Townes Van Zandt -The Story Behind His Legendary Songbook

[@TimEastonSongwriter]

Oh, I guess, now that I've watched this, I should go on the record to correct that one part of the story. I did not buy the book from Townes, as you now know I bought it off of Butch Hancock, who had a stack of them at his store "Lubbock or Leave It" in Austin, Texas, This happened during my first cross country trip (in an orange VW Bus) to Texas to go to SXSW. That same weekend I also met Johnny Cash, who was opening for Beck at Emo's on 6th Street. Curiously, or not, I also met Todd Snider that weekend and passed him a cassette of my song "Rewind." The year was 1994. August 21st, 1995 is the date of the show I played with Townes in Columbus, Ohio. I found that date on a web site that has many of his shows ippc2.orst.edu/coopl/sched/tvz90s.html

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Tim! I'm gonna pin this to the top so folks can see it. Anyone reading this should go subscribe to Tim's channel right now.

[@simonerusso6920]

Tank gibbs wat do yuo think ov gentale on my minde glen Campbell

[@Claytone-Records]

@@simonerusso6920 And Wichita lineman.

[@ThoseBackPages]

Beck? Jeff Beck or Beck Hanson?

[@stevekimball2493]

Cash opening for BECK what the fuck...

[@petermilne2354]

Hi Otis I live in Aberdeen in Scotland and like many others first became aware of Townes' music through Emmylou's recording of "Pancho and Lefty". Being completely bowled over by this song we started investigating Townes' own back catalogue, much of which was, by this time, reissued on Tomato records. I remember the hardest to find was "For the Sake of the Song" a second-hand copy being purchased for the then princely sum of £15 from GI Records in Edinburgh. A small but hardcore group of afficiandos were very much into American Singer-Songwriters like John Stewart, Guy Clark, Terry Allen, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock and many others.and regularly travelled the length of the country to see in small concert settings. The first we saw of Townes was in a small place in Edinburgh on the 30th October 1987 (The name of the venue escapes me though I do remember we had the devil of a job finding the place). I know the date for sure as he signed and dated a copy of the LP he was selling at the gig called "Live & Obscure". I imagine this was his first trip to Scotland and BBC Scotland were there to record it for future broadcast. Sadly they pulled the plug on the recording. Although I didn't know it at the time the low key nature of the performance was pretty much standard fair for Townes. We certainly enjoyed it though and never thought it would be the first of many times we would be privileged to see him. This is where my memory becomes a bit ropey but I do remember coming across John Lomax's address in some publication or other and sending him some money in the hope of getting a copy of the Songbook which duly arrived. It's hardback and signed by Townes inside. Its got the number 406 hand-written inside but doesn't say how many copies this was one of! Hearing the story behind its publication was immensely interesting and my thanks to you for this. The book is of great value to me but I had no idea it was that collectible. Anyway It's not going anywhere so the monetary value is irrelevant to me!!

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Peter! : )

[@Caperhere]

Do you mean the John Stewart who sang “ Armstrong “.?

[@petermilne2354]

@@Caperhere Absolutely! A regular visitor to our land.

[@stevewuertz3598]

I remember that songbook. I last saw one at a large semi antique sale with dozens of vendors in a city owned (Austin) colosseum around 1997 or so. I was in the middle of a start up company and money was tight and because I was no longer attempting to play guitar decided against buying it. It was perhaps $20. Softcover. One thing I've learned is I regret not buying stuff much more than buying stuff. Case in point: 1953 Aston Martin in 87 for $17K . 1975 Ferrari Dino in 1984/85 for $14K. Sealed Beatles butcher cover for $200 in 1979. If you buy it, you can always sell it. If you don't buy it, you can ruminate over not having it. I tell the story about my X Wife putting her foot down on my attempted purchase of a 49 Caddy. As Townes says in the intro to Buckskin Stallion BLues on one of his live LPs: "This song is half about a horse and half about a woman. I still miss the horse".

