Townes Van Zandt Stories: -Partying With Gram Parsons, Allman Brothers, Lightnin Hopkins

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Townes song? My favorites have evolved over the years, but I've always loved The Catfish Song. I'm also really drawn to the later era albums like The Highway Kind. I don't even know if these are official releases, but his voice sounds so tired and weary on those recordings. It's pure blues. It's not the most accessible way to turn someone on to Townes, but the sound resonates deeply to me.

[@thethree60five]

Waitin' Around to Die. He said in a that live 'kitchen session' it was the first song he wrote. From the top of the heap right from the start.

[@otisgibbs]

@@thethree60five I bought a German interview on CD over 20 years ago where he talks a lot about songs. He told that story about Waiting Around To Die. I have no idea what happened to that CD and I haven't seen it anywhere else, so I assume I bought a bootleg without realizing it. Maybe someone who knows what it is will jump in and inform me. : )

[@thethree60five]

@@otisgibbscool. I will keep an eye out for that!

[@cal-lg]

As you said, it evolves over time and just depends on the mood - Nothin', Tecumseh Valley, My Proud Mountains, The Hole and Don't Let the Sunshine Fool Ya are all up there. Talking about German interviews, not sure on the exact one you're talking about, but there's an interesting one on here with Townes from '95 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoiTo2BobcqhbMU

[@otisgibbs]

@@cal-lg The Hole is a really good example of that rough and aching pure blues Townes that I dig so much, Cal. I also love My Proud Mountains. Good choices on your part!

[@quinbagwell7515]

I can't say this enough, this channel is an oasis in the you tube desert of bleached bones. So refreshing to encounter such rich , authentic material. Thank you so much!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Quin!

[@nolandolaher2817]

oasis? more like an oatis

[@paulrupright4694]

@@otisgibbs Great channel!!

[@daviswall3319]

Indeed!

[@american_cosmic]

Otis -- I'm DYING for more Gram Parsons stories from your pals! Also, I LOVE that you record your talks on cassette tape! Not many people still using those things.

[@doughill8475]

Catching up with this interview waaaay late but just a note to say how happy I was to hear that Townes was a big fan of Gram's. Two legends. Lots of great stories. Also always glad to hear again how much Townes admired Lightnin' Hopkins. Thank you. Favorite Townes song? Probably Tower Song -- personal experience causes me to resonate with that one in particular.

[@blakenorman4822]

I'm a trucker, so white freightliner blues, but I'd listen to any of them forevermore

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! Excellent choice, Blake! : )

[@Smokeybanjo]

I’m so glad the KZbin algorithm brought me to your channel as a massive Townes fan.

[@otisgibbs]

Welcome aboard, Smokey! : )

[@GIBKEL]

It is improving.....I hope that’s a good thing. Last week I was recruited to join a white militia on the KZbin. The Russian’s are coming....what I mean to say, they’ll already here. Watch out-they troll your history interests.

[@otisgibbs]

@@GIBKEL I'm lucky that I haven't been exposed to any of that bullshit., yet. I limit my youtubing to just guitar and painters, so my suggestions are typically Telecasters and Twombly. ; )

[@GIBKEL]

Otis Gibbs......yeah....I’ve got to stay off the Stalin Docs, I joke as an undergrad I didn’t have the fortitude to stick with history as I didn’t see a pathway to pay bills. Anthropology was much better but it gave me an excuse to wander the landscape. Frightening to think anything like that would or could work. It’s a big ask to take up arms against your fellow man. I find so much joy and common purpose in my subscriptions to voices that speak to beliefs, tastes and hearts. Otis, you got my heart so keep telling these unknown and sometimes forgotten stories of the most culturally significant time in American musical history.

[@otisgibbs]

@@GIBKEL I'm not sure I deserve all of that, but I appreciate it either way. I dig sharing this stuff, so I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. : )

[@jimbo33]

Otis, love your site, the stories and the inside scoop of real world of musicians and artists. Thank you!

[@CastleMc]

An outstanding edition of a wonderful channel. Much appreciate your mission-we need more such oral histories!

[@georgemansell]

I love these stories about people's experiences of the music. It makes it much more *alive.* Thanks for all you do Otis Gibbs!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for listening and caring about this stuff, George! : )

[@georgemansell]

@@otisgibbs man, the pleasure is mine always. I love to learn about these people through real stories

[@otisgibbs]

@@georgemansell Much love to ya, George. : )

[@TheCappedCruiser]

Thanks so much, Otis, this is just great stuff. I saw Townes live, 2 years running, here in the UK, at Trysull village hall in Staffordshire, in the late '80s. I sat dead centre in the front row at both gigs, and the power of his close presence was almost overpowering. In '87, 'At My Window' had just come out, and at the end of the evenng Townes, having shaken hands and courteously tolerated my awed fan-babble, dedicated and signed my copy 'To Andrew: Good luck and thank everybody you love - Townes Van Zandt' ... in other words, he was gently suggesting there might be others who were equally deserving of my admiration. I thought, and still do, that it was a profoundly kind and wise response, and indicative of Townes's innate wisdom and humility. He also signed 3 or 4 of his earlier LPs that I'd taken along, and as a set, they are still among my most treasured possessions. Townes's songs remain a strong and reliable refuge of wisdom and support, especially in these times of pandemic and global breakdown ... we will not see his like again. He was the best. Thanks again, Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

