Mastermind Behind "Layla" - Tom Dowd

[@puertodeluna]

I fell in love with a girl one night, 46 years ago, as we listened to this song.... it was a summer romance and when summer was over we parted ways and never saw each other again. But then one day, a few years ago, she found me on social media....she sent me a message...”I heard ‘Layla’ playing on the radio today and thought about you and I on that long ago night “. I replied that I cannot listen to that song without thinking about her! Some songs can be powerful memories...Layla is one such song!

[@ZemanTheMighty]

Jesus man. What could have been...

[@kongsovs530]

Man, thats a beautiful comment.

[@johnrouille8273]

Absolutely, it’s usually bittersweet

[@beetleything1864]

Music is emotional and it roots you in a time and place .......& a girl - sometimes ! Takes you right back to that time and emotion.

Great True Story And Thanks for your service I did 20 years US Navy caught Desert Storm in 90 Yes Layal is POWERFULLY Emotionally Awesome I have been practicing and studying and playing Blues guitar since I was in Junior High school maybe before I'm 64 years young still practicing and studying and playing Blues guitar in bars and parties since I retired from the US Navy Eric Clapton is just one of my favorite Guitarists to try to emulate and learn something from Yes Brother Vietnam Vet This Blues Rock Anthem will stand the test of time Its one of the Greatest Guitar Songs and Duane Allman's Slide guitar Les Paul is Outstanding and Eric Clapton Soulful Stratocaster is one of the most Amazing Awesome Gorgeous Playing

[@donnieluc6830]

In my opinion "Layla", is in all aspects the most beautiful rock ballad ever. Period!

[@matthatter2849]

It's not that beautiful when you think of the situation surrounding it. That's kinda ugly. The song itself is great and masterfully pieced together.

[@vibekeschneidermann689]

@@matthatter2849 There was no adultery. They didn't get together before long after the divorce.

[@arjanpetersen]

@@matthatter2849 not really mate....

[@michaelc4639]

@@matthatter2849 Judge not... A is wrong. But not for MattH or me or ? to judge.

[@savanahmclary4465]

It held the record for the longest ever recorded song, of all time until the song "Stairway to Heaven."

[@fw1421]

I can’t listen to Layla without tears coming to my eyes. It’s been my favorite song since the early 70’s.

[@dreamyjeannie3385]

Me too, it’s my absolute favorite song, when i hear the first chords it gives me goosebumps. Best rock song, EVER! 💕💕💕💕

[@blucheer8743]

If you’ve ever loved a woman….

[@Hirogebra]

Listening to that Duane's part on Layla on its own, I have had to realise how much more beautifully and emotionally he played it than I thought I knew.

[@MariaRodriguez-lv5gx]

Duane's guitar solo brings this song up to another level.

[@rabendranath]

This is one of my most cherished clips on youtube, Tom Dowd recalling the birth of a masterpiece.

[@asm1]

Completely agree. Mine too. I am SO glad it exists. My favourite song. Has got me through a lot and continues to do so.

[@betsyleiss8938]

Have you seen the entire documentary?

[@markmoormann1978]

Me too.

[@horowizard]

@Twila Maybe you can find it to take out from your local Library

[@jefftiebout1376]

A truly cherished piece of music. It’s influence on me is beyond measure. To say Thank you to all involved is heartfelt and only touches the surface. Shanti

[@andrewgraulich6602]

Dowd plays his board like a master organist plays his instrument-swells, stops, parts, layering, both hands constantly moving in a fluid painting of sound. What a genius of the recording arts.

[@wayneellsworth2340]

I was blessed enough to have tom dowd as one of my best and closest friends growing uo in south florida,Tom was the most humble person i ever met i had tge pleasure of meeting many wonderful musicians thru Tom ,i attended his masters of music awards party in 1996 at Julio Iglesias house and sat with Jaimoe and Butch Trucks and their wives ,Tommy loved me enough to call me when he was on his deathbed to share his last days talking ,i miss him so very much Much love goes out to Tommy Cheryl Dana and tge rest of the family RIP my friend

[@djm4457]

What a wonderful post you've written about your friend, the late Tom Dowd. I've listened to Layla in awe ever since I first heard it way back when....To read about how it came together and now your comments here, makes the song all the more personal to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, and to Tom Dowd and the great musicians he worked with for such beautiful, impeccable artistry.

