Tom Waits - Letterman 12-21-83

[@Jeffjr8atUNI]

Every 6 months or so I go down a tom waits rabbit hole and spend a few hours watching old interviews. Amazing talent.

[@sumo-ninja]

What's he building in there

[@robfalgiano]

This is from when America was still a wild frontier intellectually and musically. Just before corporations swallowed the entire culture, homogenizing people into numb emotion-free oblivion. All the greats are weirdos, b/c at heart everyone is a weirdo, but some people actually let it show.

[@antarctic8560]

Agreed Rob. This politically correct bullshit society we live in today has reached the nadir of humanity, let me tell you. I refuse to partake in it, and I don't give a shit what anyone thinks. If I want to smoke, I do, and I'll say what's on my mind as well.

[@thebatman4279]

antarctic Hear hear! :D Fuck society!!!

[@Kamoblue]

Great comment

[@garyyukich2755]

This guy is too much-saw him long ago playing the piano has been drinking with his foot...on the nickel-Ruby's arms-one of the greats

[@robfalgiano]

Letsbang Okay Sure, anything can be turned into a trend, even being "weird" (Lady Gaga?). Though that random weirdness is transparent, whereas weird "genius" is much more complex and intriguing (Tom Waits, others). And lasting, because it's not playing for fame or cash, its playing for its own creative expression.

[@lindahoyt5690]

I could hang out in a room full of people like Tom and feel totally at ease. It's the "normal" plastic people that scare the hell out of me.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

Linda Hoyt Same here Linda , You hit the proverbial nail on the head.

[@tylerwiltse1268]

He probably has 6 different outcomes for whatever he’s trying to say, I would just like to hear the 6 alternative versions of this that it could’ve been in a compilation

[@misterroboto8881]

Agreed. Plus he is criminally ignored by the mainstream. I'm guessing he likes it that way

[@OffhandDelivery]

Still seems like the coolest guy in the room even when he's nervous as hell. Tom Waits ladies and gentlemen. Most artistic artist that ever graced a stage.

[@SynysterGoose]

This is the influence of leadgers joker

[@OffhandDelivery]

this is Tom fucking Waits. The influence of millions. And that ain't no joke

[@BubblingSyphilisSund]

OffhandDelivery A-fuckin-men.

[@barquedust]

Nobody can tell a tale with grit and texture like this ol wolf.

[@samirafriis]

He's not nervous, he's never nervous! High maybe, or drunk...

[@robertkees6048]

This is one of my favorite clips of Tom performing, and I've probably watched it 50 times if I've watched it once, but today is the first time I've been able to watch it since my Mom passed away. It always made me cry before she passed, but it didn't this time, it's kind of weird, I thought I'd lose it, but I've been afraid for no reason, I'm glad I finally got back to it, now it's safe to come back again. I love you Mom, you too Tom, and thanks.

[@bluebow68]

Not many artist have brought me to tears..Waits does it with so many of his tunes..

[@calebm6477]

Dave is an absolute comedic genius and Tom is one step ahead of him. A true artist.

[@ginnydupuy3710]

Beautiful song. Amazing artist. Sometime around this time, my good friend and I "stalked" Tom in the French Quarter. We acted on a tip, after seeing a John Prine show, and my friend knew where he was at. We found him alone, standing at the bar, his head down, staring at his drink, with a hat blocking any real view of his face. I avoided any eye contact when he'd look up. We were so struck by his coolness and apparent desire to be left alone, that neither of us could approach him....haaaaaaaa. Good times. I miss my friend, Joe.

[@Mrsilenciobackgammon]

Great story!

[@v.f.]

This man's voice... Unbelievable..

[@kymlardnerofficial]

Suddenly I'm in Tom's world and I've left my troubles behind.

[@lordkorner]

Its a fact that no matter how long you live you will never encounter the wealth of great music that exists, Im so glad Ive come to know the music of Mr Waits.

[@PlayNiceFolks]

I will live forever

[@amcsibozgor6791]

Waits has always amazed me with how low-key and genuinely shy he seems during interviews and confident and bombastic and expressive in his music. He truly communicates who he is through the music he makes.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

don't know about the shy part ,low key, yes

[@berryhomchas]

Artists are people driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide.

