There aren't many performances so heart felt and perfect. I have always loved Nancy Griffith and every time I listen to her and watch her videos my love get deeper!!
It's so very touching to read all the comments below. It's nice to know others feel the same way about this song. Townes lived his life on his own terms, as does Nanci. I guess this beautiful work of art is the result.
The more I see of her performing, the more I appreciate her. I think she adds something of heself to all her music and you can't sing like that if you don't feel it in your heart. With all her talent she could have probably took roads that would have led to more financial rewards for her but I believe that is not her aim. Some women are beautiful to look at, some have beautiful souls; Nanci has both. In my book she is the best out there bar none.
Townes deserves all the laurels for this song, Nancy for this great version. I could never call this a "cover" because of all she adds to the song by her own emotional connection to it.
I love Nancy Griffith. She did this song just for TVZ as we can see. But we should not forget the part of James Hooker on the Piano. Beautiful -- thanks for posting this video
I've been watching all of Nanci's videos of this song on today, and I can't decide which is the best, they're all so freakin' amazing. This one is so emotional. Her connection to this song is so strong. It comes through so clearly here, but also pretty much every video I've seen of her singing it.
just came to this after hearing Townes do his own version and she does him proud its been a weekend of sadness and this echoes that emotion..thanks..Keif
I've been a Townes Fan for longer than most of the youtube generation has been alive. He was indeed one of the finest ever craftsmen of the english language and walked on eggshells with every nuance and syllable when writing. I often say "There is but one Townes and Steve is his prophet", frequently include Nancy in that statement. If I had to pick 3 Townes songs for the rest of my life? Tecumseh Valley, Lungs, and Rake, not a chorus in the 3. That's songwriting boys and girls.
Dear Beerslinger and brettcammack: I have listened to Nanci sing this for over ten years on CD. I have watched her sing it live. But I have never been as affected by her and by the song as I was with this posting on YouTube. With the comment from brett explaining the greater connection between TVZ and Nanci/Caroline, it made this version even more poignant and meaningful. Tears fell, I tell you, and goosebumps everywhere. Thanks to both of you.
Nanci's father took her to a TVZ show when she was a young girl, where she heard him perform Tecumseh Valley. Nanci's middle name is "Caroline" and she was profoundly effected by this song and it provided a guidepost for her life choices. As she grew older, Townes became a mentor and great friend. She bares her soul in this performance, singing it truly for Townes alone from her heart. I weep uncontrollably by mid-point of this video, touched by her emotion and vulnerability displayed.
I think Townes knew he was channeling some of the best poetry ever set to music but he couldn't grasp the enormity of its effect. I often listen to his music and wonder how he could put these words together like this. I sometimes try to write songs, but I can't even begin to write in a way that approaches this. He truly had a gift. I doubt one like him will ever come along again.
Do people in three-piece suits, driving Porches, and eating $200 meals feel the gut-wrenching essence of this song--do they shed a sypathetic tear when Nanci sings about Carolines death note?
I'm 64 year old guy, and probably heard this covered 40 years ago. It moved me then. As the years have passed, each time it seems to move me more. Just took a break to listen to this and, not for the first time, have tears running down my cheeks. Thank you, Beerslinger. You have posted something of incredible beauty and grace. (Would have posted 15 minutes ago but had to go find a place to cry for a few. )
I think this is from the PBS Tribute show (Austin City Limits?) No CD available.
Thanks Martha, Flora Bama, Perdido Key Florida, "You have to go tonight and see Townes Van Zandt. As anyone would tell you from their experiences at the Frank Browne Sonwriter's festival, Townes and Mickey Newbury would leave you scattered like the the beach sand. Then not knowing who Nanci Griffith was, I saw her on this tribute to Townes, when those tears streamed from her eyes, I fell in love with this woman. I think she is all that. Are you reading Nanci. I love you and all that you are.
There are singers and there are guitar players but then there are artists. If ever an artist was born to perform a particular song, this is certainly one of those moments. If you can listen to this song the whole way through and not shed a tear; I fear you are an empty, soulless shell with no shred of humanity left inside you. Pay attention young people. This is the art of music in all it's glory.
well said. songwriting as an art form, performance as pure love, a light of sort that illuminates everything she and Townes and we are. as real as it gets.
this oh so touches my heart & soul. Can't believe this video is lost in time...if anyone has any leads to where we can purchase it...let us know. There is a tribute DVD out there but it does not list this song on it.