[@lsilvaj]

thanks for sharing

[@guitarsncarsnart]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.

[@carlozippi2569]

Wayne, thank you for the heartfelt post. Very moving and grateful tribute to the great Mr. Dowd. The music world was forever changed and made better for millions by his passion and hard work.

[@chickasawstarrmountain9747]

Man you were blessed , I bet you've heard some great stories bout skynyrd and allmans

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is a brilliant piece of work. RIP Duane Allman and Carl Radle. Tom was a brilliant producer.

[@gwonya]

… and Jim Gordon 13/03/23

[@georgeorwell4534]

When he starts isolating the tracks to Clapton and Allman, it's like these guys suddenly pop out of the music and they're standing there in the studio playing. These men come alive right there. It sent goosebumps through me.

[@dougmisantoni4384]

George Orwell .... Precisely... astute

[@SeanmanBand]

Exactly

[@philiphaushalter8281]

It seems people. Put me in the has been categories.THIS MUSIC WILL ALWAYS INSPIRE ME TO BE THE BEST MUSICIAN I CAN.AND TO SHARE WITH. ANY ONE WHO PLAY FROM THE HEART Philip Haushalter

[@gostrum1]

George...is it really you?

[@mennotimpo8746]

Same! 😎🤠

[@hkeith133]

The part when Dowd was rediscovering the tracks is just magic

[@gioknows]

That has to be considered one of the the greatest songs in rock and roll history.

[@designermite]

Like a father visiting his child after 30 years...simply amazing

[@adspur]

Hand down one of the best rock songs ever recorded!!!!

[@Bodieman11]

This is a ballad like no other. One of the best songs ever recorded by the best musicians of all time

[@joelserey8437]

Tom Dowd was a genius in the studio! He captured the ultimate beauty of Eric bending strings, and Dwayne sliding! Still gives me shivers.... .

[@charlespitarresi2291]

Ol

[@stevetourigny3849]

Another weird bit…the piano section at end of Layla was credited to Jim Gordon the drummer. He actually stole it from his girlfriend Rita Coolidge! Gordon had a tragic story as well, suffered from mental illness, killed his mother and resided in a CA psychiatric prison where he died March 13, 2023.

[@danandkiko]

That album has been my close friend for many years and on so many different issues. I can't imagine life without it.

[@Astralpains]

The record would never have been a hit without Duane’s touch

[@DotoreMartinezvasconcelos]

Mil likes

[@fastdraw30]

Unreal...if you can't feel chills from those isolated duet parts, you can't feel anything...its like the two are right there in the studio playing away...simply fantastic.

[@ozarkdem]

So glad that Tom Dowd received a Grammy Award this year for his contributions. Well deserved, long overdue.

[@3beanlimit]

You know you hardly ever hear mention of Bobby Whitlock's contribution to this great album and it was pretty important.

[@skelecaster]

Finally someone mentions Bobby!

[@diomedestydeus3298]

He co-wrote most of the songs on the album with Eric.

[@jaypaget8068]

Right and along the same lines no mention of Jim Gordon playing drums or writing/playing the piano part. He mentions the "bass part" but no mention of Carl Radle. Kinda strange given how respected the rest of the band was. Eric and Duane hardly need mention since everyone already knows!

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@jaypaget8068 Rita Coolidge wrote the entire piano part and got no credit, no mention

[@DVineMe]

I don't think it's anyone's fault really, it's just because you're basically standing in the shadow of god. No matter how brightly you shine you'll always be outshone be that other guy. George had the same problem, to a lesser extent, in the Beatles. And honestly I'm not sure it really matters. Sure you want them to get more recognition, but the people who can actually appreciate the artistry will know and in the end those are the only people that really matter, because just like the artistry any sense of recognition will get lost on anyone else.

