Steve Earle on Letterman 1988 (Copperhead Road)

Steve Earle on David Letterman in 1988 performing Copperhead Road and being interviewed after. His guitarist at the time, Zip Gibson is playing guitar with Letterman's house band.

[@jamesoconnor8044]

I loved seeing Dave holding the album for which I created the artwork. Steve was great to work with.

[@RichBaxterMusic]

@@jamesoconnor8044 You created an iconic piece of art. Incredible and the album matches it! 🙏

[@musicxtu921]

Who still listening to it 29 years later

[@kd0duj]

Love this song

[@coopershattuck7986]

MAKE IT 30

[@gaskan666]

31 years later

[@brandil1491]

@@gaskan666 32

[@79tazman]

More like who's not listening to this it's a bad ass tune

[@foreverspring]

I saw Steve Earle back in 1990, and I was so excited prior to, so overwhelmed during, that when it was over I still couldn't believe it happened. There has never been a concert before or after. There were about 2400 fans and we were there because we loved Steve Earle. He and his band ran on stage at 20 to 8 and said goodnight at 11:30 with this song -- and never a break. He sang and chatted and it was the best. It is still the very best concert I've ever seen. He's a true legend.

[@nobodythatyouknow241]

I live in the middle of nowhere. We have to go to Vancouver to see anything. It's not really in the budget to get to many concerts. It was nearly 20 years ago now, Steve was in Vancouver BC, solo. My wife was going on a scholarship program trip so I bought tickets for the concert, an extra plane ticket for me. The feelings you described are exactly what I felt. I have hours of Steve Earle songs on my play list.

[@nateindenver534]

"Nobody can tell me I played it wrong bc I wrote it..." what a dude!

[@RowenMyBoat]

Where is this from? Lol

[@lukequinlan7153]

@@RowenMyBoat in this video

[@pinkysgrl]

Steve Earle is and always has been the real deal. An incredibly talented songwriter and performer. Yeah, he's had his "issues" over the years, but he's never boring. And for those who comment on his looks, take a gander at his gorgeous wife...he's having the last laugh on all of you.

[@FroggyWing2]

And married 7 times but hey those Capricorn guys can be magnetic❤️

[@lbowsk]

"I learned a thing or two from Charlie don't cha know". Dudes a genius. In my mind, he's just a different version of Bob Dylan. ESPECIALLY his later, acoustic work. Thank you, Mr Earle.

[@j.cordellsteinmetz9219]

This song NEVER gets old.

[@rkoorse]

I'm a latecomer to listening to Steve. I have an ad in my kitchen from IHEG in Northhampton Mass from I don't know how many years ago. He played the Calvin Theater. I never got to go. I didn't know a thing about him, just had heard his name here and there. Well, sometime last year I saw him playing the Bearsville Theater which is in or just outside of Woodstock NY depending who you ask. And he played one song, I said either to myself or out loud, "where has this guy been all my life." Whatever it was he did cut right into me. I put on Goodbye or Valentine's Day and I mean i feel real heartache. For s a little more upbeat but still poignant there's Copperhead or Rich Man's War or Gringo's Tale. Just a few nights ago I listened to Fort Worth Blues for the first time. So the good news is, I'm a latecomer but there's still a treasure of songs from Steve Earle to feel my way around in.

[@wyatthenry9206]

He sounds exactly like he does in the music video, very rare you see singer perform the exact way live as they did on the radio or on a music video.

[@revolutionday1]

Yeah, but he stopped giving a fuck about his performances altogether, sometime in the 90's.

[@darlincommitme]

@@revolutionday1 This is absolutely not true. I have seen him many times and it is always a great show. He plays long shows, has gathered a stellar band and loves being in front of an audience. He has improved his guitar playing and works hard to keep his voice up, though has some breathing issues due to his past drug and cigarette use.

[@princessofhesse]

God bless Steve Earle. Even when he was at the worst of his dope sickness, he never failed to give 100%. I've been a fan for years and years and hope he lives til we are both old folks!

[@chazwilkins117]

Tell me more please!!!

[@kathywarrick2084]

Me too! Met Steve @ small venue - really nice man Signed a small poster for me.

