John Prine -We Scattered His Ashes In The River

[@otisgibbs]

Go follow Keith on Facebook and tell him Otis sent ya! facebook.com/keith.sykes/

[@Firekeeper61]

I will need help I barely do this "old school " Love you you are my memory man after 3 strokes and brain surgery. God bless you thanks for jogging my memory .my love!✌️🔥🙏

[@georgetucker1414]

Living in Nashville, I got to see John Prine many times. My first was Exit Inn. After college I was working at an appliance store. He came in and I got to sell him a Maytag washer and dryer. Fast forward to 1991, I am in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis during the Memphis in May Music Festival. Here comes John . I offered him a drink and we talked a bit. I reminded him of the Maytag deal. He told me that he still had the Maytags but not the wife! I said there’s a song.

[@debralynch8312]

I recall the day John passed- put a sign in my garden- a memorial to a friend I never met

[@marywarmoth5288]

❤️

[@steveclauter6802]

Well said.

[@lonosmond]

Thank you so much for these memories. Tears in my eyes as I listened. In April 1984, I was working as a concierge at the Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City. I answered a call from a guest's room, and the man on the other end asked where he could get a bottle of whiskey. I told him that was a bit complicated in Salt Lake City, but I offered to get one for him. I walked a few blocks to the state liquor store and delivered the bottle to his room. When the door opened, I realized it was John Prine. I said, "you're John Prine." He said, "that's right." Told him I was a big fan. He said, "do you want to come to the show tonight?" He was playing at Kingsbury Hall on the campus of the U of Utah. I said, "are you kidding." What a show. What a songwriter. What a body of music he created. Thank you, John, for the many memories -- and for a great show in April 1984.

[@flowerchild586]

"I'll be half-way to Heaven with Paradise waitin'..."

[@LazyIRanch]

Hang on, I'm gonna need to grab a box of tissues before I watch this. Losing John hit me hard, I felt like I lost a beloved family member. His music and sense of humor helped me get through some really tough times. I live off-grid, waaay out in the boonies on a mountain in S. California. My house is in a valley at about 3500 ft altitude, closest neighbor is a mile away and on the other side of a deep ravine that had a narrow dirt and rock bridge. We had a huge storm in Feb. 2019 that washed that bridge out so I was trapped alone out here for 6 weeks before it got fixed. During the heaviest rain, a huge boulder slid down the hill and landed right next to my house, scared the beejeebers out of me. A savage wind blew the rain sideways and the pilot light went out on my hot water heater. I staggered through the mud, rain, and wind to try to re-light it, but slipped and fell on my back in the cold mud. I decided "That's it! I'm going to lie here, looking up at the rain pouring on my face until I drown!" I started to cry, but all the sudden, John's voice popped into my mind and I heard, "It's a half an inch of water but you think you're gonna drown!" So what could I do? I stood up and laughed, I thought it was a joke, 'cause that's the way the world goes 'round! I figured since I'm way out here alone where no one can hear me, why not learn to sing all my favorites of John's songs? I also sang lots of Jerry Jeff and Blaze Foley too.

[@leftwrite]

The pain in Keith's eyes when he shared that he visited John every day was almost too much to bear. Everyone should be so lucky to have such a friend in their life. We are burying my uncle. this Saturday. After watching the depths of Keith love and admiration for John the thought crossed my mind - this is not going to go well for me. The more you love someone the more it hurts when you lose them. God bless you Mr. Sykes, as well as John's soul.

[@edwatters4522]

Yes John will always be remembered for his sench of humor, his words to his music, his voice , But love noticed there is some up and coming singers and songwriters that John made a lmpreson ON We miss you JOHN. But stay tuned.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

My Friend is dying of cancer. She's a beautiful old Girl. Probably the kind Hound Dog Kieth Sykes has. This isn't going well for me....

[@JohnSmith-cz9om]

As the old Mexicans say, good bye old friend, we will meet on the other side. Nothing more to say. Friendship is ever everlasting.

[@georgeacord6841]

I first heard about John in 78. God's creation!!!!😢😢😢😢😢

[@cobusschoonderwoerd5805]

9km

[@frankconway9184]

John Prime. A real American hero. His songs will live forever. Thanks.