[@damnbigfish]

So great to hear the isolated tracks, and it really says something about how actual "music" works. There are so many flat/sharp notes in the guitars when solo'd, and IT DOES NOT MATTER! You mix it all together and it sounds amazing! Our current auto-tuned, every note fixed and quantized rock stars could learn a thing or two from this.

[@goldtopgrandeur6935]

I owe Duane Allman a LOT - and my opinion doesn't detract from either of these geniuses...What could I possibly say that would diminish their impact? Nothing. That said - My OPINION about the end of Layla (just before the piano coda) is that it is beyond noisy. Tom Dowd has more talent than I'll ever have, but he's not perfect. Who do you turn down in the mix? The guy paying you or the guy who the guy paying you loves and invited over? So, you get dueling guitars. The flat and sharp notes are still audible to me and I have to skip that minute or so of music...One of the two should have taken the "lead" and either bowed out in the session or bowed out in the mix. My surprise is that they listened back to that section and said - yep, that's great. Such a great song, such a great ending...but that part has never agreed with me. It's my opinion, so it's not some grand statement. I play guitar (25 years), slide and steel guitar in many tunings - E, G, A, D, C6...etc. So, I'm not just a critic, I actually play and my opinion is informed by that...just BTW in case someone says I have no idea what I'm talking about... : ) I'm sure I'll still get that! Take care all. Off now to revisit Tulsa Time, Motherless Child, and Idlewild South...!!!

[@davidratcliffe6497]

Originally they had it at the beginning of the song.

[@CreamFreshCream]

I understand your point... However I like the solo I can't help myself! :D

[@kirbygene]

I couldn't agree more! Your point about sharps and flats reminds me of something I heard about the Beatles' recording sessions. There were times they DELIBERATELY placed slight sharps and flats into their mixes-- especially vocal harmonies-- to give it that vibrating resonance you hear between John and Paul in the early recordings especially. Even as late as Abbey Road, during the "1-2-3-4-5-6-7- all good children go to heaven" part John goes slightly flat to give the multiple harmonic sound a greater richness. But back to Layla, the slight sharps and flats make the guitars sound like they're talking to us. Love this clip

[@johnlaverty9217]

Tom Dowd was part of so much Earth-shattering music, it is difficult to wrap one's mind around how loved he was by all musicians and the significant role he played in recording history. In addition to all the great rock-influenced music, it is easy to forget he recorded John Coltrane's Giant Steps.

[@southsideman4891]

Wow! I did not know that.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

There’s a great video on Tom Dowd. Amazing how he worked on the Manhattan Project in WWII and ends up as a music engineer for Atlantic Records. What a genius.

[@southsideman4891]

@@mauriceclemens3286 wow! This guy like forest gump

[@MoneyistheAim]

Just found out about him. This man was responsible for alot of the greatest music from 50,s to the 80,s hell of all time

[@brettharootunian3696]

Duane's slide work is a brilliant Peace of artistry that can never be duplicated.

[@davidp2888]

Layla is a beautiful song. The coda always puts a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. So simple, yet so complex, so elegant, so rich.

[@tobanradymski390]

The late great Tom Dowd, who changed the way music is recorded today. He worked with just about everything I listened to through my life, a true genius.

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

Tom dowd vastly overrated as producer. He had two giants over there

[@intuneorange]

@@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879 Silly

[@TheIoniaboy]

I was a DJ on a university station when I heard " Layla " for the first time in late 1970. I think it is beyond a rock and roll classic it is music for eternity. I have heard it hundreds of times and it always sends chills through me.

[@TheIoniaboy]

Thanks, that was great.

[@pabloperez4063]

Donald Dawkins i also remember my ·first time of hearing Layla, in a record shop, in 1981, being 14, and being blown away, of course What power!

