What's your favorite song from Shotgun Willie or The Troublemaker? I just listened to both of them back to back and I'm gonna have to go with Sad Songs And Waltzes, Uncloudy Day and/or A Song For You. I forgot how great Willie's version of A Song For You is. It's Willie at his absolute best. What's your favorite?
Great story. Had no idea they cut this in New York. Sad Songs and Waltzes is my favourite Willie tune. One of my favorite songs period. Great stuff thanks Otis!
Whiskey River is hard to beat. I call it Risky Wiver sometimes. The bassline and the steel on it are wonderful but it's all great, really. Fantastic song for partaking.
The more I watch, listen and learn from this channel, I love it otis, I think that you are one of the last of my kind , I'm old and tired but these stories will educate the youngsters and keep these legends alive, thank you!!
My father died recently and his and mine was cloudy day. My cousin sang it at my uncle's funeral 😢 . That song will always remind me of my father and uncle and cousin ❤😢
A friend of mine here in Austin is currently living in the house Willie Nelson lived in when he moved down to Austin after his house in Nashville burned down back in the early 70’s. Great story! My favorite on that album is Devil in a sleeping bag.
Willie Nelson is a national treasure. That’s the best and most deserving compliment I can give the man. My God, the man wrote “crazy” that Patsy Cline recorded and I think that’s one of the best songs ever written. Thanks Otis for tipping your hat to the Red Headed Stranger.
" DEVIL IN A SLEEPING BAG ", A BIG FAVORITE, WILLIE'S GUITAR INTRO REALLY GETS YOU INTO IT QUICKLY, THE OPENING LINE " WE WERE HEADED HOME TO AUSTIN.... " GRABS YOUR ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY, PLUS THE FACT HE MENTION KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & RITA COOLIDGE, PRETTY COOL!! THE TITLE SONG " THE TROUBLEMAKER " IS MY FAVORITE FROM THAT ALBUM, GOD BLESS WILLIE NELSON, IT'S ALL GREAT!!!
Reminds of how a "grunge" producer helped Johnny Cash record arguably his best recordings. Great producers know how to get the f*ck out of the artist's way and let the art be art...! Love your storytelling, Otis!
I didn't grow up going to church. But, I got the gospel through marathon listening to The Trouble Maker album. And with prayers of my ex-wife's assembly of God grandmother I came to genuine faith in Christ. Loving Willie music was part of me finding the straight gate and narrow way. I will be eternally thankful.
I saw Willie for the 1st time in a pasture in Central Texas in 70's, a couple weeks before the series of concerts of Willie's 4th of July picnic. I didn't really know about him at the time, the stage was about 3 feet high, you could walk right up to it, rest you arm on it. He came on to the stage wearing a sweat stained T-shirt and ponytail, walked up to the front of the stage were I was standing, someone hands him a half-gallon bottle of whiskey (Wild Turkey), he takes a big gulp, then starts the concert with Whiskey River... I'm am blow away at the coolness that is Willie !!
I've been going to Willie shows since the 70's. He has such unique timing vocally and on guitar. Countless times I've watched him go off on a guitar tangent where I thought that he's not going to be able to wrap this up and make it fit the pace of the song, but he always did.
Now that is an Awesome twist of fate . #1 whiskey river #2 uncloudy day #3 and once we played shotgun whilly for an hour straight ! The mood was just right for it .
Shotgun Willie was my first Willie album. Went to his first picnic and then moved to Austin as if right on cue. Willie built the Austin country music scene.
Otis. I was a young drummer in Corpus Christi Tx 1968 playing with some very talented musicians. We opened for Willie. Paul English on drums, David Zetner on bass he just got back from the army. And couldn't wait until his hair grew out. Jimmy Day on steel. Being a drummer MY attention was on Paul. A gracious and professional man indeed. We talked about drums and he even showed me some different licks on the snare. When the gig was over I help load the equipment. A station wagon pulling a trailer that looked a lot like a Uhaul that had been painted. Lol the snare.
Shotgun Willie was my first Willie Nelson Album... I had heard some of his songs but that album along with Phases and Stages blew me away. SAD SONGS AND WALTZES has been one of my all time favorites and I loved UNCLOUDY DAY.
Willie’s phrasing isn’t off, he just knows that the real groove is *between* the beats. Thanks for another great video. I picked up Willie’s autobiography after you mentioned it in a previous video. It’s a fantastic page-turner.
Stay All Night gets me up and going every time I hear it, but I’d have to say my favorite is Devil in a Sleepin’ Bag. There’s a video of Willie doing that at the Opry House, and I hadn’t noticed it much before I’d watched that. But oh man once I heard it I was stuck. There’s something unforgettable about that opening line.
