John Prine -Poker Night With Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite John Prine song?

[@cliffb5985]

Lately it’s been “Pretty Good”, not bad, I can’t complain 🎶 🎼 🎵

[@billedwards2657]

Late John Garfield Blues off that In Person & On Stage is probably my favorite.

[@michaellevesque8084]

Changes constantly, right now it might be Blue Umbrella.

[@josephpetersen2734]

Cross between "there she goes" and "linda goes to mars"

[@andyford8359]

Paradise

[@tomgarrett9701]

I had a great experience trying to get John to sign my guitar, it was at the gillioz theater and my daughter and I waited at the back door , he came walking out after sound check , not only did he signed my guitar he hung out with us for probably 15 minutes . I will cherish that moment forever !!!!

[@johnwillard6198]

Mexican Home , Hello in There, and about 40 others minimum. Loved him thoroughly

[@bertstadnyk6467]

" In spite of ourselves " with Iris Dement . I always liked his humorous songs .

[@chrisbrowning6102]

Sam Stone. That song still floors me. "Little pitchers have big ears. Don't stop to count the years. Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios."

[@joshyoung81]

“There’s a hole in daddy’s arm, where all the money goes”. Wow. Just wow.

[@darinblomquist422]

Same here!!

[@cliffb5985]

“Sweet songs 🎶 never last too long on broken radios 📻 mmm”

[@markwoehrle6860]

I felt so blessed when I finally learned how to play Sam Stone proper

[@loosieclocker]

The legend of John Prine gets larger every minute. RIP Johnny

[@thomasjones3239]

Far From Me. The first song I learned to play and sing from beginning to end. I still play it like I felt it in 1977.❤️

[@tinman00]

Grandpa was a carpenter.. thanks Otis. I'm 66 and on social security.. have to live in my motorhome.. always a treat when you post something.. I can't afford to contribute.. thanks to those that do

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Scotty!

[@codybeaudreau3026]

Also one of my favorites. Reminds me of the old timers that I was so privileged to know as a boy and get a taste of the old ways.

[@davidbergin6184]

My favorite John Prine song is probably the one listening to at any given time.

[@electriceye1734]

So true...hard to choose only one

[@jamesgranderson3872]

Ditto, and the next track on the album.

[@jeffstuart6420]

Fishin' from a boat - drinkin' shine - fried chicken - poker - sharin' all that with folks you love and who love you. One hell of a lesson on how to live large.

[@jeffmatuszak477]

The last line made me cry. No ego, just a humble man. miss him....😿

[@peterdanniels2310]

Otis asked for our favourite John Prine songs...my lovely wife says 'Summer's End'. Mine's always been 'Paradise'. Thanks John...Thanks Otis.

[@melpolk1885]

Hello in there was always one of my favorites. The older I get the more I appreciate it.

[@daveschroeder9187]

One of my favorite lines in any song is “when you get done talking, I’ll come back downstairs, and assume the body of the person , you presume who cares” from the other side of town.

[@GRBAquatics]

This is just SO Cool. Thankyou. Hello in There became my favorite song although it made me very emotional after my Mom had a Stroke. John Prine Music has been so inspirational to me ever since. Thankyou

[@joepall323]

John wrote Hello in There when he was 24 years old. At that young age, he has the foresight to understand what elderly people go through! He was truly a man that had humble wisdom. RIP sir John

[@bobhenson1433]

When John was just starting out, he was playing at the Bitter End in the Village (early ‘70s). At 11:30 one night, he announced that the set will end at midnight, but two of “My friends” will be coming in for a jam. Well, at midnight in walked Carly Simon and Paul Williams and they played, joked around, and sang for about 3 hours. As the venue emptied, I had moved up next to the stage and got to experience that night from about 10 ft. What a night!

[@kennethbrown7411]

Otis, you never fail to entertain and bring worthy stories to the table. Kudos

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Kenneth!

[@OleDuke]

I found this on a rabbit trail about Townes, someone on one of his videos said he (Townes) was the best songwriter ever. I immediately thought, nah.... but a razor close second to John.

[@TadMars]

Thanks so much for this! We played a show for the 4th of July here in Missouri Sunday and played “That’s the Way the World Goes’Round”, one of my favorite Prine songs.