[@ronniebishop2496]

Donald Dawkins I have to agree. I was in Oklahoma, and of course was exposed to every type of music, and then when I heard this. I thought this is all of it in one. I went to see The Allman Brothers, right after Duane was killed, and Dickie Betts, took his place.

[@pabloperez4063]

It must have been amazing, to have seen the Dominoes live, in a good night...it is a pitty there is not good bottleg...Eric,s strato sounded better than ever, and his playing at the "Fillmore cd" is top of the top, as far as i am concerned...However. I have heard these gigs werre not particularly good..Can it be true??? As i dont have any other reference... Hard to imagine Eric playing better than in "Blues Power2 or "Let it raaaaiiin"

[@8656737s]

I agree beautiful

[@mikeaustin4138]

This is from a movie on Tom Dowd - Tom Down and the Language of Music. It is well worth checking out...

[@pradishbijukchhe2389]

+Mike Austin thank you very much

[@jimih011]

This is the first time I have seen, heard ,ect. this. Amazing ! I will look up this movie and hope it still can be seen.

[@davidratcliffe6497]

I was at the premiere in the Regal theater on Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach.

[@Featherfunflower]

thanks!

[@MacTeee]

Yes...great documentary

[@Rammstein56]

Unbelievable how he knows how to explain the musicians parts and how he has finally been able to arrange the song from all the instruments , Layla is one of my all time favorite albums but I never ever realized the genius of the producer Tom Dowd !

[@LouiePlaysDrums]

This is taken from the DVD "Tom Dowd and The Language of Music". I totally recommend it. The entire film is excellent and gives an amazing insight to Dowd's genius.

[@peggysanders2191]

Great recommendation- I’ll find it!

[@wecandobetter9821]

Tom Dowd could be called the “conductor of the orchestra” or in this case the best damn rock band ever! Thank you Mr Dowd for producing such great music.

[@hiroishi3668]

Duane's solo bit is just like notes from above. Great choice of notes, brilliant vibratoes, and highest quality guitar sound.

[@dianakoljonen2418]

My God, it's angelic the sound has a quality & Is as smooth and as good as it gets. The loss of Duane is such an un-imaginable and crazy timing of his talent mixed with true feelings of empathy for the band. I have so much admiration for what he accomplished before he died and what Gregg did with all of it afterwards that I do call them my favorites

[@ErJoeJehosaphatz]

Man, just goes to show you what an amazing achievement that mix was. There's so much going on.

[@francishiggins2418]

To me, this whole album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, is one of if not the greatest recording in music history. The guitars cascade around you like a shower of love, tears, grief, pain, longing, and hope. The music tries to feed the deepest part of your soul with the unattainable, and yet the musicians sacrifice still, chasing that thing that can never be. As close to heaven as music can take you. "And maybe someday soon,...someway..."

[@walterpewen7903]

I agree-it's one of the finest rock albums ever made, yet many who like Clapton are not really aware of it. This is what the promise of raw, melodic rock from the heart led to. None better.

[@leighfoulkes7297]

I agree with that. I would even venture out and make the claim that it is a close to being a concept album.

[@daryl6659]

Yes

[@andrewptob]

Duane really brought out the best in Eric. It is, in my opinion, far and away the greatest album Clapton ever made.

[@dangrossheider7304]

Francis Higgins I think the song is too “busy” too much going on in the background. It used to be one of my favs, but over the years I think it’s too much mixed in. Would love to hear it scaled back some

[@greglarry11]

Lovely explanation of some magical playing. "It's the touch."

[@rosemarygranat2928]

I 💕 you all

[@musiccuts2300]

When it's broken down like that, you can appreciate the brilliance that went into the song. I hope one day they could release classics like this with the option of adjusting every track to your liking. Imagine how many versions you could come up with.

[@The_WaryWanderer]

One of the greatest recordings there will ever be. Absolute treasure!

[@rogerbrown6471]

First time realizing how time and skills went into this song. I am blown away by the talents of Eric and Duane to where I can’t add enough praise.