Thank you Otis for another great story. I love "She's not for You" the best from the Shotgun Willie album. It has always been one of my "go-to" last set love songs of the evening at gigs over the years. Thank you for illuminating so many of our favorite entertainers...you are indeed a blessing my friend!
I am blown away! Shotgun Willie was the first Willie album that really opened my eyes and ears to how special he is. His version of A Song For You is probably my favorite cut off that record, but the title track couldn't be more fun. Thanks again Otis! Sharing these with my friends and family.
You are absolutely right, without Wexler there would never be "Red Headed Stranger" or "Stardust", even though they were recorded with Columbia. Willie's Atlantic experience made artistic control the number one priority for his career. Interesting though that after "Shotgun Willie" he didn't use his Family Band and recorded "Phases and Stages" in Muscle Shoals for his last Atlantic album. That album, for me, might be is best. Imagine how Ahmet Ertegun felt after abandoning country music at Atlantic and then watching Willie go multi-platinum on Columbia with "RHS" and "Stardust". Great stuff as always, Otis.
Outstanding. Great stories, I got the album on vinyl. Hard to say what my favorite song is. I'll say this, I think his pinnacle was Sound In Your Mind album. When my ears were finally opened to Willie's music, everything changed and I never looked back. God broke the mold with him. One of my favorite guitar players of all time.
The song, Shotgun Willie was the first thing I heard from Willie when a friend's dad played it and Bloody Mary Morning in 1973 I was 12. To this day, it's a contender for my fave Willie track.
Yeah, I'll always Love the Gospel vibe!! ❣️ Dylan's gospel stuff (w/Mona Lisa Rice!!! Friggin' Nothin' but "Adoration for Her AND her Voice!!♥️💝♥️) and Aretha, Johnny Cash, any of'em. 🙏💙✌🏻
I’ve been scrolling past this video for days. I’m not sure why because you’re the best story teller ever and it’s about Willie! Pulled the trigger on it this morning and WOW what a great story!!
"Whiskey River" baby... Been singin' that since I was 4 years old. Whiskey River take my mind! 🤘😜 Keep'em comin' Otis I love listening to you tell these stories. Your laid back personality is what I dig.👍
Shotgun Willie - Stay A Little Longer, that Waylon solo, Sahm on back up vocals, Jerry in the back of the room, classic!! Sounds like all of them were actually up all night. The Sahm Atlantic album around the same time has as many great stories, and the photos from both sessions are the best
My grandmother’s favorite song was “I’ll fly away” At her funeral my cousin (who is a master of country lead’ and I did a 3 sing medley in G I’ll fly away-Uncloudy day- Will the circle be unbroken Barely made it through without sobbing, talk about playing with emotion, my other cousin “who records everything “ said he wanted to record it so bad, but didn’t feel it would be appropriate. I kinda wish he had now. It was all set to the same tempo as Willie’s version of Uncloudy Day. True gospel stuff. 🙏
So many but I guess I’ve listened to Pancho and Lefty more than any. Merle and Willie together was my favorite. Think I’ll render one while listening to them right now. Thanks.
Always a learning experience with you Otis. Thanks for the great history on Willie. Good to know. "Bubbles in My Beer" was great the way Willie kept the Bob Wills song alive.
Devil In A Sleepin' Bag is my favorite tune from Shotgun Willie. My buddy Charles and I always talk about one day getting to hear Willie play that song live. We've both seen him a bunch, separately, and a few times together, but haven't gotten to hear that gem live yet. I'm optimistic that the universe will one day grant this wish. Thanks for these videos
I’d almost forgotten about Yesterday’s Wine until you mentioned it. Even among Willie’s great body of work, what a great album and what a magnificent single. A nearly forgotten beauty. Sorry I got so far off track. Local Memory is another beautiful, beautiful song.
i grew up in nyc metro and in my band in my 20s we used to play sad songs and waltzes. i did not know this detail about the song or the album, i love it, thank you.
Otis, Just wanna Thank You for What You Do...Your Stories, Interviews & Chats are helping me threw this YEAR LONG LOCKDOWN !! Thanks Brother & Greetings From New York USA....
Can't beat the title tracks from both albums. That being said my favorite Willie album has always been Phases and Stages since first hearing it over 30 years ago. Keep up the good work Otis!
A song for you. Definitely manages to get a tear out of me. Thinking of someone who was a perfect person. I didn't realize it then that i took that for granted.
