One time Shawn Camp and I were headed to Charleston to play Mountain Stage so, while passing Olive Hill, KY we took a little detour to check out Tom T’s hometown. We were standing on Main Street which had been named Tom T Hall Boulevard or Street in his honor. We immediately realized we had to let Tom and Dixie we were there.. not sure if we sent an email or left a message but we got a message back from Tom T saying, “You’ll notice it’s a street that leads one way, out of town…” We have indeed lost one of the greatest of all time.. aside from the music and songs, Tom T was one of the most down to earth, gracious and generous men you could ever want to meet. He was a superstar to me… RIP Tom T… #flylow
Mike, I am not far from Olive Hill just across the state line in WV. I have been to Mountain stage too many times to count. I imagine that is a great gig to play. Because they always get some great musicians.
Hey Mike, I'm a fan from Australia and I have loved Tom T from the time I first heard him. Only last week I was doing a stupid Facebook thing about how many songs in country/ folk/ bluegrass mention Harlan, Kentucky and of course I put up "Hero In Harlan". I think "Sam Stone" is an amazing song but right along side it sits "Hero In Harlan". I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Take care and stay safe and all the way around I'll still keep playing Tom T songs.
I am with you Otis, Tom T. Hall was a top notch singer songwriter, with so many great songs. RIP Tom T., "Old Dogs and Children, and watermelon wine" It takes a great mind to do just one song like that, and he made so many of that quality. I saw Tom T. on stage at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto many years ago, and he told some jokes, the one I remember most, was he said a bum walked up to him on the street and said, I haven't had a bite to eat today, Tom T. said, I told him, force yourself... knowing Tom T., he would probably never deny a hungry man a meal. I have 55 songs in my all time favourites list by Tom T. and so many more that i like also..... Then take a listen to "The Monkey That Became President" what a range he had, he certainly was a great poet. "Back When Gas Was 30 cents a Gallon". "Ravishing Ruby" excellent.
Hi Otis I always love Tom t Hall too since the kid I got to see him at yorkegheny lake Park up in the Uniontown mountains in Pennsylvania I believe it was 1974 I love always music especially ravishing Ruby... And I wash my face in the morning dew... Me and Jesus... And that's how I got to Memphis... And I ride a lot of trains... And of course always top hits so glad to hear others love and appreciate him too... That was nice video Otis very nice thank you sir 👍😁💕 Suz 🎵
I remember Tom performing Mr Bojangles many years ago and he had a little square of plywood on the floor and he sprinkled some sand on the plywood and he would dance on it maybe the old soft shoe I don’t know and his clothes were kind of worn down kinda like a hobo. The song was more like telling a story speaking more than singing and I will never forget that performance and I’m sure that for those 3 minutes or so he was Mr Bojangles. Thank you Otis for sharing your life’s stories and recollections be they happy or sad I need to hear them all. Live well brother…
50 years ago, the only radio station in my rural college town changed formats from top 40 to country. My car radio antenna had broken off and I could only get that one station, and then only if I stuck a potato onto the stub. Thus begin my infatuation with Tom T. Hall. Among others.
I was on a show with him around the time my youngest daughter was a few months old. I had been a huge fan since the late sixties. When I got my first car, I had the 8-track tape "We Got All Together And........" by Tom. I kept that tape in the deck most of the time. Well, on this particular show, back in 1995, I had finished my set and was back stage while the crew was doing the rest. My wife was there with our daughter. I was holding her when Tom walked up to me. He reached for my daughter saying "Man, what a pretty baby." We talked for a bit. I mentioned a song of his, "Pretty Pamela Brown". He smiled and was surprised that I knew of that song. I asked if there were any way that he could do that song on the show. The stage manager gave us the 1 minute signal. I told Tom I was going to sneak out front to watch his show. About 30 minutes into his show, he starting talking about me, my music, and "Man, he's got his beautiful baby girl here today, too." He then told about me asking about "Pretty Pamela Brown", explaining that it was a #1 in England but never released in the USA. He then said, "We don't usually this, and the band may get mad, but I gonna do this for my friend, Larry." I tear up now remembering that. An artist that I truly idolized from a young age took the time to acknowledge me in that way. I have had the good fortune to work with a lot of very famous artists, but Tom T. Hall was in a class by himself. And a Class Act is truly what he is/was. Thanks for the great music and, Tom, thanks for one of my greatest memories of all. RIP, my friend.
I saw your tears Otis. I feel for you the same way. The best songwriter ever. His brother Hillman has some songs here. Hillman was also a gifted writer who never got what he needed to make it big.