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

John Prine is a world treasure. Miss you John ❤️

[@rodneycaupp5962]

I play and sing almost as gravely as Kristopherson. I love the back stories on songs that made me feel deep emotion. Veterans are chambered for Johns soulful blessings. Sailors cried salty tears when you left us John. Sam Stone, over and out...

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

I refuse to completely disagree with you

[@TheOldProfessor1]

His music kept me alive half a dozen times when I decided to give up. When I listened to his music it brought me back from the edge. Thanks for the music John. Thanks for my life!

[@mslaerik66]

I was lucky to See John Prine about 15 years ago in a small venue in Missoula

[@frankiecasper2903]

I was lucky and saw John Prine Live 6 times in the 70's and 80"s. His performances were mesmerizing . His song writing was Brilliant. I will miss him. Thank for sharing your moments.

[@kevinh3989]

John Prime what a great song writer and story teller. I will always remember the last time I seen him play. It was in the high school auditorium in Coleraine minn. Up on the iron range. Me and a friend rode are Harley's up there. It was upfront and very personal concert love all his songs R.I.P.

[@billdauphine951]

You probably saw peak Prine...❤

[@davegunall1450]

Vietnam vet... "Your Flag Decal Won't get you into Heaven Anymore" RIP Mr Prine (Love your music)

[@jeffbranchick1516]

Everyone should have one friend as great as John Prine. If you have no appreciation for John’s god given talents, you shouldn’t be wasting oxygen for the rest of us. He was a once in a lifetime gift to humanity, the likes of which well never see again. Rest In Eternal Peace John Prine 🎶

[@jimmyjambon9206]

Imagine if everyone had a close friend with the character of Keith Sykes or John Prine, just imagine. These stories Otis are a profound service to all. They are priceless and deserving of a national archive. Thank you.

[@jarrodlewis123]

For Keith to say “I quit” shows just how good John Prine was. Keith is no slouch as a songwriter.

[@WillyPDX94]

Otis you're breaking my heart with this priceless interview, but breaking my heart in the best way possible. We all know what John did when he got to heaven. Thank you for helping us celebrate one of the greatest human beings who ever lived, John Prine.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

...John said, "when I get to Heaven I'm gonna smoke a cigarette 9 miles long", ...as he ties on His roller skates on Egg and Daughter night.

[@markc4768]

"He was in heaven before he died..."

[@1006000]

Totally wonderful

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

When John Prine passed away I could not listen to his music for a while his music was the best I made it threw the Covid it kicked my ass took a lot of friends and one of my favorite song writers his songs it was worse than the Covid to me to know Jhon Prine was gone I even said to myself I am going to meet this guy one day he is worth getting to know a person like him he was the real deal a real person who never rejected know one he is missed and I think I'll listen to his songs it's been a while I'm resdy...ROCKNROLLFLAT5

[@dabprod]

Man I loved his music. And we were both old Army vets.

[@markleviner2540]

I was a friend of John Prine. Not in person but a houge friend fan and remember the day he died! What a wonder person! Bless you guys for your tributes. RIP John Prine Peace Out and Love MMLZZZ

[@floydstowe]

What a legacy. You can tell John Prine must have been a great friend to have RIP

[@WLBarton4466]

Feel so fortunate at 68 to know i heard and lived up to the songs i heard. Songs by folks who lived and wrote about the rights and wrongs of life, true troubadors singing their songs of living, not worrying about things you can never change, those you will know by their giving.

[@rjay7019]

My husband loved his music, I still have the CD's I bought to surprise him ❤️

[@sidilicious11]

Saw John Prine perform in a huge concert hall in about 1973. Just him and his guitar on stage captured all our attentions, riding the roller coaster of emotions in his stories in the songs. We were captivated and enchanted. Blown away. What a talent.