This is such a great song. A young womans whole life is summed up in about 4 verses of a song and sung masterfullly by Nanci. I have heard this song sung many times but I always tear up every time I hear it. A heartwrenching tale.
I just love this song. Townes is my musical inspiration. I have two questions if anyone could answer. How do I get a copy of this entire show? And who is on the piano?
I don't think the dvd was ever released, but it circulates as a bootleg. I recently downloded it from a torrent site, but that particular site is going down this week.
Absolutely beautiful but incredibly sad ! I like to sing it sometimes { not very well though } when my friend plays it on his guitar. It's often difficult to fight back tears because it stirs me so
I've loved Townes' music since I first heard him way back in the early seventies, but if anyone can explain why a girl would become a whore just because her father died I'd like to hear it. Nanci is an angel.
@mondo4422 I'm pretty sure that she "turned to whorin" because her dreams were to make something of herself and then to in turn help her father, who believed in her enough to send her to another town when he probably needed her; being that they were poor. But when her pa died, she had neither the reason nor will to break the cycle of poverty because the person who truly believed in her, her father, had died. In short, she felt like she had no reason to go on and so she became self destructive.
Nanci G. performing Townes, in my opinion is like attending Church and beholding an awesome sermon you would never dream of slleping through! RIP Towmes Van Zandt, and God Save Nanci Griffiths, if for no other reason than to delver a sweet interpretation of this classic!!!! ROCK ON NANCI AND SHINDIGGERS EVERYWHERE!!!!!
Townes wrote that when he was very young. How did he know that women all around the world would carry that song in their hearts when they left home. how did he know that Caroline would sometimes be our only friend and secret keeper.. Caroline's story kept us safe.. Thank you Townes.. We love you still...
this is the best version of nanci & James singing this wonderful Townes song...their harmonies just blend so beautiful...Nanci shows her emotion in her work, I feel that she is remembering Townes when she looks up to the sky with much sadness..what a wonderful duet...
@randyflats emotions indeed found their way through this night. I'm very much touched by Nanci's full display of her love for Mr. Van Zandt and his gift to us of this most precious story..this song. I come back again and again to witness her face, showing us her love. Thanks for posting BEERSLINGER..
There once was a video on Youtube of a conversation with TVZ about Nanci Griffiths cover of this song and the man himself stated that though he liked everybodys covers of his song, this was the best cover of any of his songs he had ever heard. Of course, that was a much earlier Nanci Griffith and she seems to have just gotten better over time.
Keyman, I believe that TVZ comment was from a PBS documentary/performance thing centered on Nanci's Other Voices... album. Most of the performances were with the original duet partners, but not Townes and Tecumseh, as I reacall (hey, it was 15 years ago). They did include an interview with him including that great "Of all the covers of any of my songs..." quote.
@GangerRolf you are absolutley correct. This lady, combined with the words & music of john townes van zandt...just about gives us all we need. I might add the very expression on this young lady's face is enough to bring a grown man to tears...and that does happen...yeah just now, revisting...true, pure ethereal magic...I never believed in it, but...here it is folks. Peace
Thank you so much for posting this. This particular version by Nanci is so amazing. One of the special things about her is that she doesn't just sing a song, she feels it. She's the best.
Thank you Beerslinger. I was so disappointed when the version that had been posted by St. Aphagee (?) disappeared. There was another version with bad sound quality. Hooray. Now I can download it, to preserve a copy. I thought it was gone forever. Thanks very much again. Peter
Dear Beerslinger--What video is this clip from? I've been hoping to find it since someone else put the clip up about a year ago, but I don't know the name. I'm hoping I can find a copy of it.
It is from a tribute to Townes Van Zandt, there used to be a few performances from this tribute posted on YouTube, I just happened to save this one and post it when the original disappeared.
Okay, thanks. Wish I could find the DVD. Thanks for posting this again. I liked the clip of Steve Earle singing Ft. Worth Blues, too. Any chance you snagged that one, as well?
@beerslinger Shortly after we saw this amazing concert on ASL I contacted PBS and they said too many record labels involved, getting persmission for a DVD or CD would be impossible. Stupid, isn't it? One of the greatest concerts I've ever seen!