Tom T Hall was a storyteller. I saw Tom T. 3-4 in the late 60's and early 70's in Chicago. Got to talk to him a couple of times. He wrote (Margie's At) The Lincoln Park Inn on an airplane flying to Chicago the night before and sang it off the paper he had written the song on. So, I got to hear it before Tom T. recorded it. Loved his singing and stories. Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine and Margie were two of his best.
I’ve been a huge Tom T. fan for fifty-plus years. You spoke at length of his song Homecoming, which is my favorite Tom T. song. I recall Tom talking about being savaged by some New York music critic after Tom performed at Carnegie Hall many years ago. The critic made some reference to Tom’s music as kindergarten level or for kindergartners. Tom’s response was, “I couldn’t think of a higher honor.” That’s an example of the hard-hitting, yet gentle wit that made Tom one of our greatest songwriters.
I was 11 or 12 when "Old Dogs..." came out. It remains one of my all time favourite songs, taking me back to warm Saturday nights, working in the barn with my Dad, listening to country radio. The lyric, "God bless little children, while they're still too young to hate" may be the most brilliant and profound that I've heard in my 59 years; considering so few years had passed since MLK and RFK were murdered. First, Jesse Winchester, then John Prine, then Tom T. Hall; so many brilliant artists lost.
He was a songwriter’s songwriter all the way. Phrases like “baloney, eggs, and gravy” make you laugh while “old dogs and children, and watermelon wine” can leave you in tears. There are a lot of folks sharing your grief today. A class act and all around great guy! RIP Tom T.
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville has a Wonderful Tribute to Tom T. Hall in the Exhibit entitled, "The Songwriters"!!! You can hear him speak to the inspiration of some of his songs. He speaks about "The Business". He even offers that clever, homespun country humor with his unique delivery.
Thank you sweet Lord for Tom T. Hall. WOW man that's heavy news to hear. 36 years ago this mid-Sept I met him in Evergreen, Alabama at a little hole in the wall clothing store. I worked at the local country radio station, 80,000 watt blow torch 93.3 F.M., and was driving through town when I saw his tour bus parked next to the clothing store. The bus had his nick name The Story teller on the side so I new it was his. I went in the store and he was standing in the store holding a pair of pants up to his legs to measure the length. We had some small talk, he invited me on the bus and autographed a hat for me on the spot. I was 18 with relatives in Evergreen but was raised in Akron, Ohio and that summer I was fresh out of high school. He told me he was on his way to do some bass fishing in Florida at a friends place and then a show at another location later that week. He was down to earth to say the least and I remember him encouraging me to continue my pursuit in broadcasting. I did and while I never made it to L.A. or New York, I always made time to play some Tom T. Hall.
Otis, I love and look forward to your stories. Everytime I see a new one, I listen right away. I started listening to some of your music and I sure hope your music career has gotten the attention it deserves. I love it when you say at the beginning of each episode "Friends."
Tom T. Hall had a smokers, country voice . I was 6 years old in mid 1986 . I can remember cigarettes being smoked EVERYWHERE . My Mom used to let my Grandma and older cousin smoke in our house , today she don't lite smelly candles in the house lol . She would use a small saucer as an ashtray cause my parents didn't smoke LOL . Anyway's whenever I hear a good ole Tom T Hall song I think of a time when we didn't flip out on cigg smoke . Plus in the mid 80's my Grandparents were in their 50's so they were partying in Branson and in Orlando Cheyenne Saloon where greats like Tom T Hall would have the crowd wrapped around his finger singing a song about ......"I LOVE BEER !!" LMAO .
There's been & are alot of great singersongwriters. But, none any better than ole Tom T. He seemed like just a good man & decent person & how he loved Miss Dixie. You were my bearer of sad news, Otis. Just found out, through you. Thanks for the video & the Tom T. Stories. A sad day for country & bluegrass music. Tom did alot of good bluegrass. Prayers for the family.
Never be another Tom T. Tom and Dallas Frazier were the best songwriters ever in my opinion. Man we listened to Tom a many a day at work. About wore those cassettes out
Tom T. Hall a unique God given talent! I love his music! He was one of a kind! Him and ol’ Clayton are reunited once again playing those “Lovesick Blues”. My favorite song of his would be “Homecoming”! God Bless you neighbor!
Otis, Tom T. Hall is one of my favorites as well. I was telling my buddies the other day, that I bet Tom T. has more songs that I like than any other artist. He might not always be the first that I think of, but his songs catalog is more vast than any I can think of. Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs, Little Lady Preacher, Week In A Country Jail, Legend of Bill Crump, Sure Gets Cold In Des Moines, are some of my favorites but it don't even scratch the surface.