[@otisgibbs]

I probably would have been too broke/cheap to spend 20 bucks on that book in the 90s, so I get where you're coming from. : )

[@davidkrause6990]

Me and a buddy used to go see Townes at the Old Quarter in Houston. I was around 16. This would have been in ‘73 -75’

[@aubreygreen4268]

I have an unsigned paperback copy. My mother-in-law had actually found it in a goodwill shop for one or two dollars some years back, and eventually gifted it to me, knowing I'm quite a rabid fan. It's one of my most cherished possessions ❤️

[@TimEastonSongwriter]

Aha! Well now I know. I've put mine in a protective sleeve now. Good hanging out with you the other day. TE

[@mimo70]

I bought a paperback copy, thru the mail, somewhere back in the late 90s. Lovely little book. The day I stumbled upon Townes' music was one of the luckiest days of my life. Some twenty-five years later, I am a bigger fan than ever. His songs are just plain beautiful.

[@maybesusie8599]

I didn't know who Townes Van Zandt was until I read his obituary. That's when I looked him up, and brought home the double album High, Low & In Between/The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. It was totally mesmerizing, nobody in the house said a word until we'd listened through the first time, and when we played it the second time we only spoke between songs. I bought a numbered hard cover book second hand through the mail for about $30 not long after that, took it to work and somebody walked away with it. Months later I bought another copy, not numbered but that's ok, I'd never sell it. And it doesn't leave the house! Lol

[@gerrylaverty-folksingerson7318]

Yes Otis , I have one and my brother has one. I acquired them back in the late 1970's by way of a small ad in a music magazine, the name of which escapes me now. In those days you had to send away for it via mail. I finally saw Townes in person when he played at Sam Miller's cafe in Richmond, Va. in '92. He was sober and straight and in excellent form. Taller than I thought he would be. Rail thin. He gave a great concert and spoke to us during the break and after the show, He was magnanimous and very personable. He kindly signed the books ( paperback) also. A wonderful experience. Still have the book. Thanks for this great video.

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Gerry! : )

[@michaellaverty1844]

The ad was in Rolling Stone.

[@marion20237]

Hi, I own one of the signed hardcovers, I bought it 2015 in LA. It is a great book, and knowing the story behind it, I would never ever think of selling it. There is no price for this treasure.

[@jacobvargas6853]

So I saw this 13 hours after it was posted. I found one on the Reverb app for $1500. I thought to myself “I love Townes so much. Why don’t I own something that he held”. It’s on its way here. I appreciate the videos you put up!

[@Galiuros]

I have a signed and numbered one that I bought directly from Wings Press in 1980. It cost $10.00. The book is in really good shape mostly because, not being a musician, I didn't constantly thumb through it to play the songs. It's one of my prized possessions.

[@otisgibbs]

I love hearing stuff like this! : )

[@chrisfriedrich6830]

I bought one hardback and one standard paperback version in 1977 when it was first published. I had no idea the hardback was supposedly now going for $1500! The paperback I bought from Townes at a gig but the hardback came from the publisher (I think it was Wings Press), and it came with an autographed 8 X 10 glossy of the photo on the cover of the Live at the Old Quarter LP which was newly released around that time.

[@michaellevesque8084]

Fantastic, then he leaves us hanging with " until Steve Earle came along", lol. Yet another great listen, Otis. What an interesting man, and what a treasure that book must be!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Michael!

[@johnmolloy3980]

Hi I am a big Townes fan many times he came to play in Dublin Ireland, I sent away for a copy back in the early 90s and brought it to the gig in Dublin where he signed it for me, I have always known that it's special, Best regards John

[@johnbowman9759]

Discovered TVZ about 12 years ago.My sis downloaded about 40 songs of his&have been play/singing them w. Gusto since.A true music/poet/philosopher,Townes was&lived a tragic,eventful life.Just finishing my 2and CD w.2 of TVZ songs.Blessed to have his material!John Allen Bowman,LaQuinta,Cal.