Damn Andrew, that's a great memory to carry with you! I would treasure that experience for sure. : )

[@Irishstew6969]

Brilliant story, thanks for sharing. I was chatting about Townes to Paul Jackson, who runs the Adelphi in Hull, and he was telling me has the recording of his 1994 gig on an old tape. It starts ok, but everyone bought Townes vodka and orange chaser's throughout the gig and it peaks halfway through and then descends into a drunken ramble.

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Rex's blues, just does for me every time. Grew up in Austin in the early 70's, learned many of my music heroes from the KUT's DJ Larry Monroe. Saw Townes at several places in Austin over the years. I loved every show I saw at the Cactus, he was always in good form at the shows I saw there. Even saw him in New Orleans once, which was not a good show. The audience didn't care much for him, he left early. He was pretty toasted. Saw SRV before Texas Flood came out in the french quarter on the same trip to the big easy. Wonderful time to be alive for sure if you loved raw and real Texas music. Thanks much for sharing.

[@otisgibbs]

That does sound wonderful, Steven! Do you remember the name of the venue in New Orleans where Townes played? I've heard a lot of stories from people who saw him in sports bars and other places where he never should have been booked into and where he never stood a chance. It's a shame that he still had to play those kind of venues near the end of his life.

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

@@otisgibbs Yes, I do. Pretty sure it was Cooter Browns? ( I'm 63 and damaged more than my share of brain cells to which it was nobody's fault but mine). Yeah your exactly right. It was a loud college bar! Not a Emma Joes kind of place! Truly a poor booking choice. I remember a local band called the sheiks would filled the house with drunk Tulane frat's, not exactly Townes's folks! FYI, Butch Hancock is a friend and neighbor out here in Terlingua,Tx. Last year Jimmy Dale bought a place out here. Joe will never move out here! So 2/3 of the flatlanders in the desert mts. of Big Bend. Ciao

[@otisgibbs]

@@TerlinguaTalkeetna Oh man, I really love me some Butch Hancock. I think Horseflies is as good as it gets. I love me some Jimmy Dale too. I have a friend in Terlingua named Chet O'keefe. He's a really super talented cat. We were friends in Nashville back when. He bugged out a while back, bounced around and ended up in Terlingua. Great writer-singer-guitar player. If you see his name on a marquee, be sure to stop in and tell him Otis said hey. : )

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

@@otisgibbs There was a Time is my fav Chet O'keefe song. It speaks to me at 62 one looks back in time and smiles at all the adventures and misadventures. I have see him several times, fine player with a ability to reach out an connect with an audience. I will pass along your regards Otis. Yeah, Butch is one hell of a wordsmith, for sure, best part is he's not done yet!

[@otisgibbs]

@@TerlinguaTalkeetna That's great that You're already hip to Chet, Steven! When i first moved to Nashville, i was expecting to go to some hole in the wall and be blown away by some songwriter I've never heard of. Chet was the first and maybe only example of that in my 12 years in Nashville. We became friends and he even helped me put up a privacy fence in my back yard. He played guitar for me on some road gigs and was just a really strange and cool cat to be around. I really hope things are good in his world. Definitely let him know that Amy and I are thinking about him next time ya see him. : )

[@lukeheywood7334]

Worlds greatest songwriter.send five dollars lol hats off to john lomax thanks otis and daryl gret content and format.

[@TimEastonSongwriter]

Back to Louisville for a minute ...somewhere after I played with Townes...quite a while after, I had a gig in Louisville that the promoter had for some reason moved to the local comedy club. The Zanies bit here reminded me. That night, I was in control of my skills, and did a little bit with the audience called "First Show" which involves audience members that I point at to tell me who they saw at their first show. Invariably you get some too cool for school cats who say the big names but most of time the pure honesty leads to some improvisational comedy bits and basically that night was one of the best of the dozen or so times I've done it. There was a lot of laughter and it was a really fun show. The house manager told me afterwards I did better than most comedians there in regards to loosening up the audience to laugh. It was a lucky night. Doesn't always happen that way. Especially lately! Great work here Otis. I think my fav Townes song is No Place To Fall. quite a fancy chord progression. I have also learned many of those LIghtnin' riffs. Both from Townes and repeated listening of the man himself. Gotta learn from the best. The alternative is stagnation.

[@otisgibbs]

I remember hearing you do that bit on some live recording I found of you about 15 years ago. It definitely loosened up the crowd. No Place To Fall is just so damn perfect in every way. Much love to ya, Tim! Anyone reading this should go subscribe to Tim's page. He's the real deal and is as good as anybody out there right now. So there!