[@teob1176]

He temporarily cures my depression

[@maiabrittany]

We need more Tom Waits & Dave Letterman's in this world. Both huge talents in their fields, though I reckon Tom could have made a living as a comedian. Respect. I particular like Tom's ballads, no one (except maybe Nick Cave) sings one better.

[@domdomdom1017]

Lmao i never noticed until now but i can hear a jazzy Steve-O in his voice

[@penske_material]

that's the first thing I heard too

[@Zlayzey]

Or Heath Ledger's Joker

[@garnerday7149]

You ever spoke to a junkie? Smoking things that should not be smoked and throwing up from liquor will give you a voice like a demon doing his best.

[@TheBachedPotato]

This was being filmed around the exact moment I was being born. Jesus God that is awesome.

[@mic982]

Wild, whacky, weird and quite unique. It's more people like Tom that our world needs, not less, imo. But something tells me God dispenses them in just the right doses as we need them. It's too bad so many people miss the medicine.

[@louisboyer3919]

music and comedy was so strong the personalities seemed so stronger in those days.

[@arex82]

Timeless. I was 18 mos old when he performed this. Discovered it in my twenties and have been mesmerized ever since. Hats off to you, Mr. Waits. For this, and the rest of your legendary catalogue

[@MikeLazarus]

Tom Waits ... Always brilliant, often hilarious

[@Malouco]

Mike Lazarus he is one of a kind. Like Bowie and Pop.

[@anicetoogumoro6208]

First time to hear this guy sing after a string of solid interviews. Never knew his name before today, but I must say, I missed out and must catch up. Peace

[@mefi9788]

Aniceto Ogumoro I only recently really started listening to him. Amazing. Love this guy

[@robertmarinelli8158]

Seeing this in 1983 was my first encounter with Tom Waits, I cannot believe I found this. I ran to the early VCR and recorder it after the first few lines, I was in love.

[@j7286]

I first saw Waits on the old Soundstage talk show, hosted by Chip Monck, and was blown away. Went out and bought Nighthawks at the Diner, and saw him in person 4 times between 75 and 76. Got to meet him, and he paid for the drinks for my husband and myself.

[@jimbackus3172]

That's great! Very cool.

[@mactheAnimal798]

What a Poet! Give those poorest and backstreet peoples a voice. Love!

[@Zirc0nium69]

Isn't it great that for over 30 years now Tom Waits and David Lynch have clearly had the same hairdresser?

[@whodoobucrew2960]

Otto Toksik jarmush too

[@rosalievaldes5647]

Throw Lyle Lovett in the mix as well

[@muzicsalesman]

Well, shit. Here we go again; I watched one, now I have to watch them all.

[@moncorp1]

On the Nickel. Man, that's powerful stuff.

[@luvpants2012]

Yeah I love that lyric about the royal flush never beating a pair. Brilliant.

[@MarkCodyDirtAndMingle]

Genius...what a wonderful piece of footage.

[@mistercharlie8827]

I believe that's the great bassist George Duvivier on the upright in what may have been his last performance. He died of cancer in 1985. God bless George. Hope you're playin' in a swingin' band wherever you are.

[@hetmanjz]

Indeed it is: 9:56

[@mistercharlie8827]

HaHa! I didn't bother to watch the second song. My loss! Such great stuff.

[@hetmanjz]

Mister Charlie It was waiting for you!

[@shaunpearson7905]

OH yeah! He played with Eric Dolphy, Herbie Nichols, Randy Weston, Oliver Nelson - good stuff.

[@stockyphilb7663]

Never heard of that guy. Thanks for sharing.

[@lucindachinn3963]

I love Tom Waits. Wish he would tour again.

[@mayormc]

Very classic. Swordfishtrombones still stands as one of the most unique albums. What a character and amazing talent.

[@GregDrayGregDray]

Tom Waits is one of the most honest musicians I have ever had the pleasure to know of. His sons are truely from the heart. (I know you're not supposed to end a sentence in a preposition)

[@hotlov72]

It's funny...I always thought sons were fron the womb?

[@earthangel8730]

You didn't end a sentence with a preposition (from). You ended a sentence with a prepositional phrase. As far as sentence structure goes, that is well formed.

