Leo Kottke - Louise

[@christopherdavison652]

Leo says he's not a singer, but he is a fantastic singer. A beautiful country ballad here.

[@bathtangle]

Paul Simon early said he wasn't a singer, that's why Art sang all of their early songs. Erik Clapton was told by Ginger Baker that he wasn't a singer, and guess what?

[@skronked]

I totally concur

[@skronked]

But 😂 Clapton can't sing... tries too hard..... not leo

[@GODSMISTAKE-j9k]

Agreed

[@ThePianoman65]

I totally agree - Leo is a fantastic singer!!

[@susanr5546]

My late husband introduced me to Leo Kottke, the gift that keeps on giving. I had the great pleasure of hearing him play a couple of times. He is one of the best!

[@TheMoodyBluesChat]

Wow! Thanks so much, Susan. So sorry for the demise of your husband. By the way, it really appears you are a huge fan, right? Do so well to send me a mail on goggle chat to the email address on my KZbin channel description. Look forward to reading from you pretty soon!

[@jonbeckleymorrisblues]

In the mid 70's I listened to Leo Kottke play this song off one of his Tacoma Records. I was about 21 living on the Oregon coast in some little desolate town. Beautiful, but sad place. Listening to Leo Kottke was a perfect background to those long ago times.

[@dreamwell2020]

Leo's a hardcore guitar technician, but his song choices reveal how soft his heart is.

[@nickcupkovic5721]

I saw him in Lansing MI 1977 What a great act! He finally played Louise after I shouted many times God bless a great song Bless her soul

[@raymondmeyers8437]

A wonderful song by Paul Seibel that Leo Kottke makes infinitely better.

[@dougcouture4052]

I met Leo in Alaska after his concert. He signed my guitar! Many thanks Leo!!

[@marseydotes1941]

I used to listen to this beautiful sad song many years ago and was delighted and surprised to find it here. Thanks!

[@Kaatkaty]

Ahh my dady used to sing this for me 🤗 I'm still singing it dad ❤⬆️

[@terrimolina4649]

my boyfriend used to sing this song to me. one of my absolute favorites. I would cry everytime...

[@jerrysullivan113]

THIS MAN IS A NATIONAL TREASURE, IN LEAGUE WITH FEW OTHERS. GLAD TO HAVE MET HIM AND HEARD HIS MAGIC.

[@walolale]

+Jerry Sullivan You are so absolutely correct. Have loved Leo since the early 70's.

[@scottestep6727]

Jerry Sullivan Yes I wholeheartedly agree with you! I love "Pepe Hush" and The "Driver" and " I Still Love Someone " and so much more.

[@unterwant]

this man is a international treasure ...... yes he is ....!

[@slowpenguin1]

One of the most beautiful sad songs ever. Leo is blessed

[@deeprivercanada]

My uncle Tony introduced his music to me in the 70’s. I was learning how to guitar and this opened me up to a whole new realm of possibilities. Busted Bicycle is still my favourite song of his.

[@JohnnyNowhere]

I discovered the album 'Greenhouse' while in Record Bar back in 1974. I was learning to play guitar, and was looking for material to practice on. I'd never heard of this guy, but liked how, in the liner notes, he likened his guitars to the living plants which they once were. I bought the record without having heard a note and took it home to where my ears were greeted with the most astounding work I'd ever heard up to that point. To this day, Louise is the only tune from the record that I have ever been capable of playing to any degree of satisfaction, and I only do that ..when I'm alone. ;-)

[@noothernameisavail]

Greenhouse, my first exposure too... So very looong ago.

[@jackhammer5468]

Hell Paving Company... Let me see if I get what you're talking about. I've seen Leo three times and after a third time 5 years ago so ago I decided I was going to learn that song. And I did. Or at least a reasonable facsimile. The problem is I've never been able to play it in front of people because I Just Lose It and get overwhelmed with the emotion, my voice cracks my eyes well up. Sometimes I make it as far as the last lines. The wind is blowing cold tonight, so good night Louise, good night. That's what I want the audience to do. Not me

[@robsgirl6465]

Yes yes, I agree...

[@clementdistanos1526]

J'ai vécu à peu près la même histoire, avec Leo Kottke et la guitare. Leo remains the best.