[@jcdova29]

That is sweet magic!! This is the most amazing video in which we get to see and hear insight of the Layla recording and we are spoon fed the greatness of two great guitarist. Just brilliant!!

[@twlttznr]

One of the greatest of all time. Perhaps THE greatest of all time. Such a tragedy that Duane died so very young. Who knows what he would have reached by his later years. What a blessing he left to us

[@kentbeery4941]

Three Masters Tom and Eric and Duane

[@patcarrillo4341]

6, actually!

[@erreugeto]

Duane elevates the song to magic. While his outro side playing is rightly lauded, for me it's his soul-searing slide that enters at 3:51 above that makes almost incarnate the raw emotion of the song. It leaves you almost exhausted, and really requires the peaceful outro to restore your emotions to something hopeful

[@MariaRodriguez-lv5gx]

Very well said. Duane's slide guitar really lifts this song into another level.

[@paulfuller8985]

Tom Dowd was with out any doubt , one of the greatest produces of American music of the 20th Century .

[@jeffdoyle4703]

Tom Dowd, take a bow. I know you're still mixing it up somewhere. Genios.

[@xlake218]

An undisputed masterpiece. Never gets old.

[@zodiacbluesbaby]

A pretty well unimprovable track. Amazing serendipity Duane being there for the recording, chills listening to his whistling slide on the Part 1. outro.

[@lorettayates7098]

Perry Stone

[@ChooseCompassion]

I was blessed to have known this wonderful man. And was so grateful that the documentary was made before we lost him. This to me, is the greatest rock ‘n’ roll song of all times. I get chills just watching this. My nephew who is a extremely talented artist is coming over tonight to watch the documentary so he can see what a brilliant sound engineer that has a true love of music can do.

[@jefflancaster4423]

Mee too bro I came across this video and it reminded me of meeting him in my mid teens at an ABB show at freedom weekend aloft in SC .He was an amazing and humble guy. He gave me his business card, told me to call him, treated me like we knew each other from birth, and squared me up to play with D.T. twice! 😊 RIP Tom. 🙌

[@ChooseCompassion]

@@jefflancaster4423What year was that?

[@frankswiech5544]

Did some sessions at Criteria Studios in Miami , with engineer Jim Sesody .. Sat down at the piano one day in Studio B started hammering out Layla piano part ....when Jim said you know that's the piano that's on the record ....well ....I just about soiled my pants ...you can figure the feeling I had after that ....Frank ....from the old days

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

That is a legitimately awesome story

[@donrutter6765]

Very cool.

[@mjsmcd]

Frank Swiech I guess Jim Gordon who wrote piano part ia still in prison?

[@mindcontrol67]

He supposedly stole it from rita coolidge and it was played on her sisters record. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3qtgX-ZrK2Cm9U

[@chuckpotockimusic2288]

Mike Mcdonnell He's in medical confinement with no chance of release as he requires constant treatment and supervision. Gordon believes that his mother is still alive...damn, mental illness is awful. 😥

[@James57AOL]

Tom Dowd, was the most prolific producer/engineer that I ever witnessed on the console. he was amicable, self effacing and the most wonderful kind of human being I have had the pleasure of meeting. His dry humor, and close relationships with many of the rock era Giants, self evident that he really owned his ability to create. To those he taught, the value of great music. So that they could continue to offer more than musical passages in due era. But, to give the whole of the music industry a model of human ability as well as masterful skill in people and music. Some thought he was slightly corny at times, and some thought his gaze and his demeanor, above and beyond reproach, that he studied his bands, his voice and his behavior held us all in secure faith that he would be there to offer the best of his efforts.

[@chuckydall9250]

It was such a pleasure watching him go over these tracks!!

[@jontheundertaker]

I wonder at how many people that have listened to this song only thought it was Eric on the guitar work and never knew about Duane. I personally didn't know about Duane being a part of Layla until about a year ago. Amazing guitar, everything about this song is amazing! Thank you Tom Dowd! RIP

[@traviswhite1020]

Four Part Harmony same here! Makes the song even better imo!