Wonderful video Otis!. Willie, along with Johnny Cash, are my 2 favorite Country artists, because of their "Outlaw" personas. I have loved Johnny since I was I was a child ( I'm 62 now- be 63 the 24th of April) and discovered Willie in the mid to late 1970s ( red headed stranger album). And from there on I've been sold. Thank you again for these story videos.
Love it Otis !! ❤️ keep it bringing it. Un cloudy day !! What a song !! Pancho and Lefty with Merl ❤️ Whiskey River ❤️ Willy and Waylon and the boys will never be forgotten. The Highway men !! I’d have gave anything to have seen that tour. ❤️
"She's not for you" is such a classic song it's my favourite song on shotgun Willy but I also really love Mark Lanegans version from the album Twisted Willie
Hard to pick a favorite Willie song. Love your video's Mr. Otis, thanks brother so much. I always love the interviews and road stories, often going back to re-watch many times. Continued success and all good things.
You really are the best my man. I know I could buy the book and read the stories but I just love the way you tell them. You are a true music nerd like me. Keep em coming Otis!
I can honestly say that the songs you named would be my favourites also. I like the slow version of Whiskey Riverover the fast one. And an uncloudy day is absolutely fantastic!!!! Luv the stories my friend, keep it up 🔥💯😎
Thanks Otis great episode. I’d prob go with song for you, but love it all. A lot of people don’t know Willie and Miles were good friends and you can tell Willie knew his music. There is a song called Willie Nelson by Miles in the 70s. Jerry Wexler was such a genius in general but all you got do is look at what Atlantic records and it’s associated labels did in the 50s-70s. With Willie he was right he had to find himself and the commerce would come, but it ended up being on another label but that says a lot about Wexler really making art the priority. The other Atlantic record is phases and stages cut in muscle shoals with is pretty tasty too. the only record he made without his band where the band gets his feel IMO.
Dear Otis, as everything that comes from you all these stories by our favourites are so entertaining and so real! An A++ to you and your program! Thank you so much! 🍀🍀🍀🌹🌹🌹❤️
thanks for sharing all ur lighter fun inspiring stories...i got to meet David Ritz as I studied in Chile with one of his twin daughters and way back when had been friends with both....glad David carries on writing... and hi to your adorable housemate (i love those cats and their couch) Frankie...good housemate frankie
I love your stories Otis. Thanx so much for taking the time and trouble to share. I love everything Willie has ever done. Been a fan of his from the late 60s.
Hey Otis! Lance & his dog Hodgy again, just had this jewel of yours cross my path on Willie & Wexler. Uncloudy Day is timeless, Whiskey River is a cautionary yet celebratory alcohol track, & yes I agree, it was Willie & Waylon together with their new attorney I
Where do we start? Uncloudy Day is supposed to be played at my funeral along with Souvenirs/John Prine and I'm Gonna Live Forever/Billy Joe Shaver. Today it's Shotgun Willie from that album. Tomorrow who knows? Thanks Brother,God Bless.
Very nice Otis....... I lost my brother in law RPE, (ARP)last year about this time . I remember hearing a lot of these stories as a fly on the wall with many of these artist in the room. I really miss him we just called him Uncle Paul! :(
And much love to you Otis. I have just discovered your channel and I’m definitely a fan. These stories of Willie are absolutely priceless. I could listen all day. Thank you for your lovely storytelling. If I was FORCED to pick a favourite, I guess it would be Uncloudy Day. Every time I play it, t’s 2 or 3 times, just to work it out. Again, thank you. Peace
It’s a tie between ‘Shotgun Willie’ and ‘Whiskey River’. It’s amazing all the great things that happened the year I was born...1973...lol Excellently done once again Otis. Still hoping to catch you out somewhere on the road and say hello to you, and maybe get a few pictures...😊
Great story Otis. I’ll be revisiting Shotgun Willie. I’ve seen him 4 times. Once in the Boston Commons. He had shredding guitar solos. David Lee Roth type leg kicks while he was picking.
Otis ! You make me Smile! You Shine my Friend! I respectfully request some good stories on the late Johnny Horton..If anyone can sleuth out a good story..It’s You!😉
I've become addicted to this channel and your stories, in the best possible way. Thank you for these great stories that reveal the human qualities of these larger than life entertainers.
wow! gonna get that book..thanks amigo our first band did several of those tunes on that album..I did not know Wexler was involved in that..he was a man of true vision.