[@JohnWilson-bn1xs]

Yep, heard this LP about the same time in Athens, GA (Leo's home town). I have thousands of LPs...but this remains one of my favorites. An awesome performer.

[@bobhedstrom]

I think the foliage behind Leo is the woods of Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis on Minnetonka Lake where he lived when I lived in Mpls. I saw him once driving a convertible sports car in Uptown and he was smiling at the sky. That was many moons ago in the 80s. In the 70s most of us boomers thought he was the best guitar player in the world, until Tommy Immanuel came along. I'll always love Kottke's music and goes way back, for me. Bob

[@jasonlilly9704]

Saw him in concert yesterday for the second time. He played "Louise" and everybody went crazy.

[@bathtangle]

Louise rode home on the mail train is the saddest line ever.

[@swordfish52]

I Concur Mynd ...

[@Aftermath-o4f]

The thought of sending my body back to my parents kept me alive many years.

[@Lazariuk]

Louise holds a hand full of rain tempting you to defy it. Bob Dylan see song Save the last dance For Me with Carole Laure. Louise is the Blond

[@bathtangle]

@@Lazariuk Louise was a hooker in louisana. Maybe blond, maybe black, hispanic or asian. She was one of the used up, and died alone. Sent home on the mail train means that she had family somewhere, maybe.

[@Lazariuk]

@@bathtangle Louise is Louise Lecavalier

[@mandyjane140]

My whole family loves this song sung by Leo. My Mom's passed many years ago but I just had a pure memory of us drinking a beer and listening to Leo. I always thought on some level, most people could understand Louise. I am so glad I found it on You tube. My records are so old. Leo, the great!

[@kingrobert1st]

Actually he didn't write it.

[@empathic11]

@@kingrobert1st Paul Siebel wrote it, and sang it beautifully.

[@robsgirl6465]

Leo has one of the best singing voices I've ever heard. And his guitar skills... super amazing!

[@MsSmunch]

dead channel He once described his voice as sounding like goose farts. I always enjoyed listening to Leo sing.

[@mozlikelyii6932]

@@MsSmunch he actually said "goose farts on a muggy day". When Rolling Stone reviewed Leo's album, they said that more accurately described Robert Plant's voice. I had to agree!

[@garymoon2829]

@@mozlikelyii6932 I don't remember the album, but I think the line "goose farts on a muggy day" was actually printed on the back of one of his early albums. This line perfectly captures what I remember about his charming self-effacing sense of humor, little quips in his shows while he presumably tuned a guitar. Haven't seen him in decades. Might have to use the internet to find recent live performances.

[@stephaniecornwallis7629]

Kottke has, in the past, described his own voice as "like geese farts on a muggy day". If only geese farts were half as melodious as this. This is the best version of "Louise" I've ever heard him sing - not excluding the version on the original album. Absolutely superb.

[@mikemadden2729]

I heard "goose farts in the mud".

[@tomthomas8472]

I heard him call his singing voice "frog farts."

[@mikemadden2729]

Once a friend referred to someone's high pitched vocals singing "Ooh! ... Ah! ... Ooh Ah!" (in a British hard rock band we really liked) as sounding like a "fairy running around poking people in the nuts". Oh God, was that funny!

[@spanqueluv9er]

@stephaniecornwallis7629 It’s “goose farts on a foggy day”. If you’re going to quote something, get it right.🤷‍♂️

[@IYAMNI]

After all these years this remains one of my favorite of his works. This is a very soulful rendition. Thanks for posting.

[@jeanneneemann5503]

I found the record in 1983...listened to Louise a lot in 1984. To me no one can do this song better. I hadn't heard of Leo until then, it felt like a gift.

[@beachbum3432]

Jeanne Neemann Yeah. Louise was one of his best vocals. Do you like Pamela Brown?

[@gtrrs71]

An absolute master. I think of my Dad every time I spin this gem.

[@nedkline886]

i love the delicate slide in this song, one of my all time favorites

[@WhocaresWhy44]

You listen to Leo and you are transported into 1880 or so. You can't mention Leo without thinking about John Fahey. If I can only remember that song off one of the old vanguards. The one about taking your girlfriend to the County Fair, getting on a ride only to have her lose her mind.