Great job Otis in honoring a true legend. Tom T is my all time favorite country singer and Emmylou Harris is right behind him. Two talented, humble, and classy people who I admire greatly. We can all be thankful for the memories he left us. God bless.
Hey Otis, I wanted to share this story with you. I attended the IBMA ceremony back in the mid '90's. After a week of shows and inservices they had a big finally show on Saturday. I tried to buy my ticket at the last minute even though I was sure it was sold out. The person at the box office said because I only needed a single there was a spot down close to the stage. Cool! As I settled in two nice southern belles sat next to me and struck up a conversation. They asked what I did and when I mentioned I was a Special Ed. teacher they became very enthused and we carried on until just before the M.C. came out. Just then Tom T Hall and Ernest Scruggs sat down next to these two women, their wives Miss Dixie and Mrs. Louis Scruggs and they introduced me and shook my hand. What an honor!
Loved his sense of humor.... Salute to a Switchblade-- Little Lady Preacher.... oh man Homecoming is on a whole other level! .... Half Pound of Ground Round... Trip to Hyden.... How I Got to Memphis.... geez.... it literally goes on n on n on. God Bless TomT!! RIP, Good Sir. :(
I was not very familiar with Tom T. Hall and his work. However, his ability to paint the small town every day life into a masterpiece that anyone could relate to
I apologize, hit the send button too soon. Perhaps technology is a very poor substitute for the quiet rhythms of small town everyday life that Tom T. Hall was so good at bringing to his songs. Watermelon Wine is his song that I am most familiar with, didn't realize Harper Valley PTA was his. Loved them both. I think St. Peter already has a song of Tom's already picked out.
My favorite is "Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?". Never fails to bring a year to my eye. Tom really knew exactly how to get a grip on the heatr-strings. Thanks Otis.
Man Otis, this one is hard. My wife and I visited Olive Hill a few years ago. I was saddened there wasnt a 40 foot statue in the middle of town. Old boy deserved it for sure. I, too, saw him at Bean Blossom. The only time I had the pleasure. It was the year he and Jimmy Martin provided lunch for everyone. I met Jimmy a couple of times, but that year I figured I'd eat and then hunt down Tom T., who was standing around talking to people. Unfortunately, by the time I ate, he had retired to private quarters. What a fun show though! He was one of my first favorite singers so choosing a song is hard. I love Switchblade, Fox on the Run, Ballad of Forty Dollars, and of course Homecoming. I even though I've only been there once, I do have a special place for Thank You, Connersville, Indiana. Thank you, Tom T. Hall. You were the greatest.
In 1980-1983 I was stationed in Germany in The US Army. I had a Country band over there and we played every where. Several Germans always asked me to sing How I got to Memphis. :) You would be surprised how many older German people still remember when Tom T Hall was stationed over there too. He played in a few clubs and worked on American Forces Radio too. :)
Quickly, my favorite Tom T song is, "Joe Don't Let The Music Kill Ya". I remember the day I shook Tom's hand. He was just kind of standing there, Miss Dixie was sitting about 10 feet away. We talked music for a few minutes...or I should say, he talked music for a few minutes. And then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a green guitar pick and handed it to me. He said, "You're gonna need this".
My mother was in love with Tom T. Hall. I really can't remember not hearing his music in the house when I was a kid. We saw him at a county fair when I was around 10 years old, I believe it was in Indiana. We drove for hours to get there. I've been to a lot of concerts and shows in my life and the thing that I remember most about seeing him was how quiet and well-behaved the audience was. It almost had a family reunion vibe, where everyone knows everyone else. Favorite song would have to be "I love".
There are so many great Tom T Hall songs. I've been searching around and found one called Gimme Peach from Places I've Done Time album. It's now my "this week's" favorite.
I burned a Tom T. Hall cassette tape out in my first pickup truck.A CD in one of my later trucks an now I listen digitally in my new truck with my two daughters.From year to year and truck to truck the music just gets better, deeper and more memorable. My favorite? That’s How I Got to Memphis because it reminds me my dearest friend Belle a Memphis native who undoubtedly left a lot of broken hearted young men searching the streets of Memphis for her. Much love for Mr. Tom T. Hall thank you for riding shotgun all these years. .