Thanks for bringing this to light, Otis! I love both albums, and they were part of my early music collection to play along with learning guitar. Strictly in terms of how many times I have listened to Willie’s version of Stay All Night since I was like 12 years old, that’s probably my favorite. I finally goaded our church choir director into playing Shall We Gather some years ago for Mass, and of course it evolved into something much like on The Troublemaker, with my playing “Willie Style” with bass runs between chords and our director even jazzing things up a bit on piano. Ah, good times! Willie is a saint!
Hey Otis, love the story telling. My Dad turned me on to Willie. I remember at about 6 years old trying to cram the Red Headed Stranger 8 Track in the dash of the station wagon. My favorite “Live” Willie Song was Rodney Crowell’s Till I can gain control again”....My favorited recorded was just about anything from Stardust....A true Country Gentleman is Willie. Thanks for posting these. TIMELESS.
Song for You is great! ... When I do Uncloudy Day at church - it has that Willie flavor, too. ... And, of course, I absolutely love The Troublemaker. ... Thanks Otis!
Thanks for sharing Otis, Shotgun Willie is the album that really got Willie back on track in my book. I have a few favorite songs from Shotgun Willie. I think my favorite ones is either Stay All Night, Stay a Little Longer or Devil In a Sleeping Bag. I also like A Song For You and Bubbles In My Beer. These stories always spark my interest, take care man.
My favorite song off the Trouble Maker is the lesser known hymn of There Is A Fountain. It is my favorite because like Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain it was a mostly forgotten hymn by recording artists and Willie took it and Willienized and made the best rendition of that hymn I have heard to date. On Shotgun Willie it is harder to pick just one but when push comes to shove, it has to be the title track. I was 11 years old when that song came out. My parents had an antique tube type zenith am radio with the speaker exposed. I remember sitting on the floor staring at the exposed speaker vibrating and listening to the weirdest lyrics I had ever heard and visualizing the scenes in my mind like I was watching it on tv. I still had no idea who Willie was yet and it was not until wanted outlaws came out that I connected his name face and voice back to Shotgun Willie and then from that point on I was completely hooked on Willie. I have always wished I could tell Willie that story because it was such a major factor in my entire life.
What's your favorite song from Shotgun Willie or The Troublemaker? I just listened to both of them back to back and I'm gonna have to go with Sad Songs And Waltzes, Uncloudy Day and/or A Song For You. I forgot how great Willie's version of A Song For You is. It's Willie at his absolute best. What's your favorite?
Great story. Had no idea they cut this in New York. Sad Songs and Waltzes is my favourite Willie tune. One of my favorite songs period. Great stuff thanks Otis!
@@cr2378 Thank you, CR!
Whiskey River is hard to beat. I call it Risky Wiver sometimes. The bassline and the steel on it are wonderful but it's all great, really. Fantastic song for partaking.
Local Memory...
Devil in a Sleeping Bag is such an underrated one. I never get tired of it
The more I watch, listen and learn from this channel, I love it otis, I think that you are one of the last of my kind , I'm old and tired but these stories will educate the youngsters and keep these legends alive, thank you!!
Thank you, Bruce!
I agree with you Bruce!
Otis is Outstanding!
Best to you mate !🇦🇺
My father died recently and his and mine was cloudy day. My cousin sang it at my uncle's funeral 😢 . That song will always remind me of my father and uncle and cousin ❤😢
A friend of mine here in Austin is currently living in the house Willie Nelson lived in when he moved down to Austin after his house in Nashville burned down back in the early 70’s. Great story! My favorite on that album is Devil in a sleeping bag.
Willie Nelson is a national treasure. That’s the best and most deserving compliment I can give the man. My God, the man wrote “crazy” that Patsy Cline recorded and I think that’s one of the best songs ever written. Thanks Otis for tipping your hat to the Red Headed Stranger.
Thank you, Danny!
" DEVIL IN A SLEEPING BAG ", A BIG FAVORITE, WILLIE'S GUITAR INTRO REALLY GETS YOU INTO IT QUICKLY, THE OPENING LINE " WE WERE HEADED HOME TO AUSTIN.... " GRABS YOUR ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY, PLUS THE FACT HE MENTION KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & RITA COOLIDGE, PRETTY COOL!! THE TITLE SONG " THE TROUBLEMAKER " IS MY FAVORITE FROM THAT ALBUM, GOD BLESS WILLIE NELSON, IT'S ALL GREAT!!!
Reminds of how a "grunge" producer helped Johnny Cash record arguably his best recordings. Great producers know how to get the f*ck out of the artist's way and let the art be art...!
Love your storytelling, Otis!
Thank you!
Hell, "grunge"? Try hip hop! Geto Boys, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, etc.