[@TheFruitloop186]

People who didn't know that Duane played on Layla aren't Allman dans.

[@jimlabos]

He also plays on Boz Scagg's version of Loan Me Dime recorded at Muscle Shoals Studios. One of the longest and best phrased Blues guitar playing I've ever heard. Derek (an amazing player in his own style) may be more accurate as someone above stated but Duane had a way to lift the level of anything he played on. It was always about the "whole" tune not just about him. He made it more than the sum of the parts. Beauty where there was none I always say.

[@gypsyjones6789]

Four Part Harmony dude me lol i’m just finding this out today

[@AyeCarumba221]

I am one of those that had no idea Duane Allman was on this song. Love the song, love Clapton, love Duane. Very very cool.

[@JimmyTAYLOR-o4h]

BEAUTIFUL

[@fingletoad]

5:16, so cute! Tom Dowd is so tickled. I loved those years. I was so lucky to see Derek and the Dominos in 1970. Fab!

[@southsideman4891]

"There were very few words exchanged. It was just musical dialogue." Mad epic

[@Snakefinger1000]

There were many babies named Layla after their parents heard this beautiful song. and I'm one of them.

[@daveidmarx8296]

You type well for a baby

[@alvillanueva2525]

Weird name for a guy.

[@LuluLaRue]

Me too!

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

Anyone who enjoys watching Dowd mix his magic should watch the entire Tom Dowd & the Language of Music. documentary. It includes Cream, Allman's "Midnight Rider", "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" and "Whipping Post" and Skynyrd's "Workin' For MCA" and "Freebird".

[@RT060789]

What a great technician of music. Real music. Just wonderful.

[@lpmccook]

Amazing documentary! I just love how he cracks up at the end when he hears Duane's bird....

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

This was one of my favorite songs as a child. Although at that age the lyrics in the beginning I couldn't totally relate to until I was a teenager, but the ending always made me feel as if someone understood me. I used to even make my own lyrics up to it. Years later I also understood what the refrain meant to the beginning of the song. Then the whole tune took on an even different feel, and these days it means something more as well. Still the fascination for the ending I felt as a kid is just as strong. Some songs are so good they grow with you and never fade.

[@dbrinkm1]

This is a great Trieste on "Layla", a song that I used to play for hours on end while attending Graduate School ! I did not learn until recently the hand that Duane Allman had in the recording of this Masterpiece".I have been a follower of both " The Allman Brothers Band and EC since their beginnings. Thanks for sharing this great insight ! Peace !!!

[@dolnick7]

This in some strange way breaks my heart.

[@thomasmaxey3009]

Mine too

[@jw870206]

I love this song. It's one of my absolute favorites. To see Tom working the board and traveling back in time to 1970 is just a thing of beauty.

[@thomasallan8113]

Tom Dowd started working on the Manhattan Project as a scientist age 18. When the war ended he wanted to continue his education in nuclear physics but he could not reveal any of the top secret work he had done so no university would accept him. Besides, he already knew more than any of the courses these universities offered

[@2011littleguy]

I met Tom in Miami in the eighties. Damn nice guy. Smart as a whip. RIP sir.

[@michaeldinunzio3002]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. I was touched how Eric talks about his vulnerability about writing. I didn't think that he would be insecure about that. That's quite honest. Thank you Eric

[@krisscanlon4051]

Dowd just the ultimate recording engineer and producer.

[@donrutter6765]

Alan Parsons is still my favorite.

[@billthomsen9788]

Eddie Kramer is the only engineer who could possibly rival Dowd.

[@krisscanlon4051]

Glyn and Andy John's were really incredible however it's all very subjective...Kramer is incredible 👏

[@stormbringercoming8105]

The complete documentary on Tom Dowd has become a rare pricey DVD. It’s a treat to watch and worth seeing. Tom was a genius when it came to sound.

[@NNYSPAZ]

Love Tom's take on Layla!

