Marc Cohn: Walking in Memphis (Including preamble)

Marc Cohn performs his stand-out hit Walking in Memphis from his self-titled first 1991 album to close his set at the 2018 Cornbury Music Festival. Marc spends the first few minutes talking about the characters who influenced the song.

[@craigwilliams516]

He is singing about my grandmother Muriel Davis Wilkins

[@dionflynn]

That's very cool. Your grandmother is forever part of an American classic. And moreover, she was part of the inspiration.

[@craigwilliams516]

Thank you....her contemporary and good friend principal Mattye Woodridge was instrumental with the creation of National Teachers Day. Grew up amongst notable civic minded individuals

[@OutnBacker]

I'm glad she's part of one of the very finest albums ever put down.

[@realasscracka]

Dammm.. this in my top 5 all time. U should be proud

[@Undertaker67203]

Hearing Marc in several interviews, it sounds as if your grandmother helped him in many ways, dealing with losing his mother and father very young, his writers block and his confidence. She must have been an extraordinary woman of faith, family and kindness.

[@thierrykauffmannwriter]

The first time I heard that song on the radio when it came out in 1991, I had to stop the car and take the full blast of this emotional song. How could anyone write such a song? Well, the blast is still here. Thank you Marc.

[@messiahsbythesackful6267]

I remember feeling the same. So evocative. I had never been to Memphis then, but I could see and feel it. The only other song that had the same effect was Good Old Boys Like Me by Don Williams.

[@maryjowallace1616]

@@messiahsbythesackful6267.j

[@thierrykauffmannwriter]

I did stop the car :)

[@thierrykauffmannwriter]

I don't remember you being present when I pulled over.

[@carollynnchap]

@Black Coffee Now It stopped me in my tracks when l first heard it too. it still does

[@wadehampton5116]

One of the most recognizable opening riffs ever written. I had never heard the story of how the song came about. Makes it even more powerful.

[@TristanandIsolt]

I'm obsessed with this song and researched everything about it. Muriel Davis Wilkins and the Hollywood fried pickles and all. Her son tells a story about this. You can find it on KZbin.

[@vincentzevecke4578]

The first heard this 1991. I love it. I was 28. Now 57. I never get tired of this song.

[@dfinite4089]

SAME HERE!

[@kareneide]

I don’t as well!

[@jessicachapman2227]

I was 25 and now 57. It speaks to the soul.

[@danielbrown7378]

Me too. Silver Thunderbird was about all of our dads

[@Undertaker67203]

I was a DJ at a top 40 station the first time I heard this. The opening piano was so hauntingly beautiful. I knew this was a special song. Finding out it was mostly true just blew me away.

[@shellytarbet3677]

Its simply amazing isnt it?

[@TunesAndToys]

damn he's good. The way he added new motifs and breakdowns in the middle, but still kept the song recognizeable. Complete control and mastery of his gifts. In the zone that night.

[@theresaboock6758]

I didn’t understand this song until I went to Memphis on the pilgrimage, having loved Elvis all my life. It was my 50th BD. Then I really heard this song for the first time, like a punch to my heart. He described the soul of my trip.

[@usagainstthem99]

yes you have to know Memphis a little

[@loboblanco4426]

Still gives me goosebumps to this day

[@johns.6653]

Tears? No ... the song had this 69-year-old sobbing. Such a powerful gift you've given us, Marc. God bless.

[@mickmcbride4421]

Amen

[@misters2837]

Just think, Marc has been playing this song for over 30 years, and has played it probably more than 10,000 times...and I believe him when he says he isn't tired of playing it...The spirit of music is THAT powerful!

[@smokestakz]

Go listen Edwin McCain sing "I'll Be" on any video....same thing. He has a pretty comical way of explaining why too.

[@ffokcuf2039]

That part where Marc does that gospel hits me in my soul so deep...I'm not a religious man but man do I feel the spirit in that song and he has an amazing voice....

[@brianmckelley6691]

One of the best musical performances I've ever heard that's for sure! To hear him perform this song live was magical!