[@thethree60five]

I have 500 km to go today, this is a great start! Thanks Otis for keep the moments no one knew that were part of their life you will never find on a book. Was an awesome thing to see this morning.

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! Stay safe out there! : )

[@herokillerinc]

Snowin’ on Raton and Rake are two of my favorite songs of all time

[@otisgibbs]

I'm with ya, Douglas! : )

[@chriscooke2974]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing, brought back many memories: Saw Townes many times in the NYC area, one night at a club Folk City, the crowd thinned out after the first set (many tourists, I guess) and they made an announcement that we could stay for the late show which we did along with maybe 20-30 others. I was lucky to see Gram once and remember "the bus" parked right in front of Max's Kansas City down in the village. Again, small club but that was packed, first time I saw Emmylou. And the Allmans, first show I ever worked (30 years working security and production in "the bizness"), Central Theatre, Passaic, NJ - Sept. 1971. The best of times....

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Chris! What a great time to be a music fan in NY. A dear friend of mine was road managing Gram at that Max's gig. He's told me stories about that night, but I can't remember them off the top of my head. If I think of any I'll try to remember to share them. : )

[@jamesblair5971]

Live at the old quarter is a phenomenal record. God Bless TVZ RIP maestro!!!

[@otisgibbs]

It's hard to beat that one, James! : )

[@canajian]

Man, Otis, this channel has some gems sir.. Wow... I'm sifting through em... Thanks for sharing them..

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly! : )

[@saidinjest]

Life tip: if you're not really able to go out and hang out with people right now because of winter or viruses or distance or death or whatever... listen to people tell stories. It almost tricks your brain into thinking you're having a great conversation with another human and it beats just arguing about politics on the internet.

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

This full episode is great. This is a form of interview/conversation that should happen more often but rarely does. Usually it’s the same stories, legends and lies. Hearing him talk about Parsons bring him into a normal perspective vs. the stuff that came after he died and was burned in Joshua Tree.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you kindly, Thomas. I love hearing stories from folks like John. He's been part of so many amazing moments. There's so much to could learn if a person is willing to sit quietly and listen. : )

[@larrypayne5862]

Good stuff! Thanks Otis for doing these, keeping track of all of it and finally sharing with the rest of us.

[@otisgibbs]

@@larrypayne5862 Thank you listening and caring, Larry! : )

[@pspillow]

Man, great recollections!The authenticity is what I truly miss. A bygone era for sure, but the we still have the music. Thanks for sharing.

[@otisgibbs]

Definitely a bygone era! : )

[@TheZeekgeek1]

I’m trying to imagine the sound of Townes jamming with the Allman Bros. I love both but I can’t picture it. That being said, they were all great musicians, and especially Dickie- he was so good, he could be an asset to any singer.

[@otisgibbs]

It doesn't seem like the best combination for a jam session, but I could be wrong. I was at The Patio in 1989ish for the Blues jam. I was playing on stage and in walked Dickie Betts. He just finished a gig at the Vogue, walked down to the Patio and walked right up on stage and started playing. I just tried to musically stay out of his way the best I could. I can now say I've jammed with Dickie Betts. : )

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Dickey can sing the shite out of an acoustic country song. Give this a listen kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4vaeaFjiZulh8k

[@otisgibbs]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 That's the truth, Buck! : )

[@barrondowling954]

I was there. See my other posts. It was great. What is often overlooked is that Townes was a fantastic blues singer, in his own way. Plus, he had great timing.

[@AndrewCMC]

Big fan of Townes and you too! Never realized you had this channel, thankful to KZbin for suggesting it!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the kind words, Chase. I've been dumping music videos on here for a decade or so and just started experimenting with other ideas over the last few months. It's been fun for me and folks seem to enjoy it. I'm glad you found it. : )

[@bench7434]

I have never been so entertained just by looking at an old GE tape recorder, merci from an old French Québec fan.

[@roxannetoth5026]

Again the ol algorithm sent u to me. I love all the lil tidbit stories, Otis. Makes me feel like a fly on the wall Even tho I was 17 in '71, knew Gram's stuff and had already seen Emmylou, ppl like him , Townes and Guy were very remote . Certainly not in print. Thx for the back in time peek . Nice start to another too busy day for an ol lady, lol . Love the cat...jyst had coffe on the patio w/my 16 feral buddies! Thx and more plz...Peace and love

[@otisgibbs]

I'm glad you stumbled upon my channel, Roxanne! Scratch those kitties ears (if they'll let ya) and I'll keep sharing the stories. : )

[@shanereynolds4276]

That heartworn highways part with Townes is a damn treasure to get a glimpse of that time is a gift. It reminds me of a masterpiece painting or something.

[@nancysilverman8474]

WOW! First time I've heard Caddo's name spoken in just AGES! I was living in Austin and spent many, many nights at the 11th Door watching Townes play. I knew the manager ( Richard Moore) so I got to hang out after my job at the Jade Room was over. WHEW...this was a fabulous flash back. Many, many thanks !