[@peterk8909]

Thanks, Mike. Tom was pulled from college to work on the Manhattan Project, subseguently became the chief engineer at Atlantic Records, turned the Beatles on to 8 track recording, suggested the drum beat for Cream's "Sunshine". Then there was the work he did with so many great artists. Truly a "creative genius" May he RIP

[@biffroberts1007]

RIP Tom Dowd. We miss you.

[@LeadGuitarWorkshop]

so magical, I was so lucky to get to know and work with Tom Dowd for a few days while we recorded our album on the Allman's side label. Our conversations would go from this recording to him engineering Coltrane's Giant Steps. It was so surreal.

[@andriealinsangao613]

Wow, sir/s, you're lucky!!

[@fredevans7117]

The piano coda and the swirling guitar mastery vis-a-vis Eric and Duane moves me to tears. I heard it for the first time in 1971 one year after the album was released and the effect was the same. It's such a timeless masterpiece. One for the ages.

[@Steve_643]

This was such a great documentary, Tom really had a hand in some of the greatest music ever recorded. Anybody that doesn’t know about him should watch it

[@andyjor574]

He's like a wizard. Lovely clip. Thank you for uploading!

[@gioknows]

Truly this is one of the greatest works of music of the modern era.

[@patclark18]

We went to the Big House museum in Macon on Oct.29th. It was amazing, seeing all the memorabilia from the band. I wish he was still here.

[@glueforall]

What a wonderful man. Just his never ending sense of astonishment and wonder. I especially love right at the end of the clip where he is concentrating on hearing the tracks...and re--discoverers duane's 'bird call' slide part that duane threw in at the end....Tom's laugh is priceless....i wish i could have met him

[@DirkjeA]

Mr. Dowd tells the story of the meeting between Duane Allman and Eric Clapton with so much enthousiasm and joy, it makes me happy just to watch. The way he explains the song, and tells how he is rediscovering it again by listening, is so charming, really touching.

[@WhenHerbSpeaks]

Beyond brilliant. A gift to humanity (and dogs) for all time.

[@jontheundertaker]

Whoever says that one musician and or guitar player etc is better than another simply doesn't understand or appreciate music for what it is.

[@lorettayates7098]

Four Part Harmony Wayne perkins

[@lorettayates7098]

Wayne Perkins

[@Jellybeantiger]

I like bands as a whole,every musician performing together creates the vibe,not just the guitarist. Gees,guitarists are such control freaks lol,god bless their cotton socks. :-)

[@Jellybeantiger]

Btw as a drummer,my fsv guitarist is John McLaughlin,magnificent technique but also feel and tone especially the Mahavishnu Orchestra stuff.

[@aaronbeltrancabron79]

Four Part Harmony there is always a mystic respect between musicians,one does'nt talk about it but it is there:)

[@ydoic1111]

I was born in 81 so this was b4 my time but I dont care what kind of music u like when you know good music and you hear it it instantly moves you and make a impression on your soul you can play this tune to a young kid and he will get the melody and the beauty inside this gem

[@nelsondejesus2796]

Tom Dowd was the mastermind behind the recordings of Ray Charles early success and the Great Joe Bonnamassa in his teenage years, even suggested he'd better have learned to play slide guitar on standard tunings than just open tunings. He in the '40s was in the think tank of the making of the A Bombs (Plutonium & Uranium) of Nagasaki and Hiroshima! His true mastery came of the 8 track recorder while others were using one or two 4 track machines mixed down to a half track to stereo before those technologies ever existed, he also upon his death was found to have had numerous Allman Bros recordings that eventually were remixed and released by Gregg Allman, all tucked away in his attic, incredible!

[@SeanmanBand]

😮😮😮

[@sandmanCQB8541]

This, and Led Zep's Houses of the Holy were the very first Albums I was given by an older cousin who just happened to get "doubles" as birthday gifts back in '73. I played those Records NON-STOP. Damn near had the needle cut thru to the B sides. My Mom would yell to my Dad (may he rest in peace)... HE'S PLAYING THAT RECORD AGAIN !!! And my Dad would shout back "I KNOW... IM LISTENING TO IT WITH HIM !!!" God I miss those days. Growing up in the late 60s and 70s was like a gift from God. Id give anything to go back, even just for a day. Now Im the one playing all this incredible music for my daughter, and she loves it. 😁✌️

[@JoshuaMuse]

2019 thanks KZbin for finally showing me this.

