over a decade now. It just depends on where your head is buried. Once in a while when you come up for air you find these gems.

[@TerryAllenSwartos]

About twenty years ago I had the pleasure of being entertained by Mr. Daniels at The Triple Door in Seattle, at the behest of my late wife. I was thinking, “sure, whatever, it’s something to do and they have great food.” I was blown away by his storytelling and songs. He was very engaging and relatable, in addition to having that totally unexpected talent.

[@clayperry2515]

It's not about the game. It's about the experience. Competition is for losers. So get out there and play! Good for you sir. Beautiful.

[@barbaracanterbury8533]

He is brilliant!

[@angienoronow1853]

Jeff Daniels is a GEM!! He is truly a GEM!

[@sierrahp]

"He was the Atticus Finch of that community." What an incredibly beautiful way to see your father. My dad was like that in so many ways. He's now 98 and mostly sunk in senile dementia, but my siblings and I remember his glory days with love and pride. Jeff is an inspiration to me in so many ways.

[@r.c.brousseau9655]

Thank you Kelly for introducing me to Jeff Daniels as a guitar and singer. Wow! I have a newly found appreciation for him!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

NEXT TIME EXPRESS MORE CONFIDENCEE THAT YOUR GUEST WILL WOW THE CROWD-- HE CERTAINLY DID!

[@lucythecalicocat]

beautiful song! I could imagine Kelly singing with him this tune!

[@LoveBeingMom2]

What a beautiful song, what a beautiful soul. I hope you were able to convince him to make his music more wide spread for more people to enjoy!

[@EricFlatekval]

I just went to Apple Music, and wouldn’t you know it, he has TONS of songs recorded/released. I never knew!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

INDEED!!!OXOOXOXOXOXO

[@leahmarieezra877]

“When My Fingers Find Your Strings” - It’s on iTunes. So beautiful! He has an acoustic version and another one. What a talent. His website is great, too. However, I could not click on the songs to hear them, so I had to grab them off the iTunes Store.

[@daviddenman1438]

And on Spotify. Legitimately fantastic song. Hard to beat this moment though

[@htfitz4]

Thank you! I was hoping I could find it somewhere!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

I'm off to his website and iTunes. Gettired of Kelly's cooking sessions. She needs to SING MORE.

[@amyrick5631]

It turns out a whole lot of his songs are up on Spotify. I’m in a newly found Jeff Daniel’s musical bubble ❤

[@uri65]

he has been my top played artist on there for the past 5 years; just sublime music!!

[@JERRYSIXX1]

Really????????

[@loiserwin5991]

I hope there is a Kelly & Jeff duet♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

NOPE. JUST JEFF.

[@1travisvideo]

He needs to re-record, I listened to his songs 10 years ago and his voice has just gotten so much better with more character and emotion.

[@kimwestwood8840]

Always admired Jeff. Now even more so. What a great little song.

[@katherinebosse5706]

The first time I heard Jeff sing was on the BEST show ever, The Newsroom…he’s had my heart ever since. And I was a big fan of his acting before…I mean, come on…the guy is just beyond!!!

[@bluekitty3731]

People who live around southen Michigan have seen Jeff play various small venues with his sons band, so not a big secret, I think Jeff plays for pure enjoyment, not running after mega success as a singer/ songwriter.

[@kathleenmartin7498]

I'm from Ann Arbor and agree 100% I've met Jeff before and he's very down to Earth !

[@StatusQuonald]

There's very few people who can write a song that great with such simplicity Truly beautiful

[@AM-br4ix]

I am ready for Jeff’s 1st album…. He doesn’t have to even tour… just put the music out!!!!

[@seanjnash]

Jeff plays between Christmas and New Years every December in Chelsea, Michigan - his home town at his own community theater. Wonderful music. Moving, classic, funny.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

GREAT TO KNOW. FILM IT AS A MINI-MOVIE!

[@copernicofelinis]

I have crossed many videos with songs by Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and the likes. It's fifteen seconds and then I swipe. This is the third time I come back to listen to Jeff Daniels. The world is upside down.

[@jackjones4864]

That was freaking awesome, Jeff.. I'm picky about my songs.. Great Job. I would go to your show in a minute!!

[@lonestarparrot]

What an insightful song, what a great delivery. When they said Jeff Daniels was going to sing an original song and play guitar live, I said OK, this may get awkward. After Jeff finished the song I was still processing what I had just witnessed. Within a few seconds of pondering, I thought, “You know, Lloyd, just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this… and totally redeem yourself!”