[@mawest4775]

This made me tear up. John Prine has been my favorite artist since I first heard him in the 70s. Every song he wrote is a masterpiece. It broke my heart when he passed. Thankfully I have almost everything he ever recorded, and can listen to him whenever I want. Which is always. Thank you John for your gift to the world. RIP

[@rjh1226]

I just watched a Memorial for the child of my High School friend. His Son , I was crying for 5 minutes watching his KZbin Video. Segued into this….🥲

[@dougthompson9596]

“I’m not strange I’m just like you” Great,great story

[@andrewlisenby9693]

Another beautiful person, Keith Sykes. Thank you for posting the interview, Otis. I miss you, John.

[@jasonstacey9460]

John was the only person I've never met who's death affected me deeply. His music has been with me from my first memories on this earth. Probably play at my funeral.

[@okpainter9700]

Ive requested "Please Dont Bury Me" at mine 💜

[@andreasreinhardt4169]

@@okpainter9700 Wedding Day in Funeralville is a must for me. Want people to dance before my tomb.

[@k2thepeak]

Wonderful interview with Keith. I really needed that. To me, Handsome Johnny lives on 😢every time I sing one of this songs. And that is every day. What a legacy? That’s a beautiful life.

[@julesotis13]

love love love....saint john prine hooraaa! and brother keiih sykes! u wrnt lying baut gems brother otis... thanks - SJOCR

[@karlyoung5089]

When I die let my Ashe's float down the green river, let my soul roll on up to the Rochester dam. I'll be half way to Heaven with Paradise waiting, just five miles away from wherever I am.

[@billybob-bg1qn]

Thank you Keith. And thank you Otis for giving us this. Wish you both the best.

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

I've been with him since the "hay bales" he will stay with me until the end, Thank You John.

[@andrewlisenby9693]

Me too, Major Tom.

[@davidpeel8431]

Keith, thank you so much for sharing the personal intimate details of your time with John, on the White River scattering John's ashes brought this old man to tears. I was fortunate to see John in concert in the 80s at, Wiltern Theatre and loved his stories.

[@rubytuesday7653]

Great picture of John P. 🌿💚🌿

[@billylamar5218]

That last line was epic , “ man I visit him just about every day “ me too Keith me too these are the Missing John Prine Years. Thank you Ottis for sharing this with us, in the words of Kris “ cause I don’t believe that no one want to know”.

[@leecrowell3198]

I visit with John just about everyday too, Keith. We all feel the pain of his loss but watching you talk about such a dear friend is heartbreaking and lets us feel as if we knew him like you do. Thanks Otis

[@anton1949]

Love John Prine, a wordsmith beyond belief.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

When you hang with the right ppl in life, you'll always have friends...helping one another, encouraging one another and enjoying the moments together. Thanks Keith for sharing precious memories of one of my hero's... John Prime:-)

[@rodneycaupp5962]

The Ventilator Protocols..., are the deadliest thing of all x 3 years. I ran ventilators and healed lungs, viruses, and other, for 16 years. I know to much to unknow what took John. I lived in Nashville when John's "Fair and Square"... got him Country Album and country Musician Awards. He was Hall of Fame forever and he made us all smile. He talked bout each one of us in half of his songs..., "about our Illegal Smiles" and Love alot.

[@quinbagwell7515]

Another great interview, that we have all become accustomed to from Otis Gibbs. Or more accurately have become spoiled to! This is the best channel on the internet.

[@jeffb2456]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing these wonderful stories about John that otherwise would never be heard by us. RIP John Prine. Your life’s work is timeless and will play on forever.

[@PongbyAtari]

I was able to see John Prine 4 or 5 times over the years and got to meet him during one show at Interlochen MI so down to earth just a genuine nice guy.

[@andysmith6156]

