Georgia guitar master Norman Blake performs "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy." From the DVD "Legends of Flatpicking Guitar." More info at www.guitarvideos.com/stefan-g...
I can't share all I want to here. I'm 81 and haven't played much in over 30 years. But after losing my son, I'm going to try and pick it up again. I'll be starting all over with bad hands, but maybe? Thanks Mr. Blake.
Sorry for the loss of your son. Put some extra light strings on - your fingers will hurt for a bit in any case but with lighter strings, it'll be easier.
Norman is a pure traditionalist, and with his wife Nancy, has done such consistently great work for the past 40+ years. They were "Americana" before there was a name for it!
My dad used to sing me to sleep at night with this song. He passed away 5 years ago. This song really makes me miss him! Norman Blake was one of his favorites. Thank you for posting. I love to play this song, too!
@MrNonoz When I was a little girl, it would always make me cry. Now, I'm in awe of Norman Blake's talent. He just makes it *look* so easy, doesn't he? I'm so grateful that we have TH-cam now, to preserve these gems. Our grandchildren need to hear them, and maybe shed a tear or two, so that they can say to their grandchildren, "When I was little, this song always made me cry."
Norman is the best, the best, the best........love everything he plays..........wish he had more DVDs, great pickin, great voice, great arrangements, love you
Norman is a bona fide legend of the genre. Some of you are too young to remember, but he's the guy who played the hot flatpick solo on Dylan's Nashville Skyline Rag. This was 1969. Many of you who haven't heard of Norman Blake probably weren't born yet . . .
I am fortunate enough to own a Norman Blake 000-28 Martin -- a fine guitar. Got it after finding it by chance after that model went out of production -- after following Norman Blake's astounding music for around 40 years. As for me, take all the praise for him out here and triple it! No one comes close except Doc Watson.
Norman Blake has put out over 30 albums. He is a Living Legend in traditional American Music. If you have heard of John Hartford, June Carter, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, or even the Soggy Bottom Boys, you may have heard his music without realizing it.
I've been listening to Norman since about 1974. I was about 16. I've seen him and Nancy live many times. At the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. In Chattanooga, Knoxville. I turned my old Air Force buddies on to Norman, with some weird looks as New Wave music was blaring out everywhere. Also Doc Watson, Doc and Norman are my two favorite people in the world I think. Why can't we find a president like Norman?
I was just looking here on TH-cam for someone who picks 'Jimmy Brown The NewsBoy out on the guitar. And found this. I just love the way this guy plays it and I like his singing also. I enjoyed it so much!
I was fortunate to see Norman at the Birchmere several times. Such a wonderful musician , never tried to hard , his playing always sounded so clean and precise. Happy memories.
Norman is one of the best guitar players I have ever heard, When Toni Rice says Norman is awesome. You can bet he is. I have enjoyed his singing and playing so much ,I hope he keeps it up. Thank you Norman Your friend Canada
Holger Hensel. My friend, do you remember the lead guitar done by John Herald on the Ian and Sylvia song about Four Rode By, where it took Mr. Herald a month or more to work out the lead part. I would dearly love to have heard Norman's take on that guitar lead part. I am betting he could have pulled it off equally as well.
I love everything this guy does. He's a genius, not only on the guitar but also on mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle. You name it he plays it. And to say, as somebody did here, that he can't sing shit, is not only a lie, but also blasphemy.
Can't sing?!?!?! Not only is Norman Blake one of my favorite singers of all-time, I have NEVER met anyone who did not love his warm, simple, yet soulful singing.
I grew up, also, in Boone County, Arkansas, a mile West of Everton, we bought the old Taney place, I listened to the Old Time Music, a Neighbour named "Hoss" Young played this Flat Picking Style, we also had a Radio that picked up XERF in Del Rio, Texas. In Harrison, on the COurthouse Lawn, old men Whittled & drank 'shine from Mason Jars, and in the Cool of Evenings played the Old Good Music.
I wish my brother would learn this song and play it like Dad use to, to us two kids . . unfortunately my brother only plays dark metal, I should have never gave up playing guitar, I could be playing this to myself. I miss you Dad.
I can pick along w a thumb-pick, but those double notes!!! outstanding. and you have to have a martin to go that high up the neck and still make it sound good. And have one too!
Bra'vo, garythemessage. You nailed it man. This is heritage and a certain culture.Hard for some to deal with talent of this nature because they're so far out of the loop.
I read all of the posts and only 1 person mentioned anything about this instrumental genius playing some for Johnny Cash years ago. Norman B. in the early & mid-1960s played some guitar AND some awesome dobro in the recording studio for Cash.
I had a chance to talk to Jack Lawrence at the Augusta in Elkins West Virginia we must have talked for 2 hours great musician great teacher great stories
While listening to Tony or Brian Sutton or Doc , I always feel discouraged..While listening to Norman i feel much more like I have a chance even though I really don't.lol
So true. This is not a pop culture product.Its not cranked out by some glossy,auto-tuned star like a musical Big Mac.This is like a family recipe cooked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. furthermore,the skillset needed to play a lot of bluegrass and tradtional music is well beyond the abilities of a large chunk of well- known musicians.I could play quite a few pop standards at one year guitar experience,on stage with a band.But to play like Norman and his peers...not a chance.
@garythemessage Truly said. I get some grief from people (won't call 'em folks) who don't like this, nor the traditional British (English, Irish, Scots) that this tradition grew from, that I also love. They have no hearts for this song to break.
Reminiscent of when the Nashville sound was something worth listening to. Beautifully done. 110,417 views, 224 likes and 1 asshole. What the hell this is TH-cam. A Proctologist would have a field day.
Very good video and terrific singing. It could only be better if Norman Blake were singing and playing, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo all at the same time! (and he probably could if he wanted to)!
I can't share all I want to here. I'm 81 and haven't played much in over 30 years. But after losing my son, I'm going to try and pick it up again. I'll be starting all over with bad hands, but maybe? Thanks Mr. Blake.
Sorry for the loss of your son. Put some extra light strings on - your fingers will hurt for a bit in any case but with lighter strings, it'll be easier.
Best part about Norman is he doesnt sacrifice the melody for fancy licks, he just adds them on top, but he never loses the melody.
AMEN
Does the flat picking have anything to do with it? Jw
I used to think I didn't like bluegrass, but you described exactly what is it I don't particularly like, fancy licks obscuring the melody.
Norman is a pure traditionalist, and with his wife Nancy, has done such consistently great work for the past 40+ years. They were "Americana" before there was a name for it!
My dad used to sing me to sleep at night with this song. He passed away 5 years ago. This song really makes me miss him! Norman Blake was one of his favorites. Thank you for posting. I love to play this song, too!
Norman took Mother Maybelle's style, playing rhythm and lead simultaneously, to a new level
@MrNonoz When I was a little girl, it would always make me cry. Now, I'm in awe of Norman Blake's talent. He just makes it *look* so easy, doesn't he? I'm so grateful that we have TH-cam now, to preserve these gems. Our grandchildren need to hear them, and maybe shed a tear or two, so that they can say to their grandchildren,
"When I was little, this song always made me cry."
Norman loves songs that tell old stories regardless of their tempo and we ALL love Norman's music!
Norman is the best, the best, the best........love everything he plays..........wish he had more DVDs, great pickin, great voice, great arrangements, love you
My papa would sing this to me as a wee little guy I never forgotten this song.
Sweet singing and great musicianship! I've loved Norman Blake's music for years. It's no-frills authentic Appalachian folk music. Real Americana.
His right hand is from another universe. This is probably my favorite music video ever. I watch it from time to time just to marvel at his majesty.
That’s some fast crosspicking. And does it all with grace and heart.
This is beyond awesome. I keep coming back to it again and again. Everytime I do there's something new for me.
Norman makes the impossible seem so simple - and ethereal!
a treasure!
Perfect relaxed playing that doesn't begin to show how difficult it is to make it look that way and sound great.
Norman is a bona fide legend of the genre. Some of you are too young to remember, but he's the guy who played the hot flatpick solo on Dylan's Nashville Skyline Rag. This was 1969. Many of you who haven't heard of Norman Blake probably weren't born yet . . .
This guy is awesome, not many like him left today...
I am fortunate enough to own a Norman Blake 000-28 Martin -- a fine guitar. Got it after finding it by chance after that model went out of production -- after following Norman Blake's astounding music for around 40 years. As for me, take all the praise for him out here and triple it! No one comes close except Doc Watson.
Norman Blake has put out over 30 albums. He is a Living Legend in traditional American Music. If you have heard of John Hartford, June Carter, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, or even the Soggy Bottom Boys, you may have heard his music without realizing it.
Now this man can really sing.Good strong clear voice. Guitar playing faultless.A dying art.
It really does not get any better than this, for sure!
Very fine guitar playing by one of the best!
One of the all time greatest acoustic players, singer and songwriters that has ever existed.
I've been listening to Norman since about 1974. I was about 16. I've seen him and Nancy live many times. At the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. In Chattanooga, Knoxville. I turned my old Air Force buddies on to Norman, with some weird looks as New Wave music was blaring out everywhere. Also Doc Watson, Doc and Norman are my two favorite people in the world I think. Why can't we find a president like Norman?
I've had the pleasure to play with James a few times over the years and he's a treasure. Nobody I've ever played with has a repertoire like he does.
I was just looking here on TH-cam for someone who picks 'Jimmy Brown The NewsBoy out on the guitar. And found this. I just love the way this guy plays it and I like his singing also. I enjoyed it so much!
I was fortunate to see Norman at the Birchmere several times. Such a wonderful musician , never tried to hard , his playing always sounded so clean and precise.
Happy memories.
Good ole fashioned country picking, nothing like this in Nashville today....
Tyler childers isn't exactly bluegrass but probably the best thing in nashville right now. I know I'm late to your comment lol
Thats sunshine for my heart-tks Norman.
Norman is one of the best guitar players I have ever heard, When Toni Rice says Norman is awesome. You can bet he is. I have enjoyed his singing and playing so much ,I hope he keeps it up. Thank you Norman Your friend Canada
hehe it's Tony he's a guy not a gal "Toni"
paul taylor
😂
this has been one of my favourite songs for 43 years this one is really good TY
The two best versions of this are Norman Blake and Flatt and Scruggs. A fantastic tune and lyrics.
Agreed, but you have to look up Billy strings version immediately
@@yerdone4 On my way.. Thanks for the tip.
@@yerdone4 OK, Got it.. Classic.. some great chords and licks.
Thanks for the heads up.
A most gifted musician playing a great song luv it
this guy is awesome!!!! i´ve never seen such a perfect and easy flatpickin. there are many others, but he´s the best
Holger Hensel. My friend, do you remember the lead guitar done by John Herald on the Ian and Sylvia song about Four Rode By, where it took Mr. Herald a month or more to work out the lead part. I would dearly love to have heard Norman's take on that guitar lead part. I am betting he could have pulled it off equally as well.
Me and my j45 do this timless piece at the nursing homes and they love it. I wish I could pick half as good as Norman. God Bless
I love everything this guy does. He's a genius, not only on the guitar but also on mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle. You name it he plays it.
And to say, as somebody did here, that he can't sing shit, is not only a lie, but also blasphemy.
Also a great lyricist, songwriter and composer.
This song brings back memories. My mother had a recording of Hilo Brown singing this tune, and we listened to it when I was a kid. Thanks for posting.
No other words could be said but a great job, Keep that sound . Thank you
Just stumbled across your song Sir, Beautiful thank you so much
HIS IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER HEARD.
That is absolutely great, love that song. Thanks and this is great pickin !!!!
Well done, Norman! Great!
you ROCKMr. Norman Blake........ was just cruzin the tube looking at covers and came across this gem..........W0W
Its almost a lost style he has.... we gotta revive it. so sweet and poetic..
Can't sing?!?!?! Not only is Norman Blake one of my favorite singers of all-time, I have NEVER met anyone who did not love his warm, simple, yet soulful singing.
Ive noticed all the guitatists I am getting into now are bringing me back to this channel, great shit
Hi from Singapore! Wish you'd have a great evening =)
thanks for posting. Love that flatpicking!
Great playing!!!
Wow! Super good.
Thank you for the nice melodic job on the violin.
After listening to Norman's version, no other matters.
awesome! thanks for posting this.
Wonderful!
brilliant musician
This is wonderful!
I grew up, also, in Boone County, Arkansas, a mile West of Everton, we bought the old Taney place, I listened to the Old Time Music, a Neighbour named "Hoss" Young played this Flat Picking Style, we also had a Radio that picked up XERF in Del Rio, Texas. In Harrison, on the COurthouse Lawn, old men Whittled & drank 'shine from Mason Jars, and in the Cool of Evenings played the Old Good Music.
Beautiful!
I wish my brother would learn this song and play it like Dad use to, to us two kids . . unfortunately my brother only plays dark metal, I should have never gave up playing guitar, I could be playing this to myself. I miss you Dad.
David Lodermeier
God bless you Brother. My Dad passed away 10 yrs ago on Thanksgiving day. I miss my Sweet Dad also.
Tell your brother to check out Billy Strings. Bluegrass kid with a sidetrip into metal and back into a hot bluegrass flatpicker with his own band.
love this version,this is what got me into playing acoustic :)
How's it going playing acoustic 8 yrs later?
I can pick along w a thumb-pick, but those double notes!!! outstanding. and you have to have a martin to go that high up the neck and still make it sound good. And have one too!
My old music teacher used to do this song with us
Great job.
Bra'vo, garythemessage. You nailed it man. This is heritage and a certain culture.Hard for some to deal with talent of this nature because they're so far out of the loop.
I read all of the posts and only 1 person mentioned anything about this instrumental genius playing some for Johnny Cash years ago. Norman B. in the early & mid-1960s played some guitar AND some awesome dobro in the recording studio for Cash.
Blake also played dobro on the first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album along with Travis, Watson, Scruggs, Jimmy Martin and the other mountain folk.
heaven on earth!!!
Great sing pic and strum ....enjoyed
Love it
@JarHaid Norman Blake is and could be 1 of the best flat pickers ever
@hotrodguitar327
Correct, its a 1934 D18
For those who asked, Norman's playing a 1933 Martin D-28 in this clip.
Josh graves dobro
A D shape with sloped shoulders?
Beautiful instrument. Wonderful playing.
D28s don't have slotted headstocks.....unless they can be special ordered that way?
D-18S
Great playing..A one off .
Pappa use to sing this to me and my brother when we was little.
Beautifull song,
Does someone know on which of his albums it appears?
Thanks.
right on. excellent comment.
Very nice
I had a chance to talk to Jack Lawrence at the Augusta in Elkins West Virginia we must have talked for 2 hours great musician great teacher great stories
William Brown A huge amount of respect for Jack. Taking over for Merle was an awesome deed. A great flatpicker.
While listening to Tony or Brian Sutton or Doc , I always feel discouraged..While listening to Norman i feel much more like I have a chance even though I really don't.lol
towerhillbilly I am fortunate to have seen all three. I watched Bryan grow up. I will never play like any of them, but Noman would be my goal.
Makes you want to sell your guitar doesn't it?
And now, there's Presley Barker!
Been listening to that kid.....Just WOW!
thanks for the tip
@@stoveboltlvr3798 Nah, makes me want to pick it up and play a few tunes.
Norman turns 80 this year!
So true. This is not a pop culture product.Its not cranked out by some glossy,auto-tuned star like a musical Big Mac.This is like a family recipe cooked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. furthermore,the skillset needed to play a lot of bluegrass and tradtional music is well beyond the abilities of a large chunk of well- known musicians.I could play quite a few pop standards at one year guitar experience,on stage with a band.But to play like Norman and his peers...not a chance.
really good
martin guitar, awesome
@garythemessage Truly said. I get some grief from people (won't call 'em folks) who don't like this, nor the traditional British (English, Irish, Scots) that this tradition grew from, that I also love. They have no hearts for this song to break.
❤
What model of Martin is that, with a slotted headstock?
Right there w/ Doc
cello bass?
Pretty sure that guitar is a 1934 D18. Its currently owned by by Larry Nixon, of Nixon, Blevins and Gage, from Raleigh NC.
billwot it’s a 1933 D28, the only one made with a shade top.
That's what its all about rite dare
💟
Has Norman ever performed “Omie Wise”?would love to hear it
100% support, yugoslaviarock
i want to get the tabs
It's a 1933 Martin D-28S. It's worth about a bajillion dollars, if you could find another one. I don't think he has it anymore.
That would be pretty incredible considering that that's the only one. There's four other natural topped ones iirc
Resides on the Mt. Rushmore of flatpickers.
Anyone know who this is on the fiddle?
It is possible that James Bryan :)
th-cam.com/video/xDIq0IKmQJY/w-d-xo.html
Best wishes
Kaliningrad (Ex. Koenigsberg)
Russia
And another noteworthy performance of this song was recorded in the late 60s: Sandy Denny & Alex Campbell
th-cam.com/video/PZfy1Wafxwk/w-d-xo.html
The melody must be there, if not it’s just notes to me! Norman has always been awesome, plays it like it’s supposed to be
I believe the term "Guitar Master" is an understatement . By the way , who is this Bob Dylan that 95cooks is talking about ? Does he play this good ?
Reminiscent of when the Nashville sound was something worth listening to. Beautifully done. 110,417 views, 224 likes and 1 asshole. What the hell this is TH-cam. A Proctologist would have a field day.
To 95cooks: Dylan listens to Norman Blake. By the way, can you like, speak, like, English, like, man?
Ken, Toronto
WHO IS THE G-D FIDDLER ?!
+Dareis Nogod That would be James Bryan.
Awesome.
Very good video and terrific singing. It could only be better if Norman Blake were singing and playing, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo all at the same time! (and he probably could if he wanted to)!