[@deadguy1964]

This song and the album Greenhouse are some of the finest examples of honest music, without the sharp and offensive twang of "the celebration of self" we often find with most accomplished guitarists. With the likes of Leo Kottke, Joe Pass, and Ry Cooder we are saved if not from anything else but ourselves. Don't go see a psychiatrist, put on an album. Thanks Leo....too cool.

[@honeyroyellis]

Thanks for my favorite song that Leo did! Was written by Paul Seibel of Buffalo, NY.

[@neilmunson7132]

I learned to play this 40 years ago. I saw him live once. Still one of my all time favorites.

[@JeffDaytonMusic]

Leo's version is the one I remember knowing first, then Bonnie's. It takes me back to my first couple of years in college when I was trying to learn his guitar licks on songs like Vaseline Machine Gun and listening to John Fahey and Peter Lang (who I would later get to record and play with). Goodnight, Louise, goodnight. Thanks Leo.

[@brianzajac4492]

Fantastic Musician, love his Music 🎶❤️

[@ItisGlennTime]

Leo for President !

[@plixypl0x]

My daughter was born yesterday morning. We named her Louise.

[@edwardcomer4422]

Ohhhh " sweet Lord in sweet heaven !!! There just aren't any or enough glorifies words to describe dear Leo Kotke, He's just way to phenomenal and soul touching ! 🎼🎤🎸

[@johncoleman8174]

I saw Leo in concert twice: 1990 in Fargo ND, and 2009 in Portland ME. I've been a fan since the 70's.

[@gailwilliams2678]

Love Leo! Had "Chewing Pine" on vinyl until recently (darn!). I have both of Paul Seibel's albums on CD, a lovely gift from a friend. Thank Paul for this song.

[@julieberkowitz2750]

Wonderful song. He is a mega talent. Listen to his instrumentals. Beyond

[@jeffdamon1098]

One of the more engaging live performers I've ever seen.

[@seedy1nyc]

My first exposure was "6 & 12 String Guitar"...all instrumental. Just blew me away. I see he's still touring, so I live in hope.

[@JoeDeMaio917]

I remember back in the mid 70's my dad came home with Leo's album "Greenhouses" .... We would listen to that album night and day. Great songs and great memories. Louise was one of my favorites, that and Tiny Island.

[@patperkins2764]

Absolutely great

[@patperkins2764]

Absolutely great

[@johnprice4635]

Saw him outdoors with Doc & Merle Watson, in Northern Wisconsin many years ago. my 2nd memory behind those guys and John Hammond was a guy murdered in the barn that night. The music put that all way back in my memory until just this minute.

[@LEWOOF]

cradle to the grave is awesome....and "Tiny Island" love his voice

[@deborahmcmahon-king7279]

I am always enthralled by a man who can finger an instrument that way. But besides the guitar the voice enchants me almost as much. Very special talent! Big fan.

[@charcoalfish]

Just keep playing this one, can't get enough of it. It's just fantastic.

[@paulwilton735]

I love this so much. I almost cry each time I hear it. I named my old pickup truck Louise.

[@wyldeotse]

Many many years ago when Leo Kottke's first songs came out, I remember listening, with a new friend. I rember being surprised when he announced that this was the voice of God. Once in a while I hear it too.

[@kiwimale1]

An artist of sound and thought and colours from the brighter side ...

[@manasbose8817]

Bought My Feet Are Smiling at Black Sedan Records in Manchester England in 1975 when I was 16 purely because I liked the cover! Best record purchase I have ever made and Leo's music has brought so much happiness to me ever since. American music at it's very best

[@tjmangum]

"Honest music" - what a wonderful way to describe Leo and his talent.

[@derfzus]

One of my most favorites by Mr. Kottke......Master of the slide guitar!!!

[@bigbattenberg]

A great song. That guitar sounds superb. Very rich sounding.

[@emotionsinwood]

Just so beautiful, I could cry! Thank you Leo!

[@hanzlee5173]

I think maybe 500 hundred years can have a one Leo Kottke

[@junkduma]

Beautiful........saddest song ever written. Leo opened my ears to blues with this song on his seminal 12" LP "My Feet Are Smiling" which I bought with a 21st birthday present record-gift-token. Still got it too, 32 years on. Thanks Leo for your beautiful sounds.