[@otisgibbs]

That must have been a wonderful time to be in Austin, Nancy! I'm envious! : )

[@nancysilverman8474]

It surely was a great time to have been in Austin. There was SO much amazing music then but I feel certain that there is always great music in Austin!

[@otisgibbs]

I'm not sure if you ever ventured into Lubbock or Leave It, but there's a video on my channel with Slaid Cleaves sharing some memories. Just a friendly FYI. : )

[@nancysilverman8474]

@@otisgibbs Thank you. I'll take a listen.

[@nathanielrossi9659]

Now I understand why uncle Seymour washington cried, cause he was dyin. I really loved the footage of uncle Seymour washington an i kept his life advice.

[@otisgibbs]

Rest easy, Uncle Seymour! : )

[@apimpnamedslickback6757]

I used to try and explain that to people, but I always got some stupid response, so I quit.

[@otisgibbs]

@@apimpnamedslickback6757 As a Boondocks fan, I feel the need to compliment you on your name. : )

[@apimpnamedslickback6757]

@@otisgibbs Thanks!

[@chrissawyer4060]

Seymour had seen alot by then. A song like that really hits different when you're older and someone plays something that reminds you of mama or whatever.

[@ericcarter1687]

Great stuff Otis! More Gram Parsons please anything!

[@jerryfenski561]

Love the content, love the artistic style of your podcasts. Please keep them coming. The stories need to be documented and heard. Awesome!!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the kind words, Jerry. I'll keep doing this as long as you keep digging it! : )

[@jerryfenski561]

@@otisgibbs shot you an email at info@ so shoot me straight brother. Jerry

[@otisgibbs]

@@jerryfenski561 I don't think I got it. i check it a couple of times a week and there's usually a ton to wade through, but I haven't see anything from ya, Jerry.

[@jerryfenski561]

@@otisgibbs tried again brother. Anyway side note: I've watched videos of you playing (kick ass) without your guitar strings trimmed. Any reason?

[@otisgibbs]

@@jerryfenski561 Hey Jerry, I found your email. I always say that art is subjective and I do everything I can to not have to play the role of art critic. Having said that, I enjoyed it and I encourage you to keep creating. The world needs all the art it can get! : ) As far as the strings go, I know it might be a shocker to hear this, but I'm not real good at keeping up with my grooming. Sometimes I just don't get around to trimming them. I also dig the messy look it provides.

[@garymatthews9503]

Love your channel!! In my teens, probably ‘73/‘74, I saw Lightnin’ on the pbs channel out of San Francisco. I was never the same. My friends would go on to follow the spandex glam rock, but my heart and my head went straight to Texas and Mississippi.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Gary!

[@deemdoubleu]

Wonderful material thank you.

[@thomasfish5542]

To live is to fly, snowing on raton, Marie. Man... There's so many. I'm currently on a deep Townes rabbit hole/trip.. Led me back to Steve Earle and guy Clark. But this is really cool brother, thanks for sharing this. Subscribed and ready for anything else you can throw at us!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Thomas! I'm uploading a Guy Clark piece here in a few minutes. I think you'll probably get a kick out of that too! : )

[@willysunday]

Hi Otis! I'm grateful you posted this and grateful it appeared on my YT screen this morning. I became a Townes fan after watching Austin City Limit's tribute to him. Guy Clark hosting a great gang of Townes' talented friends and admirers. I went into the show knowing Townes as the writer of "Pancho & Lefty". Within a few days I had 4 or 5 of his CDs. When Jack Clements ended the circle with "For the Sake of Song" I was floored, again. Probably has stayed my favorite song- especially after hearing Townes do it. I began gobbling up all the information I could find about Townes. Read two biographies- Hardy's is the best, I feel. I was lucky enough to talk with folks that were close to Townes and give me a better idea about the man. But, it still is his songwriting "poetry" that captured me. He is on the top of the pedestal in my my mind- shared by very few others. BTW, I enjoyed Charlie Sexton's portrayal of him in "Blaze". Thanks for sharing this with us and thanks for being a friend with and caring about Townes.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for sharing that, Willy. His music has a way of drawing ya in deeper and deeper. I'm also glad to see Charlie Sexton mentioned. That man is a giant on the guitar in all of the right ways! : )

[@MrFrogman54]

I was just about to go outside, it’s a beautiful day. But I saw this and had to give it a listen, this is good stuff! Thank you Otis, a great way to start my day!

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! I encourage you to go outside and enjoy the beautiful day (only after you've watched this in it's entirety). ; )

[@seeyoufloating]

Really cool to listen to, thanks for sharing this!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly for listening, Michael. : )

[@LesThomas]

Mr Mudd and Mr Gold from Live at the Old Quarter blew my mind from the first listen. Fan for life from that moment. Steve Earle put me onto him.