[@jaycesak9183]

I have a signed hardback, number 32. A few years before I was born my parents had a friend who gave an unruly boyfriend the boot and threw all his stuff on the curb, but kept the book to give to my dad since he played guitar. Finally about 10 years ago my Dad gifted it to me. Certainly a prized possession. Really wanted to take it to antiques roadshow when they came through Ft. Worth a few years back but didn't realize what a hot commodity those tickets are. I heard somewhere that #'s 1-100 were given to Townes to do with as he pleased but obviously I cannot verify that information. Just stumbled upon this, great work. Every so often I will just google search the book to see if any are up for sale. Thanks again!

[@MrKaufmana1]

I really enjoyed this Otis, but I enjoy just about everything you post. I legitimately got up, went and made my morning coffee just so I could sit and watch it with my morning coffee. Thanks for doing this.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly, Allan!

[@robertbeatty1633]

I'm enjoying my tea 🍵 😌 as I listen and searching online hoping against hope that I could somehow find a copy. I really appreciate your videos Otis. Much love to you ❤️.

[@johnbachman5267]

So great to hear the backstory. The address for Wings Press was given on the back of the "At My Window" album jacket. I ordered two cloth hard bound copies at the time and gave one away. I kept the other for myself, which I still have. Not autographed but still a treasure.

[@frankgalea3686]

What a treasure is Mr. Lomax. Would love to get my hands on that book.

[@Caperhere]

I’d love to hear all the stories John Lomax could tell.

[@prosegold]

I love this page. I think these types of artists are more popular with younger people than anyone may think

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly!

[@mojo6778]

Another great interview regarding yet another legendary musician! Thank you Otis for sharing these interviews with us!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Mojo!

[@geoker55]

I almost bought this 3, 4 years ago at Powell's Book in Portland, Oregon. It was in the rare books room and it was $300. Not signed but hardback. I just couldn't justify it in my mind that day, but ugh... I kick myself from time to time when I think about it.

[@otisgibbs]

That's a rough one!

[@davebarber2900]

saw TVZ open for John Lee Hooker, 1978, Gilly’s, Dayton, Ohio

[@fairenoughthenwhat]

I wish I had seen the man live and had a copy of that cool songbook. Thanks for that Otis.

[@otisgibbs]

I'm curious if you own one of these songbooks or have you ever seen a copy in person? Any easier question would be, did you ever get to see Townes live?

[@cobrakari]

I don’t remember buying it. But it has a “book people” on it that’s in Austin.

[@kmaher1424]

I have a paperback. Probably bought it from Joe.🎈 First heard Townes at Sand Mountain Coffee House here in Houston. Many times more over the years...

[@AllenParkerGarcia]

I'm very lucky to own one that I purchased off ebay from a man who knew Townes while he was still alive.

[@michaellaverty1844]

Yes, I have one that Townes signed for me at a gig in Richmond, Va. on 2/22/92.

[@robalberts2316]

Townes lived around the corner from me in Clarksville in Austin, I got to hear him play more times than I can count. I have a signed copy of this songbook as well. December 1989 my older brother was home for Christmas, we went to see Townes at the original Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. Great show, very small audience, we had a table up front. We were nearly the last ones there and I told Townes “I’m not leaving until you play Fräulein“. He laughed, played the song just beautifully, then I handed him the copy of the song book I had bought at the merch table. He signed it, “to Rob. Peace and good luck. Townes. 12/29/89.

[@michaelwalsh5984]

Townes Van zandt and Hank Williams are 2 of the best of all time

[@johnkincaid6073]

I’ve never heard truer words !!!! 🙏

[@michaelwalsh5984]

@@johnkincaid6073 add Merle to it and you have the holy trinity in my eyes

[@StankylegCraig]

*are the 2 best of all time

[@bearclaw007]

Was just saying to my wife. Not one Hank Sr. or Bob Marley song that hits me lukewarm.