@@leeviajero2716 Dude Co-finds Def Jam for people to know him as grunge. 😂😂
Otis, You are the BEST! Thanks for sharing history with great stories.
Thank you, John!
This is one of those channels that you hit like before the video starts every time. Great channel, great work
I didn't grow up going to church. But, I got the gospel through marathon listening to The Trouble Maker album. And with prayers of my ex-wife's assembly of God grandmother I came to genuine faith in Christ. Loving Willie music was part of me finding the straight gate and narrow way. I will be eternally thankful.
I saw Willie for the 1st time in a pasture in Central Texas in 70's, a couple weeks before the series of concerts of Willie's 4th of July picnic. I didn't really know about him at the time, the stage was about 3 feet high, you could walk right up to it, rest you arm on it. He came on to the stage wearing a sweat stained T-shirt and ponytail, walked up to the front of the stage were I was standing, someone hands him a half-gallon bottle of whiskey (Wild Turkey), he takes a big gulp, then starts the concert with Whiskey River... I'm am blow away at the coolness that is Willie !!
I've been going to Willie shows since the 70's. He has such unique timing vocally and on guitar. Countless times I've watched him go off on a guitar tangent where I thought that he's not going to be able to wrap this up and make it fit the pace of the song, but he always did.
Now that is an Awesome twist of fate .
#1 whiskey river
#2 uncloudy day
#3 and once we played shotgun whilly for an hour straight ! The mood was just right for it .
Shotgun Willie was my first Willie album. Went to his first picnic and then moved to Austin as if right on cue. Willie built the Austin country music scene.
Sad songs and waltzes always gets me
It's a damn good one!
My life story! I discovered Willie in 1974. Changed my life! I moved to Austin and have been digging the place and the music ever since.
I love me some Austin, Galen!
Just what my Friday morning coffee and joint called for. Salutations from Phoenix (right by Mr. Lucky's).
Thank you!
Otis.
I was a young drummer in Corpus Christi Tx 1968 playing with some very talented musicians. We opened for Willie.
Paul English on drums, David Zetner on bass he just got back from the army. And couldn't wait until his hair
grew out. Jimmy Day on steel. Being a drummer MY attention was on Paul. A gracious and professional man indeed. We talked about drums and he even showed me some different licks on the snare. When the gig was over I help load the equipment. A station wagon pulling a trailer that looked a lot like a Uhaul that had been painted. Lol
the snare.
Shotgun Willie was my first Willie Nelson Album... I had heard some of his songs but that album along with Phases and Stages blew me away. SAD SONGS AND WALTZES has been one of my all time favorites and I loved UNCLOUDY DAY.
Willie’s phrasing isn’t off, he just knows that the real groove is *between* the beats. Thanks for another great video. I picked up Willie’s autobiography after you mentioned it in a previous video. It’s a fantastic page-turner.
Thank you, Michael!
Stay All Night gets me up and going every time I hear it, but I’d have to say my favorite is Devil in a Sleepin’ Bag. There’s a video of Willie doing that at the Opry House, and I hadn’t noticed it much before I’d watched that. But oh man once I heard it I was stuck. There’s something unforgettable about that opening line.
Thank you, Connor!
Thank you Otis for another great story. I love "She's not for You" the best from the Shotgun Willie album. It has always been one of my "go-to" last set love songs of the evening at gigs over the years. Thank you for illuminating so many of our favorite entertainers...you are indeed a blessing my friend!
Thank you, Bob!
Been a fan of The Troublemaker for several years. "Where The Soul Never Dies" is a personal favorite.
Thanks, Dwight!
I am blown away! Shotgun Willie was the first Willie album that really opened my eyes and ears to how special he is. His version of A Song For You is probably my favorite cut off that record, but the title track couldn't be more fun. Thanks again Otis! Sharing these with my friends and family.
Thank you, Justin!
You are absolutely right, without Wexler there would never be "Red Headed Stranger" or "Stardust", even though they were recorded with Columbia. Willie's Atlantic experience made artistic control the number one priority for his career. Interesting though that after "Shotgun Willie" he didn't use his Family Band and recorded "Phases and Stages" in Muscle Shoals for his last Atlantic album. That album, for me, might be is best. Imagine how Ahmet Ertegun felt after abandoning country music at Atlantic and then watching Willie go multi-platinum on Columbia with "RHS" and "Stardust". Great stuff as always, Otis.
Thank you, Bill!
