Verlon Thompson The Guitar

Written with Guy Clark and inspired by the Fur Peace Ranch students. Video performed live, not to a recorded track.

[@clean350]

This song to me has a little "devil went down to georgia" meets "hotel california"--and probably the best bluegrass/country guitar arrangement I have ever heard.

[@sjlee1951]

@migasnunes Verlon Thompson is a friend of mine and he and Guy Clark co wrote this song several years ago. They put it away without a melody for it and fairly recently the song came to their attention and Verlon set down and wrote the melody for it and the rest is history. I am fortunate to be able to sit and play with Verlon from time to time and he is one of the sweetest and most gentle musicians I have ever known. His talent is nothing less than incredible.

[@bigted1953]

you are a lucky man to know Verlon, i have had contact with him, and hope he some day writes a autobiography- it would have to be interesting.

[@bksimon]

Neal Workman check out “Sweet Dreams Do Come True” on Amazon Prime Video.

[@austexstef]

there's one change which, in my opinion, would make the song better: at the end, instead of "MY name was on the case", if he says "my DADDY'S name was on the case"

[@wmichaelstephens1530]

Get him to do some more Barnegie Halls.

[@jsliker1]

Hi, since you get to play with him, how is he picken that song. All fingers, thumb pick, flat pick or hybrid. I can't tell

[@mikedarr6968]

My favorite Guy Clark song, Done Extremely Well by you. Thanks!

[@mattb383]

My god Verlon rips that Guild. Anyone who dislikes this video clearly has no musical taste or talent. Amazing work! The story in the song gives me goose bumps.

[@davidboles946]

I get chills every time I watch him play this.His musicality is without limits.

[@zacharron]

These 'how I got my first Martin' kinda songs are common in folk/country music, but this is in a league WAY above any others I've heard. Brilliantly played with dynamics and texture and a spooky spin at the end. Simply awesome.

[@ralphhyland8661]

This guy is for real, I wish I could meet him some day. Thank you Verlon.

[@robertfarrar9223]

The 2nd time I've seen this video. Great story teller. Thanks for posting

[@rockingv]

I had the good fortune to see Verlon with Guy Clark in London a long time ago . A memorable night .

[@Zsolto66]

OMG what a song it brought goose bumps all over my back and arms. So strong I was totally immersed. I wish there was a guitar waiting for me like that...

[@DRealFatguy]

2 years later, song gave me goosebumps again.

[@FahQposeurfag]

no one sings like Guy but no one plays it like Vern!!!

[@larpup]

After listening to this video, I hit his website and now enjoying other wonderful songs written and performed by Mr. Thompson.. Just a joy to listen to. Thank you!

[@Tonetwisters]

Been at this 53 years and have to say, this is excellent music. GREAT playing. And have you ever tried to speak and play at the same time? And that Guild is killer. Guess that's a Neumann vacuuming it all in. It speaks to me big. Love this thing.

[@oldbikerbear]

I bought a Guild G37 BL back when I was a kid and making money. Still the best damned sounding guitar Ive ever herd.

[@guitarvocs]

I first heard this courtesy of a radio interview with Guy Clark telling the story. I should have favorited this long ago. What a powerful piece of music, and played to perfection.

[@jeffwarren9791]

I qas introduced to your 0laying through guy Clark some.mr. Thompson I have to tell you,musicians like yourself that have honed your playing to a precise science are the reason I got into music.your a national treasure verlon Thompson.

[@ChrisSuman]

Story tellin at it's finest... Great stuff here.

[@amymurphy3691]

Hello Chris I am a descendent of the McCoy side born raised in Cabell county Huntington. Wv I really miss my home town but I have blood all over Kentucky .Wv . I would love to go plz send info amy

[@tylermiller3220]

My new favorite song… is this version, sung and played by Verlon. Gives you goosebumps.

[@johndurost5931]

verlon I love u...but you weren't suppose to make me cry...lol....I heard your from so far back in the woods even the Catholics handle snakes...lol...from one country boy to another a lil protestant humor....love u ...peace n God Bless u Brother..

[@ben_vs_benjamin]

I revisit this performance every couple of months. And I’ve been doing that for at least 7 years. This is just one of the best guitar performances ever.

