Jorma Kaukonen, legendary guitarist and author of memoir “Been So Long” at Gramercy Books Bexley.

Profoundly influential guitarist of rock bands Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen shares about his beautifully-written memoir, "Been So Long: My Life and Music," with music devotee Alec Wightman of Zeppelin Productions in front of a packed room of readers, listeners, and fans at Gramercy Books. Author visit & performance.

[@deViti]

Coming from the land of Jorma's forefathers' I've always found his nitty-gritty way of expression - humbleness combined with pride and humour - recognizably homey, very warm and close to my heart. So it's no wonder that this Meet the Author video is the first one I followed to the last second of it. I thank the publisher, the bookshop, the interviewer, the audience and Jorma for creating an unforgettable session.

[@MrWallybones]

Jorma is kind, sensitive, bright, articulate, studious, wity...... I could go on and on! This interview was fantastic. Thank you.

[@haroldclark1787]

He's a genius, plain and simple. He could have done anything with is life, but he chose to open a retreat for aspiring and accomplished guitarists to hone their craft and improve their skills. That's admirable. Jorma is a legend - a soaring talent, and seeming a very congenial, decent man. Kudos to him for being so brilliant!

[@georgesember9069]

I attended Mr Kaukonen’s show with Mr Cassidy at the New Orleans house in Berkeley back in late 1969. I read that this was to be recording session. I assumed this would be a psychedelic electric performance. As it turned out, I was surprised that it was an acoustical show that exposed me to Jorma’s fingerpicking techniques. I’ve continued to study guitar since then, inspired by this old show, enriching my life! Many thanks!

[@philokevetch8691]

Saw them in ‘69 standing in the field at Stony Brooke. “Volunteers” was just out and they ripped it up. I long for those up against the wall days but will never forget them.

[@thaddeusk4230]

Stony Brook grad who only got there the following September. Then again, I got to see them in November, both acoustically and electric. November 1970

[@RJ_Chicago]

One of the first 3 albums (vinyl of course) that I bought of the hundreds I own now, was Bless His Pointed Little Head. On that album I was so taken by Rock Me Baby. That led me to discover Hot Tuna, who I have seen several times in my life. I remember that one concert was at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ. This was the 70’s electric Hot Tuna band. They played for over 3 hours and Jorma finally had to announce the pending end of the show because the fire marshal was there. I remember sitting about 4 or 6 rows in front of Jacks speaker pile at the Beacon Theater in NYC. I credit that concert for whatever hearing deficit I have today. Jorma has been a constant in my life.

[@MrSlikvee]

He mentioned Rick Nelson. I met him in Aspen about 1971-72. He was doing a one nighter at Aspen Inn and I was doing a gig at Danny’s Lounge. The owner of the Aspen Inn threw a pre-concert party at his place, which was quite large, in the basement. Lots of people there. Rick and I happened to be the only people in line at the buffett and I asked him how his Mom and Dad were doing. He answered and this led to a long and very informative conversation. We talked like long lost buddies for about an hour and he had to leave for his concert shortly thereafter. He was definitely one of the nicest, most sincere people Ive ever met. Not one cuss word and he was drinking coffee at a cocktail party. Ive never forgotten that conversation. It was shortly after that when I got the news that his plane had crashed and no one survived. I was heart broken, to say the least.

[@jg6698]

Shortly after that!? The plane crash was New Years eve 1985.

[@SolaceEasy]

@@jg6698 I lived in Aspen in the mid-70s and there was no Aspen Inn, or Danny's Lounge. The whole story sounds fabricated.

[@mechcavandy986]

@@SolaceEasy I never heard of them either. I lived in Marble. I used to go to Pinnochio’s. Did you know Semmes there? Everybody in Aspen knew Semmes Luckett.

[@simplechronology2605]

Of all the musicians to come from the 1960's, Jorma is absolutely one of the most musicianly. He's also a fine teacher and personable speaker. One of America's treasures.

[@BlindArthurBlake]

I love him too, took a clinic with him at Fur Peace Ranch in March 2009

[@putzengiler]

Good Shepard, one of the best songs ever..

[@TramJizzle]

So well spoken, humble and thoughtful, Jorma is a treasure.

[@garudastan]

Jorma, huge influence and decades of joy. Thank you.

[@thekingofbohemia1]

What a nice man. So eloquent. Live long buddy.

[@jimdep6542]

Long time Jorma fan since my older sister was playing Surrealistic Pillow over and over on the family's hi-fi when I was a kid. I just picked up a copy of his book " Been so Long" and look forward to reading this ! God bless.

[@bryanstaddon5998]

One of the greatest ever! He’s given me a lifetime of inspiration and still does. Criminally underrated ,yet to me the best of the SF guitar players and in my top 5 greatest ever. I just love everything he does. So happy that every year or so I get to see Jorma and Jack somewhere. Truck my blues away! Thanks,

[@donreed]

Comparisons fascinate small minds.

[@kubhlaikhan2015]

Kaukonen is a legend! Even now still underrated in the mainstream media.

[@bluesriot2]

this man has been there and done that , many times over. a national treasure and a true survivor thanks for alll the music and keep on truckin'

[@Stonerchix33.]