[@erikwesterberg7220]

Tears of joy, the transfomational power of music beyond creed and ethnicity, God bless you, Marc

[@dfinite4089]

I loved loved loved this song when it came out. Adored the entire album, for years. I used to sing “True Companion” to my dog who was older, sick, and passed away last year. What a musical artist, Marc Cohn!

[@markwright2751]

How come every time I hear this song the tears flow down my face? I can't explain it.

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

I live Marc Cohn’s Music. My favorite is Silver Thunderbird. My Dad bought my mom a TBird as a wedding gift. It was my first car. A lot of emotion tied up in that song as both of my parents are gone now. The song remains.

[@usagainstthem99]

OH I LOVE THAT SONG TOO

[@JCMertz]

This exemplifies the truth that great music is truly timeless!

[@timgelder4263]

You are blessed to have this song channeled through you

[@gdouc8282]

I heard this as a small child. It moved me. I'm about to turn 38 and it still moves me deeply.

[@fungidungie]

It takes about 10 seconds to realize Marc Cohn is a special person.

[@Mymysticmama]

Love that Marc encouraged the audiance to sing along. He could have been prideful (In ego) and been offended - instead he embraced the spirit of the audience. Bcuz it is a genuine gospel song that drives everyone to sing along. It can't be helped. You can see that in Marc's face. The satisfaction of inspiring a great many folk. It's what heals us (in spirit). Good job - GOD BLESS xox

[@gissellest333]

I just saw the video of her son talking about Muriel meeting Marc, he kept in touch with her long after that, how sweet. The first time I heard this gorgeous song was in 1991, I was just a kid but this song has stayed with me always. Thank you Muriel and Marc. 🙏🏻

[@braddblk]

I walked off the plane in Memphis in the pouring rain in 1972 after flying through a thunderstorm from Chicago. This was the first time away from home other than boot camp so the first place I lived other than home in Portland. I spent 6 months there for school and loved Memphis and so many of the people I knew there. So I will never find this song old because it reminds me of a very special place and time.

[@beverlycompton8182]

Yes! I have been living under a rock...............I just found this man's music recently............I have cheated myself! What a performer! I am old now, but will play all his music I can find until I leave this earth! Thank you Levon Helm for bringing me here. I was reading about tribute songs for Levon (who's my man) RIP...........and I saw Cohn's name in 'Listening to Levon"............now Marc Cohn has a new fan!

[@jbizzle7616]

As a man who was raised in Memphis, and still lives about 20 minutes from there, I’ve always loved this song. This is a great version of it. I love the story behind it in the beginning.

[@deborahwaud204]

One of my favourite songs of all time ..my daughter was two years old when this first came out.. she has loved and appreciated all genres of music ...but this one has become a favourites of hers over the years .., what an amazing talent Marc has .. ❤ Deborah ...Uk..

[@kristenduncan9300]

I love the story behind the song. Makes me love the song even more!

[@suemackinnon9887]

WOW! That song is beautifully written and performed! I probably listened to it many times, in the 90's but it really hit home, this morning! His journey ,about grieving his losses and being stuck in that process, and then finding his 'signature;" song, his AHA moment, when he met the gospel singer, who encouraged him to write the lyrics, resonated with me! He could then LET GO and was then free to fulfill his destiny with that hit song!!I was stuck in the loss of my Mother, and a difficult process , after that Listening to the song, has helped me LET GO! THANK -YOU, Marc..Blessings, and all the best, making music! You are gifted!....Susan Mackinnon,. 😊 .

[@Cheryl-ke4pp]

And still my favorite line- "Tell me are you a Christian child?" And I said "Ma'am, I am tonight"

[@shawnecharri8120]

mine too !!

[@katarinamarincic129]

Ditto!

[@jeffcummings9783]

I had never realized he was Jewish until I heard him talk about it here. Now that line makes sense!

[@jogirl770]

Yes! I sing that line in the shower....???? 😊

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

Me too

[@loreleihebdon6595]

My husband loved this song! Rest in peace baby ❤️

[@loadedbladder5240]

Sorry for the loss. He's looking down on you with this song and others. Aprecciating what great wife you are.

[@brianpeters7847]

The Veil between us and them is very thin at times.. Of course he can feel you at times and if you're open-minded you can feel him. It's confusing I know but maybe this song brings and will in the future bring you closer. Life is short,,, in the blink of an eye you'll be together again. Try and keep an open mind. God bless..

