British guitarist analyses Jesse Winchester one of the BEST songwriters, ever!

[@jesusslushies2192]

I rode a Greyhound bus with Jesse from Los Angeles to St Louis, Mo back in 1976. It was sometime in June. He was on his way back to Canada. Three solid days of memories that are with me still.. He even played his old acoustic guitar often much to the delight of all on the bus.. He wrote a song about me too.. I forget it but i remember him singing it to me. I was only 19 and he really made me want to stay with him to Canada but i had family in St Louis..Had to say goodbye. We both shed a couple tears..He was an amazing man. RIP sweet friend Jesse

[@lpatrick357]

What an awesome experience for you and everyone on the bus. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing.

[@jezebeljones659]

Beautiful.

[@soulhealer20]

Back in early 1969, when I was still in high school, we had a local coffee house, called The Key, that was in a local school. It moved to a local church and it was a popular place for us all to get into the new popularity of Folk Rock. Jesse played there several times and we went to see him at another club in downtown Montreal. He was definitely part of our local culture and his songs were sung at parties and at our family gatherings. Bruce Cockburn played at The Key a number of times as well.

[@lindacoy6187]

I cannot watch without shedding tears, and I’ve listened to this hundreds of times. He was a beautiful soul❤️

[@bluecafemusicandvideo8817]

My first Jesse album was 'Nothing But a Breeze" I bought as a teenager in the 70's. Was lucky enough to see him perform twice in Vancouver over the years. Speaking as a songwriter myself, to me and many others, Jesse Winchester's skill is the epitome of songwriting. He is able to take the everyday feelings and topics of all our lives and magically mold them into beautifully sublime.. uncomplicated wisdom filled works ... deep with layers of meaning. He was a walking Master class. This song never fails to bring a tear to my eye as he flawlessly captures our humanity and flips on the projector to show us our own old movies of our first awkward stumbles into love...among other layers. Thank-you Jesse!!

[@cannibal4363]

A fantastic LP I also purchased in 1977 while in Memphis TN. Agree. One of my all time favorites. Sad to learn of his passing, a great talent the populace have missed, but not we in the know.

[@simonspark8314]

It's so wonderful to read all the comments from people have known and loved Jessie. I saw Jessie play in Sydney Australia sometime in the 70s, a wonderful memory that stays with me now. I found out about him by way of prowling through the secondhand record shops, I was not able to afford allways the new ones, his face kept popping up as I would brouse so I decided to take a chance, he has been a wonderful influence and education for me not only regarding songwriting but also the wisdom of life.

[@bowserandblue]

Jessie lived in Montreal for many years. He was accepted by our whole community and taken into our hearts as one of our own. We have been performing his song Yankee Lady for many years.

[@TheShakinandStirred]

Your critiques are consistently enlightening, great channel and always look forward to your videos. This episode was a special one, thanks so much for spotlighting Jesse Winchester and in particular the artistic beauty of ‘Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding’. Keep up the great work Fil! 🎼

[@texasredneckhippy]

Thanks for your accurate assessment of this lovely song by a beautiful artist.

[@c.burwell2618]

Just subscribed even though I’ve watched many of your videos. Was remembering this song tonight, searching for it again. When I saw you had a reaction to it, I immediately clicked (albeit a few years after the fact). Thank you for all of the background you shared. The first I learned of Jesse was from a former coworker - and this song was my intro to his music. My coworker did not give me ample warning, and so I popped in my earbuds at my desk. I soon became a blubbery mess having to try to stifle emotions and rivers of tears. Between lyrics and music, one of those songs that reaches deep into your soul before you realize what has happened. Beautiful.

[@TinaAlanIsaiahBrianna]

Jesse was a friend of mine. He cold called me in Texas from Canada in 1998 and asked me to help him with his recording studio software. I am a broadcast engineer who specializes in digital audio. In that conversation I told him I had all his albums, was a great fan of his, was sad that he had retired, and asked if I could design a website for him. He humbly declined, but I pressed on and said, "Let me do it and I'll show it to you. If you say "no" then we'll can it." So I designed www.jessewinchester.com, I called him and he looked at it and then offered to pay me for it. I declined the money, but he insisted on paying me for the domain name ($20), so I transferred it to him and taught him some HTML to maintain it himself. I got honorable mention in his liner notes of "Gentleman of Leisure" as well as got to hear the rough cuts before he committed them to CD. Afterwards, he would always comp my wife, my MIL, and me to his concerts and hang out with us a bit afterwards. All that said, I wanted to tell you all something he said to me. He told me in about 1999, "If I had it to do again, I'd just written for other artists. The road is hard." BUT he did do the road after that and after his surgery. I have always loved this man. He is one of a kind and was an honest to God good man and a Gentleman! - Alan Freeman (Texas).

