John Prine Stories - Down By The Green River, Where Paradise Lay

[@roygunter3244]

My wife's 6th great grandfather, Capt. Henry Rhoads took 22 families to settle the area and became one of the first state Senators when Kentucky became a state. Her 6th great grandfather on other side of the family lived in what became Paradise, Andrew Kimbeley and his wife lived, died in Paradise. They were buried on the farm just outside of Paradise in a family cemetery. When Peabody Coal moved graves they were not moved, Andrew was a Revolutionary War veteran as was Henry Rhoads so Mr. Kimberly and his wife had tombstones placed in Ohio County in a family cemetery. Rhoads picked the name Muhlenberg for the county's name in honor of the general he fought for. We have been to Browder, which is just down the road from Drakesboro where you turn to go back to Paradise Steam Plant. All the coal is long gone, the plant now runs on natural gas. You can go to Rochester and see the dam where John wanted his soul to wander up to. I remember hearing John Prine long before my wife ever knew of her roots in the Paradise area. It is a very poor area, when the coal was gone all that they left were memories and poverty. We often sing Paradise when we are there and often go to Rochester and stand in the little parking area that overlooks the dam. I loved hearing this story as I do all of your interviews it fills in the holes in the people's stories that make them more real to those of us who never knew them.

[@senoramoeba]

That story deserves its own episode. Is there an accounting of that story in print?

[@otisgibbs]

This is really beautiful, Roy and I appreciate you sharing it! : )

[@andyford8359]

Wow! Kool story! I'm close by in henderson county and have visited that area a few times. Lots of history in that little town!

[@swordfish52]

Great Story Roy ... Thanks ...

[@brianhogg2852]

Loop

[@otisgibbs]

I love the image of John Prine driving a 1949 Ford Coupe through frozen ruts, so that he could show his friends where things used to be.

[@Kickstart500]

My dad had a 49 Ford “businessman’s coupe” came with no back seat to have room for traveling salesman samples and inventory.. cool old car

[@Folkie44]

Gerst Haus! Yes! Great place.

[@otisgibbs]

@@Folkie44 Thanks, Fred!

[@godlessinsurgent1895]

I love the idea that he loves Christmas that much..sounds like my partner, she's nuts about Christmas and the decorations..I personally can't stand it, but I'm not gonna rain on her parade....I'm not wearing a sweater or baking cookies, though. It's just not gonna happen. I love John Prine, and I love your channel Otis! Thank you so much for what you do! Super cool to hear the Joe hill stories, as I'm a proud anarcho-communist and I'm fascinated with the labor struggle. I'd love to hear more Townes stories, maybe I missed some stuff in your catalog, but if you ever feel up to it, it would bring great joy to those of us who are diehards. Would also love to hear your take on punk and/or metal...thanks again Otis, you're awesome! Chatting with you is on my bucket list, and many consider you a staple in music. Thanks for being you and hope you have many great days.

[@alext.]

He he, me too.

[@otisgibbs]

The German restaurant that Jim mentions in this interview was torn down when they built the Titan's football stadium. They built a new location across the street next to the interstate and it just recently went under. I used to meet friends there to watch Colts' games. Please feel free to share this video with anyone you think might enjoy it. I should probably say that more often, but I figure you already know the drill. Thanks again and much love to y'all.

[@PROSTREETS1096]

I live in kentucky john came and played the ky theater 3 nights sold out really fast I was so disappointed a good friend at the time stoped by my house said let's just ride to Lexington and maybe we get lucky and get tickets so we had party supplies so off we went and we got there and walked up to the front of the theatre and there stands a guy with two tickets for sale not only did he just want money back for a couple of friends that had to work but they were front row center stage we got back stage after and got to meet john he was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting in my life and he put on a great show I can still close my eyes and see him up there on stage playing and singing his heart out....so thank you John for the many yrs of great music .,.R.I.P MY FRIEND

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous, George!

[@bbq-blues8664]

John is a national treasure... thank you Otis for sharing his stories, and filling our void in his absence 🍻👊🏻🎶

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Eric!

[@crystalrock18]

Last January before all the shut downs got kicked in my wife and I went to Muhlenberg county KY for a weekend and we drove around trying to find where paradise once was. We did t have much luck but we were able to see the green river and the Rochester dam and even though we could t find the town of paradise; we at least got a feel for what John was trying to capture in one song. Ironically my wife took a video me singing and playing “paradise” on my mandolin and as soon as we uploaded it, my blue grass band just went on break and finished their set playing “paradise.” So before they started the next set they played my take on paradise and it made me happy knowing that even though I couldn’t play a show they still supported their fellow band mate while they were in the STL are and I was in KY.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful! : )

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Great story. I can see why John Prine was such a great song writer. His very expressions of life was like a song title. We really lost one of the GOATs when Covid-19 took him.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Wayne!