[@otisgibbs]

Same here, Les. If someone is gonna dig Townes, that's pretty much the album that'll win them over.

[@774CISCO]

Yeah an interview with Steve earle brought me to townes, rex's blues is my favorite at the moment

[@otisgibbs]

@@774CISCO "Ride the blue wind high and free..". : )

[@774CISCO]

@@otisgibbs " She'll lead you down to misery"

[@Darkstar001]

This is amazing, thanks. Favourite song is probably rake.

[@otisgibbs]

It's hard to beat that one, Bill. : )

[@TheOldYellers]

This is fantastic. I’m pretty sure I heard part of it on thanks for giving a damn but it’s so good to hear. So lucky you got to record these and share them. Thanks so much

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for listening and caring about this stuff! : )

[@Terrapinonline]

Amazing !!!!!!!! Thank you.

[@brucegwynn8509]

This is a wonderful channel , I can't believe that it hasn't blown up, I totally learn something in every one , of course I love music and the history of the artists who play

[@timotto8342]

Favorite Townes song: "Waitin' Round to Die" Been playin' it since about 1979 or so. Learned it off Live at the Old Quarter record. Townes Best..

[@caryboyd2181]

I can really relate to Townes. I had never known about him. I live in Tucson butI am from Tulsa, and went to Austin on ocassion and all over Texas really. He is so relatable and down to earth. He just reminds me of me. I wish I had found out about him earlier.

[@otisgibbs]

At least there's a lot of stuff out there about Townes. Much love to ya, Cary!

[@thomaaz]

this is pure gold! thanks!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Thomaaz!

[@mikemetague7973]

Yes. Gold! Thank you, Otis Gibbs. It's a treasure for the poor to find!

[@otisgibbs]

@@mikemetague7973 Haha! Thank ya kindly, Mike! : )

[@terryann8854]

So glad I found your channel!!!!! Awesome content dude.

[@codyreed9795]

Thanks for sharing,

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for caring about these stories! : )

[@cboyblue6168]

Town came to Dallas in 11983 or 4 to record, my brother playing violin in the sessions. Poncho and Lefty gave him some money and he wanted to get on the road again, where he belonged, not pumping gas. He was a a great writer, he is an icon to many.

[@frankjamesenglishartist]

THANK U!!! NOTHING LIKE THE OLD CASSETTE RECORDERS i still have several and have posted some times in Detroit with Rodriguez and various amazing artists that we spent our days with late 90's early 00's.. I was in art school in Detroit listening to the epic Liz Copeland nightly show (she came on 12-5am weeknights ) my favorite all time dj and i still have her show on tape where i first heard Townes in the mix.. For the Sake of the Song mixed in with all sorts of genres and decades which is always amazing (she goes by Liz Clarin now on the west coast with the amazing Dublab ).. As soon as I heard it I thought "I have to meet this guy" and then found out he had just passed a few years earlier was intense.. Over the years i collected all his music, interviews, still learn his songs, raised my son watching him and made a comment on Townes's first wife myspace about how my son loved watching "Townesie that smiles at me" we would watch the hotel room 4am concert doc mostly.. Thankful she wrote a reply.. Now my son is 16 and playing fiddle n more.. so cool.. Slight tangent but Jack White has attacked and bounced off of us 23+ years, talks shit.. had to make a video about his bs

[@otisgibbs]

Much love to ya, Frank.

[@jimrichards1798]

These stories are so great!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Jim!

[@dodgermartin4895]

I haven't seen a cassete recorder like that in over 30 yrs...

[@sevenmileridgeband]

WOW. Thanks for posting!

[@matta5348]

To Live Is To Fly...But I fly airplanes for a living, so that’s maybe too easy. Love this series Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! : )

[@martinhiggins5545]

Thanks Otis, Number of years ago attended a Steve Earle concert in my hometown of Cork (in Ireland) where Steve introduced us to The Great (Late) Townes songs. Few later later got Towne's "Legend" album (LP) which was a learning curve. "Live in the Old Quarter" remains my favourite Townes Van Zandt album. Have a listen!

[@otisgibbs]

It's a bit off topic but, I really love Cork. The last time I was there the whole town was flooded. Heartbreaking stuff. You live in a wonderful area! : )

[@michaelingalls1627]

Thanks for this, Otis. . . while listening, I pulled out my 6 Towns LPS on Tomato Records , looked at the covers, read the lyrics. Afterwards, on this Saturday Night listening to them. I want to thank my friend, Gary of Freeport, WV., for suggesting your Channel.....yes, I Subscribed.

[@otisgibbs]

That's great to hear, Michael. Thanks to you and Gary for watching. I'm envious of those records! : )

[@ardenevox]

Snow Don't Fall is my fav TVZ song. Beautiful Darryl. Hope I spelled that right. Townes came to Toronto, Canada and played the Horseshoe and Mariposa Folk Festival a couple of years before he passed. I interviewed him a few times. Special guy. Everyone loved him, whoever met him. And what a poet. He said his favourite poet was Baudelaire. That figures.