[@richardn6768]

Even at his most troubled, Steve has always been a stand-up guy

[@princessofhesse]

i had a 2 week old baby when this came out....Steve Earle, no matter the year, time or political climate, is the best singer songwriter in the world...and i will say that standing on his new coffee table in New York City...i saw him in Minneapolis in March, and am going to see him again in Duluth on July 19...incredible, a wonderful artist and great man...God bless Steve Earle....

[@leemarquette171]

Q. 39

[@gwtwmom2]

Steve Earle has never gotten the credit due him. One of my favorite artists and songs. NYC didn't know what hit 'em that night!!! Lol

[@douglasgay4497]

You are one hundred percent correct. I am exactly opposite of him politically but I love the man like a Brother.

[@warshipsatin8764]

@@douglasgay4497 i wonder what he thinks when his political friends use his accent to do an impression of a stupid person?

[@douglasgay4497]

@@warshipsatin8764 probably not too happy with them. I heard a story, no actually read it in Hard core troubadour, that he once dumped a plate of food over Tony Rice's head in a restaurant. I'm pretty sure it was Tony Rice. They were disagreeing over the cover for Exit 0. Tony wanted the usual picture of the artist on the album cover. Steve wanted a picture of the sign. Anyhow according to the book he dumped his plate of food on Tony's head and walked out. I think I'll check that out of the library again and reread it. It was a very interesting story. I may have some of the facts wrong. Guess one good thing about getting old is that you can reread books that you read a long time ago and not remember the ending. Lol It seems like Steve has stayed clean for a while now. Surprised he didn't take a hard fall off the wagon when his son died. I still think he is one of the best songwriters ever.

[@jaylynnbailey1250]

I love everything about this man. Even loaded on smack, he is a better, more talented human than most of us can ever hope to be. He has inspired me both as a person and as an artist. Steve Earle. Yes.

[@rioblancoman]

Check out Heartworm Highways on KZbin. Steve, Rodney Crowell Guy Clark and Friends at Guy's house Christmas Eve 1975. Steve is 20 years old and kicks a**.

[@PerkinsRooster]

Boy I miss 1988.

[@markharris2149]

For one thing,it was the end of the 80s..thank goodness.

[@stevenminix]

I miss all the 80’s

[@roscoep.coltraine6344]

@@stevenminix that's right

[@walcoman]

One mandolin, and a creative songwriter = pure gold.

[@jamesbrandt4099]

Steve's an amazing singer,songwriter,and guitarist

[@terriginter4109]

Alot of people Nation wide. Sometimes We need to understand our roots and good music. Amen

[@TheCountryboy228]

Hey idc what yall say this is my anthem and for all other shiners will agree with me you are the man steve earle

[@itsbeenagreed]

always loved this song, never watched a live version, always the sign of a true musician when the live version is as good or better than the studio version

[@Normgod73]

Was watching this the night it aired..

[@starboy1100]

Very cool.

[@Normgod73]

Me too.. And I'm pretty sure this was in 89

[@screwyootube1]

Very cool clip! Back in the days when the artist performed, then was brought over to chat for a minute! They don't do THAT any more, unless you're a brain-dead prissy pop star! And kudos to Steve Earle for having a heart for homeless children!

[@DawnFremy]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle.

[@katadantesux]

This guy is one of my Heroes.

[@YvesB1]

Steve Earle is a genious! Always was, always will be!

[@LoyalRaiderFan]

Earle is intensely talented and marches to the beat of his own drum...and as usual in Nashville, if you're not doing the stuff the circle of 15 songwriters put in front of you, it hurts you.

[@darthrevan4570]

david letterman just pulled out a record! when was the last time you saw that? awesome song...one of the best albums i ever bought

[@elatomico7791]

not a bad track

[@cppower14]

Know its been 6 years since you posted your comment, but man it would be awesome to hear that song on vinyl playing again. Love all the pops and crackles the records make.

[@timothymcdonald6913]

This man laid down a real bit of music with this song.