[@johnvndonut]

Thank you Mrsilenciobackgammon for posting and thank you to David Letterman for putting this wonderful loon on the tv box.

[@miguellevy]

I have been commenting on other songs, but i'll say it again... This man is a music monster, and will always be heard by me, hopefully by all of you

[@Davett53]

In 1983, Tom was 34,....a mere babe. He's still around in 2019,...and he just turned 70. He's plodded along, kept turning out amazing albums,....wait until 1999, when he creates Mule Variations. It'll blow your mind.

[@sandyman1960]

loved seeing this guy being interviewed

[@JoakimHaloReach]

Well, this man is legendary, and so original. To bad that there arent many of my generation that listen to Tom Waits.

[@DRFW1962]

Can never decide Tom singing, which is quite good, or Tom in uberHowlingWolf mode. Genius regardless. The key changes in this are superb.

[@btm450]

If only the music industry had the artistic integrity and intelligence of this time! Thank goodness for The Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer’s and Andrew Birds of today not that they get the recognition they deserve hopefully true artists will not be buried by mainstream pop garbage. We can only hope!

[@lisamcmullan6484]

He,s just so cool without even any effort ,a wordsmith and excellent musician 👌

[@toofoolish]

i had the carlos skit on my answering machine for about a year ... less than a week after i took it off i came home to find a message on the machine "lori chapman, tom waits here ..." he was looking for a stylist for the Swordfish Trombones album cover (which i ultimately did) ... imagine if he'd phoned a week earlier

[@holdencaustic]

lori chapman wow!!!!

[@kitpalmer1583]

the Carlos skit? you mean Franks Wild Years, from the album you supposedly worked on?🤔

[@dijohnle8460]

when did she say that?

[@jimbackus3172]

lori chapman very nice work. You captured the essence of the album perfectly.

[@GabrielKerr]

That... Is awesome.

[@AgeOfBile]

How does this not have any comments? People need to stop watching American Idol and watch AN American Idol instead! The culture is truly broken.

[@nathanwheeler9129]

He’s so good and always has been.

[@The3rdGunman]

Heath Ledger comments on Tom Waits videos is the new Columbine comments on KMFDM videos Please let it go in 2016....Been better part of a decade.

[@danitodd9482]

Amazing that no one there really gets him. They all laugh but he was simply being himself. Love TW

[@AUdioHipster]

Man i like this ...intel i read the below posts... then i went to FUBR there 2 ... good entertainment stands the test of time... Cheers Tom great entreating song writing... we here at AudioHIpster love it.

[@hayseedpunkash]

I was a baby when this came out. Wish I had been old enough to enjoy it..... True legend.

[@MrCook1227]

I can't help but cry every time I listen to this song. For those of us with a clue what it's like to live on the street, it's obvious that Tom Waits gets it. Every word rings true. I don't think Letterman knew the complexity and depth of TW in 1983. In later interviews he shows a bit more respect, not looking for Tom to be a clown.

[@MrCook1227]

***** I think my reply to you was deleted because I added a link to my cover of "Coney Island Baby" here on youtube. It's an extra step, but you can find it and other cover songs I've done on my channel, MrCook1227's Channel. If you make the effort to look, thank you and I hope you enjoy the songs.

[@jasonenosart]

Even in this interview, you can tell Letterman is trying not to make Waits look like a clown while Waits gets his laughs. He plays along, but he never ostracizes.

[@peterbliek8614]

Tom Waits is such a comforting artist

[@absoluteego]

what?

[@randynixon5059]

MrCook Amen...

[@DirkGastonGrave]

That's exactly how I started. Sitting in a room, smoking, drinking, reading Buk and listening to Tom Waits, that's EXACTLY it!

[@EstimatedProphet92]

i got a new pack of menthols and a half gallon of the cheapest vodka i could find... lets get into this shit

[@trapper2]

Why this great talent was not one of the so called platinum acts only proves the words of PT Barnum to be right 'on the nickel' . Tom is great as always, there's so much wit and compassion in that gravelly voice.

[@PawnShopRockers]

I love the FLY on your picture. I kept wanting to brush it away. Very good.

[@Tommyfazz]

Quality always- clever as always

[@TheSkyCheif]

Such an honest character. Id love to be as free as Tom Waits.