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

I really love German Afternoons and the cover. Only one John Prine ever gonna be made. Grateful I’ve been turned on to his music.

[@rrseitz1306]

Thank you.

[@washingtonbob49]

Thank you once again Otis for another great story. When John Prine passed it just sort of clouded over the rest of the year for many of us. Your videos have helped immensely to brighten up my days and inspire my guitar playing once again. You have made a fan for life...

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bob!

[@aeskes1978]

Thank you, thank you. If you can find more Prine stories, keep them coming.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you! : )

[@drumminsonlive9199]

Enjoyed that story I love John Prine… Thanks Otis

[@lakerat3]

Otis your the best you give us the things we want to hear !

[@RobGunter]

Love & really miss John.

[@jimbanda]

Jim Rooney , another legend, I am just reading his book now.

[@wrp3621]

My brother knew J.Rooney back in the stone age and took me to see John Hartford play at the folk club he ran in Cambridge Massachusetts. Fast forward 50+ years, I’m at my neighbors house here in Tn, and I see Rooneys book sitting on his kitchen counter, and I say “Hey I think I met that guy when I was a kid”. Sure enough, same guy. My songwriter/ studio player neighbor worked with him in Nashville. I’ll be damned. If you like the stuff Otis puts out, you’ll like his book. Thanks for that nice brainwave, O.G.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you! Jim has had an amazing life!

[@mikemetague7973]

I'd love, just once, to be singing the annual Paradise, KY, "Paradise" tribute to what once was. Oh Boy!

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

I still mourn the loss of John, his music will live on and I'm thankful to have seen him perform ❤️

[@andyford8359]

Nothin better on a snow day than a bowl of chili and a good John Prine story!

[@otisgibbs]

Ain't that the truth, Andy! : )

[@jayjaynella4539]

Chili liberally covered with Saltine crackers!!

[@bellesmom238]

Thanks Mr Otis ,John was so special as a writer singer musician, and person, Iasked him to sign my old D28, His reply no, Why you want to riun a great Guitar? I told him it was my Dads and i dont play it anymore His reply was LEARN and laughed, insted he sighned my shirt and said with a smile Dont wash it , Freindly he shook my hand and walked off

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Dennis!

[@billroberts8982]

I enjoy listening to you on my drive to work. I drive an hour and a half each way. Thank you for your stories Otis.

[@markclausen2230]

"They would pick off the older people" I winced when he said that. Thanks for the story Otis. You keep setting the bar high for yourself.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Mark!

[@evangalyen6402]

Watching from Muhlenberg Count, KY! It’s such a pleasure to hear this good old place getting some words spoken about it. The music culture is once again being fertilized by myself and other local musicians, and I’d love to see it become even better than it once was.

[@stevewuertz3598]

What a sweet story. So glad you had the foresight to tape all those folks back in the day. At some point, when you hang up your spurs, the Library of Congress should be so lucky to hold your archive. I'm originally from a little town north of Evansville IN-about 130miles from Paradise. My great grand dads farm was sold off to strip mines back in the 1950s

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Steve!

[@mikefannon6994]

Great stories! Paradise is my favorite Prine song. His family was part of great migration after WW2 when so many folks from the South, due to displacement by coal cos. or looking for good factory obs moved north to OH. IN, or Chicago. We were from mountains of SW VA. and moved to Dayton OH when I was 12. OH natives made fun of southern accents, called us briarhoppers or "briars." Prine's Paradise reminds me of my own dear homeplace. Thank you Otis.

[@bryanheidtman2476]

I getcha on Ohio. I live in the city where "hillbilly elegy" was filmed.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Mike!

[@luckyhaskins69]