All I can say is WOW what a performance, I wish I could find out where it was recorded, the group around her, looks like something from Austin City limits. I once saw something like that on Austin and it had me in tears, what real sincere music.
I'm not one for music videos - too much distraction from the music. This video proves the exception. Nanci is more than singing this song - she is performing a one act play; one with emotions that range from joy to acceptance and sorrow. A perfect performance for such a beautiful ballad. -Warm regards Scott
Truly amazing. This song and Morning song for Sally are very touching
wendyg71454 23 hours ago
my favorite Nanci song how about you?
jkoncz 4 days ago
Wow
cuzinkevin 2 weeks ago
Awesome performance...thank you.
Jim
jamesfdonaldson 1 month ago
i have heard every thing i've been able to find over the years and,of course .every one tells me i,m wrong BUT in my opinion,flyer is the best.
ttocsify 1 month ago
Where is Tecumseh Valley? I wanna go there
MrRazorblade999 1 month ago
There aren't many performances so heart felt and perfect. I have always loved Nancy Griffith and every time I listen to her and watch her videos my love get deeper!!
EarthLightImages 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
I cried the first time I heard Townes sing it live. Thanks to Austin City Limits and Nancy for this amazing memorial and beautiful cover.
satexguy1 1 month ago
Yes, and James Hooker, too, just beautiful!
HColette 2 months ago
Nanci is so awesome when she sings you feel here in your soul........
66root 2 months ago 2
Her rendition is stunning - literally. It takes your breath away.
HColette 2 months ago 2
It's so very touching to read all the comments below. It's nice to know others feel the same way about this song. Townes lived his life on his own terms, as does Nanci. I guess this beautiful work of art is the result.
thetruthwillsetufree 2 months ago
The more I see of her performing, the more I appreciate her. I think she adds something of heself to all her music and you can't sing like that if you don't feel it in your heart. With all her talent she could have probably took roads that would have led to more financial rewards for her but I believe that is not her aim. Some women are beautiful to look at, some have beautiful souls; Nanci has both. In my book she is the best out there bar none.
EdArmstrong1 2 months ago 8
beautifully unique rendition of an outstanding song. never tire of listening to it.
jimk47 2 months ago
Townes deserves all the laurels for this song, Nancy for this great version. I could never call this a "cover" because of all she adds to the song by her own emotional connection to it.
MerchantEyes 3 months ago 2
still beautiful
phoenixcube 3 months ago
Nanci, not Nancy.
mightyBRB 3 months ago
I love Nancy Griffith. She did this song just for TVZ as we can see. But we should not forget the part of James Hooker on the Piano. Beautiful -- thanks for posting this video
charleshenry1100 4 months ago
Add me to the list of grown men with tears in their eyes: beautiful & sad at the same time.
SkyriderGB 4 months ago 3
I've been watching all of Nanci's videos of this song on today, and I can't decide which is the best, they're all so freakin' amazing. This one is so emotional. Her connection to this song is so strong. It comes through so clearly here, but also pretty much every video I've seen of her singing it.
drothberg3 6 months ago
just came to this after hearing Townes do his own version and she does him proud its been a weekend of sadness and this echoes that emotion..thanks..Keif
keifyd 7 months ago
I've been a Townes Fan for longer than most of the youtube generation has been alive. He was indeed one of the finest ever craftsmen of the english language and walked on eggshells with every nuance and syllable when writing. I often say "There is but one Townes and Steve is his prophet", frequently include Nancy in that statement. If I had to pick 3 Townes songs for the rest of my life? Tecumseh Valley, Lungs, and Rake, not a chorus in the 3. That's songwriting boys and girls.
probinson1337 7 months ago
Dear Beerslinger and brettcammack: I have listened to Nanci sing this for over ten years on CD. I have watched her sing it live. But I have never been as affected by her and by the song as I was with this posting on YouTube. With the comment from brett explaining the greater connection between TVZ and Nanci/Caroline, it made this version even more poignant and meaningful. Tears fell, I tell you, and goosebumps everywhere. Thanks to both of you.
doctoc45 7 months ago 2
HOW CAN IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS?