[@michaellawrencesound]

When I lived in Philly my nickname was Meatloaf because I always got that dish at a local bar there, so it gives me great joy to know how much John Prine loved meatloaf. I think my favorite Prine song is probably Sam Stone. “There’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes/Jesus Christ died for nothin’ I suppose”. Thanks for another great video, Otis!

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

Hello in there, for the moment. Until the next song plays ❤️

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

great find. good stories. i sure miss john prine. gets me really annoyed that COVID took him. thanks for the effort and the sharing. stay well.

[@katharineofarrogant7805]

Spanish Pipe Dream cheers me up no end. My husband is terminally ill yet when I play this song I can't help but raise a smile

[@otisgibbs]

Much love to ya, Katharine!

[@guypaul5497]

Always loved Souvenirs with Goodman. Thx Otis

[@lindellsiler5994]

Paradise drew me in but can't begin to pick a favorite. Another great one Brother.

[@tomhughes3613]

"Illegal Smile" is timeless.

[@chefofthejungle179]

A bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down, And won. Such a great song.

[@mehealani1nonly]

So hard to choose. It's whatever is playing that can cause that sentiment for a song from the LP. I guess as I'm now 68, "Hello In There" will do today. I'm so lucky to have grown up in 60s 70s n 80s with all the best music n artists. When I get to heaven, I hope to have a vodka n ginger ale too. And that freakin cigarette!! Thanks for all you do to enrich us all !!!

[@nolandolaher2817]

that’s the way the world goes round

[@janeewalker]

I first saw John at The Boarding House on Bush Street in San Francisco. He was opening the show for David Bromberg in 1972. My friend and i had never heard of John Prine. Just John, his guitar, and his Mickey's Big Mouth Beer. He was playing songs from his first album. My friend and i kept saying - WHO IS THIS GUY ?? Especially Angel from Montgomery - I am an old woman, named after my mother.........there's flies in the kitchen, i can hear em there buzzing, and i ain't done nothin since i woke up today. How the hell can a person... Go to work in the morning Come home in the evening And have nothing to say. Make me an Angel.. John just blew us totally away. Hello in Thar, Sam Stone, Paradise, Donald and Lydia, and the rest. RIP John Prine. You gave us so much !

[@fergofns]

I have soo many favorite John Prine songs, .. I guess my top three would be In Spite of Ourselves, Hello In There, and Souvenirs. Great vid too Otis .. really appreciate this one.

[@julesotis13]

love these tales....make me a little jelaous of those who got to be there esp at Prine's or even just to have eaen meat loaf with him once..... at least got to see saint john prine play more than once....and lvoe hearing these tales thans brother otis

[@deepgreatfalls9640]

One of my favorite memories is seeing John Prine and Kris Kristofferson together live. The music was great and the comedy was a bonus!

[@whiskeycitydiggers]

"Summer's End" just rips my heart to pieces. That last album was a great gift.

[@seanwilliamson1264]

Last album is what got me deep into John Prine. I had heard a couple of his songs before, but Tree of Forgiveness is what really sank the hook.

[@timothycarter8049]

What a wonderful video! Paradise, without a doubt.

[@maxdelozier5752]

Please don't bury me...this one made my Friday thanks

[@frankcox5119]

One red rose ….. hello in there ….. Rocky Mountain time …. Far from me …. My Mexican home ….Too many to list …. John’s songs got me through a lot over the years

[@richardedwards5310]

Man, you have the best list of JP songs!!!

[@alandrobnak]

Jesus, the missing years. I included it on my Christmas collection cd's which I've sent to over 40 people each year since 2003.

[@ahdcehs]

Loved the stories. My fav JP.... Paradise

[@whitepinewoods9029]

Awesome, amazing video. We all loved John, so cool to hear stories

[@DrITunes]

My grandfather was a carpenter damn I miss that man ....Rest easy grandaddy and u too John Prine

[@3340steve]

John had so many memorable songs I can't quite settle on one. A singer friend taught me "Sins of Memphisto " and that song made me laugh. I can't listen to the first album now (we wore it out. Actually some of it makes me sad these days as i attach people i know to the characters John sings about). I look forward to catching up listening to all Johns records. Thank you for posting this interview.

[@raleighwelborn1136]

I LOVE John Prine & Love these Prine stories!! As far as a favorite Prine song. Just too many, hadn't heard a bad Prine song.. Thanks again, Otis!!!