[@blondejenius8422]

Lorelei Hebdon Sending you prayers.

[@VegasJPH]

🌹

[@randyspencer5917]

We listen to our love in life we share it everyday in music that we love it’s part of us

[@christopherthompson1223]

I swear I like just listening to dude tell STORY. AND The song is unbelievably soul touching

[@pattyb325]

Never tire of this song! Or, Mr. Cohn!

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

I'll never forget the first time I heard this. That year, both he and Bonnie Raitt won major Grammy awards He got Best New Artist, and the long under-rated Ms. Raitt won album of the year. Richly deserved. This may be his only big radio hit, but he's done great work since and I have all of his music.

[@maryvilla4269]

Marc Cohn is one of my favorite artists. His lyrics are exceedingly visual. In fact, one of my art pieces was inspired by one of the most beautiful, spot-on lyrics I've ever heard. It is "Drunk like a baby on his mother's milk". I think it should be the dictionary definition of the word "Content". In this song the lyric that jumps out for me is, "Tell me are you a Christian child ..." His songs always paint a vivid picture. I really enjoyed this bluesy version of this song.

[@myinfinitestate1586]

It's 2020, almost 2021, and this song is absolutely generational. I wasn't born when this song original was released. However, I'm so thankful my parents introduced me to blues and gospel music, over the years. What a beautifully written and performed song. Thank you Marc!!!

[@catch-upwithtinkas1809]

One of my favorite songs

[@debradavis2888]

Rev. Green would be glad to hear this version!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤❤❤✨✨✨

[@giancarlomarchetti3478]

Beautiful song

[@dannjacobson3400]

Saw Marc last night in Milwaukee and it was fantastic. Small theatre, about 300 people, and he was brilliant. A gifted singer/songwriter for sure. Had the chance to talk with afterwards, and thanked him for the making this world a better place. The man is kind and humble, for sure. Love people who bring peace, light, love and joy into the world!

[@QuanahParker17]

Well said!!

[@sivanlevi3867]

I hope I could sing this song someday on stage! I love Marc Cohn! And music rules!

[@glennkramer8421]

This song gives me goosebumps every time!

[@louhaefner4844]

Love this song forever

[@isaacshainblum1030]

Oh man , do we need tunes like this now!!!

[@isaacshainblum1030]

we need all hope and prayers right now!!!

[@Tao_Peace]

My wife and I love this song. It's one of those songs that sometimes comes on the radio or SiriusXM and we look at each other with that nod and start singing together as loud as we can!! Gives me goosebumps!

[@tikkidaddy]

With the passing of Lisa Marie, somehow this song just hits me like a brick today...Thank you Sir

[@davidreynolds4684]

This song takes my breath everytime. So much soul.

[@Arcturian1111]

Nice tune, heartfelt. Music is a universal language that makes us one and whole.

[@dennisbogott7363]

This jam is a spiritual in its own right, thanks Marc (and Al Green and Muriel)!

[@lemonnlimelight2760]

Epic. Live performance taking it to the next level.

[@reececoker368]

This song is a gift!

[@clinthuff938]

Love this song, one of my all time favorites and never get tired of hearing it.

[@billycorbin1358]

What a classic example of songwriting at it's very best. Thank you, Marc Cohn for such an iconic gift.

[@cdub4693]

This isn’t only music this is a piece of art. A master of his trade a legend from a vanished era.

[@johninwaynenewjersey5253]

It's so awesome to see a performance like this. It's as if Marc is just sitting with hundreds of friends and just letting it pour out. No flashy bling or pretentiousness, just a cool dude playing his piano and singing...well. Good stuff!

[@anna-brittaandersson4251]

This is my truly my favorite song.❤❤❤

[@NY2Calif]

This showed up somehow for me to view this morning in the midst of our California Shelter In Place for Covid-19. The tears of grief have been just behind my eyelids for a week. This song helped them to fall. I realized how much I have missed putting on my dancing boots and hearing live music every week. KZbin is great but NOTHING compares to the experience of live music. Thank you!! Stay safe!