[@kt9166]

I remember the first time I heard this song, on the radio, in 1988. The first thing I thought was "is this the same guy who made just two kickin' rockabilly albums?" The second thing was MY GOD THIS IS A FANTASTIC SONG! I ran out and added Steve's newest to my LP library, wore it out until the grooves went grey. So happy that Steve is clean and sober today, and has lost none of his power. God Bless Steve Earle!

[@LucidDream]

First show I ever went to was Steve Earle in Knoxville, TN. :) From here, used to get a kick out of the Knoxville reference when I was a kid. My dad introduced me to his music when I was really young. Used to ride around listening to Steve Earle on the tapedeck in his truck. I think my next concert was at the same place, not long after, and that one was to see John Prine...another great artist. Then I saw Alison Krauss there not long after that. All back in the mid '90s or so. Good times. Steve was awesome to see live. I think that's when I really fell in love with music. Seeing it all put together on a stage, all the hard work coming together to create an awesome show. Funny too, I noticed this was recorded the same year I was born. '88.

[@scottyengland4335]

I’m from Morgan County about 45 miles west of Knoxville. I was in the Army in Germany when this came out. The Knoxville mention made my head swell as well! Great times and memories! This whole album is great! ‘Johnny Come Lately’, ‘The Devils Right Hand’ and ‘Snake Oil’, great tunes!!

[@k.g.alatore355]

I moved to Knoxville from Nashville. Nashville isn't exactly Steve Earle's biggest fan due to his politics and his alternative style, but Appalachian people absolutely love him and the tales he tells in his songs about Appalachia.

[@seancrutcher525]

I'm an 88 baby to.grew up with copperhead road.these days I'd rather listen to his son justin townes earle

[@seancrutcher525]

@Sean Conley yes somewhere around 6 months to a year ago I cajt remember exactly

[@LucidDream]

@@k.g.alatore355 Really? I'd figure that the opposite would be true. Nashville is pretty blue and Steve seems to be as well. In fact, he played the same theater I saw him play at here in Knoxville and a lot of people got up and left because he started rambling on about politics. I still love his music and really nothing he says about politics is going to get me to stop listening. He still writes great music about Appalachia.

[@blenk9607]

Caught Steve last night in Rochester NY. Small venue. Copperhead Road album in its entirety plus another hour of his music! Great show!!

[@lynnehayes5720]

couldn't beat his music mate. We Aussies loved his performance in 2014. It was bloody awesome!!!!

[@snowman374th]

Get down!!! Steve Earle helping homeless children. ~S~ Salute to Steve!

[@andrewdinkel5900]

Great song writer, great singer and a great man! Working for the children way back then!

[@bluejack644]

Classy guy.

[@WinsomeJohnny]

I'm 59yrs old playing mando for for 1 year now, just discovering this song Steve Earle is The Man and funny as hell!

[@ghigh6063]

I will never forget playing this for my brother the first time, (actually 30 or so ppl here the Christmas after this was released) good family times

[@syrsknight]

35 yrs later im still listening :)

[@mckinneyrd]

WOW!!! Steve Earle at his peak. AWESOME!!!! Thanks for posting this!

[@cornonthecob1268]

I'm 55 years old and I have to honestly say that this might be my favorite song of all time.

[@ranjitdighe7690]

Great performance, great interview. Steve and Dave play well off each other.

[@SweetTe]

This is a classic song and I love Steve-he totally kicks ass!!

[@rjfain-nanz7243]

2024 still loving his music!

[@chareefabiano8173]

I'm still a fan 35 years

[@aloisemason3044]

This was a number one and Steve is legend ..band is terrific..never forgotten..rhythem and melody is phenomenal ..going out airwave and fans loves the sound..Sensational

[@bdub4750]

had to look this one up. I was there. Still like the song and Steve Earle

[@RealTime88]

Amazing singer/songwriter musician. Great message!! Steve Earle rocks!!! I'm glad Dave is a fan of him and other singer/songwriters like him.

[@katford7286]

I love this song; it was the first song I learned to play on my mandolin. "Galway Girl" was the first I learned on guitar. There will never be anybody like Steve Earle.

[@FroggyWing2]

Have always loved this song! From a ‘55 model also😊

[@Ispyletsseewhoshere]

Listening to this on the day Former President T is being arraigned in NY - I look at days like this & just thank god we have men like Steve Earle & PDT

[@gregory6903]

You're out of your motherfucking mind if you think Steve Earle doesn't despise trump

[@ganglyangly]

Thanks David Letterman for always supporting this kind of music. Love this song.