[@fadermcvlx6580]

Wonderful story Alan, thank you for sharing it. From Montreal here, in the stage lighting biz since 82. He played venues around these parts many times as I'm sure you know, it was a real blessing for us. Merci also for the website and turning him on to having one - along with showing him some html! Very cool. It's a great resource and it warms my heart knowing his touch is there. Cheers, Gordon

[@michele21auntiem]

Thank you for sharing that great story!

[@grayowl108]

What a great story, Alan. Thank you for sharing. I never met Jesse, nor did I see him perform. But as a songwriter myself I have the deepest respect and admiration for his skill and delivery. Nice to hear you confirm my sense that he was are real gentle and genuine soul as well.

[@smokinmoose2]

I never got to meet him but my late wife and I were in Toronto and I had always wanted to see him perform. My band at the time were doing a couple of his songs (Yankee Lady and another one I can't remember at the moment). For a lark I looked him up in the phone book and he was listed, so I rang him up and he answered. I mentioned I was a musician/songwriter and loved his music, and was wondering if he was playing in town that weekend. He said no, he would be in Montreal (we had just come from there) then. but he started asking me about my band and what songs of his we were doing and we ended up on the phone for about an hour talking about music and life and such. He was so generous with his time I told him we were about to go in the studio and he asked if we did one of his songs would I send a copy to him. We never did record any of his but I always wish we had. What a generous and genuine man he was.

[@doughill8475]

"If I had it to do again, I'd just written for other artists. The road is hard." Hence his wonderful song, "A Showman's Life," which not coincidentally has been covered by a lot of touring artists. My favorite version is by Buddy Miller.

[@mariorabottini5687]

Something really special about Jesse! An amazing singer, songwriter with such grace! Brilliant Fil! Cheers Mario!

[@dmcb123]

He first tour in the US brought him to New Orleans at Jed's on Oak st Wonderful man, huge heart and ready smile. Blessed to have known him.

[@loripond1839]

That young woman on the stage wasn't the only one shedding tears during that performance. I found myself tearing up to this. It's very ironic that you analyzed the song tonight. It has a very sentimental nostalgic feel to it. And at this time I can connect to that. I have never heard of Jesse Winchester. What a beautiful tender voice he has! I will have to check out more of his songs!! Thanks Fil!!!....✌❤🤘

[@tomrp507]

Neko Case next to him.

[@arborcam]

You should buy ‘live from mountain stage’. Album Is very much like this performance

[@michele21auntiem]

@@arborcam thank you i will look for it.

[@debrabeck9630]

I see I “liked” this before, but I’m not sure I commented. Like is too tame a word for how I feel about this song and his performance. The poignancy of him singing about “all those poor old folks” in his later years magnifies the impact of his performance. A masterpiece. Thank you for your reaction, Fil. I’m so grateful that you appreciate the nuances of Jesse’s extraordinary performance.

[@katmonaghan9341]

I'm a huge Jesse fan... not so much of this song, but I "discovered" him and his music back in about 1970 or so I found a DJ copy of his album "Learn to Love It" in a thrift store for 99cents ... later, I saw him live at The Palms Playhouse in Davis, CA ... the real palms ... an old, small, wooden barn ... it was magical!

[@charlesstone4523]

Tears are in my eyes. I love Jesse.THANK you FIL

[@georgemm5]

You have never made a video that does not provide some kind of revelation to me about the song you are analyzing. Once again. Well done. Best Regards. George

[@alimac1469]

I always loved Jesse and he has always been my "go to" when a bit of mellow soothing is needed.

[@Nowletbe]

I saw JW twice here on Vancouver Island and they were the best Concerts I've attended.

[@LonskiBig]

....You're not just "Whistling Dixie" that the guitar playing was flawless... He didn't miss a note, neither did he even look at his picking hand or fretting hand. The girl next to him was about ready to bawl her eyes out...Never heard of the guy, but I bet he could go into any bar, club or restaurant and have them mesmerized for a couple hours...