[@deeleym2740]

Brilliant man! Brilliant.

[@yankeedoodlecajun]

Just beautiful.

[@thecaptainnoah]

One of the Greatest Artist of our time.

[@DarkeningSkies1]

Check out bassist George Duvivier's discography some time as well... a jazz legend.

[@gerrythrash]

DarkeningSkies1 Yes!

[@sdovas]

I can remember watching this when it was first broadcast, psyched to see Tom on Letterman, and HOLY CHRISTMAS he's got George F'ing Duvivier playing bass for him on On The Nickel!!! Amazing, I was in heaven, and it's a thrill to be able to see it again and weird - out my kids by getting them to see it.

[@jmarts715]

They broke the mold after the creation of Tom Waits. Beyond cool.

[@douglasdog1]

Originally was going to skip the performance and go straight to the interview, but it was captivating to listen to him and what his next line was going to be. A true entertainer.

[@mmchenry]

Simply one of the BEST !

[@wilhelmmikalsen8074]

This man Is pure class

[@richierich7945]

Truly stunning words emotions animations and creativity that never came from anything corporate or anything commercial. This was truly what America was rooted in in art and music until pop came to ruin America's dream

[@brianwood7237]

I wasn't aware of Dave, or Tom, until at least 85...if I had seen this when I was 13, I'd probably of changed the channel back to MTV😂

[@graffinator]

every other word is a goddamned new detail. man is a consummate storyteller

[@JoeCiliberto]

The great George Duvivier on upright bass.. Rest in Peace Mr. Duvivier with my best friend Coz, no longer on the nickel but up in heaven.

[@joehaywood1236]

The first of many appearances to come on Letterman.

[@TeeKay19]

I remember this -- just before Christmas. A rumor (maybe true) was that Waits only agreed to appear if he could do "On the Nickel." Supposedly the producers didn't like a "downer" of a song on the show. I always felt Letterman retained a bit of integrity by having Waits and also McCoy Tyner on his show several times over the years.

[@kyledieterich5020]

Very cool rumor. I choose to believe it. One thing I loved about Letterman was his taste in music. It was obvious that he genuinely enjoyed a large majority of artists that were presented on his show. When he retired it was like another source of great music was shut off in the modern era. Truly a shame. I really think it'd be amazing if he could do something that re-opened that pipeline of artistry. Weekly youtube video with a musical guest or two and have them just talk, interact, play songs. Something. Several of my favorite artists I learned of through his late night shows. Waits was one of them. Thanks Dave.

[@TeeKay19]

I think Paul Shaffer had a lot to do with the musical guests. He knew everyone, in a lot of genres, too. I thought one of the best segments, or at least it was one of my favorites, was Shaffer & Stevie Wonder in a "name that tune" contest. I think it was a tie, but it was fun and awesome. I may be mis-remembering it, but I think Shaffer would play a few notes on the organ and Stevie would name it, and Stevie would hum or scat-sing a few notes and Paul would nail it. Just plain fun.

[@holdencaustic]

TeeKay19 Letterman has always had the best musical guests

[@jackcarraway4707]

I like how out of all the tracks on Swordfishtrombone, he picked the short spoken word one.

[@SPRPhilly]

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@hazi108]

i believe that was " frank's wild years."

[@spongebobslushpants1]

A recurring theme in all these interviews with Tom as a young man just show all these interviewers trying to make fun of him, or make him look batshit. It's crazy that Tom dealt with it as well as he did.

[@xmagicxx01]

Waits is going with it because hes a song writer for the people, he don't care about showing off!

[@xmagicxx01]

Hell I think its more bad ass that he went through rough times and can take it like a man, then showing off some flashy shit that don't mean anything to him!

[@shafersongs]

It worked for both of them

[@fosbury68]

George Duvivier on bass. Wow.

[@TheHlokey]

isn't it great there's an audience for Tom Waits? Not for everyone, but he sure is cool. No one like him.

[@anatchuv]

Funny guy, outstanding musician and poet.

[@loveTrinityS]

simply brilliant. the best artist out there.

[@jocotti]

Thx for posting this.

[@commentcopbadge6665]

"If you're good at something, never do it for free!"