I cried the day he died and had never met him. Covid became real that day in some strange way. I'll tell this story at the risk of someone saying I made all this up in an alcoholic stupor. I was watching him headline JAZZ FEST in New Orleans as the last act on Sunday and I was drunk as usual and Thank God those days are over. It was packed with thousands of people and John was on the stage with just his guitar and voice and was killing it. This lady was watching the event with a bewildered look and I could see she was puzzled with the magnitude of it all. She was backstage off to the side near us (we were front of house) and I asked if there was something wrong and if I could help. She then said to my amazement, "I didn't know my son was so popular, I've never seen him in concert" I was floored, I told her what an icon he was and how he had influenced me as a lifetime working musician and went on and on without trying to put a firehose on a match if you know what I mean. I was shedding tears and so was she. She said that was the first time seeing him in Concert which I found hard to believe but she seemed to be as auntentic as John. Anyways it was a remarkable and as I think back telling this story which I havent really shared for whatever reason, she and I held hands the whole time. She on one side the fence I on the other side. It was a genuine moment and I'm glad to finally share it. I've never been able to verify who his Mom was or anything about her but I will go to my grave with that experience thinking it had to be her. I've had a lifetime of odd occurrences and being at the right place at the right time as well as the wrong place lol......Otis and Keith thank you for this one, it was the best one yet or I should say my favorite one.

[@fraysqueen]

Man when John flew away, I thought of you first Keith. You could see the love and admiration for one another when John and Keith were in the same room. I am so blessed to have witnessed that and to hear their music. Much love to you Keith, Jerene, John's family and all his fans.

[@herb601]

I am the same age as Mr. Prine. I have seen many interviews in my life but this was the best ever, IMO. Keith's love of John is so glaring but when you look in his eyes, unfortunately, the sadness shines through in spades. I followed John for as long as I can remember and oh, how I wish I could have met him personally. Thank you, Otis, for this gift.

[@GBinAustin]

In an hour when cynicism seems so prevalent and courtesy can get lost, when you catch glimpses of love like this it rescues your soul and reminds you of it's beauty and power. John Prine is loved because he had this effect and he could make us laugh at ourselves. At the end of the day, what more could any artist hope to produce? Thank you otis for another timeless round of the song that was John and one that included his close friend.

[@gwag8410]

The first time I saw Keith, he was on a show with several other song writers, many years ago, and you couldn’t help loving the guy.. he was great. One thing I remember, he had some tasty guitar licks, and he would play with the other artists, and add an awful lot to their songs, and you could tell they really appreciated it.. I could tell he was a good guy then, someone that would be cool just to hang out with… and obviously John Prine felt the same way, and the feeling was mutual… RIP John… and God bless you Keith..💙

[@biscayne66]

Thank you Keith. RIP John.

[@aaronjohnson4628]

Beautiful story about a beautiful man! Hell he beat the odds of cancer and came back with vengeance! I’ll never forget the day my father introduced me to his music.

[@bud3094]

John Prine.. American icon and legend.. 'The song has ended..But the melody still lingers... Keith Sykes.. Wow.. Living legend! This hits hard in the feels.. Wonderful interview.. Thank you Otis Gibbs!

[@masterofnone3981]

John was definitely one of a kind. Broke my gums with John’s songs , will forever idolize John’s views of life and what he gave to the music industry and the world.

[@iancavalari7286]

I grew up my whole life admiring Arlo Guthrie. He was (and is) about the biggest hero I ever had. My grandfather owned his records and turned me on to his music and I guess now that he’s gone it’s a way of holding on to him listening to those records. I didn’t (sadly enough) discover John Prine till he passed. I figured it was maybe important to discover this guy everyone was talking about. I can honestly say his music changed my life. Fundamentally changed my life. His music means so much to me and everyone else. The work that you are doing here is priceless Otis. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy these stories. You are doing a great service to humanity documenting this American musical legacy for the ages. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Would love to see some more Steve Goodman stories if you have any. He’s another massive hero of mine. He passed the day before I was born. I guess I feel connected to him somehow because of that, strange though that may seem. But whenever I talk to people about him nobody seems to have ever heard of him these days and that makes me so sad. Steve deserves to be remembered forever. Anyways…long winded. But thanks man. For everything you do.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Steve Goodman...`City of New Orleans`. What a brilliant piece of American legend.

[@Historyfreak-f7o]

We’ll all miss John. He was the truest treasure. ❤

[@SuperBerger123]

Seeing John was church to me. I took my ex, her kids, my Dad, Brother and his wife. The news of his fight with the virus and the outcome saddened me in a deep way. Thank you for liking John and making these videos Sir.