[@mrwho2118]

I could listen to these old stories about Townes forever, he had everything he needed to make it big and just didn't want it for whatever reason, but the other artists that speak of him knew he was on another level. Anyway really enjoy your stuff and just subscribed.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for the kind words and for subscribing! I think Townes definitely wanted to be more successful than he was. He slept on strangers couches after terrible gigs in sports bars towards the end of his life. I know some of the people he stayed with. He may not have wanted to be a superstar, but he definitely would rather have played in nice theaters and slept in comfortable hotel rooms afterwards. The sad truth is, he just never got the real career opportunities. Much love to ya, Mr Who. : )

[@mrwho2118]

@@otisgibbs ,Again love these stories, I was a serious music lover growing up, mostly old country and metal, still a big sabbath fan, when Steve Earle hit it big I was blown away, he wasn't the polished Nashville star I saw on CMT ,that guy was a legit badass ! this lead me down the rabbit hole of Townes, Guy , Blaze and Rex and all other friends of friends they all played with, what a great journey that videos like yours help fill in the blanks for this music nerd!! The video you did for Justin is what turned me on to you. Another rabbit hole to explore! Thanks

[@otisgibbs]

It's always great to meet another music nerd! I'll do my best to keep sharing the stories. : )

[@MJ-ix7wm]

@@otisgibbs fellow music nerd here!!!! How did you make it?..., as you were close to a dangerous crowd. I've been there but at least they weren't famous/or close to it, or I may not be here myself. Cheers bro!!!

[@dubdub4862]

Great stuff!!!

[@bossmonkie]

Too many to choose a favorite but "Snowin on Raton" comes very close for me.

[@otisgibbs]

Excellent choice! : )

[@colehenry151]

I remember listening to Thanks for Giving a Damn a lot a few years back. I’m glad all these old stories are coming to life again.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for listening and watching, Cole! It's fun to share stuff like this and it's brought me closer to a lot of folks I may have never come in contact with (like yourself). : )

[@Mysteryman93]

Thanks for this Otis. Favourite Townes song? That's a real tough one, as he just didn't write bad ones. Snowin' on Raton is up there, To live is to Fly, Sake of the Song..so many. I came across a download of a live recording of a concert her did in the UK, sounds like it's just a mic in a room kind of recording but he's talking in between songs and he tells the audience something along the lines of ''hey, I put a pound coin in the fruit machine in the lobby and emptied it. Anyway, it's behind the bar, have a drink on me'' I just think that's great. Be well, Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! That's beautiful! : )

[@filled_soda]

There are many songs I could pick as my favourite... Tecumseh Valley and Snake Song among them, but Snow Don't Fall is absolutely devastating. More than once, I've had to leave the room when I hear it in the company of others.

[@otisgibbs]

That's a damn good one, Aaron!

[@moonlitcoyote1]

Haven’t heard the story but Mr Jimmy Jingles does have a picture of himself and Steve Earle and Townes at Lake Barkley Bridge on his Facebook page. I heard second hand that they had been to metropolis Illinois to the gambling boat and Townes had a bad night of gambling that night and was dreading going back home to Nashville to face his wife or girlfriend. I believe it’s still on his Facebook page. Love to see those old vhs tapes. Enjoy your stories and keep up the great work. Thank you friend.

[@awarewolves1712]

Ferlinghetti hey? "It takes a fast car to lead a double life" is a line from a Ferlinghetti poem, for anyone who digs The Cars... and "Candy-O" is their best album by miles! Great upload, thanks.

[@otisgibbs]

I love me some Ferlinghetti and it's hard to beat t The Cars. I've been known to crank Shoo Be Doo a time or two. ; )

[@Tyler_3]

This is awesome love this kind of stuff

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Tyler! : )

[@aktosweden]

Great stuff Otis. I miss seeing you at The Vogue in Broad Ripple.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly! I can't wait to go to another show at The Vogue when this pandemic finally passes! : )

[@keithsandulak2292]

Wow! This is fantastic! I love just letting your casts follow one after the next. Bought a Bluetooth to RCA adaptor into my amp.... you're in every room Otis... 14 speakers in my house and decks both front and back... its Otis in full swing....

[@julesotis13]

love it Otis my kitties love watching you your beard which mine is slowly approaching and ur kitties of course...and i have gotten you another new fan deservedly in maybe susie! i met her in hayes carll and the good rev todd livestreams and shes one of my who have become supporters of my lil community radio show (uve been aired on!) our julesworks follies troupe and variety show and a friend...thanks!

[@maybesusie8599]

I'm having a great time, these are wonderful videos! ❤❤❤

[@collinmc90]

is this the voice from the beginning of the old quarter album? "cigarette machines, upstairs." lol

[@Caperhere]

Is John related to the great Alan Lomax, who recorded all the musicians? I watched, well, listened, to several snippets of Alan and Woodie Guthrie chats/ songs last night. It was fantastic. I think the chat, or interview, is in the Library of Congress.