[@todddodd2612]

Don't forget about John prine

[@eliwebster509]

Otis, you know how big of a Townes fan I am. I'm surprised I'd never heard of this book until now but boy what I would do to get my hands on one. Really loved this video. Thanks Otis, as usual you make my day with your videos.

[@briangordon8602]

First time I remember hearing or even remember heard of Townes was the mid 90s. I bought a compilation album on cassette. Singer songwriters of the 70s. Probably by K-Tel or something similar. Great album. It had Townes doing Pancho and Lefty. I was blown away. I'd only heard the Willie and Merle version

[@TheOldYellers]

Can only wish I’d have had the savvy to have seen Townes. Thanks Otis.

[@TheOldNorth]

Awesome video friend, thanks for sharing!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Great story, I wish I had a copy of Townes' Songbook. What an excellent project to have done, a true labor of love! If John managed/wrangled Townes and then Steve Earle, he must have been some kinda great manager back in the day. Kudos to you, Sir! :)

[@ThoseBackPages]

Otis, thank you for what you do. Getting stories like these on video means that they'll be around long after we arent

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

I found it humorous that the section of the book titled ''What the critics say'' has a picture next to it with Townes with a rifle by his side. All joking aside,it would be great to own a copy of this rarity. Love Townes music.

[@aliciahager2961]

Enjoyed this story, thanks for sharing, John Lomax and Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Alicia!

[@3340steve]

Wonderful story. Mr. Lomax is so real, its a pleasure to hear it from someone who was there.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@RandyH400]

Thanks friend! For saving these great stories! And sharing them with us.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Randy!

[@StephenChadOates]

I really appreciate all of the work you put into all of your stories!

[@Caperhere]

Thank you both .

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Caper!

[@simonerusso6920]

Il be here in the morning i think is greit song a tear alweys come dawn my face ciccio imperiale respect

[@peimikel]

Otis..I had commented before on your Jimmy Gingles story that I had purchased a soft cover version of the songbook from Jimmy via E-Bay. He was a good friend of Townes and was selling some personal Townes items off to help support the Van Zandt children. I am a small collector of americana music books, mostly biographies, but this songbook is the centerpiece of my collection. The fact that Townes gave it to Jimmy personally, and now I have it makes it all that more special. If I ever can get a hardcover version, I would not hesitate a minute to buy it. Thanks again for these stories. It is nice to hear them from people who were there and you do a great job in facilitating it all. Please keep the stories coming!

[@otisgibbs]

I remember your earlier comment and I'm happy you have that book! : )

[@Mantanhattan]

I love this gentleman John Lomax & would appreciate more interviews with him. I received copies of all the Poppy/Tomato albums as they came out. It seemed like all within a year. They were promos. Still own ‘em all & almost every other thing Townes released either on CD or vinyl. You ever heard of a Country singer named Shirl Willette? He recorded several Townes’ songs right in the beginning of Townes’ recording career. We found 3 or 4 of his covers on 45 rpm in Ohio or Kentucky on one of our records-hunting trips. Interesting stuff. Thanks again, Otis. God knows, we love ya!

[@mrwho2118]

Sitting here in south dakota, trying to get a fish to bite listening to this story! Great one Otis!! We are due for some Steve Earle stories!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@catheryndenton1766]

This is priceless ❤️

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@williammcclure9477]

I borrowed a copy of the paperback in the early 90's to copy some songs.The owner passed away last week. He also had guild acoustic withe signatures of Townes,Guy Steve Earle and Robert Earle keen.

[@greybeardstudios]

Will John Lomax III tell any Steve Earle stories? I am sure he has a few not many have heard.

[@otisgibbs]

I don't have any Steve stories recorded, but I might do something like that down the road. : )

[@mrwho2118]

Steve is my favorite by far! Eagerly awaiting any stories on him!

[@jamestyler6933]

Hey Otis. I really enjoy your videos and this one was great! Townes is one of my favorite poets.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, James!