[@RobertoGonzalez-ot8hn]

Steve lost his son, Justin Towns Earle about 4 years ago, this kid had a prominent career and in my opinion was going to be bigger than his dad. Mental health is a bitch, and in combination with drugs is a lethal combination, RIP Justin, and also Kris Kristofferson (he did not die of a drug overdose, just age).

[@ARichardP]

I met Steve Earle with Shawn Colvin at the 92nd St Y in NYC in about 2016. They were great.

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

Damn Letterman had some good stuff on back in the day.

[@darlincommitme]

Not just back in the day. The last few years before he retired Letterman was booking a lot of independent American and Blues artists. He is a serious fan, and has helped artists like Jason Isbell get more recognition.

[@connieperry8842]

i surely do & will until i leave this world

[@kcroyals1fan987]

My family farms here in Kansas. Often my older brother and some close friends would pack a couple coolers full of beer and go driving dirt from about 6pm until early morning. Listening to Earl and loving life. He reminds me of those spring and summer evenings every time I hear his music. He Has no idea we still wore out his CDs in the early 2000s.

[@Abi-un4uk]

KC Royals #1 Fan sounds awesome

[@paulswartz989]

I live in that briar patch done a lot of that back road cruisin Kansas got the greatest back roads and country sunsets

[@ronbo11]

One of my all-time favorite performances on Letterman's show and Steve Earle is a great songwriter and singer! Thanks for posting this bad mother.

[@keithwisell8528]

I discovered this song a few years ago and its a badass song. Its on my playlist. Love it every time it comes on.

[@cathytavenner2582]

Handsome...down to earth and so open hearted...these are some of the reasons he is one of the best so g writers ever...he is a true troubadour

[@markharris2149]

grunge got monotonous. hair bands were bad memory. classic rock, been there, done that! (but still do it) I was in a music slump. My cousin's ranch needed work, I needed change. First c.d. he put on while we worked was "Train a comin" Slump over! I've battled hard drugs from16 on. Many detox, rehab..yada, yada. Must be fast on my feet cause on the19th I'll be 62! I've outlived most the folks that said I'd never make it. Steve Earle Knows. He's crammed alot of life into his years. All his albums really "scratch that itch", music wise. Thanks Steve..You're ballads, hard rock, etc. have put a hitch in this old dogs giddyup.

[@intothewild2345]

+Mark Harris much respect!

[@markharris2149]

+countrylife much thanks✌

[@davidtraynor2793]

Mark Harris huge Steve Earle fan.........now a mark Harris fan!......giggled right up......mark - scratch that itch with a hitch in your giddy up.....someone write a song all royalties mark Harris.......cheers mate

[@robertharris2701]

David Traynor.. just saw your comment.. Thanks Mate 👍

[@robertharris2701]

Bobby Knoth Thanks

[@GingerNinja1]

Who would've ever thought in a million yrs Steve Earle would sing this in the General Assembly in 2023! 🙌🏻

[@deborahpannell7541]

Still listening Nov 2020... Love some Steve Earle ❤️🎶

[@rkg313]

Great version of a great song with Paul's band---

[@mikehansen5073]

Damn Letterman had some good stuff on back in the day. Great version of a great song with Paul's band--- badass performance

[@darlincommitme]

He always supported roots artists.

[@scottewell9743]

Never gets old!

[@wozslater7695]

I'm Ohio-born, haven't seen America in 66 years, danke-gott, but when I'd first heard you do this song there was a little bit of peace came with it, guess that's a subdued thank you...

[@nancykelley4767]

woooooow ya still got that raw voice go for it!!!!

[@reynaldocabarrubias6324]

Im still listening this song til now, love it to the bone

[@annahutchings606]

Yes I do ❤

[@Jo.885]

Still one of my favorite songs! One of the best albums I've ever heard.

[@princessofhesse]

my friend, you will never regret going to a Steve Earle concert...right now i am getting together every last penny to see him next week...worth every cent...