[@daviddavidson8050]

Good morning Mr. Verlon Thompson! Happy to be connected to you through KZbin Sir. Great piece by you and Mr. Guy Clark and whomever else! Thanks much for keeping the classics alive and well.

[@bro1945]

One of my favorites by Verlon......listen to all the words....tells a great story....

[@greanteawoman]

Verlon, caught you at the SXSW show in M. Beach. You were fantastic. I fired up a music pub. co. on 16th Ave. S. in the late '80's - mid '90s and not once did I manage to catch a show as both intimate and compelling as yours in MB. Thank you for giving me the chance to relive my too short of a time in N'ville - except BETTER. You're truly the man! This song ain't haunted, btw - it's fantastic! it's a hit record in my book - hope someone is plugging the daylights out of it! Thank you again.

[@greekflatpicker]

Excellent performance and that Guild sounds great

[@ronvonryan]

Super song, so well played, sung and performed, this made my day!!! Thanks for putting this on.

[@rockingv]

Sheer Brilliance ! Had the good fortune to see Guy Clark with Verlon in London a long time ago (600 mile round trip to see them ) Great performance I'd have walked that distance for the privelege !

[@gwag8410]

To me it don’t get any better than this... can you imagine the hours Verlon spent honing his craft.. it shows

[@DRealFatguy]

I dont know who this is, Verlon Thompson, but the song gave me goosebumps. My word son, well done.

[@manriq47]

Good lord! Now that was some serious playing and singing. Fantabulous! ~ Mark

[@MrGrxxx123]

this song should inspire a movie!!! hauntingly beautiful!!!!!!!!

[@audreyfischer]

wow.wow.wow. the story. the song. the performance.

[@Fstpicker]

WOW!! Hauntingly beautiful!

[@Larry-fu9ef]

Guy Clark and his version is the best, Guy doing vocals and Verlon on guitar

[@jaredmoore6713]

You should see Verlon play this song live! I saw him in January at a little church in Jupiter, FL playing a charity event in memory of Sue Cunningham. He treated us to this song along with many other greats that he has written. Talk about losing track time - we were mesmerized by the way Verlon could weave a story into his picking. Really a treat especially when there are only 30 or 40 others in the room, and he is playing 5 feet from you!

[@STEViEmando]

If you're a muso you'll really get this. A beautiful song to bring a smile to your face an' a tear to your eye - certainly mine. This song is my life. Sometimes a song comes out of nowhere an' just floors me. This is one of those songs. Powerfully emotive for me. Guy Clark wrote a bloody good'un here an' Verlon Thompson just nails it - thanks guys. If you ain't moved by it you ain't moved. Me, I am. Thanks to my good friend Chelle Rose for sharin' this with me. CHEERS !!

[@mitchbailey5216]

Don't get better.miss guy so much

[@DevoutlyAgnostic]

I understand not everyone will always like well written, well played songs; but I can't understand how anyone, much less 16 people, could dislike this perfectly written and flawlessly played song. Are they just angry and bitter? Do they dislike Guild guitars? Are they offended by the brilliance of real deal players? Even jealousy would be a poor excuse for casting such an obviously stupid thumbs down. They must've somehow, in their excitement and awe clicked the thumbs down by accident.

[@eduardoarana9720]

thank you John for stopping by my beach city lodge and playing this tune for me, it's incredibly haunting.

[@sgbsammy]

wow first time listener...Verlon...amazing.guitar voice and wordsmith...that gave me chills...thx

[@christopherapadilla]

I have finally heard the epitome of amazing...I can die satisfied now

[@MateuszRulski]

Why oh why is this the only clip featuring Verlon in good quality?! Give us MOOOOOOORE! NOW!

[@richardreeder8811]

It was a great pleasure to have shared our short time many years ago. What a fine songwriter you are!

[@gregmz]

I took verlons class at the fur peace. Lifes not been the same since. Greg

[@danielmevel3877]

I heard this song for the first time today and what a great...song! and great guitarist!!thanks...

[@BobDaniel56]

This is absolutely incredible. I am speechless. Bravo!