Hell Otis, I can't stop now...lmao...this story resonates big time... So after being in Tn for a couple years I find a piece of land for sale on the interweb in Possum Hollow (dekalb county Tn.)- my first parcel was 18 acres...100% of the locals told me- don't buy it, a yankee can't live down there in the hollar,they won't let you. If you move down there,everything you own will get stolen....I laughed ( I am from Detroit ) and went down there to look for the parcel...It was almost dark as I drove up and down where I thought the parcel was,but couldn't find any sign or markers at all..Finally I was sure I was at the spot and a parked and got out and started walking around...suddenly I hear the distinct sound of a shell being readied in a pump shotgun ....you know- chicchic...lol....I turn around and a fella with hair longer than mine standing there with a 12 guage and says "can I help You?" I said, "Yes sir looking for that 18 acres for sale..." he says " aint no land for sale round here.."....just as I am starting to think I am in a pickle he looks at me again and says " hey man, are you that guitar picker?" I quickly say "yes sir, thats me" thinking "whew..." dude turns and shouts at his house "hey Honey that guitar player plays up the club fixin to move in across the street"... 100% true story...I became good friends with all the folk down there in Possum hollar,half of em died,the other half have moved out..just a couple left. I ended up with 183 acres,ran a hundred goats, And the meth heads stopped coming down in Possum hollar... Most everyone knew I had guitars and guns, and was willing to use em both.Lived in a 40ft coach got water from the spring......miss it dearly everyday.- some of the worlds greatest human beings are in Tn...period. corse I was raised by Grandma who came from eastern Kentucky..Grandpa? Gas city Indiana.

[@deadbeatjack2584]

Great heart warming story.. Perfect way to spend the day buried in snow..

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@ktspirit1]

I've order some things from Oh Boy Records, though it's been a while. I've always gotten a personal response, usually from one of his sons. There is no way those emails could have been auto-generated. That is John Prine's influence and it is powerful.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful!

[@julesotis13]

i love this one extra extra extra and list3en every time it comes on

[@keithleach1880]

According to John at a concert, he had just spent some time in Germany which was when they tore down the wall.He had a little dity about it "Plant your east German kisses on my west German face and we'll put Gorby's picture up on the fire place"There was more but i've forgotten. sorry.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Keith! : )

[@timshelley8635]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@aemiliuswolf5348]

My Dad grew up in Blacky, Kentucky during the depression era. many were, they were forced north, I heard this story from him, THANKS

[@mojo6778]

Otis, great story, that was a awesome trip Jim Rooney was part of. Thank you for sharing the recording with us!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@CalebKingMusic]

Thank you Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Caleb!

[@Leh73-m6r]

Holy cow…there’s my distant cousins name on a book about Carl Sandburg at minute 3:06 that’s crazy

[@Delsworldview]

Having coffee listening this morning.

[@robertwynkoop7112]

Thank you Otis and Jim for filling in some backstory on my favorite Prine song. It is written with all the harmonic and melodic simplicity and power John could conjure while combining the poignant, protesting, nostalgic lyrical elements which make him so great and beloved. The song is in many ways a dirge to the loss of once was while exposing the personal meaning of his roots….

[@friendlyfriends2373]

I love all the stories, helps work go faster. Call me crazy, but I really love seeing the tape recorder and tapes.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@sunnyhendry7144]

Great story. Made my day.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Sunny!

[@larry573]

The good stuff....

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@HardRockMiner]

John's stories were the heart of his music.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@rickderwitsch]

Thanks so much for the wonderful stories.

[@JKlasen]

I’m getting that book. What an interview! I’ve been looking, reading, and playing my way through Beyond Words. My morning ritual: make the coffee and come back upstairs and sit on the bed and play a few

[@darrell3368]

Ottis awesome story I love all the shows do you remember Jimmy Bryant he was my cousin he was born in South Georgia He was a great guitar player and he is missed. Gods blessings for you Mr Ottis and your family

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Darrell!

[@ulfsvensson9710]

We often sing and play Paraise, among other JP songs at our round the table meetings in a bar in my hometown. When there isn't a Covid, of course.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Ulf!

[@ardenevox]

I will def look up Jim Rooney's book. Thanks so much.

[@TadMars]

I forgot to add me and some buddies played our first show since we were kids at a local bar the other night. We did 3 Prine songs and I was wearing my Oh Boy Records hat I ordered. It came just in time.

[@Kickstart500]

Thanks for another great story!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@aliciahager2961]

Thank you for sharing that with us. I live Steve Goodman. Growing up near Chicago, I did not know John Prine, let alone he and Steve were very good friends. Yikes, quite a force those two together must have been!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Alicia!

[@artemisXsidecross]

Otis your talent as a historian is as professional as your song writing and performing. Your video production on this episode was fantastic; camera work and what was in the frame was spot on. Loved seeing your cats and the books from your library.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you kindly, Artemis!

[@AaronSpielman]

Thank you again for posting this.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Aaron!

[@TadMars]

I’m snowed in today and watching your videos and listening to these priceless stories is better than anything else I cloud be watching. Much love to you and yours!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Tad!

[@robgray9620]

Another great story Otis

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Rob!

[@torontolarrivee7965]

God bless this KZbin channel

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Love Soundstage 81 driving in his Ford Coupe

[@joejennings3335]

This made my day! Thanks Otis

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Joe!