[@videotater]

Geniuses all! Tom seems like just such a terrific guy. I would have loved to have met him, had a beer or two and jabbered about Columbia University, physics, recording engineering, and what it was like to record what is perhaps one of the most epic collaborations in classic rock history. The first experiment of the Manhattan project was carried out in the basement of the physics hall at Columbia, on 120th Street in Harlem. Oh, Tom... I am so glad for this taped interview!

[@ledzepdeu]

He spoke like a cheerful David Lynch. Such a charming man.

[@markg.2501]

WOW...Just wow. If that doesn't send chills up and down your spine you seriously should have your spine checked. Duane, Eric and Tom.....Absolute Legends! Never to be duplicated!

[@hiroishi3668]

Guitar sound can be THIS beautiful...Duane...

[@youngc570]

Clapton + Duane + Tom. There will never be a confluence of talent like that for hundreds of years.

[@CDH41057]

Layla, by Derek and the Dominos is, in my opinion, the best song in rock music history. This song is phenomenal, awesome, incredible, magical and totally amazing. I've loved this one since it first came out in 1970 and re-released in 1972 I believe. Whatever. I have a really great stereo in my car and makes this song even more incredible. You can pick up all the instruments so clearly. I could lilsten to this song over and over until my ears bleed!

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Right. The edited 7" version came out in March 1971, but it only went to number 51. Then, a re-release in 1972 (as you said) of the song on both Eric Clapton's The History of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's An Anthology, un-edited, saw it go up to number ten here. In Clapton's native U.K., the album never charted, perhaps, since his real name only appeared on the back cover. Meanwhile, the single (using the full-length cut) reached number seven in 1972 due to its inclusion on the aforementioned The History of Eric Clapton, and would return to the U.K. top ten a decade later, doing even better the second time around making number four.

[@MegaSickcat]

I can remember buying this album...and falling in love with every song....

[@adonaldson618]

I am gonna get me a stained glass window of Duane Allman! Absolute Heaven!

[@VenaBlanchard]

This IS one of the best part of the parts of the documentary Tom Dowd the Language of Music... Thanks for that even posting so more people can appreciate this exquisite Eric Clapton - Duane Allman duet... and the extraordinary talent of Tom Dowd.

[@Medevah]

That piano...

[@kirkpearson7404]

Beautiful. Of course, the guy who played it killed his mom... but still... beautiful

[@joelserey8437]

Billy Powell talked about that same piano when he first got to muscle shoals to record.....he couldn't believe where his craft had landed him! One of those fucking pinch me moments.....

[@rickg8015]

Don't Irk Kirk I feel sad just finding out about his mental illness and how tragic things turned out.. I’m a big fan of Traffic and Derek and the Dominos..

[@hallucinatedovens8414]

Played by Jim Gordon the drummer

[@if6was929]

It was written by Rita Coolidge, who never got credit for it!

[@johngilsoncoleman]

Thank you for posting this video; the shear passion of this recording still brings tears to my eyes to this day, 40 years after the magic that was this session. Tom Dowd was and still is one of the greatest engineers/ producers of all time. Thanks again!

[@susankimball9148]

Tom Dowd was an absolute genius, his parents were musicians, he was a musician, employed by Columbia University in the physics department. He worked on the freakin' Manhattan project (just sayin'...) check out the man's bio.,the people and music he made into legends .... its awesome!

[@vincentwhitley8197]

Tom is spectacular...a musical genius with few peers and no betters.

[@Mikem-mq2hh]

i love how Duane's slides were on the verge of failing. The imperfections were gold.

[@nakulbhargava]

Goosebumps!