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I just finished reading Robertson’s biography. He does talk about Winchester. It is quite a treat to see this video and hear him perform this lovely song. Thank you for this introduction to his work. 👍🏼

[@johnhawkins9826]

Thanks Fil - JW was one of my very favourite artists of the 70s and onward - Brilliant musician, writer and singer - Why wasn't this man a really big star? He deserved to be - Thanks again

[@robertm7889]

My love and I saw Jesse live at the Hugh's room in Toronto April 2013. He sang this magnificent song...incredible artist!

[@JackSartore]

Jesse’s wonderful song Yankee Lady was the sound track of my move to Vermont in 1971. It’s with me still.

[@craftycrafter1960]

Oh man that finished me, what a heart felt performance ❤️

[@BuskstopJohn2ukesofhazzard.]

I only became aware of Jesse Winchester earlier this year when I heard ‘Ghosts’ I now include it when busking and on my YT channel. He really was a great singer/songwriter.

[@antonioholmquist9706]

Jesse is one of my favorite musicians. I saw him in Burlington Vermont in 1989 with Nicolette Larson opening. What a voice! His album, Let the rough side drag, is one great album. He was not allowed into the US for some time after going to Canada during the Viet Nam war. RIP Jesse

[@seasightful]

Well done! Seven years ago today that we lost Jesse. His voice and his songs are a timeless gift!

[@karenkitching3257]

I miss Jesse so much. He moved my heart for 40 years.

[@albertpatterson3675]

Jesse was from Memphis, and I grew up near there in Mississippi. If you are interested in a song that portrays Mississippi, listen to "Mississippi You're on my Mind". I'm sure he wrote this song while in Canada, and he could literally close his eyes see and visualize what that song encapsulates. It paints a perfect picture. and, THANK YOU CANADA, A MILLION TIMES OVER!

[@jimking2299]

That was a great episode of Spectacle, also featuring Neko Case, Cheryl Crow and Ron Sexsmith, whose duet with Elvis on Everyday I Write the Book is another wonderful performance.

[@barbaradownie3265]

BEAUTIFUL SONG, HE HAS SUCH A TENDER, HEARTFELT VOICE 😍😍😍

[@dr.reidsheftalltruthinscie2007]

That's the real Jesse. Please watch some of his interviews. Southern boy from Mississippi and Memphis.

[@criscrisler8604]

If you do not know Jesse, and this video speaks to you, you have a wealth of true album and song masterpieces available to discover. A total original, an emotive singer in a highly intimate style, extraordinary songs to hear.

[@robertwalker5219]

in the 70's i made the mistake of taking a date to a jessie winchester concert, i knew i wasn't going to get lucky that night when, as we left she was singing t"if i were you, i'd hang onto a rumba man like me. the "welcome back jesse concert in mid 70s boston was my most memorable concert!

[@MaxMitchellVideos]

This is one of my favorite Jesse Winchester songs. I'll never forget seeing Jesse for the first time when I was in college in Canada. He was playing small bars and coffee houses then, but it didn't matter, we could all still see his talent. Because of the Viet Nam war, there were many smart and talented young men escaping to Canada at the time and we loved them. Canada got some of the USA's best because of that war. Many of them stayed and had kids and grandkids that are still there.

[@digeratadesign]

Love your diversity and range of artists you're willing to cover. Jesse was a fav in the 60's for me

[@vivian4949]

Many older women would swoon over this song 💖 You can already see many women in the video swooning with tears.

[@altitudeg2s]

You are so generous with all your reviews Fil. It is a pleasure to view your videos. Even on the rare time you have a criticism it is a professional one with no personal or condesending view. Your knowledge and research is awe inspiring. Well done.

[@kensod6034]

Gosh that brings tears to my eye's. 👀 too ... A beautiful story.... Thanks teach... Brotherrrrrr

[@kensod6034]

Love it .. Brotherrrrrr

[@jezebeljones659]

God rest you, Jesse. You wrote the most truthfult, beautiful, gentle, human songs. We're glad to have had you in Canada as long as we did. You're a beautiful, softly glowing solar lamp, powered by the spirits of poets, bards, and troubadours past. Angels are listening to you now -- with tears in their eyes...

[@GrindstoneCowboy357]

Thanks alot Fil ! Like I really needed to cry tonight...never heard of this artist...how sweet...new inspiration. Thank you for following your heart for music. Thank you

[@VIDSTORAGE]

He,, like any artist has several albums,, and A Touch On The Rainy Side from 1978 was given to me about 10 years ago and that is one that is well worth listening to along with anything else he has ..