Jorma is the real deal such a good musician and what a life he has lived and man he lived through it! Been So Long is such a good 📚 Hot Tuna

[@michaelvaladez6570]

One of the most important person of the 60's rock n roll.He was at that time a guitarist guitarists, he had his individual style in rock but in blues based idiom.A true American treasure.

[@conanhall1]

Class act and one of the greats to make it out alive. I met Jorma at the Further fest in '96 I believe. We were staying at the same hotel across the parking lot in Saint Louis at River Front Amphitheater. We were sitting in the lobby killing time before the show and he comes down from his room with an apparent massive headache looking for aspirin. After his purchase at the counter he stopped and chatted with us for a few seconds. He didn't have to, be he did. Thanks man ~ fellow AA traveler

[@maryuline2585]

Wow, just came upon this and what a find!! Are these talks a common occurrence at this bookstore, and wow, a bookstore is actually still open!!! Thank you for a great interview.

[@davidyohalem629]

The students of Reverend Gary Davis: Stefan Grossman; David Bromberg; Woody Mann; Rory Block; John Miller are some of the great purveyors of the authentic tradition. (That I went to summer camp with two of them- where Happy Traum was the folk music counsellor - and met the others through Nick Perls is beside the point.) The Reverend was a figure out of legend in the early to mid-sixties, the musical route back to the roots.

[@marcosofsky2605]

The Jefferson Airplane was one of my very favorite bands, and music is a huge part of my life, it brings joy and and there is no better way to spend the time. I always envied Jorma's guitar playing, I am not a polished accomplished guitarist by any stretch, though I always dug his playing, some of the sweetest riffs in the blues/rock genre. And he seems like a mellow dude.

[@johnkonstantine9115]

Back in the late 70's we never missed an opportunity to see Tuna. I recall one 4 1/2 hour show & the Passaic NJ fire captain shutting down the Capitol Theatre because he was 'afraid the place might 'light up' from the intense heat.

[@billr2375]

Saw him and Jack at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago---brought his book with me, he signed it and even added a personal note that meant a lot to me---easy to talk with, was cool to everybody. His book is worth the read for sure.

[@aroe3896]

great venue. Lots of history there

[@Noonespecial237]

Yellow Fever was the album. Barroom Crystal Ball was the song that changed everything for me. First side of the sound track that’s played to my life..

[@jerrycastaldo8688]

Growing up on Long Island I had the opportunity to see a lot of rock concerts, but the most memorable ones were seeing Hot Tuna. Whether it was electric sets at the palladium or acoustic shows at my fathers place ( not my father) that was the venue. Jorma and Jack were dedicated to their fans and never disappointed. Most groups would play for a couple of hours, but Hot Tuna would play 4-5 hour shows. You could tell they truly loved what they did.

[@josephjeffreyclyde258]

Oh hey! Growing up in SF Bay Area, I cherish my memories of the Haight bands getting on a flat bead truck with a generator driving up Haight St. into the Pan Handle of GG Park. and playing free concerts! And I purchase a ticket or two when Hot Tuna comes to PNW.

[@Frankrizzo15]

Past time pub Amityville NY

[@intuneorange]

Because you were hanging out at Stony Brook University or Suffolk Community College Didn't he play at my father's place eppy's Club in Roslyn

[@samanthab1923]

My brother is the one that turned me on with Double Dose. He went to every show at the Palladium. FF many years & I see they are playing in Stroudsburg PA. Tell him in passing & he says yes, he & our younger brother are going 😂

[@jerrycastaldo8688]

@@samanthab1923 I’ve lived in Vegas for the last 30 years. If they’re ever around here I would definitely go see them

[@fideliusconcrete4871]

As "Richard" wrote further down here: Decaces of joy! And a very big Thank You to Jorma.

[@hermitcrabbot]

Jorma's solo at the end of 'Alexander The Medium' ranks among the greatest in rock history.

[@johnryan3913]

Yes, from an underrated album, too.

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Great book. As soon as I found out about it, I just had to get one.

[@stanmanmedia]

My friend Kelly knows Jorma well enough that I got to visit with Jorma back stage quite a while when up in NY. One can't fake the great character you can see here with Jorma talking.

[@soulhealer20]

Thank you Jorma and Alec. This music has made my night. "How Long" til forever?

[@chanceburger3169]

I would have loved to sit an listen to this,what I see in the audience is no younger people, maybe that means nothing but I wish that some young people would have been there an get to know this American Treasure

[@ziblot1235]

This guy has always been one of my favorites. I just didnt have any idea how he did the stuff he did. Truly one of the greatest guitarists.

[@keithskelton5596]

Wonderful playing 👏🏾👏🏾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thank you✌🏼

[@soulballet]

beautiful writing

[@keithskelton5596]

A great wordsmith✌🏼

[@carlcruysberghs2298]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@billionairerehab4953]

Great.

[@waynestrode9807]

I hope rich and Marty hear this!

[@jamesbond4633]

Very talented and intelligent guy. I don't think he really fit in with that West Coast lifestyle thing and glad he got through his personal battles and to be so vibrant and full of life. Many were not so lucky with the fame and drugs and money. He definitely is about the music and has a deep soul from what I can see.