My dad turned me on to TomT in the late 60’s. My dad was in the Air Force stationed in Germany in the early 60’s as was Tom T. He said Tom T hand a band that played at some of the service clubs and places then. My dad pointed out “The Ballad of Forty Bucks” on the radio one day in the car as we were going somewhere. I was a long haired rock n roller at the time but thought this was one of the coolest things I’d ever heard. I used stay up and listen to Ralph Emery’s all nite radio show some back in those days. One nite Tom T was in the studio with him for a few hours. Telling tales and singing tunes. From then on Tom T was one of my faves. Sent him a note in care of Ralph’s show expressing my enjoyment of the whole thing. Couple of weeks later I got a hand written note from Tom T thanking me. Been a fan ever since. Still have the note. Another one I’m gonna miss.
I also grew up in a small Ky town. The great Tom T (The Storyteller) was so easy to relate to. To paraphrase, "maybe the Good Lord likes a little storytellin too)...
Just found out about "T's" passing a few hours ago. I just walked into the woods and had a good cry, I know there's a lot of big preachers who know a lot more than I do, and now I know that the the Good Lord likes a little Pick'in too. Thank you Mr Hall for introducing me to Luther Short, The little lady preacher, Pamela Brown, Clayton Delaney and to the ole boy who was wondering who was gonna feed his hogs and to all the make believe characters that you brought to life in my lifetime. Rest in Peace Storyteller, Rest in Peace.
Thanks for sharing Otis. My favorite Tom T Hall songs is How I Got To Memphis, Faster Horses (Cowboy and The Poet) Salute To A Switchblade, The Homecoming and The Ballad Of Forty Dollars. They Called Tom T Hall the Storyteller for a reason.
As a kid, we'd always loudly sing "I Like Beer", though of course none of us had ever had a sip of beer, or vodka, or Champagne! I credit Tom, via "I Love", with stoking my current passion for old pickup trucks. Very sweet, heartfelt video by the way.
I didn't know that he had passed away..and in such tragic circumstances.. I was so very upset... Loved his music.. I heard him on the radio when I was back home in Liverpool... My Dad went out and bought his records for me..such talent ...... Country people don't shine their shoes very often...and they don't shine other folks boots either.....Wow..isn't that something !!!!! Bless you my friend....
He was my friend, though he never knew it. Through a very trauma filled childhood, this voice sang to me (often without actually playing) 'I care, I do, theres no one else like you." The adult in me knows it wasn;'t written for me, but the little girl who knew way too much darkness will always be grateful for the voices coming through the transistor radio, especially the voice of Tom T Hall.
This has been like watching a part of my childhood die in front of my eyes. Everything you hit on is right. It's like how I felt when Elvis passed. I had few happy times as a kid, but many were tied to Tom T Hall's music. RIP
Shoeshine Man is my favorite Tom T Hall song today. He wrote so many great tunes that my favorite song changes from time to time. In the early 80s we went to the Texas Prison Rodeo in Huntsville. Tom T was the headliner after the rodeo. There was a traffic jam leaving the prison parking lot. Somebody rapped at our passenger window so we opened the window. Tom T Hall stuck his head inside our car to thank us for attending the rodeo and show. Who does that? After our brief encounter with Tom T Hall, we watched him approach car after car in the parking lot, thanking them for attending as well, we assumed. There has not been a prison rodeo for years now in Texas, and I don't even miss it. I already miss Tom T Hall, however. That wonderful blend of talent and humility that is/was Tom T Hall is very rare. I am honored to have witnessed it.
Thank you so much Otis for your such interesting information about Tom T Hall who I didn’t know much before your video. What an interesting life and what an interesting man he was and he apparently saw it all in country music and art. Thank you thank you thank you as always for your excellent videos and your most fantastic details about such important people related to country music. May God bless you and continue with such an interesting amount of information that only cut you can give us in such an entertaining manner! 👏👏👏👏👏🍀🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Heartbroken today. Every single musician I've ever heard, from Punk to Classical, always compared everyone to Tom T. He was the Measuring Stick. I met him once and he was as advertised. A genuinely sweet person. Damn, Tom T. I just love you, dude. Rest well.
I loved Tom all my grown up and still do. Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs and me and Jesus got our own thing going , are two of my favorites. Thanks Otis for sharing.
The thing about his song catalog is: the deeper you dig, the more you discover how much deeper there still is to dig. And, "So let me say this, I never tried to hurt anybody Though I guess there's a few, that I still couldn't look in the eye" gets me every time.
There will not be another voice like that, ever again. He and Hoyt Axton were voices I remember so well from childhood. Country flowed through him. RIP Tom & thanks.
Great job Otis on this one, Tom T was best songwriter in country music. He will be missed. I'm putting his records on now and enjoying what he left us.