[@artemisXsidecross]

Well done, and who ever set up the lighting and video, it was as well done as the interview. :)

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly! I did this whole thing by myself and somehow didn't mess it all up. ; )

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@otisgibbs I was a photojournalist in the 60s and 70's with 35mm film and can appreciate people who know how to use light. I liked the mention of Butch Hancock who was as good a photographer as a musician and writer. :)

[@sesa1076]

My fiancée took one out of the local library and I’ve been playin’ off photocopied sheets of it ever since. I’d love to see his whole catalogue done this way. It’s perfect.

[@sesa1076]

I always sorta figured it was something done much later without his permission.

[@OldHenryLee]

Great stuff. Entertaining & informative. I've been a fan of Townes for a while now & never knew about this songbook until now. - Thanks much Mr. Otis 🙏👍. .... Takes it smooth ✌️

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@simonerusso6920]

Bless towns tanks to gibs4 this

[@simonerusso6920]

CICCIO IMPERIALE RESPECT

[@LesThomas]

If only Townes stayed in the ethical care of someone like John Lomax III.

[@timothycarter8049]

Keep em coming!!!

[@johnkincaid6073]

That was amazing !! Thanks Otis !! 💜

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, John!

[@ClintonCaraway]

How many of you just searched Ebay and struck out??? I did!! No luck on any used book sites either as far as I can tell😢😥😭

[@brianb.5473]

Really wish I had one but sadly I don't. I saw Townes twice on mountain stage. I believe both shows are on KZbin. Otis, maybe John can tell some Steve Earle stories. I have saw Steve 19 times. Last time was I believe the last gig Kelley Looney played with him. I once gave Steve a Townes shirt. He seemed pleased. Steve almost always spends time with fans after the show.

[@CharlotteAPickett-rf6zc]

Hi Otis I have a copy of the song book that I was doing research to find out how much it is worth and I found your video. I knew Townes from working with musicians selling their merchandise that played with him and loved his songs! I would love to find someone who might buy mine it has never been used in excellent mint condition! Please let me know if you know someone who might be interested! I had a dear musician friend who I was very close to that passed away is how I was able to acquire the beautiful songbook! 🎶🎸❤️✝️🙏

[@raleighwelborn1136]

WOW! I have a friend who has a copy of this I believe! Not sure if it's hardcover or what. I remember seeing it on a shelf and him saying it was rare like maybe 1,000 out ? 500 Hardback & 500 softcover? Seems he told me that as I looked at it. I'm gonna have to give him a call & share this with him. Thanks, Otis!

[@raleighwelborn1136]

I wanna say he bought it from Townes in Louisville, KY. Definitely gonna follow up with him on this.

[@marquettegloves9907]

I'm forunate enough to own not one but two copies of this awesome book. Both first edition hardcovers and both signed and numbered by Townes. 2 of the original 500 signed hardcovers. They even have the original Pancho and Lefty lyric order forms. No idea what they're worth but I'm planning to put one of them on ebay in the next few weeks and find out, and I'll keep my other one. If anyone knows what sort of price I should ask I'd appreciate some insight. Many thanks

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Saw Townes at Fitzgerald's in Houston, but cant remember exactly when.

[@charlieroth4207]

I did not give Townes a proper listen until about 10 years ago even though I have heard him for years before that. By proper I mean listening over an over to a recording of his until I absorbed the whole presentation. Someone burned me a copy of a live performance of Townes playing solo in Minneapolis at The Whole Coffeehouse in 1973. He was at the height of his powers then, his voice was powerful and his guitar playing was stunningly good. He was doing covers too..'The Ballad of Ira Hayes' 'Hobo Bill's Last Ride' 'Tie a Knot in The Devil's Tail' which is like a cowboy poet kind of song..very funny stuff. And then of course songs like 'Tecumseh Valley' and 'Pancho and Lefty' both of which I have known how to play since I was in my 20s. If I would have been just a little older and hip to who he was I could have been there. I would have been 17 years old and a junior in high school then. As it turns out my friend Jerry Ostensoe was there that night and he said there must have been only about 25 people. These are things that really shape you when you are trying to come up with what kind of songwriter you end up being I guess. Totally enjoyed hearing mister Lomax talk. Keep up the good work amigo.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Charlie!

