Townes Van Zandt -Amazing Stories

Amazing stories about Townes Van Zandt told by people who knew him.
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[@otisgibbs]

I made this compilation in hopes of making it easier for people to find all of these stories. Please feel free to share a link to this video with anyone you think might enjoy it. Full disclosure: I published this same compilation earlier this year and it did horribly. For some reason it never really got going and very few people saw it. I deleted that video this morning and figured I'd give it a second chance on the anniversary of Townes' passing. Hopefully a few more people might find this. Thanks for giving a damn, -Otis

[@jamesc1966]

@Otisgibbs Thanks for posting these stories, Otis. Keep keeping the memories alive!! Happy New Year!

[@stevetucker9181]

I missed it the first time but I enjoyed it today. Thanks for trying again. Happy New Year my friend whom I have never met. Keep up the good work. I love to start my day with good coffee and a little Otis Gibbs. Much love to you in 2024.

[@de_la_Bruere]

Thanks you!!

[@artemisXsidecross]

An excellent job before and now, thank you Otis ☮

[@yelapa999]

I kind of try to snag everything on Townes I can (without pulling a muscle or sumthin). I missed the older post and got this one straight away.

[@FleagleSangria]

Flat out genius and a real human being. Townes Van Zandt. My musical hero.

[@leelane9929]

Thanks Otis, I was at the Blue Bird for Townes, Steve Earle and Guy Clark. I had known Steve since the mid 80s.,I had a small studio on the Row, and New Life Record Shop Steve stopped and sent Justin to get me. Steve said "You got to come to this show" So went I got there JT had,saved a seat next to the stage. It was only then I found out who was there. Emmy Lou also got up and sang. I knew I was wittenessing history that night. Thanks to Steve.

[@devonfulton1759]

Your Townes videos are the reason I found you Otis. Thanks for all of your hard work in putting these together. Much Love back to you.

[@idontknowwatson760]

Same...

[@idontknowwatson760]

.... and Dead Flowers

[@kirkstrickland8029]

I concur

[@ChristopherDarby]

Mr. Gibbs thank you for taking the time to put this together and share it. I appreciate you...

[@sandrapelton861]

Townes was a kind-hearted, free spirit given to self-destructive behavior and walking the knife's edge between genius and madness. He remains one of the greatest singer-songwriters to ever grace this world. As Don McLean wrote years before in "Vincent," this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you. RIP Townes. Your musical legacy has not been forgotten.

[@melindapinner4035]

Beautifully and intelligently true. Few songs invoke emotions to the brink of tears. His songs…in particular “No Place To Fall “ and “The Hole” made me cry tears of clarity that NEEDED to get out. Yet it wasn’t mine alone. My heart broke and the tears that fell first were for him. Knowing he suffered greatly removed the scab to a wound that needed to be cleaned out. God what a beautiful man.

[@okiejammer2736]

My goodness. Yes. You said what so many have kept in our hearts about this man and his music. Well done.

[@samuelhumphrey5908]

Hey Otis, Thanks 🙏 Stay strong Brother. You are appreciated here across the Pond. ✊💪💯🙏

[@dannymacnevin3939]

Otis, from a good ol' boy up here in Canada, who grew up listening to and playing country music (for a living at one time), I absolutely love your videos, and this one will be shared with a few friends of mine I know will enjoy it! Townes was not only a song writer, he was a poet and a true legend! Fantastic stories. Thank you for the time you spend making them available to us many miles away!

[@Anna-loves-you]

Townes forever, he had something so magical and fragile about him, one of my favorite artists and lyricists of all time.❤❤❤

[@bionmcveigh3708]

I met Townes in the old quarter bar in Houston in Feb of 1969 what a fun guy to be around then ! Would have liked to have got to know him better but Uncle Sam called me ! He did show me how to play Tecumseh Valley without finger picking ! RIP Townes !

[@gtfochimba]

So many good stories, I beg you for more Townes, pleaaaaaaase. I wonder if there are any of the ol' Skinny Dennis too

[@brianb.5473]

RIP Townes 27 years ago today and RIP Hank 71 years ago today. I bet they have played a few duets together these last 27 years.

[@fiddlefolk]

Townes is a Texas treasure! I'm aTexan and some of the baddest musicians, songwriters, singers who ever lived come from my state!