[@kevinhuber8723]

Thanks for the book tip, it’s on my list. I miss John to this day, not only for his outlook but his courage as well.

[@guitarguy7621]

Great story Otis. Ordered the book. Only two left now on Amazon. Thanks so much.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@andrewpearson1903]

A friend of mine bought the promo flyer for "German Afternoons" for his brother, got it from eBay. The flyer said that a "German afternoon" is one where you go downtown for lunch, run into a friend you haven't seen in a while, and a few beers and burgers later the afternoon is gone. It didn't mention that restaurant, but we can put two and two together -- that was probably where the name came from.

[@mrwho2118]

Well done again Otis! This pandemic has meant slow times for most of us, your stories really do help, I thank you and please keep them coming!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@jeffstuart6420]

Great stuff, Otis. Thank you

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Jeff!

[@tedlindsay8221]

Thank you for this Otis! Wherever John Prine is mentioned, I am sure to follow. This was a great post. Your video series is extraordinary. I look forward to every one and tell anyone who will listen to me to follow you. Stay safe man!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Ted! : )

[@flyemhard]

poetic justice.....

[@terryt66]

Thanks Otis, that was fantastic! Nice job with the visuals too. That couch aligned with the transcendent wallpaper is perfect 👌❤️🙏

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Terry!

[@tomlehr861]

I worked in spottsville on the dam on green river. My mother was born in utopia in ky close to green river,peabody did come and it is no more.

[@georgemajor9589]

I still have the tickets I bought for a John Prine concert here in Germany, which was postponed twice, and obviously didn’t happen 😞😞 But I sure would have loved to have seen him live, and had chance to hang out with him. Seems like he was a really nice, unique man. Thanks for the video Otis, enjoyed it very much.... as always with your videos. ❤️

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, George!

[@davidfulginiti5985]

great stuff, Otis, I'm the son of a Coal miners daughter and she was a daughter of the same. As a young one I witnessed the ruination of my little town by strip mining. thanks

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, David!

[@johnrosier1686]

Good interview with Jim. I enjoyed hearing his perspective on things. I forgot all about imagining that I was in Cowboy’s living room. You could probably do a video on that experience.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, John!

[@bobralph5072]

Dude , I don't how you got that tape. But I know a friggin awesome story !!! Thank you for sharing it with us. Stay warm , Stay Safe, Stay Strong !!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bob! I did the interview and recorded it myself, so I'm the second voice on the tape.

[@darrellarvin123]

You knocked this one out of the park Otis. Thank you for what you do and the stories you unfold. I wonder if John has been able to ask Jesus about his missing years.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Darrell!

[@jayjaynella4539]

Tom T Hall was also stationed in the Army in Germany. Salute to a Switchblade is a song to those days.

[@StabilityMan]

I was raised not far from Paradise KY. Thanks for makin' me homesick, Otis. I love your interesting, informative videos man. I was the 306th feller to give you a thumbs up and I noticed you got one thumbs down, but I can not for the life of me figure out why. Please keep 'em coming Otis. I have seen 'em all.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly! : )

[@elliottcrews4997]

I have that Christmas 45!

[@brianbeattympls]

That Sandburg book is a favorite of mine. I'm beginning to think we're related.

[@otisgibbs]

It's a good one! : )

[@loosieclocker]

God i miss prine

[@peterose2054]

Another great story, Otis. Keep the book recommendations coming too, I’ve recently finished both the Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson autobiographies. Well worth reading.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Pete!

[@taljechin]

Nice to hear that the world's largest shovel got stuck and still stands there!

[@otisgibbs]

It sounds like the makings of a road trip!

[@jamescrisp7951]

Actually I believe they buried that machine.

[@mikeglasgow6656]

Got a story for you Otis. I met John's guitar tech once in New Orleans and we had lunch together. He asked me what I had planned for the evening. I told him I was taking my wife and her father to see John and Steve Goodman on the RIVERBOAT PRESIDENT. That's when he told me he was John's guitar tech......and would I be interested in meeting John.? Heck yeah. He told me when I got to the show to go to the ticket agent and give them my name and he would have 3 BACKSTAGE ALL ACCESS PASSES WAITING. Steve and John performed separately and then came out together for a complete set. Backstage we met and mingled and ate gumbo,shrimp, jambalaya, and both John and Steve spent time with us. John acted like he'd known me all my life. What a wonderful experience. I only wish I would have asked if I could play Paradise with him because I was a guitar player and knew every song on the first album. But........I didn't want to impose. After all he had just played for about 3 hours. What a wonderful man he was. And I am humbled to get to sit and eat and talk with him.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Mike!