[@brianmathieson1105]

I'm so happy that you enjoyed the video I shot at Cornbury Festival, particularly under the present situation, where we cannot enjoy social interaction. I have around 200 videos of artists I saw at concerts & festivals. I hope you enjoy watching them. Stay well and keep your friends & family safe.

[@perryarrington8446]

There's a mystical feeling when people, even from the South, visits blues dives up and down the Mississippi River from Memphis down to N' Awlins. These people have lived hard lives and understand what actually feeling 'the blues' is all about. So come on down you non-Southerners, you will get transformed. No doubt about it, life and the pace of which it is lived is much different in the Deep South. Enjoy it, for it goes away when you get back on that plane going to God knows where. But while you are here, you will feel like a King or a Queen because that's how we do it down here.

[@varsityathlete4786]

Very well said, brother. I live in the Midwest and I love going down south. Its difficult to describe the way I feel down there. I love it

[@user-yt2df4fc4b]

He is amazing ❣️❣️❣️

[@alaneisenberg1438]

This is the first time I have seen him play live and he is a class act.

[@megtravers327]

Marc please keep singing! You are a national treasure

[@marccohn7896]

I Bless your generosity, my highest gratitude and appreciation for all the love and support you have been showing me and my music, I'm so grateful 💕🙏💕

[@richboshart1201]

One of the greatest songs EVER written. Marc, thanks for those nights at Ram’s Head in Annapolis and Muriel, thanks for the inspiration.

[@timhowley9197]

I always think that the mark of a great artist is when the audience performs as his backup group

[@nickprutchick7222]

I Love this, hits my heart every time, it definitely is a journey. Thankyou for the memory!!

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

Damn Mr Cohn, you really bring us to Memphis' church with this song!

[@jimmychristian5309]

Love this rendition. Very uplifting. Just shows that through music anything , any bridge can be crossed.

[@johnbarnett6924]

Another of those Strong Women,who Helped to raise US, John, Much Love to Each of Them

[@jerseygirlinvermont]

"....a song about the transformational power of music, and that's a mighty, mighty thing..." Thank you Marc Cohn! I've burned up cassettes of this album, and now there are CDs and MP3's. I'll never tire of hearing you tell your stories through song...

[@tswrench]

I believe that anyone hearing this song for the first time knows that not only is it a surefire hit, but on a deeper level, it's a wellspring of inspiration drawing from a deep vein of musical inspiration and tradition. And that is why Marc Cohn should never tire of playing it, because the inspirational chain reaction it started when he recorded it back in March of 1990, will never stop--that's the kind of song it will forever be.

[@XprPrentice]

What a wonderful way to keep the song you've played a thousand times fresh and alive. Doesn't disappoint the folks who only know the album track, gives the artist freedom to change things. Masterful. Beautiful!

[@katgirlblue]

Great! It must feel fantastic to hear a roomful of people singing your lyrics back at you. Makes me want to get on a plane and head right to Memphis..........

[@prof3274]

What a beautiful story describing a beautiful soul and a beautiful song!!

[@tribefan9112003]

Mark is such an underrated talent....this song caught me the moment I heard it....and the rest of his debut album is fantastic....great sense of humor, self deprecating, very authentic....Love seeing this...

[@deanhoward2935]

Love this song

[@lauritammi4598]

Yankeedom boy visiting the Deep South, a musical home of Elvis, Johnny Cash and so many others, at the Mississippi river’s corner of Tennessee and Arkansas... it’s American history, part of the greater American story. It’s about spirit, God, religion, settlers, moving, finding yourself, trying to create good, touch and being touched. All people “under one God”. At least in one nation for already quite a time. Lovely and touching story by Marc Cohn. This was also a nice version too. Keep it up. 👍

[@cadudel]

Unbelievably stupendous! Breathtakingly beautiful and heart stomping glorious, Mr Marc Cohn. Thank you for sharing the power of your God given talents with your humbled fans, rock on, dear gentleman!

[@melissalewis8514]

Omg so sublimely written sweet lady xo

[@gleng3648]

Just a beautiful song, brings me to tears every time

[@markspencer352]

Marc you are a gift! Your heart, your stories, your music...transforms. Thank you!