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

Favorite John Prine song? "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness". The first song I ever heard, back in the 70's was "Dear Abby". Couldn't get that out of my head for decades.

[@danielhorsley2259]

I was lucky enough to see John a couple times in concert. My favorite John Prine song It’s A Big Ol’ Goofy World. What a master songsmith John was! Thank you Otis!

[@dwaynejessome1728]

I saw John Prine play a theatre in London Ontario Canada in the winter of 2003. A few months later I'm in Ireland on my honeymoon. As I'm walking into this pub in Doolin, I think it was called McDermott's (the food was outstanding btw) if I remember it right. I see signs on the door "John Prine Live" He was playing this tiny little pub on the west coast. I couldn't understand how or why. Man, was I disappointed that my vacation was ending before his arrival. What a show that would've been!! I came to find out that he married an Irish girl and that was the reason for the little pub gig. Visiting family. Hearing about his love for Meatloaf and Potatoes makes me think he must've found the right girl! lol

[@nicksmith8808]

Thank you Otis, another awesome one . Favorite songs from John Prine , I remember everything, summer’s end and in spite of ourselves.

[@TedBegnoche]

Thank you again, Otis. I've been a Prine fan for over forty years and these stories are precious. Right now my favorite song is The Hobo Song. Finally learned how to play it from watching Shawn Camp on a tribute a bunch of people did just after he passed. Thank you again for what you're doing.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Ted!

[@mojo6778]

I bet there were some great conversations going on during those poker games. A favorite John Prine song is so tough, mine would have to be Sam Stone or Hello In There. These interviews with legends about legends is off the chart, thank you for sharing these with us!

[@mrwho2118]

Prine,Clark Van Zandt and fishing, perfect Otis!

[@pennysimmons841]

I love to listen to Prine stories, I never got to see him but dosnt matter I loved him.

[@Lastman737]

"I just wanna dance with you" is one of the best country songs written. Rest in peace John hope they get you a boat that runs up there in heaven

[@lot931]

Favorite John Prine song...Oh, so many I can not choose. I would have to list a handful. From Hello in There to I remember everything and all in between. Sure miss his singing... been a fan since the beginning. I maybe a year or two older than John, but was a fan from the start. His songs will be like Hank Williams songs... will be around for Years.

[@Calleisak]

Otis, the stories you share are really invaluable! A cultural tresure!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Carl!

[@Calleisak]

treasure*

[@Calleisak]

@@otisgibbs 👍👍

[@AbqRealDeals]

"Hello In There." One of my favorite John Prine songs. BTW - what sort of miscreant gives this YT video a thumbs down?

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Man, I hope you interview Mr. Ferguson as much as possible....he's had quite a life. Dont have a favorite Prine song, too many. I severely injured my neck in the 80s jumping off a cliff at Percy Priest, he just brought back a strong memory.

[@jamesr5719]

I remember flipping the channels and coming across John Prine on Austin City Limits playing "clay pigeons" by blaze foley. My jaw dropped...it was amazing. Had the privilege to see him 3 times.....what a fn genius of a man.

[@ksea9146]

April 7. Right around the corner, again. I cry. If I start listing my favorite Prine songs, I would run out of space. Each and every one is the best ever. Paradise and Souvenirs make me cry. So many others make me laugh. They each make me feel.

[@williethewanderinggypsy]

Man, Otis, this is yet ANOTHER fantastic episode that just sets my mind to spinning. It is so impressive that literally everyone who knew John Prine comments on his genuine and unpretentious nature. That is an amazing legacy, especially in our “celebrity-centered” culture. Regarding your question, “favorite songs” are difficult for me - so, my working definition is “what song would I choose to introduce a friend to John Prine music?” My answer at this instant in time: “Paradise”.

[@HillbillyCharm]

The great compromise

[@mikegreen2417]

Sorry Otis can''t do, that's like saying who's your favorite son and I have three. Anything and everything John Prine for me. He was the reason I picked up a guitar 33 years ago. Nobody has had such profound impact on my life and I treasure every past memory and new story. I've said for many years and still say, excluding family and friends, John Prine is my favorite human being. Much love back Otis, always grateful.

[@10scatty1]

A friend introduced me to John’s music in 1971 or ‘72 after I had just returned from Vietnam. How could Sam Stone not resonate with me? But to pick a favorite would be impossible. Little did I know I would meet him personally backstage after two of his concerts 40+ years later. As stated in the interview, he was just a regular guy. RWP

[@Harpplayer504]

I always get excited when one of your videos pops up!