Outstanding. Great stories, I got the album on vinyl. Hard to say what my favorite song is. I'll say this, I think his pinnacle was Sound In Your Mind album. When my ears were finally opened to Willie's music, everything changed and I never looked back. God broke the mold with him. One of my favorite guitar players of all time.
You look like the devil in the morning...Always loved that line....Thanks for the great stories Otis
Thanks, Derek!
A Song 🎶 For You. That song is beyond beautiful. My favorite song of this album 💿. Which says so much, because it’s an album for the ages. Thanks ☺️
The song, Shotgun Willie was the first thing I heard from Willie when a friend's dad played it and Bloody Mary Morning in 1973 I was 12. To this day, it's a contender for my fave Willie track.
Whiskey river, my favorite Willie song of all-time, vocally it's gold, and that bass line! Love it!
Johnny bush
Yeah, I'll always Love the Gospel vibe!! ❣️
Dylan's gospel stuff (w/Mona Lisa Rice!!! Friggin' Nothin' but "Adoration for Her AND her Voice!!♥️💝♥️) and Aretha, Johnny Cash, any of'em. 🙏💙✌🏻
I’ve been scrolling past this video for days. I’m not sure why because you’re the best story teller ever and it’s about Willie! Pulled the trigger on it this morning and WOW what a great story!!
Thanks for giving it a listen! : )
Incredible storytelling Otis, these stories need to be shared and passed down. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you!
"Whiskey River" baby... Been singin' that since I was 4 years old. Whiskey River take my mind! 🤘😜 Keep'em comin' Otis I love listening to you tell these stories. Your laid back personality is what I dig.👍
Thank you, Shawn!
I'll tell you what song I like.. every song on the album the man is a God! Hail hail Mr Nelson!
Stay All Night (Stay a little longer). Only other time I head this was Crowell and Earle on Heart Worn Highway. Just chilled.
Thanks, Tom!
Shotgun Willie - Stay A Little Longer, that Waylon solo, Sahm on back up vocals, Jerry in the back of the room, classic!! Sounds like all of them were actually up all night. The Sahm Atlantic album around the same time has as many great stories, and the photos from both sessions are the best
Thank you, Tim!
My grandmother’s favorite song was “I’ll fly away”
At her funeral my cousin (who is a master of country lead’ and I did a 3 sing medley in G
I’ll fly away-Uncloudy day- Will the circle be unbroken
Barely made it through without sobbing, talk about playing with emotion, my other cousin “who records everything “ said he wanted to record it so bad, but didn’t feel it would be appropriate.
I kinda wish he had now.
It was all set to the same tempo as Willie’s version of Uncloudy Day.
True gospel stuff. 🙏
So many but I guess I’ve listened to Pancho and Lefty more than any. Merle and Willie together was my favorite. Think I’ll render one while listening to them right now. Thanks.
Thank you!
Always a learning experience with you Otis. Thanks for the great history on Willie. Good to know. "Bubbles in My Beer" was great the way Willie kept the Bob Wills song alive.
Thank you, Bob!
Devil In A Sleepin' Bag is my favorite tune from Shotgun Willie. My buddy Charles and I always talk about one day getting to hear Willie play that song live. We've both seen him a bunch, separately, and a few times together, but haven't gotten to hear that gem live yet. I'm optimistic that the universe will one day grant this wish. Thanks for these videos
Thank you, Scott!
I’d almost forgotten about Yesterday’s Wine until you mentioned it. Even among Willie’s great body of work, what a great album and what a magnificent single. A nearly forgotten beauty. Sorry I got so far off track. Local Memory is another beautiful, beautiful song.
Thank you, Jim!
i grew up in nyc metro and in my band in my 20s we used to play sad songs and waltzes. i did not know this detail about the song or the album, i love it, thank you.
Otis, Just wanna Thank You for What You Do...Your Stories, Interviews & Chats are helping me threw this YEAR LONG LOCKDOWN !! Thanks Brother & Greetings From New York USA....
Thank ya kindly! : )
Can't beat the title tracks from both albums. That being said my favorite Willie album has always been Phases and Stages since first hearing it over 30 years ago. Keep up the good work Otis!
Thank you, Russ!
A song for you.
Definitely manages to get a tear out of me. Thinking of someone who was a perfect person. I didn't realize it then that i took that for granted.
Listening to the audiobook right now, and digging it completely!
Love Willy Nelson! I've seen him several times. Great performer and musician and song writer. Great story Ottis.👍
Thank you, Ronnie!
Wonderful video Otis!. Willie, along with Johnny Cash, are my 2 favorite Country artists, because of their "Outlaw" personas. I have loved Johnny since I was I was a child ( I'm 62 now- be 63 the 24th of April) and discovered Willie in the mid to late 1970s ( red headed stranger album). And from there on I've been sold.
