Steve Goodman - City Of New Orleans
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- Опубліковано 15 бер 2012
- "City of New Orleans" is a folk song written by Steve Goodman (and first recorded for Goodman's self-titled 1971 album), describing a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans via the Illinois Central Railroad in bittersweet and nostalgic terms. Goodman got the idea while traveling on the eponymous train for a visit to his wife's family. He performed the song for Arlo Guthrie in the Quiet Knight, a bar in Chicago, and Guthrie agreed to add it to his repertoire. The song was a hit for Guthrie on his 1972 album Hobo's Lullaby, and is now more closely associated with him, although Goodman performed it until his death in 1984. The song has also been covered by Willie Nelson, John Denver, Johnny Cash, The Country Gentlemen, Judy Collins, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Sammi Smith, Hank Snow, Gerard Cox, Rudi Carell, Joe Dassin, Richard Clayderman and others.
Steve Goodman won a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Country Song at the 27th Grammy Awards in 1985 for Willie Nelson's version, which was included on his 1984 album of the same name. It reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States and the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada
The Old Grey Whistle Test (usually abbreviated to Whistle Test or OGWT) was an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys-doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test. I believe this video to be from Steve's appearance on the show which aired on July 31, 1973.
My dad used to work the trains back in the 1950s. He loved this song and always said, "This kid [Steve] really knew trains!" Little details like, "Switching cars in Memphis Tennessee," which was where they actually did switch cars. But also, "The sons of Pullman Porters and the sons of engineers," riding, "Their fathers' magic carpets made of steel." As the top guys on the train, the Pullman Porters and engineers were allowed to bring their kids with them on trips. It was not unusual for those children to ride with their dads during summer holidays. Details like that add so much to the story. I am grateful to my late dad for sharing, and to Steve for writing so beautifully to begin with.
This man belongs in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Maybe Steve and John Prine are playing and singing together again.
Wikipedia says Steve was exactly who he appeared to be: an ambitious, well-adjusted man from a loving, middle-class Jewish home in the Chicago suburbs, whose life and talent were directed by the physical pain and time constraints of a fatal disease which he kept at bay, at times, seemingly by willpower alone . Steve lived as normal a life as possible, only he had to live it as fast as he could. May I add .. thank you for his life and talent which has lasted so long after his sad early death in this iconic song never sung better than by he himself here. Peace to him and all that pass this way.
I am quite persuaded after many years of diverse consideration, that Mr. Steve Goodman's lyrics are among the most poignant, most significant to arise out of post WWII USAmerican culture. This is one of those rarest of gems, a truly original contribution to music, poetry and the spirit of North American Culture. I count Mr. Goodman among the Culture Saints, c.f. Leonard Cohen, What is a a Saint? Thank you for your contribution, Mr. Goodman, wherever you may be, my dear friend who I never met in flesh. Rest well.
RIP Steve, you've written the best railroad song ever 👍
This is pretty much the perfect song. Nothing forced. Nothing out of place. It just flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The music and lyrics match perfectly.
An underappreciated American treasure who left us too soon.
Best Version- Performance of a Lifetime- R.I.P Steve Goodman- were still thinking of you.. 2024-and Forever!
Ah, so the bottle in the bag was Tequila. I'll be dogged.
My grandfather was an engineer on the B&O. He died when my dad was 16. I never met him, but I have his gold Elgin pocket watch and his shaving cup, which I use almost every day.
Stevie Goodman was my friend and pal in the day. He and his music meant so much to my life.
My grandfather worked in the mail car on the City of New Orleans train and this song carries a lot of meaning for me.
A special place in heaven for song-writing poets: Steve Goodman, Paul Simon, Kris Kristofferson, Leonard Cohen.
Listening on the train to LA. Been waiting decades to listen to this while riding the rails. RIP Steve.
Long live Steve Goodman! He wrote the best train song ever. No one will ever write a better train song.
I rode the "Huminnbird" From Louisville to Nashville, in 1962., I was four years old. I remember the service. Black Men, in white coats. They were so gracious .The trip taught me at a young age' that difference, does not matter, difference is what makes our life, magnificent. .We are all children of God. Riding the rails, in this life.
I met Steve and got a personal concert from him on board a TRAIN!! Steve was campaigning on the Muskie Train, when Sen. Ed Muskie was campaigning for President in Florida back in ' 72. No one knew Steve Armstrong or his song. This was years before Kristofferson and Arlo Guthrie made it famous. One of the TOP MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.
I'm touched to finally hear how this song ought to be played and sung. Sad to hear Steve Goodman left us so early.
We were in high school together. The world lost a real talent and a fine person when he died.