[@jimfritz2087]

I first heard Jesse's music via Jimmy Buffett , in the mid 70s . He did many cover versions. Then I bought 2 of Jesse's albums. All his songs are top shelf material .

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Thats simply beautiful. Had me crying.

[@stumblebiscuit99]

I saw Jesse in a small bar in Raleigh in the 70's right after President Carter pardoned deserters (of which Jesse was one of) who went to Canada during the Viet Nam war. It was just him and a piano. What a great storyteller and song writer. Listen to "Mississippi you're on my mind". Thanks Fil.

[@timgelder4263]

He wasn't a deserter, he dodged the draft

[@ivannovotny4552]

@@timgelder4263 I concur, a big difference.

[@stumblebiscuit99]

@@timgelder4263You are right, during my own journey north in 1970, I felt like my country had deserted me. I stand corrected.

[@micheled6111]

Amazing song and performance. Never heard of him before today. Wow.

[@roncarpenter7240]

He was from Mississippi, I believe Laurel. He fled to Canada during the Vietnam war. Great man.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

@@roncarpenter7240 He was a coward. Two of my friends were getting their asses shot off while this POS was sitting pretty in Canada.

[@raoulmc6840]

@@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy The men who went to Canada were the heroes. Say hi to Dobie and Zelda.

[@shellylyndsley394]

What a beautiful tune and song!! Almost could be pictured a lullaby. Going to look up the lyrics, I must admit I have never heard of this talented man , which I find odd as all of the artists you mentioned that have been associated with him, namely Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan, are artists I have a fondness and great respect for. Thanks for introducing this great singer/songwriter/storyteller to me!

[@lastone783]

Great song. Thanks, Fil, for introducing me to yet another artist I was not aware of❣️

[@davidcantwell2489]

Amen to that brother... That actually gave me Goose pimples.

[@slothbros7607]

@@davidcantwell2489 Give these by him a listen and you won't be sorry- "No Pride at All" , "Oh What a Thrill", "Mississippi, You're on my Mind", "That's What Makes You Strong", "Blow on Chilly Wind"......such a sweet, soothing voice.

[@davidcantwell2489]

@@slothbros7607 Oh wow... I have loved Oh What a Thrill by the Mavericks ever since I first heard it, didn't even know it was a Jesse song I just assumed Raul Malo wrote it. Thank you very much.

[@markbrownner6565]

how marvelous that you found and discussed this splendid songwriter who has been a favorite of a small following for a long time....have played 'yankee lady' since first learning how to strum....thanks...

[@bcaye]

Beautiful song, great artist I'm surprised I never ran across. Thanks, Fil! OK knowing he was a Vietnam protester, now I understand. He stood bu his convictions and I fully respect that. RIP, sir.

[@24Dicker]

So glad you chose this version to talk about. When I first saw this performance I was amazed. I can never get through it without shedding a tear. We can all relate to this song. What a work of art this total performance is!

[@barbarac.1857]

First time I have heard this song. It's beautiful! Fil, I love your videos. I just found your site a couple of weeks ago. It is fantastic. I enjoy your critiques and how positive you are.

[@TheDivayenta]

Barbara Clouse , Fil is good people!❤️

[@barbarac.1857]

@@TheDivayenta, I think so too. He must have an amazing personality. I love how positive he is.

[@nantague]

Tears. Jesse alwatys reduces me to tears. Thank you for sharing this

[@DannyAnkeny]

I have many if not all of his albums, have sat on my porch for many years now listening to his songs that bring me back to a time in the 70's that I loved. I was luck to see him in Cincinnati at Bogarts it was a full house and just magical. I am listening to my album's to night 5/19/24 and go back in time. Rest in peace Jesse!

[@bob4919]

Never heard this song before, brilliant!

[@flamencoprof]

Thanks for doing this one. I'm proud to say I still have his 1972 2nd album "Third Down, 110 to Go", bought here in NZ at the time. It is not well-known, a mellow album with thoughtful poetic lyrics which has aged well. He has a very "human" touch, honest and emotional. I liked "Dangerous Fun" & "Do It". I heard of him by his association with Robbie Robertson.