Thank you again for these story videos.
Thank you, Lonnie!
Love it Otis !! ❤️ keep it bringing it. Un cloudy day !! What a song !! Pancho and Lefty with Merl ❤️ Whiskey River ❤️ Willy and Waylon and the boys will never be forgotten. The Highway men !! I’d have gave anything to have seen that tour. ❤️
Thank you, Rusty!
"She's not for you" is such a classic song it's my favourite song on shotgun Willy but I also really love Mark Lanegans version from the album Twisted Willie
Thank you!
just bought a copy of Willie's book online.......thank you!!
Ottis Willie is one off a kind just like you keep up the great work my friend. Gods blessings for you Ottis
thank you, Darrell!
Outstanding stories Otis. You bring them all to life and understanding.
I don't think I have a Willie favorite, it's just what he happens to be doing at the time. He is truly a legend and a hero to me. 8) JMHO --gary
Hard to pick a favorite Willie song. Love your video's Mr. Otis, thanks brother so much. I always love the interviews and road stories, often going back to re-watch many times. Continued success and all good things.
You really are the best my man. I know I could buy the book and read the stories but I just love the way you tell them. You are a true music nerd like me. Keep em coming Otis!
Thank you, Kevin!
I can honestly say that the songs you named would be my favourites also. I like the slow version of Whiskey Riverover the fast one. And an uncloudy day is absolutely fantastic!!!! Luv the stories my friend, keep it up 🔥💯😎
Thank you, James!
Always been my favourite Willie album. Thanks for sharing. Great bio too.
Thank you!
Thanks to you I bought and read Willie's book. What a great read.
Thanks, Bob!
Once again your the best Otis Willie's version of A song for you is amazing in my book as are you pal Kerp it up Otis Thanks
Thanks, Lloyd!
Thanks Otis great episode. I’d prob go with song for you, but love it all. A lot of people don’t know Willie and Miles were good friends and you can tell Willie knew his music. There is a song called Willie Nelson by Miles in the 70s. Jerry Wexler was such a genius in general but all you got do is look at what Atlantic records and it’s associated labels did in the 50s-70s. With Willie he was right he had to find himself and the commerce would come, but it ended up being on another label but that says a lot about Wexler really making art the priority. The other Atlantic record is phases and stages cut in muscle shoals with is pretty tasty too. the only record he made without his band where the band gets his feel IMO.
Thank you, Haze!
Dear Otis, as everything that comes from you all these stories by our favourites are so entertaining and so real! An A++ to you and your program! Thank you so much!
🍀🍀🍀🌹🌹🌹❤️
Thank you, Brian!
thanks for sharing all ur lighter fun inspiring stories...i got to meet David Ritz as I studied in Chile with one of his twin daughters and way back when had been friends with both....glad David carries on writing... and hi to your adorable housemate (i love those cats and their couch) Frankie...good housemate frankie
I love your stories Otis. Thanx so much for taking the time and trouble to share.
I love everything Willie has ever done. Been a fan of his from the late 60s.
Thank you, Diane!
Otis, you’re the Bomb! These videos are so good! FYI - I was friends with Jimmy Day Jr. I always loved his stories from his Dad.
I like "In The Garden" ....I sing it that way using Willie's phrasing...it really suits the message of the song.
Great story, Mr. Gibbs .
Hey Otis! Lance & his dog Hodgy again, just had this jewel of yours cross my path on Willie & Wexler.
Uncloudy Day is timeless, Whiskey River is a cautionary yet celebratory alcohol track, & yes I agree, it was Willie & Waylon together with their new attorney I
Where do we start? Uncloudy Day is supposed to be played at my funeral along with Souvenirs/John Prine and I'm Gonna Live Forever/Billy Joe Shaver. Today it's Shotgun Willie from that album. Tomorrow who knows? Thanks Brother,God Bless.
Another great job Ottis I always look forward to your stories you’re the best.
Thank you, Norman!
A great story.
Very nice Otis....... I lost my brother in law RPE, (ARP)last year about this time . I remember hearing a lot of these stories as a fly on the wall with many of these artist in the room. I really miss him we just called him Uncle Paul!
:(
I'm sorry to hear that and much love to ya!
And much love to you Otis. I have just discovered your channel and I’m definitely
a fan. These stories of Willie are absolutely priceless. I could listen all day.