SS00334 7 months ago
"she came from Spencer, across the hill, she said her Pa had sent her." ;;
DeeniD1 7 months ago
I still cry everytime I hear this song!
MsBuddles 7 months ago
Nanci's father took her to a TVZ show when she was a young girl, where she heard him perform Tecumseh Valley. Nanci's middle name is "Caroline" and she was profoundly effected by this song and it provided a guidepost for her life choices. As she grew older, Townes became a mentor and great friend. She bares her soul in this performance, singing it truly for Townes alone from her heart. I weep uncontrollably by mid-point of this video, touched by her emotion and vulnerability displayed.
brettcammack 8 months ago 14
@brettcammack Your post is beautiful! Thanks for the insight!
sariamiami 7 months ago
Who's the piano player?
grundoon51 8 months ago
@grundoon51 James Hooker (Amazing Rythm Aces)
DANLEO5 8 months ago
@DANLEO5 Thanks for the id--haven't seen him before
grundoon51 8 months ago
Excellent!
tripoli91 9 months ago
Comment removed
DANLEO5 8 months ago
I think Townes knew he was channeling some of the best poetry ever set to music but he couldn't grasp the enormity of its effect. I often listen to his music and wonder how he could put these words together like this. I sometimes try to write songs, but I can't even begin to write in a way that approaches this. He truly had a gift. I doubt one like him will ever come along again.
mistascott007 10 months ago 5
Ah nancy.. the sunshine walks beside you
TheSuperintendant 11 months ago 2
Do people in three-piece suits, driving Porches, and eating $200 meals feel the gut-wrenching essence of this song--do they shed a sypathetic tear when Nanci sings about Carolines death note?
willong1000 11 months ago
Absolutely the saddest song ever written. RIP Townes, God bless you, Nanci
josephkenny77 11 months ago 4
No one else is Townes!!!
BartholomewCounty 11 months ago
I'm 64 year old guy, and probably heard this covered 40 years ago. It moved me then. As the years have passed, each time it seems to move me more. Just took a break to listen to this and, not for the first time, have tears running down my cheeks. Thank you, Beerslinger. You have posted something of incredible beauty and grace. (Would have posted 15 minutes ago but had to go find a place to cry for a few. )
I think this is from the PBS Tribute show (Austin City Limits?) No CD available.
KeithGinPV 11 months ago
saddest song ever
triuxe 1 year ago
There is so much emotion in this song, You can see it on Nancy's face. What a great song!
MsBuddles 1 year ago
Thanks for posting love this song!!!
MsBuddles 1 year ago
Thanks Martha, Flora Bama, Perdido Key Florida, "You have to go tonight and see Townes Van Zandt. As anyone would tell you from their experiences at the Frank Browne Sonwriter's festival, Townes and Mickey Newbury would leave you scattered like the the beach sand. Then not knowing who Nanci Griffith was, I saw her on this tribute to Townes, when those tears streamed from her eyes, I fell in love with this woman. I think she is all that. Are you reading Nanci. I love you and all that you are.
bevisponcho 1 year ago
My - she's young here ..... Love it.
jezkn 1 year ago
this performance deserves to be etched into marble and preserved for all time as a monument to one of the finest songwriters of his era.
unclewalt56 1 year ago
Wow
jimk47 1 year ago
There are singers and there are guitar players but then there are artists. If ever an artist was born to perform a particular song, this is certainly one of those moments. If you can listen to this song the whole way through and not shed a tear; I fear you are an empty, soulless shell with no shred of humanity left inside you. Pay attention young people. This is the art of music in all it's glory.
fabfaruk 1 year ago
well said. songwriting as an art form, performance as pure love, a light of sort that illuminates everything she and Townes and we are. as real as it gets.
bevisponcho 1 year ago
Need to say so much.., just can't. That was good........oh.
321minder 1 year ago
Love this, thankyou!!
Phlorafan 1 year ago
Can't get through this one without shedding a tear. That means it is a damn good song.
mistascott007 1 year ago 3
pretty song
Joeyland 1 year ago
wonderfully heartbreaking
207Emily 1 year ago
(beerslinger) Spent my younger life trveling north america in an 18 wheeler, would hear in the deep south, this is a memorable treat tks for sharing.
bojango40 1 year ago
Love her.
macinshelf 1 year ago
Perfect!!!!!