[@chrispowers8339]

Now THISSSSS is a perfect example of why I tell people about this channel- You did it again Otis! Always time well spent🙏

[@alandrobnak]

Makes me sad every time I think of John's passing. Only saw him 3 times in concert, once in about 73 then twice in the 90's. 'Jesus the Missing Years' and 'Christmas in Prison' are on my 10 Christmas CD collection which I've sent to dozens of people over they years. Miss him bad mama.

[@granthutcherson4510]

I love the way you let this man speak uninterrupted his love and admiration for a true legend definitely shines through God bless John Prine the rest of us love and admire him as well

[@walterbordett2023]

Thanks for sharing this. It is amazing the love and tributes from musicians and fans when JP passed. He is missed and well remembered.

[@tuib]

It took four days to get the gumption to watch this. Here’s to the pure souls and the few who are blessed by knowing them.

[@mattfrazier5025]

Beautiful story about a beautiful person. Thanks for that! Makes the day a better day

[@stevevice9863]

I've been singing and playing John Prine songs for 50 years now, so he has always felt like a friend, even though I had never met him. One of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar was Grandpa Was A Carpenter, (along with Hey Good Lookin'), so, in my mind, he was always right up there with the greats, like Hank Williams. I saw him live at least 4 or 5 times, and each performance was excellent...like he was in your living room just hangin' out. Although I wasn't shocked to hear of his passing, it was personal...like I had lost a close friend. I will continue to sing his music until it's my time to leave this earth, and I hope that maybe somehow, someway I can do a duet with John out there in the cosmos on Hello in There, or maybe Please Don't Bury Me.

[@primsolllineguy8689]

What a wonderful commentary on your part about John! I keep him in a safe place in my head. I listen to him sing and speak lyrics that are like no other. First discovering his music I thought he wrote about me! After speaking with others about John Prine every person thought that he was speaking about them. This was some of his MAGIC. I feel that this man changed the world and those who love his music and lyrics are the beneficiaries. Thank you for this touching story about my hero, and may we live up to his legacy of kindness. ⚓️🇺🇸❤️🙏🏻 🧑‍🎄🎸

[@mrbill-mt5fk]

totally agree - fond memories glad to have grown with JP

[@timshelley8635]

Beautiful! Drinking a Hansome Johnny myself right now. I miss him so much! His music touched me so much, for many years. Thanks for sharing

[@darinclark1853]

Incredible story telling.... Thank you Keith and Otis.

[@ginnywilliams1114]

What a wonderful tribute to such a Talented and Truthful man! I sang Angel From Montgomery for years and never grow tired of it! THANK YOU!!! 🎶❤️❤️❤️🎶

[@rkevinaguirre8895]

so heartfelt. When we were in Nashville for "You Got Gold" John Prine tribute week, Keith was on the City Winery stage with other songwriters that John admired and had a special relationship with. Keith was supposed to do Long Monday which he co wrote but at the last minute decided to do Ordinary Blue which was the last song he wrote with John. Boy that was tough. He barely made it to the end. Tommy Prine reached over to touch his shoulder to console Keith. Broke my heart. Roger Cook was on stage that night also and had some great stories as well. The entire week was such a great experience.

[@donmcallister3745]

Thanks 🙏 for this interview… I’m glad John’s friends gave him a send off somewhere he loved. I saw John on his last tour at Radio City Music Hall… NYC… I’m so glad I got to go…! He will always be missed… His passing… was tough to take… I know he’s in a better place… thank you John… for all the music 🎼 🎵🎶… I too… will leave a single rose 🥀

[@tylerfarrington23]

Thank you so much Otis. I have never connected with someone’s body of work like I have with John’s. As cliche as it is to say he helped me when I needed it most. I wish I could’ve gotten the chance to see him in person. I appreciate your work. Thank you!

[@msalty2823]

Thank you for bringing us such amazing and touching stories. I can't imagine how many people were touched and moved by John's music, and it is clear how those who met him were changed for the better by the experience. Cheers to Handsome Johnny.

[@davidjed6948]

God bless John. Best concerts I ever attended.