[@carljautakis6844]

Just saw Steve last night, great as ever! One great talent!

[@PaulTorp-hw9od]

Great version of this song also wish David Letterman was still on tv

[@amandahuginkiss4098]

I've seen him live - great show.

[@theresasoltis7024]

I just love copperhead road it reminds me of home I love steve earle keep them coming steve

[@smwrbd]

Condolences to Steve and family on the passing of his son Justin.

[@PecosFRanch]

A great Linedance Song. Wonderful. Thanx for posting.

[@HeyImHamdrew]

This guy is awsome my uncle used to listen to this song he was a Shine Runner...

[@Yeakerr]

When I can't sleep I put this on a loop on my phone than listen to the words .love the song

[@douglasgay4497]

You were blessed.!!

[@cjvideo22]

I saw him in 1987 before this came out. Amazing live performer!! Made me a fan for life.

[@leecrampton8544]

I absolutely love this version.

[@ezart4153]

Damn. What I wouldn't give to see Steve Earle live back in the day.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

I am a massive fan of a Scottish band called Runrig (Now sadly retired) When they toured loads of us would try to get to as many gigs as we could, all over the country and into Europe. For one tour the song that got played between bands and while the road crew and techies were setting them up was Copperhead Road. I had no idea who or what this was, but I just Loved It. So one night I went up to the stage and asked one of the crew. He told me and said that Runrig's lead singer at the time (Donnie Munro) thought Steve Earle was the best singer he had heard. I had a name! Been a Steve Earle fan ever since. And what an amazing life this guy has had. I love the way he will go out on a limb for what he believes is Right, even if it is against the flow.

[@PWen-q9v]

Love this song, still love this song 2023

[@tonybranch7529]

Who knew this would turn into the most line danced rendition ever but now has been advanced to the with violin rendition sounding even cooler yet.

[@patriciajohnson3792]

Im still listening and will til i go. 😁🙃😷❤️🤗

[@BusDriverLady77]

OMG!! I Love Steve Earle! Haven't heard this song in many moons!!!

[@chrisb1953]

Try listening to his Australian performance from the June 2014 Byron Bay Bluesfest on the Rockwiz show - still good after 26 years.

[@MarkMKelly]

One of the GREAT songs. Incredible.

[@realbarnabe9690]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle. Get down!!! Steve Earle helping homeless children. ~S~ Salute to Steve!

[@jimschleich8753]

Dialing around the car radio in 24 hours heard this song played on the classic rock station, the hard rock station and the country station. Steve is America!

[@dantean]

Great performance. Thanks for posting.

[@davidreigelman3492]

Saw him at Peabody's Down Under in Cleveland, '86- -'87. Amazing, been a huge fan ever since !

[@AnnalisaGrace1545]

Saw him last week. He's AMAZING. Brilliant.

[@ronniebrown2517]

i used to drive a 1975 gold plymouth duster with a leopard skin vinyl roof....had a cassettee player boom box on the floor hooked up to six speakers and would blast this album along with guitar town .... all in the early 90s....steve rocks...ironic that we are both older, fatter, and balder. now.......i am two months short of 70 now and recently bought some new speakers for the home computer and stereo...the moody blues were right...thinking is the best way to travel....

[@princessofhesse]

you know it, there is no one like Steve Earle...no one.....God bless him.....he's the best...

[@brandontaylor3670]

Great song! Great songwriter! God bless Steve Earle. Was watching this the night it aired..

[@Bdasef]

Awesome & the interview was pretty humorous. Steve can sit down with just about anyone, they can say just about anything to him & he just carries on. He seems to never take a defensive stance. He's who he is! Big fan of his songwriting & Earle as a whole. Great he helped the less fortunate, I'm sure he still does. He went through some rough times, but never be the judge, lest you be judged, right? He overcame it all, still successful & happily married! :) Rock on Steve!

[@andyinoregon]

What a country-rock anthem, and it contains the best line ever written from the perspective of a Vietnam vet: "Learned a thing or two from Charlie don't you know / better stay away from Copperhead Road."

[@veravajr]

I love everything about this man. Such talent

[@christianniem844]

You were BIG TIME when got a gig on Letterman