[@christytarvin4572]

I love all john prine songs. Can't choose just one favorite.

[@Folkie44]

You hit it out of the ballpark Otis. Thank you and thank David for making these few minutes as iconic and precious and true as can be.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Fred!

[@jaxareback311]

Nice.......”a humble Guy with a different slant on things”......that about nails it , God’s speed J.P.

[@grapenut9]

Was in a little nightclub back in the late 80's in the Ponca, Ark. area to see John Prine, who was supposed to start his show at 10:00pm. Eleven pm rolls around and he is still a no show. I head to the bathroom and I mention to the guy next to me about how late John was to start the show. The guys says,"Let's kick his ass when he gets here" !. I said, "No, then he'll never go on". Prine just nodded his head in agreement.

[@flatpick51]

Just no way to pick a favorite. I was in the Air Force in the early 70’s stationed in the Canal Zone. LP’s were $1.25. I bought a few albums not knowing anything about the artist. Usually because of something in the liner notes or just the artwork. I read Kristofferson’s name on the back cover of John’s 1st album so I bought it. I haven’t been the same since. Long live Handsome Johnny!

[@charlesfoutch1132]

I was in USAF too 72-78.

[@victorcutrone4074]

Otis, I really appreciate your show. Favorite song, just too many to choose from. I would say his last is a big fav, I remember everything. Keep em coming

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Victor!

[@GeoffNSmith-bs8rg]

Enjoy the stories very much; my favorite John Prine song currently is Summer's end.

[@LastMoonboy]

Another great one Otis! John Prine songs are the anthem of most days for me but a few that I always come back to are “Lake Marie” and “Speed of the Sound of loneliness” . PS I’d of given my next life up to be a fly on the wall at one of those poker nights!

[@jlaw9336]

Cya down the road Otis great story..Its always nice to hear that your heros are humble chaps.

[@charlesbogle6544]

I think John was a successor to Bobby Dylan and his entertaining and truthful way of telling it like it is was, IS brilliant! "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" is the song that I really relate to in these times... Thanks John and thanks Otis for your videos and obvious love of real music soul !!

[@doughamel150]

thanks again ottis, I love the prine stories, it always makes the man even more so...he was the real thing just like his music..Of course I cannot pick a favorite, but up there are Jesus the missing years, grandpa was a carpenter (I am too)...come back to us barabra lewis harry krishna boregaurd...hell I could go on all night, I miss him so much....god bless the work your doing, it feeds me like home made bread... dougie from canada

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Doug!

[@nealhitchcock3519]

I think it's the Torch Singer, if the title is right. Music is raw, and the lyrics I haven't forgotten..."catwalk squeaked beneath the bartenders feet, smoke was too heavy to rise..."

[@Chuck-e7d]

Man,I love how you reveal the normalness of all our hero's and legends.I remember everything may be my favorite,depends on the mood I'm in. Lol,Fish and whistle😁

[@kenhenry3005]

The day before yesterday it was "Blue Umbrella" , yesterday it was "Mexican Home", and today it's leaning towards "Some humans ain't human". Couldn't tell ya the title of my fav for tomorrow, but I'm excited because I know it'll be a good one! 🤘

[@drakefallentine8351]

Paradise...no doubt.

[@edwinbrashear7729]

My Favorite Prine Song I love listening to John Prine Picking a favorite song is so hard to do But it finally dawned on me My favorite is the one I am listening to Picking a favorite Prine song Would be like picking your favorite kid And mister I have got four kids Mister it’s just not something I ever did One day it may be Sam Stone Very next day it may be Summers End That’s the thing about Mr. Prine All his songs are just like my best friend I love listening to John Prine Picking a favorite song is so hard to do But it finally dawned on me My favorite is the one I am listening to Sometimes we do not know What we have got mister until it is gone John Prine’s as good as it gets We lost John we still have all his songs So this morning I’m listening To all my very favorite John Prine songs I’m not sure which ones they are You can bet it all that I am singing along I love listening to John Prine Picking a favorite song is so hard to do But it finally dawned on me My favorite is the one I am listening to One day it may be Sam Stone Very next day it may be Summers End That’s the thing about Mr. Prine All his songs are just like my best friend Mister if you can pick a favorite I guess that you’re a better man than me Mr. my favorite John Prine song Whatever I’m listening to happens to be So this morning I’m listening To all my very favorite John Prine songs I’m not sure which ones they are You can bet it all that I am singing along I love listening to John Prine Picking a favorite song is so hard to do But it finally dawned on me My favorite is the one I am listening to Edwin Lewis Brashear © 05-26-2020, 9:11 AM