[@thomasgatrell2519]

thank you so much for this coverage of Jesse Winchester, one of my musical heroes. His technical ability was so good that Im sure everybody realises that despite the complication of the guitar chords and progressions not once does he need to look at what he is doing . As you say , his voice simply flows with the music , all part of his soul . I get emotional listening to most of his renditions , especially I wave bye bye , little glass of wine , and the one covered here. Thank you my friend

[@vissitorsteve]

I fell in love his music when I was not quite 20. So many incredible songs...tunes, and especially lyrics. I particularly love the ballads about the years he spent in Canada in order to avoid the draft...

[@johnhawkins9826]

Thank you so much for this - I have followed Jesse since his first release in the UK - All his songs are so special and what a clear delivery of those beautiful lyrics - He was a very under appreciated artist in this country regrettably - I will always revere his (and Russell Smith's, Nanci Griffith's and Toy Caldwell's work) - I watch your contributions with much interest, thanks again

[@nissi.k]

Really enjoyed this performance and also your analysis!!! Thanks again Fil 😎🌟

[@TR-yi8up]

Watch where he is looking, and centralized his delivery is during the whole song. I’m positive he’s looking at one person in the audience, his wife, who he wrote this for. How good do you have to be to enthrall an entire audience while performing to one person. He had an immense talent

[@aprils6589]

RIP Rik Ocasek. Oh my gosh what a beautiful song. Touched a deep place in me.Think that is neko case next to him and her tears say it all. Think many of the ladies in the w .o.p community will be listening to this song a lot. Already added to one of my playlists.

[@lancearmor3199]

U touched a place deep in👨 my 💜💓💕💖💘💗💝💞💟heart n 👄💋soul APRIL.!

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Sweet tears hearing this. Thanks Fil.

[@jacksutherland846]

Beautiful song that had to come out of nowhere. The best ones always do.

[@tcoopr2]

Great analysis & commentary. Thanks, Fil, for focussing on Jesse. I saw him live at the Kent (Ohio) Stage a few years before he died, appearing that night with Karla Bonoff, though they performed separately. A soulful troubadour.

[@Pb-ij4ip]

Was that Neko Case sitting next to him? Oh man, there’s one you could cover!

[@michele21auntiem]

Yes, it is and he brought her to tears.

[@druth7969]

I can’t believe you posted this … I adore Jesse - this is in my top 5 favourite songs/ videos - this is the best one - and I cry through it each time just like the audience - what a spell he puts on them … he is more than the sum of his parts! This song is a measuring stick - a plum line for where we are as a society … currently we’re not measuring up - thank you -

[@italianplastick4031]

Yes! I've been waiting all morning!! It's 11:33am here 🇦🇺 thanks Fil🤙

[@mdurmer]

This has been an all time favorite of mine and came on my playlist today when I was driving home. Thank you Fil for your amazing commentaries.

[@rickdicl]

Thank you Phil. You did such a great job appreciating what a talent he was. Thank you once again. Listening to Jesse since 1974

[@howardstenlund2324]

Thank you... great analysis of a great performance and performer.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

He was on The Midnight Special in the late 70s ,that vid is on you tube ..He never had any radio play that I can remember and I found out about him about 10 years ago ,my relative got rid of some LPs because she did not have a turn table anymore and his album A Touch On The Rainy Side was in that stack and I was really impressed ,it was a bit worn,and scratchy and I found a brand new original year copy on ebay ...Anything you hear by him is really great.

[@sharonn9676]

Jesse has a beautiful voice

[@fayedunbar2912]

His vocals are awesome. Mesmerizing.

[@tabithacastro805]

Beautiful song! Thanks for the introduction to Jesse Winchester, Fil! I usually gravitate to "little known" Artists but, had never heard of him -- wonderful analysis, as usual! From Harlem, New York -- rock!✌🏼💖🎶🎵

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

What a beautiful song! How have I not heard him before? He has an incredible voice. Thanks for featuring his interesting story.

[@ginnyvogel7754]

I was unaware of Jesse though some of my favorite artists have covered him. Thanks for this. You do these analyses so well--a true gift, Fil!

[@fbello18]

Yeah, for sure, I didn’t know him - but this performance is awesome, almost made me cry - pure emotion ! I loved it. Tks

[@BOOMNERD51]

Thanks, Fil, for reviewing Jesse Winchester, whose first 3 albums "Yankee Lady" I had. Not until 2008 did I reconnect with the song "That's What Makes You Strong" and be became my new absolute favorite songwiter. I feel wonderful knowing that you, my favorite musician/analyst are appreciative of one of my soul-mate songwriters. I especially appreciate his guitar style and its appropriate place in this gentle song! I can die happy now, when 2 favorite musicians are on the same page! ❤️

[@devakolb9187]

Beautiful!!! I guess I am partial to the ballads and the acoustic guitar. I really loved this video. Thank you Fil.