[@domofswitch]

Loved This! Thanks for these thrilling conversations on Townes' anniversary!!!

[@melindapinner4035]

Townes is THE greatest song writer/musician ever in my opinion. I mean I haven’t been as fascinated regarding a musician since here lately and I realize now that it’s because I hear a haunting of Townes lyrically and personally. If musicians guide other artist I’m convinced Townes guides said artist I speak of. Anyway great video!

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Thanks for reposting this Otis! I watched it before and loved it and I love again now. Happy New year!

[@paulh6299]

happy new year Otis thanks for last year's stuff. I'm looking forward to more!

[@futurevintage1597]

just wached the movie Blaze last nite. thanks for helping me connect the dots.

[@julesotis13]

tell my friends to morn me none...but just think of all the poetry and pickin down the line

[@sunkenindeaf]

Searching for Townes Van Zandt stories is how I ended up in this channel. Thank you for all efforts, Mr Gibbs. Listening to these stories, time stands still. One gets carried away in the greatest joy and the greatest sorrow. 21:50 --- In the film "Be Here to Love Me" (2004), Steve Earle tells about a night at Old Quarter when he was heckled on stage by Van Zandt, insisting Earle to play "Wabash Cannonball". 25:08 --- Now that her name is mentioned, may I add that Lucinda Williams recorded an exceptional version of "Nothin'", released in 2001 in the compilation titled "Poet: A Tribute to Townes Van Zandt". On a personal note: I first heard of Townes Van Zandt in late 1990s, through Tindersticks' version of "Kathleen", which is a nugget of helplessness. If only to emphasize the importance of an honest cover version that can spread the word, the music in unthinkable ways. Meanwhile, someone reading this comment might trace the path in opposite direction and get to know the melancholy sound of Tindersticks. --Waving from Istanbul.

[@mouldyguitar]

That was lovely. Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@stevewuertz3598]

I saw the songbook for sale shortly before Townes passed for$20 at a Sammi sale in austin. Foolishly I didn’t purchase it. I remember visiting my folks that day and dialing in Austin’s npr affiliate when I learned the news. Saddened but not shocked. I’d seen him in a poor state the previous year. The gleam in his eye was still miss him. Still listen to him

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

27 is a very special number for me, and TVZ a special songtrack for me. Thank you for this.

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

Towns , a poet of the blue collar men and hobos. Some his songs are so haunting and sad that it would make a hard man cry.

[@6deste]

That was fantastic, many thanks

[@bobrg1459]

Thanks, Otis. Take care.

[@dreamwell2020]

Townes always made sure that the words could stand up by themselves without the music.

[@jerryakbar6147]

Thanks Otis, I wish this went on for 6 more hours, I actually work for Otis elevator company in Los Angeles ( originally from NYC) local 18. Getting ready to hang it up soon. FYI I did see bill once and won one of bills belt buckles at the auction James put on years ago. Thanks again brother.

[@tomyot77]

Otis thanks for your special stories and happy new year. Looking forward to your new projects in 2024.

[@jhoskins5630]

Love GF's saxophone story, Happy New Year, Otis, thank you for sharing what you do. One of the bright spots on KZbin.

[@otisgibbs]

Ways to support this channel. www.patreon.com/otisgibbs kzbin.info/door/YX2MTovE0vYjD8touqRH7Qjoin Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel. paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=... www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs Paypal: @otisgibbs Venmo: @OtisGibbs

[@themancalledx1342]

Happy new year Otis.

[@In_and_ouTs]

Rest easy Townes.

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

I only got to know Townes music posthumoustly through a friend not to long after he died. I may not have heard his music at all if it wasnt it for this friend. neither are both on this earthy plane any longer but my life has been so much richer for both the introduction and the devotion to Townes music since first hearing it. Thankyou for this wonderful tribute ,Otis. R.I.P my brothers

[@gebhandard2976]

Townes in my blood,Guy Clark in my DNA,bourn in Corpus Christi spirited to the great north to grow up. When I hear the music I feel no pain at all!

[@redheadbandanna1973]

Thanks Otis

[@Bill-cv1xu]

Morning all..

[@jlwhitecotten5947]

"The 70's were pretty wild, and the 80's got even wilder." Amen.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Thanks for that, Otis.