[@kirklorange]

What a great song ... and I love your performance, Verlon.

[@johnnyortiz7800]

Verlon!!! You are the man. Awesome

[@bigted1953]

this is the pride of youtube here!

[@outofthinair1]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jwoodall7]

Holy Cow. By the time the song was done, I was so close to the screen I was almost eating it! Fantastic!!

[@davidbergin6184]

Wow! If this guy is ever playing in my area...I’ll be there.

[@jessesmit2907]

great song, and absolutely insane playing!

[@texasmachinegunma5374]

Still legendary always will be

[@johntstanley1]

About damn time you jumped out front... im in.

[@1986barb]

This gives me chills !! How glad I am to listen !

[@RabiesTheBeagle]

"My name was upon the case" Yes!

[@vintagestrings6]

Amazing lyrics, playing n singing!!!

[@cahill_dave]

WOW I love this so much. I attended Fur Peace Ranch with TIm Reynolds. What an amazing place!

[@daviddansereau1793]

Words and music, awesome!

[@daviddansereau1793]

There isn't much out there to hold a candle to this.

[@Gibsonj62]

Wonderful song, great musicianship.

[@campag10]

First class all the way, that Guild and your talent make an awesome combination.

[@tomacosta2033]

Well done!!! I'm gonna try to pick it out!

[@buggywhip1]

I'm awestruck. So perfect!

[@XavierCalabero]

Woah.... amazing. I have been hunting tab for the leads to this song forever. You amaze me.

[@BatmanVSEldablo]

been looking for this song for ages thanx

[@bigted1953]

Verlon-simply the best.

[@markhoskins5491]

Beautiful.

[@bigted1953]

excellent music from a great man

[@Tuvgatan]

So well played .....

[@shoesmagic]

Absolutely beautiful .... gives me chills

[@PB200559]

Respect. Great song, wonderfully performed

[@bigted1953]

pure genius from a great guy

[@lw216316]

never heard a Guild sound that good

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

Wow...that is great.

[@plucky19]

At last, the real thing. Substance over style, content over artifice - talent, in a word. Value it while you can. There ain't any more of these guys coming up this way...

[@breckandy]

Leaves me speechless every time

[@hiskellygirl]

Great guitarist, timeless lyrics.

[@dauphinofmississippi]

Verlon is awesome.

[@nhcraftsman603]

One of the greatest.

[@MichaelMcBride58]

Yay! That was wonderful!

[@PirateStu]

One of my favorite songs.

[@MrLaymensterms]

awesome! it runs in the family i see!

[@chrislecompte4694]

WOW! Perfect. Amazing. Underrated

[@markgalloway]

Really cool song. You are an incredible musician. *****

[@AlexandraJW]

Thats pretty damn good :) And not just the song and the playing, but the video too... it's all there!

[@96Guitarcrazy]

Amazing! great song and story!

[@ericjlavin6473]

Bravo! A downright benchmark

[@likhound]

That is so good.

[@BillyDeanMusic]

That's Awesome buddy!!! Love ya man!

[@JoeLoesch]

Great song! - Great talent! - Great person!

[@mrmrguitarg]

wow i would love to get the tab on that. awesome job!

[@brianhowe1065]

Did you ever find it? If so, share PLS?

[@chris2words]

I am missing GUY!

[@snaketalejohnny]

that solo is tasty as all get out

[@jojohasagun]

that gave me goosebumps! amazing. I strive to be that good someday. :-)

[@lonesomewalker6141]

could ther be a better song ever written than this ???? HELL NO

[@friendlygiant307]

That you know who Mr Van Zandt is a wonder, bravo!

[@meatwurst]

jawdropping...

[@jsliker1]

Yes, he is playing a Guild D-50. I bought one just like it back in the early 1980s. I played it for 20 years untill it needed a neck reset. After Fender took them over they changed the D-50s appointments and the way they look.

[@Fretlovr]

It doesn't get much better than that.

[@armadillotoe]

There is a great story about how the song was written if you look for it.

[@OtisFan1]

Fabulous!

[@camaro4542u]

awsume song huh ? i heard it on my sirous outlaws channel it just got to me i look for it all the time to play lol