[@timmorris323]

Tears me up everytime. RIP Jessie

[@cynthiafeuss2487]

Thank you for acknowledging Jesse Winchester!

[@artysanmobile]

How inspiring to see someone play guitar so effortlessly, with total confidence. So great!

[@jkoff76]

You've made some great choices lately. Jesse Winchester was amazing. Yankee Lady and Defying Gravity are absolutely great songs.

[@PMed]

I’d never heard of him when I saw this on Spectacle. Like Neko Case, it brought me to tears.

[@worldcupwonders]

Lovely thanks for introducing me to this beautiful song 👍

[@dalem8332]

One word...BEAUTIFUL. Musically. Vocally. Lyrically. BEAUTIFUL.❤❤ Brought tears to my eyes. Mesmerizing. 😎🎼🎶🎵Thanks Fil❤

[@nanp544]

First time I’ve heard this song and this gentleman singing. Lovely.💕

[@bigbow62]

What a beautiful soft voice... I know the name but I never heard the full song before 😉 Thank you a Fil for another unique video and even though it's not my kind of music it's still well worth a watch ! Then with your analysis and back story is the reason I'm here every night and have been for the last year plus.... thank you again for a great video and channel 😎🤘 Request: So glad you brought up The Band how 'bout a video of them playing The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down from The Last Waltz concert... such a great group that never gets the respect & love they deserve ✌😎 Talk about... singing and playing... Levon Helm ( R.I.P ) does it with this song... playing the drums and singing & he said he found it easier to sing while playing 😉 Just fit the words in when I'm not drumming or words like that 😅 He was so cool... the heart & soul + the Backbeat of The Band ( also he played quite a few instruments like most of the band members & on top of all that a pretty damn good actor ) It's time all of these young folk look & hear The Band ☺ Thank you Fil & sorry my posts & requests tend to be a bit long but that's just me 😊

[@geraldinefields1730]

Rhumba Man is my favorite Jesse Winchester song. When he sang it on stage, he did a little rhumba dance step which was delightful. "If my mama catches us doin' the rhumba, mama would just pitch a fit."

[@kcrot2566]

I loved this man very sad when we lost him 2014 ? I had lost very close family that same year broke my heart ❤

[@palaublue8850]

Much respect to Jesse and to you for telling his story.

[@sammyhagarlowman167]

This was something ive never heard before. Very nice .! THANKS

[@darwinrisdon7141]

Love your work Fil! Especially how you make it about the others - the greats, the legends ....not just about yourself. Very humble, very modest! I finger-pick (just about good enough to entertain myself ...no one else LOL!) and you are quite right about the challenge in finger-picking while singing.

[@drewpall2598]

Such a superb performance, beautifully done vocally and musically. excellent analysis! this definitely deserve another listening too. thanks Fil,

[@garywohlgemuth3916]

Another guy Ive never heard but I love his voice and music. Thanks Fil.

[@debbie995]

Thank you for introducing this song writer Fil; what a beautiful performance.

[@mitchelllederman4905]

Excellent choice. I rediscovered J. Winchester in the past two years and have purchased a number of his albums. I believe he is one of the best singer-songwriters and plays numerous genres beautifully (with fantastic bands) Great web summary. Thank you

[@bellesmom238]

THOSE DANG ONIONS , THANKS FIL

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Beautifully sung and the guitar accompaniment is perfect for the tune! Touching performance 💝

[@kimberlymackinnon9440]

Thank you for sharing Jesse's story Fil, I'd not known much of that. I had his 'Talk Memphis' album back in the day. I still enjoy listening to it when I want something soft and soothing. His voice is almost like a whisper in your ear; his writing so lovely and melodic. What stood out for me in your analysis is that I've had a couple of professors who left the States around the same time, and for the same reasons, that you shared Jesse did. Far from viewing them - or Jesse - negatively for the choices they made, I admire the inner strength it took for them to stand upon their morals and their sense of humanity when all around them were leaving for war just as George Michael describes in his song 'Mother's Pride.' Really difficult stuff. Makes one examine very deeply the ethical intricacies around war, patriotism, right, wrong, justice, law, family, duty and humanity. Like Steve Perry just posted, "Maybe this year we can try holding on to our love" (for our fellow man). Love to you and yours Fil, Kim