[@melindapinner4035]

Know this! As a recovering addict who listened to his music during the darkest hours I’ll tell you his life wasn’t in vain. All lives are talented but few find purpose in conjunction with life. Townes did this. He continues to show up with Christ in light when none can he found. Yet there it is. Musically echoing and distracting me from the torment by reminding to never give up. RIP Townes and thank you.

[@lemmh2]

The greatest songwriter to ever live - and there's a book?! I'm going to find this thing, now.

[@willysunday]

Otis, thanks for pinning this. I discovered it on my TV Tube. Great stories brought forth by Great folks. Also I'm wondering if you heard the story behind saving JOhnny's Speakeasy in Ann Arbor?

[@ScottStentenFilms]

fantastic, thank you!

[@chadpittman3025]

Disappointed that Townes never got to see his legendary status.

[@jerrywilson4371]

Well done Otis. Sure would like to hear more about Lightning. Makes you wonder if such poetic expression can come from someone not whacked out batshit crazy.

[@melindapinner4035]

There is a young man out in Tennessee (born there). His music is unique as is his voice. It’s crazy cause there is this aura between Kurt Cobain and Townes that looms over this man. He’s making headway but by God he’s going to help SO many artistically should the right connections continue to take place. A true treasure. I’m watching it unfold and parts are difficult (mental health issues) to see but I pray every day that his break through occur, because the world needs this authentic healing.

[@carollivingston4025]

​@melindapinner4035 who is this man? I'm in East TN.

[@kmaher1424]

Today the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galceston hosts the annual Townes Van Zandt Wake. Sold out. Three books I own: 1. Bought the songbook from Joe back in the day. 2. The Other Mickey by Mickey White. He and Wrecks Bell backed Townes for years. Also backed Lightnin Hopkins including the Carnegie Hall gig. Glad someone remembers those days and can actually write well 3. The Sole of Houston. A collection of John Nova Lomax articles for the Houston Press. He made epic walking tours of our city's byways. Bought it last fall at John Nova's memorial service. His father John III sang Buffaio Skinners. He has been doing a capella gigs of songs collected by his family. Many in Nashville Steve Earle played Telephone Road, about one of Houston's storied streets...

[@michele21auntiem]

Wish I could have been at the memorial. John was such a talented writer.

[@necessarymusicproductions7457]

Thank you. For the sake of the song.

[@2ChukBuk]

Back in the mid 90s to the early 2000s, I knew a few live sound guys in Portland OR. Often, I had soundboard access to plug in my new DAT recorder. In May 1994, Townes played a small club in the basement of the Melody Ballroom called the Blue Heart Cafe. GREAT little room, seated maybe 150 people. He played a wonderful show and after the concert ended and I popped the tape out of my deck, his road manager politely but firmly asked for the tape. I wished I could have kept it, but I couldn't argue it. Does anybody know who his road manager was at that time?

[@andrewcannon8561]

Harold Eggers. Would love to hear that tape…too bad

[@chadpittman3025]

The song book is only selling at high price because it is so limited.only a few copy's,that is what make it valuable

[@thomasclark6232]

Am a big fan of Townes' music. Met him in the late 60's through Mickey White in Clarksville in Austin. Even though he was too drunk to even talk it was still a trip to be around him for awhile. RIP Townes!

[@Liviticuss]

Can’t thank you enough…come to Leic UK.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

See here how everything.. leads up to this day

[@brianmcglade8164]

And it's just like any other day !

[@davids6652]

@@brianmcglade8164sun going up and then the sun going down…shine thru my window and my friends they come around

[@alexloweh1]

TVZ ...... MY SONGWRITING HERO 👍🤙

[@julesotis13]

days up and down they come

[@HaydenPettit-dx8dv]

Forget most remember some but don’t turn none away

[@timwasem]

Has anyone made a pdf scan of the songbook yet?

[@BST501]

❤❤❤

[@KenSilvers]

I'd never have know who he was if not for the Big Lebowski. Life is a funny thing.

[@JGsBBQ]

🤙🏼

[@mattyoung9354]

Common mistake - Townes isn't alone in making this mistake, but Smokey Bear dosn't have a middle name - It is not Smokey "The" Bear, just like Porky Pig's name, is not Porky "the" Pig. - Great stories

[@loosieclocker]

All for the sake of the song

[@markopolo3445]

Happy better 2024 to you Otis from the N Coast of Cali!!!