[@marianfrances4959]

Aww...that was awesome. Thank you. ⚘ I saw John in my early twenties in Saskatoon. My East Coast friends were all nuts about him so I went to the show. I sat front row, center. I had no idea what he even looked like. But I fell in love with him that night. He was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. 😍 👍🇨🇦💘

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

Oh wow! This is a very special piece of history. Not just stories of John but stories and history of Keith. Thank you Keith for sharing with us and thank you again Otis for all that you do to keep these important parts of music alive. It isn’t just the notes and words but the people and the love that make music the best way for the soul to communicate.

[@julesotis13]

i should have guessed our man brother otis gibbs and the deservedly revered keith sykes would bring this otis to tears about saint john prine but whoops tear slaps thanks brother otis - stephen jules otis career rubin when i die let my ashes flow down the greeeeeeeen river ... i dont need no transcilization....dont need dillly bop.....oodles of light what a beautiful sight both of gods eyes are shining tonight raising beams of incredible drearms purrrrfect endng too otis

[@jordanb2939]

You can really feel the love Keith has for John. This channel is such a diamond in the ruff. Thanks Otis

[@Ellerysdad]

What lovely thoughts and remembrances for his friend mr. prine was loved indeed

[@michaelfrazier4961]

I am totally impressed by Keith Sykes. This interview is like watching a brother that remains describing his brother that has passed on. Deep genuine connection. People that remain humble because its who they are at their core are refreshing. P.S. “No Ordinary Blue” is one of my favorites. Thank You Otis for doing this one! Leaving me wanting more! 🙏🐐

[@mairianncullen8753]

Aww, man, that was so touching. Keith Sykes's smile and songwriting are so beautiful. I love knowing that he and John Prine were such good friends. Imagine being Keith, hearing that set by John in the Kettle of Fish in the village! Wow!

[@jackdeucker830]

"Please Don't Bury Me", "Paradise", "Donald and Lydia", "Summer's End" and "The Great Compromise" are my favorites.

[@StonemanRocks]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that! Glad you made the trip up river! That was heartfelt brother thanks again! Sail on John Prine ! Sail on….

[@otisgibbs]

Here's a playlist of John Prine stories. If you enjoyed this interview, I promise you'll enjoy these. kzbin.info/aero/PLq77ejXzqZpmC8XjIGMXeiInwdF50Mn51

[@krum41]

I grew up in the building that the Bitter End was in and I spent many a night listening through the door on the stairwell to a lot of the artists that came through the club Still inspires me I remember Keith Sykes came to the Village he was one to watch along the with all those other “ new Dylans “ as the press liked to call them Prine ,Kristofferson, Paul Siebel etc. It was like a tidal wave of talent!

[@jimbo33]

Thank you Keith for sharing your stories of John. The sadness in your eyes spoke of the intense feelings you have for John and the purity of your soul. I've been a big fan of JP since around 1975 but regret only recently hearing yours. Will be hearing a lot more!

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Beautiful interview. I could listen to Keith all day long.

[@johnjacobs1625]

John was a Great Story teller & so is Keith! JJ

[@eddygreen3631]

Damn, tears of laughter hearing this. Thanks to both of you. Great work, Otis.

[@rubytuesday7653]

John was a wonderful , human.♥️

[@borezuma]

Keith is a legend. Would love to hear any stories he has of Chris Bell, whose birthday happens to be today. Thanks for sharing Otis.

[@wightwater5656]

A wonderful tribute, and thank you Keith Sykes.

[@brianbaxter9638]

One of my favorites from your many interviews. Ask simple questions and get out of they way. You’re so good at this. Thank you Otis

[@sayeager5559]

It makes me so happy to listen to these people talk about how much they loved John.

[@justinsane7128]

Saw him at Sam's old time ballroom in fort Collins Colorado about 81

[@therosarylady]

Thank you... incredible memories ❤️

[@janetcovington9934]

LOVE LOVE LOVE….each story, each antidote, each one of these “characters”. Thank you. ❤

[@isellweirdthings]

This is one for the ages. Such a sweet man. Keith is a real treasure.

[@davedeshaw8234]

That was beautiful! Thank you Otis (and Keith of course)!

[@joshnewcomb3389]

John Prine is my all-time favorite