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

HO.

[@bramcurtis6900]

Every time I listen it brings tears to my eyes..

[@cholkymilkmirage4984]

I cant believe he has ALL THESE SONGS ON STREAMING. ITS SO GOOD!!!

[@angelac8812]

This reminds me of my Daddy…. How he loved his guitars.

[@logank.70]

That's a beautiful Martin acoustic as well. It's the best kind of song. Completely genuine and something that comes from the heart. It's for Jeff and his relationship with his guitar. He just allows us to enjoy it too.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

JUST LOVED HIS SONG AND HIM

[@TubeWeasel1]

I love Kelly’s reaction when he starts singing and playing his guitar!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

HER DOUBTFUL ATTITUDE WAS OFF-PUTTING. HE DOESN'THAE TO "PROVE" HIMSELF TO HER!

[@lewisbeshers1946]

Wow! Just wow!!!

[@mjking9019]

Love Jeff! I never knew he was into music. He needs to release a record! I think we need a Jeff Daniels and Kelly Clarkson duet.

[@rogerdaly6326]

Go to his website , he's released several albums. He doesn't do it for the fame or the money , he truly loves music.

[@johnathansandlin6771]

If I could meet anyone it would be him, JeffDaniels is an extraordinary man!!

[@Gratefulman1965]

I’ve been a fan of Jeff’s music for years. I am glad that others are experiencing it as well. He is a great musical storyteller.🎶

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

A FINE SINGER -SONGWRITER

[@MeMeDaVinci]

What a voice!!! I'd pay to see him.... absolutely. The standing ovation says it all.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

YES

[@maredox]

The lyrics, those guitar licks, singing voice...Jeff Daniels, you Sir, you are a hero! Absolutely amazing ❤

[@tracyadams8292]

UH WHAT!??? That song gave me chills and made me cry a little! WOW!! Jeff D, YOU ROCK!!

[@cycle_Therapy]

Yes! Jeff Daniel's is one of my favorite actors and now musicians! Love this!

[@tweakthatproductions1648]

Wow! Just wow! This interview & song brought me to tears but tears of joy! I wanna hear more Jeff Daniels & hear his songs! A National American Treasure! ❤

[@cindimonks5661]

I have watched this 3 times back to back to back and yep.... goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME. ❤🤯

[@stowjer]

There's something very real and genuine about him. Not to mention his superb talent!

[@kellyrainville7310]

Kelly, we have “Taylor’s Version” because of a suggestion you gave to her, so don’t say you can’t give EXCELLENT advice! Have confidence that you know what you’re doing, and you can help others, too!

[@melindahinds2384]

This was so cool! How did we not know this 20 years ago while watching Jeff on the screen? Love this!

[@transistorradiorecords3661]

Great interview. Jeff has written over 450 songs? That alone is impressive. Certain guitars feel like your right arm. Kelly looks great too.

[@marioalejandro7549]

No words, just tears😢

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

LOVED HIS SOUND AND DEMEANOR

[@carolg8535]

I'm thankful he chose the acting profession. Love him in movies - and his guitar playing, singing, and writing is absolutely awesome. ❤❤

[@AdemVessell]

That song is so fantastic!! What’s huge treat! Never knew he was a musician and a wordsmith. Excellent 🎉🎉🎉

[@therealpepeu]

First time hearing him singing and playing today. There are other versions of this out there, but, this is the one that has that raw authenticity in it that moves me. "You turn my never-evers, into maybe I just might". Love that line! He sounds like a good, unconstricted Springsteen, if that makes any sense.

[@worldwidewillowgreen]

wow, in tears - what a beautiful song and what a kind hearted man.

[@roboticvisions]

He should have a youtube channel where he sings every single song he has...

[@dustys3320]

there are a few celebrities' I would love to sit down and just have a coffee or beer with, and Jeff Daniels is at the top of that list. I have always been a fan and the fact that he can play and sing and still be so humble. you sir are a legend and I bow down in your presence,

[@markwaterman6350]

Absolutely beautiful song, this is an incredibly talented man!!!

[@wandamundy1759]

I have known about Jeff Daniels' music for years. I've seen him playing with with other folks - and have always enjoyed what he does. I think the term "Renaissance Man" would be applicable. I've always enjoyed his acting - from the lunacy of "Dumb & Dumber" to the sublime "The Newsroom."