[@marcosofsky2605]

Finnish & Russian-Jewish? REALLY? I had no idea. I can claim to be an acquaintance, and was a follower of those two bands for several years. Great video!

[@rhwinner]

It's surprising he isn't more well known, as he was one of the greatest guitarist of his generation, and that's saying something. In one of the best bands of the era. Maybe it has something to do with his lack of self promotion or something, but it is surprising.

[@carlmartenleitz2089]

Well spoken man, and a killer guitar player! Buddy Holly influenced many, yes, no shock there.

[@billmiller9145]

Guitar hero.

[@joeryan1369]

By gum it's Kristopher Weiss and his lovely wife in the front row! Hi Kris!

[@davidpallin772]

I believe Jorma’s father was from Ironwood, Michigan. For what its worth.

[@samanthab1923]

Hot Fuckin Tuna! 🐠

[@JamieJobb]

What can you say about Rocky Williams ... ?

[@J0hnC0ltrane]

Never knew Jorma was a Lefty, like Duane and Gregg, playing Righty.

[@johnstivaly1170]

OMG what was the name of that second song he played

[@michaeld.mahoney9106]

Embryonic Journey.

[@jedweinberg9691]

Embryonic Journey

[@carioca56]

Jorma K: I do not want to talk about other people Intervewer: But I do

[@antoniiocaluso1071]

!! Kaukonen for President2024 !! I'd vote THRICE for him, and ALL my friends, too! With his favorite side-kick, too :-) Be a far-better world, yes?

[@marcw.5492]

Is this really from 2020 ?

[@DutcherDog]

Non of these California legends live there anymore.

[@teemlee51]

Jorma "I didn't want to talk about Janis and Jerry". Lawyer " so let's talk about Janis and Jerry". Let's talk about anybody but you. It's no wonder Jorma didn't get to see the questions. What a tool!

[@pascaljeanne8002]

lol oh yes he was good in 1969 ! love his song " genesis" but man he's old ...today ask to franck gambale ...

[@johnryan3913]

Don't worry old age doesn't happen to everyone. More folks than ever die young.

[@lamper2]

19:43 It's interesting he admits he DOESN'T LISTEN to today's pop because "the words don't mean much" see any conflict here? Diagnosis: Fell in love with his own past and too lazy to appreciate the wonderland of writing going on today! Songs are as good as EVER! ( but ya gotta do SOME digging)

[@bobtransvaal144]

Ok, Lee. You betcha

[@michaelduffy6874]

As someone who is almost as old as JK, I have to admit that I find it difficult to be receptive to new music, maybe just because my head has limited remaining space. I glance at the new record reviews on the newspapers (I still read them) and think at some of these bands or songwriters must be worth a listen as much as the people I liked 40 or 50 years ago, and sometimes I catch a song on the radio by chance, and think it's very well written, but then I don't find the time to follow it up. I recall a British muso saying, many years ago, "Something terrible happens to music when you're 35."

[@aa3nk]

So he plays the guitar as right handed person would but signs his name with his left hand? Ah well, how often do you see a left handed violinist?

[@kwimms]

I'm typing this with my left hand... isn't that amazing!

[@aa3nk]

@@kwimms Your unique blessing is truly phenomenal.

[@jimdep6542]

Since she considers herself a fan and introduced Jorma as a "legend" ( which he is ) .....why couldn't she take the time to learn how to pronounce his name ?

[@donreed]

1) I generally try to avoid memoirs written by people who wait too long to write them (see Milton Shulman's failed "Marilyn, Hitler and Me"). 2) Is it too much to ask that a book store, whose owners and employers are ostensibly literate, include the copyright year of "Been So Long" in the above description ("Profoundly influential...")?

[@johnryan3913]

Sorry the interviewer hurts the show.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Interviewer just a little too verbose.

[@douglasgrossman6200]

Not knocking Jorma, however if you asked todays players who is Jorma, i think you would draw a blank. Stevie Ray or Jorma? Roy Buchanan or Jorma? James Burton or Jorma?

[@broadwaychris]

And today's players are the force to be reckoned with? What you don't know is completely on you.

[@m.vonhollen6673]

@@broadwaychris : As if fame is any indication of talent.

[@stevefrost6329]

Today's players may not have delved deep enough. Or maybe they often draw a blank. Hard to say, but Jorma's skills are self-evident.

[@christopherpike8552]

Actually, Jorma is hugely respected and loved in the Americana world.

[@johnryan3913]

Stevie RV is minor, a George Thorogood figure, but death becomes him. The Airplane lost a lot of their Legacy - they were way more popular than the Dead - due to the much loathed 80s Starship period. Today's players? Not as famous but if you don't know Jorma it's like Keith Richards not knowing Hubert Sumlin

[@ricberry1104]

HEY,Brother Peters "Black Kangaroo " was an acoustic masterpiece.

[@ppmppm7010]

Peter

[@victorsamuelson3589]

Unfortunately this is very boring

[@mobiditch6848]

The wall socket is boring…imagine what you can connect to it.