[@KAISERDJG]

just amazing , excellent, im here at my keyboard half cut singing along and enjoying every second

[@danpearce5192]

Marc is such an inspirational singer. I’ve had the privilege to meet and chat to him several times at gigs and he is one of my all time favourite singer songwriters ❤️❤️❤️

[@jaysigma]

A couple of weeks ago I was standing beside that piano at the Hollywood Cafe... being on my Bluestrail from Memphis, Helena, Tutwiler, Clarksdale down to Nola... and it brought some tears in my eyes... being so close to the "fountain"....

[@rapplus_rap4283]

One of my all time favorite songs. Marc Cohn is a gifted songwriter. Such great songwriting. One of the best. My husband loved this song! Rest in peace baby ❤️

[@James-qd2ud]

Makes me want to go to Memphis.Being a musician want -to-be . This is amazing and has a special meaning for me.

[@roxannemccoy5094]

Wo don't get tired listening to it. Beautiful 😍 🤩 😍

[@mattfahringer148]

hearing the story behind the song gives it that much more of an impact when you hear it

[@ronfullerton3162]

It is also why he nails it so wonderfully as he performs it.

[@miguelofthehillcount]

If you've ever been to Memphis this song sums it up so well. It's a wonderful place.

[@raymonkravagna6365]

Have been and wonderful may be a over statement.I liked it but,lots of crime and abandoned buildings.

[@deboisblanc]

Lived in Memphis 30 years, great description of the Memphis vibe

[@inokerogoyawa]

Wonderful place!! Been there twice and wouldn’t mind living there...

[@bethkelly6126]

It was.

[@glennholland2431]

It’s a fricking third world country!

[@Realmikesambo]

The tune always brings a smile.

[@1SGPARKER]

Marc, some folks have solid talent - some are Legendary.

[@debrabolton9372]

One of my all time favorite songs. Marc Cohn is a gifted songwriter.

[@anthonyvaughan6470]

AMEN TO THAT !!!

[@patriciastewaet1558]

So Beautiful. Love this live version.

[@davidmatthews1710]

The first few notes of that song always make feel serenity......... so calming and relaxing .......

[@jodyyoung2194]

I saw him at a little place in North Hampton Ma called the Iron Horse with a girl I was dating at the time, to this day its my favorite concert, and calling it a concert doesn't really do it justice, it was an intimate gathering of about 200 people. He interacted with the crowd, told stories, made jokes and even took request, at the end of the night he even took pictures with people in the crowd individually ( no he didn't charge) and took time to talk to my and my date! Great performance and a great person!

[@IdealDanl]

Not much I miss out East (in MN for decades) but Northham, Amherst, the schools, the venues... Unique on the planet

[@madisonoles]

Those are the best.

[@benjaminmtang]

just utterly utterly brilliant. the power of music cannot be underestimated.

[@jujumulligan43]

Yeah !! Yes the south lends so much soulful music to our lives. Thank you for recognizing it finally!!

[@jurgentelkamp8657]

Beautifulllll....Thanks Marc for this great song!

[@eaglerare22]

This song and his first album are magical. Thank you Muriel and Al for inspiring Marc.

[@johnbootle3511]

This one's for real................thank you Marc Cohn for being you. You helped me....more than you will ever know.

[@joycel.kearsley5065]

Exactly, Music is the key that makes my heart feel good. Thanks, Marc Cohn

[@joycealoia1330]

Had the opportunity to meet Marc after a concert . He had opened for Michael Mcdonald. I went for Michael, but after his set, I thought WOW, grabbed a cd and waited for him to sign it. When it was my time in line, he thanked me for coming chatted about the cd and then with steely eyes winked goodbye

[@greenjeanz4680]

What an amazing story on how he came to write this song and how he got his inspiration. Totally amazing. Love this song.

[@joycefreeman5628]

If you don’t relate to anything else in the song, who can’t relate to the line “do I really feel the way I feel “. For some reason that’s the most perfect lyric of all time to me.

[@xDahliaJay]

Um cringe

[@robertroyal8893]

Sitting in Memphis listening with a big smile. Lucky to live here.