OleBlues 1 year ago
What year was this? I remember when it first aired but can't recall the date.
reiggin 1 year ago
this oh so touches my heart & soul. Can't believe this video is lost in time...if anyone has any leads to where we can purchase it...let us know. There is a tribute DVD out there but it does not list this song on it.
steele917 1 year ago
Our Dear Nanci...sings as if this "IS" the most important, most meaningful song in her Life.
I am not ashamed to be moved to tears...
steele917 1 year ago
It's from her album Other Voices Other Rooms (1993).
herrman45 1 year ago
This is such a great song. A young womans whole life is summed up in about 4 verses of a song and sung masterfullly by Nanci. I have heard this song sung many times but I always tear up every time I hear it. A heartwrenching tale.
gcp850 1 year ago 2
She was not seeking favors !
minotipo16 1 year ago
I just love this song. Townes is my musical inspiration. I have two questions if anyone could answer. How do I get a copy of this entire show? And who is on the piano?
cubbies4e 2 years ago
@cubbies4e James Hooker on piano. There is a DVD of this but I don't know the title- it's from a TV Special. Over 10 years ago.
DANLEO5 2 years ago
If you find where to get it let the rest of us know
97MARGARITADAVE 1 year ago
I don't think the dvd was ever released, but it circulates as a bootleg. I recently downloded it from a torrent site, but that particular site is going down this week.
darlincommitme 1 year ago
If you find out where to get this let the rest of us know
97MARGARITADAVE 1 year ago
did nanci ever marry?
jkoncz 2 years ago
Was married to Eric Taylor for awhile.
emorene 2 years ago
I love this woman. She has such a unique voice/style
gjc82071 2 years ago 2
Absolutely beautiful but incredibly sad ! I like to sing it sometimes { not very well though } when my friend plays it on his guitar. It's often difficult to fight back tears because it stirs me so
randellcayla 2 years ago
@randellcayla You're right. You can see Nanci fighting back tears in this video.
themonaghans 1 year ago
Absolutely beautiful but incredibly sad . I like to sing it sometimes when my friend plays it on his guitar. It's often difficult to fight back tears
randellcayla 2 years ago
I've loved Townes' music since I first heard him way back in the early seventies, but if anyone can explain why a girl would become a whore just because her father died I'd like to hear it. Nanci is an angel.
mondo4422 2 years ago
@mondo4422 I'm pretty sure that she "turned to whorin" because her dreams were to make something of herself and then to in turn help her father, who believed in her enough to send her to another town when he probably needed her; being that they were poor. But when her pa died, she had neither the reason nor will to break the cycle of poverty because the person who truly believed in her, her father, had died. In short, she felt like she had no reason to go on and so she became self destructive.
BrandonNorth1120 2 years ago 2
Nanci G. performing Townes, in my opinion is like attending Church and beholding an awesome sermon you would never dream of slleping through! RIP Towmes Van Zandt, and God Save Nanci Griffiths, if for no other reason than to delver a sweet interpretation of this classic!!!! ROCK ON NANCI AND SHINDIGGERS EVERYWHERE!!!!!
9erfandex 2 years ago 3
....hadn't seen this in a while. So good!
oldnrone 2 years ago 3
Townes wrote that when he was very young. How did he know that women all around the world would carry that song in their hearts when they left home. how did he know that Caroline would sometimes be our only friend and secret keeper.. Caroline's story kept us safe.. Thank you Townes.. We love you still...
mysteria31 2 years ago 11
Ever time I watch I get choked up. Nanci and James are amazing. Watch Earle and Lovette bow there heads in awe.
bjl000 2 years ago 2
this is the best version of nanci & James singing this wonderful Townes song...their harmonies just blend so beautiful...Nanci shows her emotion in her work, I feel that she is remembering Townes when she looks up to the sky with much sadness..what a wonderful duet...
randyflats 2 years ago 4
@randyflats emotions indeed found their way through this night. I'm very much touched by Nanci's full display of her love for Mr. Van Zandt and his gift to us of this most precious story..this song. I come back again and again to witness her face, showing us her love. Thanks for posting BEERSLINGER..
steele917 1 year ago
There once was a video on Youtube of a conversation with TVZ about Nanci Griffiths cover of this song and the man himself stated that though he liked everybodys covers of his song, this was the best cover of any of his songs he had ever heard. Of course, that was a much earlier Nanci Griffith and she seems to have just gotten better over time.