[@otisgibbs]

Yes, Alan is John's uncle. Their family did an amazing service to music history in so many ways. Alan is the one who gets most of the credit, but it was a family effort for sure.

[@ianwhitehead3086]

Thanks for this.

[@ace-of-space]

Thank you!! 🤩

[@leesverder2019]

Thank you for this.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you for caring about this stuff, Lees!

[@marks814]

Thank You so much for sharing. Peace!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you kindly, Mark! : )

[@harmonyBalance]

Thank you for the taped info.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@OthO67]

This is great! Ha, I hope you have that little tab on the top of cassette removed in case your cat steps on the record button! 😃

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! : )

[@turdferguson2982]

Americana music owes an unpayable debt to the Lomax family. I am grateful for their efforts. We'd all be listening to big band bubble gum bullshit if it wasn't for them. Never would have known about Leadbelly and many other great influential musicians.

[@ralfo33152]

When I was a bartender in houston Townes would try to trade his autograph for drinks. After I had 4 or 5 napkins with autographs I told him no more so then he wanted to roll dice for drinks. He ended up that night playing poker with some of the other bartenders and literally lost his shirt (it was like a gas station shirt with Townes monogrammed on the pocket). It was a sad sight to see him leaving the bar at 5am walking down the deserted sidewalk shirtless

[@otisgibbs]

Damn, that's lonesome! I appreciate you sharing that, Ralph. I have a buddy that won Townes' cowboy boots in a poker game. I hope you still have the autographed napkins. : )

[@ralfo33152]

@@otisgibbs that was the same poker game, unless he lost his boots playing poker more than once. Also, that same night he was supposed to be playing a gig and his wife kept calling and I had to lie that he wasn’t there. There is actually a lot more to this story from that night that’s too lengthy to get into. Like, him sitting at the bar by himself except for me and him telling these stories and jokes for an audience of one. He was the epitome of lovable loser. Sadly, no I don’t have those autographs anymore.

[@otisgibbs]

@@ralfo33152 That's a pretty rough way to go through life, but I guess it's the way Townes did things. It's a hell of a memory for you and I appreciate you sharing it, Ralph. Are you still in Houston?

[@ralfo33152]

@@otisgibbs yeah, but any other way and we wouldn’t have his songs. I moved away 25 yrs ago and live in Seattle. I’m thankful that I lived in that era in houston when any night you could go to a small club and see Blaze, Lucinda, Uncle Walt’s Band, Townes, Nanci Griffiths, David Rodriguez, lyle Lovette and then more in Austin. Enough stories to last a lifetime! But then I lucky enough to catch the tail end of the grunge era in Seattle, so another chapter of great stories. Now I’m just an old man with memories. Thanks for listening. Best wishes

[@otisgibbs]

@@ralfo33152 Haha! Much love to ya, Ralph!

[@mmmmmmmk]

not too many people know about Townes here in england - i was fortunate enough to be put onto his music by a texan friend of mine a few years back... i have drip-fed myself his discography - knowing how special it is - i won't allow myself to listen to more than one album at once, making sure to savour each song.. it's taken a few years but i think i've covered most of them now. at present i'm struggling through a break-up of sorts and buckskin stallion blues; only him or me and come tomorrow are helping me out hugely

[@otisgibbs]

Much love to ya, Thom and I hope you can keep your eyes on the road ahead. I've been through that a couple of times and it was difficult as all hell, but I can honestly say, it gets better. Stay strong and lean on your friends. It's ok to to ask them for help for time to time. : )

[@mmmmmmmk]

@@otisgibbs thank you Otis for taking the time out of your day to send me these words - "keep your eyes on the road ahead" - i like that...onwards!!

[@otisgibbs]

@@mmmmmmmk Stay strong, Thom! : )

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

I love these stories but would like to see more of the cat.

[@maryalice5357]

Hi Otis, I've always thought that Poncho and Lefty is a story of how Townes' personalities or mental illnesses would take over his life, and he was two people ( at least), or different when drinking, or manic depressive, maybe. The words describe his adventures similar to theirs. As if he don't know what happened. Even when he was a young kid, he was just self medicating, trying to manage. Listen again closely to all the words, he even said the song kind of wrote itself. Thanks for amazing info. More later. I

[@otisgibbs]

Im not sure if you are right or not, Mary, but I like your theory. I've never heard anyone else say that, so I heard it here first! : )

[@GordonRaphael]

thank you!!

[@CatfishCounts]

Loved it. Thanks!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Catfish! : )

[@indian23hhs]

One day our whispers will be louder than their screams...

[@otisgibbs]

Much love to ya, Joseph! : )

[@nancysilverman8474]

Oh my favorite song still is Quicksilver Daydreams of Maria.