[@blackeagle6268]

You either love love meatloaf....or you fkn hate it!!! I love it. You're blessed to have known Townes n John. ❤️🦅❤️

[@jimmyjambon9206]

Souvenirs..Can you even imagine playing dealers choice poker all night long with John Prine, Townes, David and Guy!! ...with BBQ chicken at some point...I imagine the coals went out a few times during what must have been some hilarious discussion on the rules..Man that's a movie that wont stop playing in my thoughts...

[@themelted4614]

I was brought up on John Prine and Cash. Though as a teen i went my own way Bowie ,iggy, punk then reggea folk alt country folk americana steve earle early rem. They covered hello in there. Prine song writing was awesome . His songs resnated with me & will do forever. iv covered alot of them. I was lucky enough to see him live at philarmonic hall Liverpool around 2007. His only show in my city. He sadly passed away on my Birthday 7th April. Utter legend & a great man.. RIp.

[@jeffhovey1810]

Favorite album Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings!

[@elaztec.aztecca]

John had the handle on the local meatloaf shuffle hahaha I just love these informal conversations, thank YOU OTIS!!!!! 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@johncalvert8032]

He could make you laugh and then make you cry. That's The Way The World Goes Round and The Six O'Clock News work for me for both laughter and tears.

[@philipopruesse4259]

I thank you so much for sharing this video. I have never been intrigued by an artist before, but JP was so talented. I listen to every possible interview to better understand him.

[@johnrosier1686]

Got a good laugh on this one. He could probably tell a boatload of crazy stories and misadventures.

[@algoreHasNoRythm]

Great interview Otis!..👍Mr.Prine sounds like he was a great friend.Love the stories,thank you sir🍻

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@tedlindsay8221]

Great stuff Otis. This post got me thinking of Bottomless Lake. Love it!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Ted!

[@lordofthemound3890]

Not necessarily my favorite, but it was “In Spite of Ourselves” with Iris Dement that got me into Prine.

[@brandonballweg8985]

I know it's a blaze foley song, but John Prine's take on Clay Pigeons is so good. Also I Remember Everything, Boundless Love, That's The Way the World Goes Round, Clocks and Spoons, Souvenirs, and Summer's End - It's really hard to choose!

[@codybeaudreau3026]

You and I have similar tastes.

[@scottrankie]

I think I'd have to pick either Souvenirs or Sam Stone. It's so hard though, because there's so many gems. I also love how nobody ever has a bad word to say about John Prine. It's nice knowing he was a solid dude

[@rocka-billythekid5221]

Favorite Prime song is easily souvenirs, frickin love that song. Also no way David Ferguson!? He's frickin awesome!

[@brucegwynn8509]

I love all of prine songs , I really did , I envy not being able to have been on one of those boating trips , God it sounded like so much fun, thanks Otis, but hey , I'm gonna go with bruised oranges as far as my favorite song

[@mikedonohoe3526]

Please Don't Bury Me-one of the 1st I heard of his. Paradise is tied for first.

[@jackamason4683]

Brought a tear to my eye,Long Live John Prine!!Sorry for late reply,but Im a maintenance ,and I watch this nuggets,when I need to re-center,I was raised on,all these Cats,Im 55,and still Love my tunes!

[@Rob-pi1rg]

I love this guys stories

[@rickybrand4707]

Angel From Montgomery, Sam Stone, Paradise and John’s version of Blaze Foley’s Clay Pigeons.

[@jacobmorris983]

Mornin' Otis-- Like Michael, I'm coming to you from Nova Scotia! Clocks and Spoons would be my vote (albeit it's a tough to pick one). Also, I would have to say that The Tree of Forgiveness is such an incredible album that I could pick any song from it as a favorite. How lucky are we that Mr. Prine gave us that album! Take care--Jacob.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Jacob!

[@jamesgraham9744]

All of his songs are good, but the one that comes to mind at the moment is "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness".