Songs about war are timeless and a part of American culture. In this talk, James Nash reflects on how he came to write "Russell County Gorge" about US Marine Corps 1st Lt. Ryan McGlothlin, killed in Iraq in 2005. Over the course of two years traveling and performing the song, James found Ryan's story led to emotional and often unexpected connections with listeners, including other Marines. James is a singer songwriter and lead guitarist for The Waybacks and The Nashvillains, and he frequently joins Bob Weir, Michelle Shocked and other musicians for live shows. James performs "Russell County Gorge" with the TEDxAlcatraz house band: Alisa Rose on violin, and Peter Gregson playing cello.
We thank Ryan McGlothlin's family for photographs and for their support with this project.
US forces photographs (Iraq & Afganistan) were taken by embedded combat photojournalists Teru Kuwayama and Balasz Gardi. Russell County landscapes photographed by Polly King.
We chose the TEDx name Alcatraz because of the sense of mystery that Alcatraz invokes. It is a mythic place of opposites, dualities, and polarities: it has held dangerous criminals, and also been a site for cultural revolution when indigenous peoples assembled and occupied the island in the late 60's. Did an inmate ever escape from Alcatraz? And what becomes of it now as it has transitioned from a prison into a national park? And how has this transition changed the symbology of Alcatraz as an icon in the American consciousness? Our plan is to again be on land in 2011 as we plan for a 2012 TEDx event on Alcatraz Island itself.
We kicked off at Temple Nightclub in downtown San Francisco on December 1, 2010. The evening began at 8PM after a three course dinner, and went until nearly 1AM, as an evening some described as an intellectual rave, or as "TEDx after-hours". TEDxAlcatraz Curator Gregory Miller and Co-curator David Gurman introduced the evening's theme, "A Suspension of Disbelief" to an invited audience of 180 optimistic & big thinkers of the nocturnal kind. That night, Alcatraz was part of the theme, and we sought a set design and look & feel of being out on the Island. Our nine TEDxAlcatraz spoken talks were peppered with live music reminiscent of the days Johnny Cash performed in old San Quentin. Music in the night from The Waybacks' James Nash, The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, TED Fellow Iyeoka, Scottish cellist Peter Gregson, fiddle extraordinaire Alisa Rose, and London's DJ Mikey Four. Over the evening they performed Bittersweet Symphony, Masters of War, Birdsong, All Along the Watchtower and Russell County Gorge. Our speakers and performers arrived the day before, coming from London, Scotland, Brazil, Boston, New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles, and included five TED Fellows.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Video produced and directed by Gregory Miller & James Nash. TEDxAlcatraz opening trailer by Android Jones, James Nash, Alisa Rose, Peter Gregson & Gregory Miller.
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13 videos
James Great job on this video and glad you made it to remember a local man from my county. keep up the great job!
catsdogslover 8 months ago
I had the honor of serving with LT. McGlothlin, and was there the day that he threw himself of an enemy grenade to save the lives of other Marines. He was awarded the Sliver Star for his actions, but he should have received the Medal of Honor. Thank you for honoring him.
monsoonsk8 9 months ago
as good as it gets!!!
henrydathird 9 months ago
Moving and powerful tribute to a strong, smart, and brave man I knew when he was a small child. Ryan's father turned me on to the video, and I'm glad he did. Good job, James.
wdowensify 9 months ago
Good work, James.
Nice song, presentation and band!
dougadamzflix 9 months ago
The most powerful video ever, to bring war to a personal level for everyone; hawks or doves. Moving narrative and performance by James. Always loved the song, and this video really brings it to life. James, brilliant as usual.
Laughingstockrecords 9 months ago
This great introductory narrative, song and story by my great friend James Nash is simply INCREDIBLE!! God Bless you, James!!--Jerre
hitman9900 9 months ago
Let us chose the way of peace.
caakatiff 9 months ago
Just passed this along on my Facebook page. Thank you. Long live the Waybacks!
tpost853 9 months ago