[@otisgibbs]

That's a great choice! : )

[@tomfrascina5846]

Have you heard Live at the Whole Coffeehouse? That has easily my favourite version of that song

[@jamesreedmusic4224]

That was great

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, James! : )

[@simonerusso6920]

Tank yuo 4 dis video

[@stevewilliamson9995]

Great content. I’ve read “The Gulf Coast Boys” so I recognized that cover as soon as I saw the first image.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the kind words, Steve. It's good to see a Richard Dobson fan here. I got to know him a little bit and he was wonderful in so many ways.

[@danieleriksson5728]

''fallen in with the right crowd'' haha!

[@otisgibbs]

Haha! : )

[@brenthussey8921]

Otis Gibbs. I'm sorry to say that I have no earthly idea who you are and I'm going to wait till I make it through your 74 Playlist to Google you but with that being said I am hooked on your story telling. I have made it this far in your play list and I am mesmerized by your voice and talent. I really can't wait to Google you and see what works you have done but for now you only have me wanting more. More stories about The Killer, Bocephus, Marty Robbins, and Earnest Tubbs. About legends on the Opery or even Hee Haw like Buck Owens, String Bean, or even Grandpa Jones. I'm not real big into names of the bands and who all is behind the music but I do love old old country, blues, rock, and odd stuff that sounds a little different than anything else. Thank you for giving me so many names to look up so I can find me music to listen to. Keep up the GREAT stories and I'll keep listening. And maybe if I ever find the end I'll look you up, but until then I kinda like the mystery. Thanks Brent

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Brent!

[@zabdas83]

Very VERY intersting/stimulating... I have questions. . .

[@jamesjoiner5766]

Otis i am impressed with the shots you use as backdrops , I don't know if some of the small things you ( or whomever does these things ) does, are on purpose .The end result is a simple shot with some depth , IE the shot of the old recorder with a bit of cat hair . Most people would simply blow the thing off to spare the viewer a shot of a dirty recorder . It would take a genius to realise that those tiny squiggly hairs are ubiquitous to humanity in the many pets we own and that they have a tendency to evoke memories of said pets and thus somehow create an emotional link between yourself and the warm feelings we have for them . Which stands in stark contrast to how clean many of the other shots are , which is why i think it's slightly more than accident . I listened to Pancho and Lefty many times before i discovered TVZ , Which never would have happened without the miracle of KZbin , Neither this , But i found a copy with a full accompaniment that i did not like as it sounded too ... bandy , but another that was more simple and had a violin arrangement along with it was the greatest elevation of the song i have ever heard . Having heard Willies version and many others i listen to TVZ sing it there and wonder that he did not have a greater commercial success, But I also have to think that my enjoyment of that piece is somehow linked to the many other versions i have heard . Mud and Gold , The Snake song ,Loretta . In truth I discovered TVZ at around the same time i discovered JTE , Some 10 or 15 years ago now i think , I listened to Mammas eyes and Midnight at the movies and was impressed . I was on a trend at the time and found the Tallest man on earth singing the gardener , which i thought was incredible , and Gillian Welch , who is responsible for all of it because of Oh brother where art though and me and my late father having enjoyed the follow up mountain music documentary you are no doubt familiar with . This all led to Old crow medicine show and "devil makes three" .. Peter Bernhard is incredible . , like you wanted to hear all that . Point being though he resides behind a door where a lot of music dwells that i never would have thought i would like as i pretty much dislike POP country .In fact i think they have ruined other music for me entirely and whats worse , few other people i know ( Get It ) .. Nice backdrops though . Looks like you have read a book on commercial art or two ..

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the compliments on the filming. I did everything myself in this video and most of the others. My buddy, Todd Fox did some camera work on a few of them. I think I've always credited him. I saw the very first North American gig The Tallest Man On Earth ever did. It was at The Basement in Nashville in front of about 30 people. He was really good. A buddy of mine road managed him for a while and said he was a really nice fella. : )

[@markmiddaugh9359]

Thank You! My last artist to be obsessed about

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Mark!

[@CBbehereNOW]

Hi Otis! I want to thank you for the impeccable pieces you offer. Everything is so artistically presented and filmed. Not to mention top notch guests. Your voice is so soothing too...and can't forget your cat making his cameo appearances. Best Wishes to you ❤️ PS, you are also a painter aren't you? I would love it if you would do a video about your artwork!

[@chrisw1430]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@otisgibbs]

I appreciate you stopping by, Chris! : )

[@simonerusso6920]

The way i pick the cords is very good

[@oldskoold22]

Welcome to the fellowship!

[@simonerusso6920]

The love uuo got tawns is amasing keepim alaive

[@skinheadsbowling]

This is gold

[@otisgibbs]

I feel the need to compliment you on the Camper Van Beethoven screen name! : )

[@skinheadsbowling]

@@otisgibbs Thanks man 😸🙂. Looking forward to watching more of your videos 👍🙂

[@sellincourtrd]

To Live's to Fly, and High, Low and In Between

[@jamespriest9658]

77 Cornell masters in eng lit .. townes made me move to texas.. still trying to catch that ember