[@julieberkowitz2750]

Very beautiful simple sad song. By this amazing guitarist and performer in general

[@frammis47]

How could anyone criticize this man? A master of the instrument.

[@retohofmann5878]

...and a master of singing...and a master of humour!

[@roseartlefty]

What a trip! Back in my time with Leo...he was a guitarist! Never heard him sing!

[@kristeer100]

+Rose Horsey he IS not? k

[@gregwilson2068]

+Rose Horsey The only 3 I can recall were Louise; Pamela Brown, & 8 Miles High, but haven't heard his releases for a long time. I remember years ago he compared his voice to "geese farts ......." He has a lovely baritone, and although not much range or intonation, had he wanted, I am sure that could have been improved. I always wished he had, as Louise was an indicator of his pathos. Maybe he could not find songs that resonated with him enough, to make that effort.

[@kristeer100]

ok. great. k

[@shadowknight9807]

Looks like the Lake Minnetonka area outside the porch - what a nice place to be! Love the 12 string with the bottleneck!

[@just_jarman]

Leo, a true master of the craft. No matter what he says

[@chrishoey9158]

What a ballad. It’s timeless.

[@emmahull6769]

I've looked high and low for Kottke's "Bungle Party" from Time Step. iTUnes doesn't have it; Amazon doesn't have it. If any of you Kottke fans wanted to post it from your collection, that would be awesome.

[@francorubuano2820]

Lyrics: They said that Louise was not half bad It was written on the walls and window shades And though she'd act a little girl A deceiver, don't believe her, that's her trade. Sometimes a bottle of perfume Flowers and maybe some lace Men brought Louise ten cent trinkets Their intentions were easily traced And everybody knew at times she cried Ah, but women like Louise, they get by And everybody thought it kinda sad When they found Louise in her room They'd always put her down below their kind Still some cried when she died this afternoon Louise rode home on the mail train Somewhere to the south, I heard them say Too bad it ended so ugly Too bad she had to go this way The wind is blowing cold tonight So goodnight, Louise, goodnight

[@3lullabies]

My dad favorite guy....i think of him when I hear Leo do his magic

[@anthonystanco7962]

I first heard this song in the 70's, sung by a group called the Swamp Root string band, and of course, by Bonnie Raitt, but certainly, for me, this is the most thoughtful and polished to perfection rendition I ever heard, and it's a privilege to have it here, available, to hear it this way.

[@melodicdreamer72]

I never heard much from Leo until this week...and I call myself a guitar player...he is one of the greats for sure... That song was just so well done. Can't say much more than that...that song was just so well done.

[@missbritt288]

This song is a fine ballad . It evokes the same emotions of some Austin pickers like Steve Earl . It has that deep silence , and hollow fullness . Music that opens up a space inside and inhabits with the story crawling threw your.brain . Humans like stories of tragedy for what ever reason.

[@jimbobgator]

Saw him in Athens, GA (his hometown) about 40 yrs ago, very small venue. My table was no more than ten feet from where he was singing/playing, One of my great college memories from a unique artist.

[@320parks8]

easily my all time fave slow ballad . Leo & Bonnie Raitt both kill me every time I watch them play this.

[@sisterdiggins]

One of the saddest songs I ever heard in my life.

[@stefangruhn3217]

So to me, 'sometimes a buttle of parfum' ...

[@bobhedstrom]

The woods behind house might be the woods of Minnesota in one of the suburbs of the LittleApple that is surrounded by a lake which also begins with the prefix Minne... and it's not Minnehaha, or Minneboohoo either. I've been listening to Kottke, once considered the best guitarist in the world, for over 40 years. What a great affect Leo Kottke has had on the evolution of fingerstyle guitar playing. He's a pioneer (and old enough to be one, too). boB

[@ReverendSoupbone]

First time I listened to Jack knife Gypsy my life changed. Bonnie is amazing on this song, Leo puts a fantastic spin on it. Paul Siebel wrote a fine fine song!!!

[@yooblues]

Saw him live in 1977 at a place called Dallas Brooks Hall in Melbourne. Leon Redbone was on the same gig. What a memory...

[@QMPhilosophe]

I saw him do this in concert about 15 years ago..He told a funny story about how he came to love this song.

[@susaninmaine]

and....? :)

[@QMPhilosophe]

...and that's it.

[@kevinwilliams4506]

ha,ha,ha, good one paul.

