The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore - Norman Blake - Directions LP

Side One, Cut Three of the Norman Blake Directions LP. Pressed by Takoma in 1978.
The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore
Original Jean Richie Geordie Music ASCAP
Norman Blake: Guitar, Vocal

[@chadcurrie3384]

Beautifully crafted. Right on

[@robertshorthill4153]

This is powerful tune, written by a lady named Jean Ritchie. It sums up the life and culture of coal as an industry -- the hard life of the people, uncertainty of their future, and the poverty with which they lived for generations. Norman has done this song proud. At 83 I hope he can keep going for many more years. He is a national treasure.

[@MarkGunter]

I’m in full agreement, Robert. Thanks for commenting

[@leeblake3989]

Dad is doing well. He will be 85 on the 10th of March. Uses a cane to get around and has hearing aids but still plays every day

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

By far the best version

[@leeblake3989]

Dad was raised in a cabin about a hundred yards from the AGS line running to Birmingham, AL. Train songs and the plight of the working people of the Depression and beyond all resonate with him.

[@MarkGunter]

Thanks for sharing, Lee

[@thomassalomone7133]

Thank you. I love this poignant song. I owned this album decades ago and have been singing it ever since. The beautifully crafted lyrics stay with you.

[@MarkGunter]

I agree, Thomas.

[@Apodimi1]

Wonderful Blake.....lovely rendition.....like only Norman could do....

[@thetruthwillsetufree]

Powerful song; Blake's interpretation is perfect.

[@MarkGunter]

+1 to that

[@neilybuds]

never herd this before - thank you

[@Ohiopicker2013]

IMHO, the best of all versions.

[@MarkGunter]

Can't beat Norman & Nancy

[@kcutoob]

Agree. It was years later I heard the composer's version (Jean Ritchie), and I just couldn't get over how fast she sings it. IMO, it loses it's 'gravitas', and I thought I'd love to hear the original. Mr Blake really brings out the angst in this song, perfect.

[@bookpaper105]

oohhhh when i was a curly headed babyyyy

[@zkafel]

I was born and raised at the mouth of the hazard holler, them coal cars roarin' and rumblin' past my door...now they're standin' rusty rowed up empty...cause the L&N don't stop here anymore

[@gilliangirl1]

Love this! Thank you!

[@MarkGunter]

Thanks for the comment! Norman and Nancy are so good.

[@RTRDick]

Agree with most that Norman's slow version is great, even better than Jean Ritchie's original, which is rare, But she did write a wonderful song. And it sure is hard to sing at least to approximate the minor key version that Norman presents. He is the first one I heard do it and the best by far.

[@leeblake3989]

Dad plays it in that key to fit his voice and prefers the slower tempo. He says it forces people to actually listen to the music and words.

[@iamgod1831]

Killer bong so great