Keyman2279 2 years ago 3
Keyman, I believe that TVZ comment was from a PBS documentary/performance thing centered on Nanci's Other Voices... album. Most of the performances were with the original duet partners, but not Townes and Tecumseh, as I reacall (hey, it was 15 years ago). They did include an interview with him including that great "Of all the covers of any of my songs..." quote.
TRS80NT 2 years ago
amazing rhytem acezzzzzzzzzzzzzz
couger95 2 years ago
Who is that on piano and singing with Nanci?
darlincommitme 2 years ago
james hooker- I asked the same thing some month's back.
DANLEO5 2 years ago
Thanks - guess I should read all the comments before I post!
darlincommitme 2 years ago
If this one don't put a mist in your eye, you don't have a heart. Excellent.
toterola451 2 years ago 4
beutiful just like the dvd ( concert in rememberance of Townes v. Zandt.
worth getting .
this song is on it and more
there is another version of this song on youtube from a live concert in 1993 (i believe) that version also gives me shimmers
forgive my english , i'm dutch
blauwemagie 2 years ago 3
OK - I can die now
GangerRolf 2 years ago 41
@GangerRolf you are absolutley correct. This lady, combined with the words & music of john townes van zandt...just about gives us all we need. I might add the very expression on this young lady's face is enough to bring a grown man to tears...and that does happen...yeah just now, revisting...true, pure ethereal magic...I never believed in it, but...here it is folks. Peace
steele917 6 months ago 5
Thank you so much for posting this. This particular version by Nanci is so amazing. One of the special things about her is that she doesn't just sing a song, she feels it. She's the best.
themonaghans 2 years ago
Me too! Where did the other version go?I used to listen to it every Saturday night.Thanks to the new poster.
TROGON104 2 years ago
Thank you Beerslinger. I was so disappointed when the version that had been posted by St. Aphagee (?) disappeared. There was another version with bad sound quality. Hooray. Now I can download it, to preserve a copy. I thought it was gone forever. Thanks very much again. Peter
FROMATOZagain 2 years ago
No Steve Earle version on Youtube?
Heartlander2 3 years ago
Dear Beerslinger--What video is this clip from? I've been hoping to find it since someone else put the clip up about a year ago, but I don't know the name. I'm hoping I can find a copy of it.
ReallyImWorking 3 years ago
It is from a tribute to Townes Van Zandt, there used to be a few performances from this tribute posted on YouTube, I just happened to save this one and post it when the original disappeared.
beerslinger 3 years ago 3
Okay, thanks. Wish I could find the DVD. Thanks for posting this again. I liked the clip of Steve Earle singing Ft. Worth Blues, too. Any chance you snagged that one, as well?
ReallyImWorking 3 years ago
Go to my channel and see my favourites, it should be the first one listed there.
beerslinger 3 years ago
Cool! Thanks!
ReallyImWorking 3 years ago
@beerslinger Shortly after we saw this amazing concert on ASL I contacted PBS and they said too many record labels involved, getting persmission for a DVD or CD would be impossible. Stupid, isn't it? One of the greatest concerts I've ever seen!
moonschildren 1 year ago
this version of the song is performed on a dvd of a concert to remember Townes v. Zandt.
it's diffucult to get but it is worth it believe me , its more than worth the trouble.
Ps. forgive my english ,i,m dutch
blauwemagie 2 years ago
All I can say is WOW what a performance, I wish I could find out where it was recorded, the group around her, looks like something from Austin City limits. I once saw something like that on Austin and it had me in tears, what real sincere music.
29north 1 year ago
I'm not one for music videos - too much distraction from the music. This video proves the exception. Nanci is more than singing this song - she is performing a one act play; one with emotions that range from joy to acceptance and sorrow. A perfect performance for such a beautiful ballad. -Warm regards Scott
martlet530 3 years ago 22
Excellent comment.
beerslinger 3 years ago 2
I agree. She puts a lot of emotion in this song.
om92555 3 years ago
@martlet530 I couldn't agree with you more. But it seems to me, the best, like Nancy , often do that
MonkeylessJohn 1 year ago
awesome!
JoeyPencils 3 years ago