[@tomgui]

I saw him first time about 30 years ago...and i meet him 15 years later...so goodnight, Louise, goodnight

[@susaninmaine]

Like attention, don't you? Oh well, here you go: What is the funny story about how he came to love this song?

[@orbodman]

It would appear that the song is in Bb. But he is clearly playing D, G, A and E chords so his guitar has been detuned by 4 frets or 2 whole tones. Then he has the "dropped D" tuning on the bottom string as well. No wonder the guitar sounds full and rich. What gauge strings he is using is anyone's guess. Great song.

[@boosh90]

Think you tune the guitar to C standard and drop the low C down a step. Sounds cool that.

[@Stonefly222]

I am really impressed with your scope of knowledge

[@duinnerfs]

Many of Kottke's tunes are instumentals and fun just to watch him run over his 12 string guitar frets. But his vocals almost always have a sound of hopeless or ironic overtone, my favorite of those vocal tunes is "From the Cradle to the Grave" from his Greenhouse Album.

[@francorubuano2820]

This is a true gem

[@swordfishtrombones]

Much as I love Leo, and I do, this being no exception, I reckon I should point out that this is a Paul Siebel song. Absolutely beautiful version, though, thanks so much...

[@ernestrivera1898]

I first heard My Feet Are Smiling I was stunned. I found a style that changed my view of music. There so many great players including John Faye, Peter Finger. and labels like Tacoma it went on and on. Thanks Leo.I finally saw you and it was everything knew it would be.

[@cantycrusader]

absolutely fantastic

[@maryjscott4087]

Beautiful 😍

[@captaingrisley]

ONE of my favorite songs of Leo Kottke. And this is a great interpretation, I love it, thanks!

[@johanelderdal]

What a sound👌 Uniqe voice and guitarsound.

[@Liam1H]

Just perfect.

[@charlesholly521]

saw him first in New Orleans while on holiday...my daughter's name is Louise,partially because of this song.

[@tommi8305]

This song reached me, when "Greenhouse" came out and is still beside me now!

[@rodyherrera-bluesjazzfolk-6554]

Preciosa canción de Paul Siebel y la versión de Leo magistral

[@dickloocks1436]

loe thank you ferry mats every time ia enjoy this song great greethings dave

[@joecburke]

This song by Leo just burns through me.

[@AndyMuellerez2b]

a gem.

[@Halflife451]

I saw this on a PBS Special in the 70's or early 80's if my memory serves me. I never forgot it as it was the best cover of this song that I ever heard. This evening on a whim, I googled it and to my astonishment, there it was. Thank you so very much. Is the internet great or what? linky76

[@brianjacobi]

What a wonderful musician. This is such a lovely song, it brings back many memories. Thanks so much for posting. Brian.

[@LEWOOF]

hi coco if run across it that would be very nice. I remember the first time I heard leo sing this song was as the Opera house... thinking it was about 1974. all he said about the song was "this song is about the ravages of V.D"

[@stevegrooms1142]

Leo is widely quoted disparaging his own singing. He's clearly most comfortable as a guitarist. But he has been singing since his early coffeehouse days, and several songs bring out the best in his voice. I think the single best song he sings is Louise, but in a list of his best you would want to add Pamela Brown and Julie's House. Early in his career he sang a wonderful version of Dylan's Girl From the North County.

[@balicrimechannel8143]

I've never seen this clip before. Thanks for uploading it; it's a real gem!

[@mjrix]

Kottke: one of the best 12-string guitar pickers ever to walk the earth. I didn't even know he sang until I randomly hit on a duet he did with Iris Dement for the song "Banks of Marble." A terrific sound. You can find it on You Tube and, I think, even on ITunes. This guy was a treasure back in the '60's , and he's still being one nearly 50 years later.

[@markcorley]

Not too shabby on 6 strings either

[@Plebo]

This is from the DVD "Leo Kottke, Home & Away Revisited" Lots of Leo on stage and off. Available on Amazon and other places.

[@riproarin1042]

This might be my favorite of his, its so good.

[@TheToylandsrs]

That one 12 string and a good song, is all leo needs. He's a great one.

[@normlynd5625]

Love that 12-string slide guitar!

[@ellecampbell5067]

This song always makes me feel like crying.