Thank you for your lovely storytelling. If I was FORCED to pick a favourite, I
guess it would be Uncloudy Day. Every time I play it, t’s 2 or 3 times, just to work
it out. Again, thank you. Peace
Thank you, Katherine!
It’s a tie between ‘Shotgun Willie’ and ‘Whiskey River’. It’s amazing all the great things that happened the year I was born...1973...lol
Excellently done once again Otis. Still hoping to catch you out somewhere on the road and say hello to you, and maybe get a few pictures...😊
Thank you and 1973 was pretty damn great! : )
So happy I found this channel! Thank you!
Great story Otis. I’ll be revisiting Shotgun Willie. I’ve seen him 4 times. Once in the Boston Commons. He had shredding guitar solos. David Lee Roth type leg kicks while he was picking.
Otis !
You make me Smile! You Shine my Friend! I respectfully request some good stories on the late Johnny Horton..If anyone can sleuth out a good story..It’s You!😉
Thank you!
Bought the book awhile back and really enjoyed it ottis, thanks for sharing or else wouldn't have known it existed
I've become addicted to this channel and your stories, in the best possible way. Thank you for these great stories that reveal the human qualities of these larger than life entertainers.
Thank you, Quin!
It is an AWESOME book, ain't it?! 😃😃🤣🤣😃😃
wow! gonna get that book..thanks amigo
our first band did several of those tunes on that album..I did not know Wexler was involved in that..he was a man of true vision.
Thanks, Charlie!
Love these videos! Night life!
Thanks, Clay!
Thanks for bringing this to light, Otis! I love both albums, and they were part of my early music collection to play along with learning guitar. Strictly in terms of how many times I have listened to Willie’s version of Stay All Night since I was like 12 years old, that’s probably my favorite. I finally goaded our church choir director into playing Shall We Gather some years ago for Mass, and of course it evolved into something much like on The Troublemaker, with my playing “Willie Style” with bass runs between chords and our director even jazzing things up a bit on piano. Ah, good times! Willie is a saint!
Excellent story as usual! Thanks Otis.
Thank you, Ed!
Hey Otis, love the story telling. My Dad turned me on to Willie. I remember at about 6 years old trying to cram the Red Headed Stranger 8 Track in the dash of the station wagon. My favorite “Live” Willie Song was Rodney Crowell’s Till I can gain control again”....My favorited recorded was just about anything from Stardust....A true Country Gentleman is Willie. Thanks for posting these. TIMELESS.
Thank you, Ricky!
Bobbie nelson on piano on uncloudy day is great
Song for You is great! ... When I do Uncloudy Day at church - it has that Willie flavor, too. ... And, of course, I absolutely love The Troublemaker. ... Thanks Otis!
Thanks, Bob!
Amazing
That is a great album. And you my friend, are a great story teller. Keep up the amazing content. TNX.
Thank you, John!
More Frankie, please ! He looks handsome next to your beautiful antique sofa and vintage wallpaper !
Great story!! Thanks!! Favorite song from trouble maker is the title song. But I really like all of them. Didn't know the story about NY. Thanks again
Thanks, Randy!
Wow that’s a great story gotta get that book.❤️
Amen to guys like Wexler. Sounds like a good book.
Definitely!
Willie book ordered! Thanks
Great video, Uncloudy Day, great tune
Thank you!
Great story Otis.
Thanks for sharing Otis, Shotgun Willie is the album that really got Willie back on track in my book. I have a few favorite songs from Shotgun Willie. I think my favorite ones is either Stay All Night, Stay a Little Longer or Devil In a Sleeping Bag. I also like A Song For You and Bubbles In My Beer. These stories always spark my interest, take care man.
Thank you, Chip!
Great video as always!
Thanks, Marko!
My favorite song off the Trouble Maker is the lesser known hymn of There Is A Fountain. It is my favorite because like Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain it was a mostly forgotten hymn by recording artists and Willie took it and Willienized and made the best rendition of that hymn I have heard to date. On Shotgun Willie it is harder to pick just one but when push comes to shove, it has to be the title track. I was 11 years old when that song came out. My parents had an antique tube type zenith am radio with the speaker exposed. I remember sitting on the floor staring at the exposed speaker vibrating and listening to the weirdest lyrics I had ever heard and visualizing the scenes in my mind like I was watching it on tv. I still had no idea who Willie was yet and it was not until wanted outlaws came out that I connected his name face and voice back to Shotgun Willie and then from that point on I was completely hooked on Willie. I have always wished I could tell Willie that story because it was such a major factor in my entire life.
Thanks for sharing this, Minton!
Frankie ain't bothering nobody, he likes a good story also.