[@jaschaheifetz]

George Duvivier. George Duvivier. Quarter note master.

[@wordhurler]

Thanks for posting this.

[@czrio]

MAN, THATS ONE COOL CAT

[@serenityseekerasmr5889]

I just heard that Heath Ledger's Joker was based on Tom Waits' demeanor and mannerisms. After watching this, I think that might be accurate.

[@serenityseekerasmr5889]

Graham Carney Yep. Troy Baker.

[@TheManTheMythD]

Eargasm ASMR Me too, buddy.

[@Daddy0os]

He's even more Joker-like in his 70's interviews. Check those out.

[@Spiff12]

Beyond!

[@serenityseekerasmr5889]

Kenny Saunders Beyond to you as well, Sir!!!

[@blindreefer]

Tom Waits was 45 years old the day he was born

[@randynixon5059]

Nowadays no one would even understand this man. When I was just trying to figure out how things are a lot of conversations sounded like this, no alcohol required. A lot of ww2 vets spent 30+ years in the netherworld of semi functional society. I respect the man's dignity while others laugh uncomfortably...

[@88hunky]

first time I saw this. Incredible

[@tylerwiltse1268]

Let’s take a moment to realize that if Steve-O was trained vocally intensely he would sound like Tom waits

[@thechunkyone7118]

Him and Duncan trussel ha

[@dandrechesterfield5411]

Tom is so nervous in this interview, it's really endearing

[@TheOnlyNonie]

woah letterman has been here for ages!

[@lionelhutz5137]

You've changed things and there's no going back, you see to them you're just a freak....like meeee

[@Mrsilenciobackgammon]

That's when he got married and started working with his wife. I've always likened it to Hitchcock's working relationship with his better half, a top notch partner who doesn't take a cut.

[@judithsmith8014]

Now I understand Kramer's hairstyle in Seinfeld - would that be called a pompadour...? I really think so, very amusing and sets the pace. Mr Tom Waits is very droll. He knows how to use language, so clever. His hair also makes quite the silent statement - great fun. Regards. Pompadour refers to a hairstyle which is named for Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), mistress of King Louis XV. Although there are numerous variations of the style for both women and men, the basic concept is hair swept upwards from the face and worn high over the forehead, and sometimes upswept around the sides and back as well.

[@jcckidz]

Dude reminds me of Steven Wright. Corky, weird, and totally awesome.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

There is a great similarity between Shane McGowan & Tom Waites, Shane was what Tom sang and wrote about

[@ZanderYates]

Tom Waits 2020

[@DustWarden]

If most "spoken-word music"/"beat poetry" sounded like this, I might actually consider it a legitimate art form.

[@DustWarden]

I meant the performance at the beginning, not the interview - but I'll wager if somebody laid a sweet standing-bass jazz line down behind the interview (or bits of it) it would sound just as fantastic.

[@Vanidamann]

DustWarden t Lum thai Lum thai

[@manningbartlett522]

Beat poetry, like hip-hop is certainly a valid art form. However both beat poetry and hip-hop suffer from being drowned in an ocean of worthless dreck, to the point where people can start to question if *anything* good has ever been produced.

[@xgoldlion07x]

Tom is literally the coolest person alive

[@LGZ024]

No he's "literally" not. "Coolest" is a subjective term like greatest, best, worst it can't really be proven to be "literally" coolest, best, worst, ect. Let's make sure and not misuse and abuse the term literally please, thanks for your help... The Literally Constable

[@paulgregory7533]

I think Tom holds his own and its banter between guys like in Gran Torino, thats how guys talk to each other. I have just been give two of my best pals shit, via whats app, as one looks like Bob Dylan but behaves like Deuce Bigalo. Haven't seen each other in years, but first thing sis take the piss :-D. Tom is amazing he makes me piss awesome artist and love his personality. He's Tom Waits does it his way and doesn't give a shit who thinks what!

[@spru1k]

I'd love to read that letter

[@grapesoftime]

Btw the song referencing underwear would be Pasties And A G String off of the Small Change album

[@mountainisasloping]

Tom Waits is not entertainment, he makes you feel.

[@wenders99]

I love how at times it looks like Tom's left hand is playing the bass.