[@jayjaynella4539]

I am so jealous of you for that. 😄

[@krajmatt]

Sorry for the inside baseball nature here, but I really like the video edit. Looks great

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya sir! : )

[@artemisXsidecross]

I totally agree with kramatt, video production was from top down excellent; it reminded me of what Robert Frank might have done.

[@bobralph5072]

That's a great story. I could see that shit happening

[@mattkaustickomments]

Great stuff as always! May I suggest fellow Hoosier guitarist David Steele as a guy to seek an interview with? He’s played with John Prine & Steve Earle, among others. I first heard of David through my college roommate who is close friends with David since HS days. I later had the pleasure of jamming with David one time and I was blown away. Plus, he was a super chill guy. I remember getting a call from my old roomie in 1996 or so telling me David “had made it” (for which I had no surprise) and to watch Conan because David was going to be on TV playing for John Prine.

[@otisgibbs]

I have a lot of mutual friends with David and finally met him at Ryan Bingham's house in California. He's a really great guy!

[@mattkaustickomments]

@@otisgibbs Cool! I had a feeling you had crossed paths with him. He was a teen phenom player that my buddy Brad applied all these superlatives to when I first heard about him in the late 80’s. When I finally jammed with him, he lived up to the hype. He played well beyond his years - I’d never been that close to someone who played ALL styles so effortlessly and confidently.

[@jayjaynella4539]

I was born in Beech Grove, moved to Australia late 88. We have a slide guitarist here named David Steel who plays many other instruments too. Saw him in concert years ago. Funny to see 2 guitarists with the same name, slight change of spelling, playing opposite ends of the planet.

[@julesotis13]

ok Otis, i took photos i cant post here but how is ur cat so smart to know to look up at the text on the screen! i LOVE those cats and their couch...and you know how i feel about you and your posts!

[@bobralph5072]

And the old Gerist house , that's a blast from the past. The new one down by stadium, could not hold a candle to the original.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Bob!

[@JissenkanHonbu]

❤️

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Otis…..I love Frankie❤️

[@benbusy7295]

the shrudest reporter of the human condition RIP JP

[@singingwater69]

Otis: I thought you might like a channel on YT. It's called Noble Records. The host isn't quite as organized or articulate as you are, but he gives reviews of albums worth collecting. Lots of albums in various videos, and he keeps it interesting.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Marshall!

[@derwynpowell7689]

How recent is that book by Jim Rooney? Was it just released? Great story.

[@otisgibbs]

I'm not sure, but I think it's at least 8 or 10 years old.

[@senoramoeba]

Please, anyone: I would really love to know the coordinates of that steam shovel.

[@otisgibbs]

Me too! : )

[@jamescrisp7951]

When I was a kid traveling from Owensboro to Nashville with my grandparents, off in the distance we could see that behemoth from the western Kentucky parkway. I still remember my grandfather talking about it with a sense of pride.

[@chiledoug]

Some of my moms people were western KENTUCKY

[@christophern4038]

Just wondering - if the mines didn't come to Paradise, and the Prines didn't move to Chicago .... would we still know John Prine ?

[@JHarder1000]

Lacy J.Dalton and Earl Scruggs did an extremely good cover of Paradise.

[@williamhatley1367]

Worked in plant paradise many times. It's a tva plant. Pretty good size coal burner power plant owned by the government. Never really enjoyed working there but the money was good. Since it was government owned they paid what was called prevailing wage. No per diem but your hourly rate was raised considerably! Worked in many coal burning power plants but plant paradise was a big one! Turned put after working onsite for a few days my background check came back and I was escorted offsite by some armed guards! Wasn't allowed back for quite a few years but was allowed to come back after it had been so many years after I got in trouble. Was inside a Inductiom fan when someone yelled my name and said come out I said let me finish I'll be out shortly they said come now and there were armed guards waiting to take me offsite!

[@otisgibbs]

Take care of yourself, William! : )

[@williamhatley1367]

Thanks Otis! This was many moons ago and can gladly say my life has been much easier and much less stressful since I started earning an living the right way lol! Love the videos! Love the stories!

[@julesotis13]

great clip... tho im a sectarian jew i blieve in stuff and things like having xmas lights and other cheer and now a tiny light up bonsai tree with one ornament up still...its a Prine ornament....thanks for the share...as always brother otis...love the stories...cats...and sandburg poetry book! as i ready for work and real world sadly this clip got me away from mardi gras and soon i must go thank you!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Stephen!