[@SuDiBeach]

Yes, I saw Townes live in Bloomington, Indiana. I don't remember the year, but he had a broken arm & so could not play guitar. And yes, I own a signed, hard cover copy of the song book. I have the statement from Wings Press saying I bought it from them & it cost me $10 plus 75cents postage. August 1978

[@brianhawkins3401]

That's amazing! I live in the area and, unfortunately, he was gone by the time I could really attend shows. So glad to know he had been through!

[@otisgibbs]

I'm happy to hear there's a copy in Indiana! Do you remember the name of the music venue, Sue?

[@SuDiBeach]

@@otisgibbs No, I don't. It was an old theatre, I think. Not a bar or club. Maybe that theatre that is on Kirkwood near the IU campus. Too long ago!

[@brianhawkins3401]

@@SuDiBeach the Buskirk Chumley is the old Indiana Theater. In the 1980s it only showed movies, though it still had the stage. Would they have done concerts in the 70s? Not something I'd ever thought about. I don't remember if the Von Lee had a stage at all in the main theater. I'd love to know where he played, too.

[@SuDiBeach]

@@brianhawkins3401 I think perhaps it was the Von Lee. Is that gone? Was it on Kirkwood?

[@caseysmith544]

You Could now With high tech cameras get a photo of each page to put up on Amazon Kindle with the funds of this split between the people who own the press/family of those that owned the press if any and then family of Towns if he had/has any.

[@RSPyro]

I agree, I would love to purchase a digital copy if anyone ever does this.

[@caseysmith544]

@@RSPyro I would too, just the idea would be cool to take a day or two doing this with all the songs Van Zandt did to the point that book was made.

[@mickadams1905]

I don't see why they couldn't just reprint it There's more than enough interest world wide to make the venture profitable.

[@Whysicist]

Put up a pdf copy of the book… it seems to be ‘officially orphaned’.

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Anyone got a copy of this book and fancies putting up a PDF of it?

[@cobrakari]

I have one 👍🏽😊

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous! : )

[@bennycurnutt5842]

Otis this is the 1st comment I've ever wrote I really enjoy your channel benn watching a long time I'd like to see a copy of that book I wonder were you might find one any ideas

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Benny! I think your best bet is to check Ebay once or twice a week until one shows up.

[@bennycurnutt5842]

@@otisgibbs thanks nice of you to answer me appreciate it I live n Walton KY

[@williamlawrence4853]

Are we lucky enough to have a Steve Earle follow up to this video??????

[@stevekimball2493]

Buddy. Get him talkin s e...millions n more stories

[@mickadams1905]

Someone needs to figure out how to get this printed again. It would be a huge seller, I'm surprised His wife or kids haven't had a crack at it. I don't really care if it's an original or a cheap reprint, I know myself and millions ( not exaggerating) of others would love to own a copy.

[@maganlyden9587]

The copy I had was stolen. 😪

[@otisgibbs]

I'm sorry to hear that. : (

[@spacealienjesus709]

I would love if you know of anyone or great stories of Patsy Cline..

[@EastCoastDave]

I see a paperback copy on Amazon right now. They're asking $907.99. Will they get it? I wouldn't think any self-respecting Townes fan would pay that, even if they could afford it...lol.

[@oddtoddlermusic6786]

I got a signed copy my buddy got from a pennywise thrift store and gave me.

[@oddtoddlermusic6786]

It's a paperback copy and it must have come from a show because the signature is dated the same as a Townes flyer for a Houston show at Chelsea's 804. That was inside the book when I was looking through it. Really cool video. I always wondered about it.

[@oddtoddlermusic6786]

And the picture on my KZbin is of my band playing at the Old Quarter in Galveston. Owned by Wrecks Bell.