[@thenogoodniks8673]

incredible. So So good. Genuine and pure. Love it.

[@paddawan_]

Beautiful conversation and an incredible song with a heartfelt performance, just wow

[@Hiddentravel]

Thank you Kelly Clarkson and your staff. I had asked a question on another video and someone told me the song name and which album it was on. (Downloaded it from iTunes). Hopefully he will release the Kelly Clarkson show version (with acoustic guitar). If Jeff Daniels come back on the show in the future, I could hear this as a Kelly &Jeff duet.

[@baddriver3580]

Id LOVE to be hearing that on my radio!!! Awesome 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@1990westfalia]

Who can't love this guy, named Jeff? He has so much depth. Skillet

[@philliamproject8113]

Jeff is really good what a pleasant surprise and a nice man! What a beautiful song and wonderful words!

[@robertbob980]

just Beautiful ..We are all in awe . i hope Kelly sings it one day . i wonder what other songs he has .. i hope he puts out a lp.

[@SS-ki6ie]

Kelly looks awesome!!! Wow! Great performance by Jeff Daniels, another cultural icon.

[@wendellhhardisty4647]

WOW!! That was amazing. Way to go Jeff Daniels!! 😎👊🏽

[@deanepeterson9286]

I just saw this song alone on a much shorter clip from this show...fascinating to learn of his huge love for music and his playing and songwriting through the years. Really enjoyed this interview. He seems so personable, humble, and he's clearly multi-talented. Really nice melody, lyrics, and performance! I enjoy your kindness and interviews Kelly, and I now know a lot more about Jeff Daniels and like him far more after this. He seems like he'd be a great person to simply hang out with. Sounds like he came from fine parents.

[@stevenkukene9970]

I’m not crying, I got something in my eye! That was beautiful….

[@GabrielRodriguez-uo6vm]

Wow, is a beautiful song, a real song. Touch my soul, my heart and why this song put in the radio, movie, series.? This man is gold

[@robertmorris9998]

What a great song! Checked every box, and I literally rewound and listened again, because the lyric is just so good!

[@biggs6769]

Incredibly talented man. Glad he found his given talents and continues to share them.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Absolutely mind blowing song !!!! Incredible voice ,Incredible player.❤❤❤

[@angelsandfrogs]

I have watched this at least 15 times since I saw this show and I will play this every day Absolutely love this song and this man ,what a great man♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Crimson-n-Clover]

He wrote another incredible song about his Grandfather’s Hat. Then there’s that one about an RV trip. Hilarious! Jeff is an incredibly talented storyteller, guitarist, artist and good soul….period.

[@panfourteen]

What an amazing song ❤

[@azpeach5680]

The song was so beautiful! I teared up a little! Awwwwe!

[@cscrab17]

This is absolutely an incredible song! Get this on the radio asap!!!

[@agatar2688]

Beautiful!

[@billbannahan4128]

That was amazing!!!! Thank you Jeff🥰

[@SamPlaysBass49]

Any musician who has ever had writer's block... the idea of writing a thank you love song to your guitar... so meta, complex and yet simple... and perfect.

[@jodyniemojuski4021]

Kelly cover it. That was a great song. Thank you, Jeff Daniel.

[@rose03cruz]

You are so talented Jeff Daniels …. Loved your new series A MAN IN FULL, thank you. I like your hair Kelly …you look gorgeous

[@marcelkuijper8240]

I first saw him sing and play in The Newsroom, and now this. So I just went on to Spotify and there's a bunch of his songs there. An entire This Is Jeff Daniels playlist! And some good tunes in there too. Perfect for the open roads during my holiday roadtrip in Canada.

[@leafforever9174]

Unbelievable. Jeff Daniels is amazing. Well done, Sir👏👏👏👌

[@jimblanchette8584]

I would love to see the whole song, but just Kelly's reactions. She is such a tremendous lover of music, and I'd love to see her roller coaster ride of discovery. Her reactions are so honest and joyful.

[@Paul-tq3vw]

Wow!!! That’s a beautiful song.

[@vionnelatta2523]

Get that song right on OUT there for us all to sing along with you Mr. Daniel’s!! Absolutely 🎤 LOVED LOVED LOVED IIT!! ♥️👏🏻♥️👏🏻♥️

[@LAM285]

That song was amazing

[@AnnexF]

That was amazing! Beautiful song and great performance!