I loved Tom T. Hall! To me, the secret to happy life is still “faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!” In a time when the world was neck deep in rock and roll where you couldn’t understand what the words were, his real life, country wisdom was mocked in some circles. I guess I was country when country wasn’t cool.😎🤠👍🏼
"I could see him half-stoned picking out the "Lovesick Blues" -Tom T. Hall "They´s worth more now then when they´s a-living !" -Tom T. Hall He had many memorable lines that stuck in my mind.
R.I.P to the greatest country singer to ever be, I'm getting ready to be a senior in high school, and his music is the soundtrack to my highschool years, My favorite would be That Song Is Driving Me Crazy (the song that made me become a fan of his)
" I drove by the grave to see her, boy, that really is a pretty stone." ( Gut Punch ). First Jerry Jeff and now this. I don't think we'll ever see their likes again.
I always liked Tom T Hall but it wasn't until my father told me that he wrote the song Hello Vietnam from Full Metal Jacket and I got to looking into all the songs that he wrote/cowrote that other folks played and my admiration for him was forever solidified. All of his songs were deeply filled with heart and carried the mundanely epic stories of humanity like a master. Tom T. Hall is up on that same top-shelf level with John Prine IMO
Well, he's gone to see Ms. Dixie. And indeed -- that audiobook is really something else. I normally like books better, but this is one is built for the medium. You get these exquisite little poems or sayings by Tom T., too. He will really be missed.
My father was completely over the moon about Tom T. As a kid he was just a guy on the radio to me , but when Clayton Delany came on the radio I knew to shut up because Dad would't put up with any chatter while it was playing. I think looking back that song must have struck a chord with him growing up in rural Arkansas. Thanks Otis
Rest in peace Tom T Hall. He is a one of a kind songwriter. Very few people have the ability to craft a three minute song/story and for it to mean so much to the listener like Tom T Hall.
I saw Tom T at an ACL taping in the early 80s. It was transformative. He wrote a song that you could see, smell and taste and make you homesick for a place you'd never been to. Clayton Delaney, The Homecoming, How I Got To Memphis..he was a giant. Thank you Tom...
My favorite is "Homecoming". By a mile. But I could listen to him on a loop forever. Tom's a fellow Kentuckian, and he was as genuinely country as a fence-line mailbox next to a red gravel road. Thank you for the heartfelt tribute. It means the world.
Otis, I'm so glad you started off with your description of The Homecoming and how he casually slips in: "I'm sorry that I couldn't be here with y'all when mama passed away." The Homecoming has been may favorite for decades. There is so much insight in that song.
My second favorite is a Week in a Country Jail. I'm glad you talked about that one, too. "After seven days she got to looking so much better, I asked her if she'd like to run away." Pure genius.
When I was about 5 or 6I remember beating on my Roy Rogers guitar and singing Clayton Delaney. Otis if you make it to Carter County KY at the welcome center in Olive Hill they have a bunch of Tom's memorabilia. I saw Tom play Camden Park not far from where I live in WV. A couple times. Got to shake his hand. RIP Mr. Hall.
I don't know any one who dislikes Tom T ,a true American and says,the simplest things that mean the most ! Thank You Otis,for sharing this with us today !!
He’s one of my all time favorites too. Sorry to hear about his passing. “Week In A County Jail”, “Homecoming”, and “Shoe Shine Man” are my among my favorites of his..
Thanks Otis. You did Tom T. proud with this video. Impossible to name my favorite. But I often think of "(If they) Hang Them All" as one of his best that isn't so well known. He always blows me away with powerful understatement. Definitely "Americana" before someone thought to coin that word as a genre. BTW I thought you were going to say you got the key to Spokane. I heard he got the key to that city after writing Spokane Motel Blues.
I met Tom T a few years back at the Station Inn. Humble man. I truly look at him as my biggest songwriting influence. I will surely miss him, but I will continue to sing his songs in my head, especially "Ballad of Forty Dollars." Otis, check out the documentary "The King of Bluegrass." Tom T talks about that performance with Jimmy Martin, saying he would have done it for a bologna sandwich.
This one hurts. When I was first trying to write songs Doug, my band mate/mentor told me "Listen to Hank, Hag, Harlan Howard and Tom T. Hall. Do what they do. That's it." We covered Fastest Rabbit Dog in that band. Tom T. was a giant.
Had the honour of meeting the great man shake his hand and had a one to one interview on tape when he visited Ireland back in the 80's R.I.P. The Magnificent Music Machine.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Otis. I started listening seriously to Tom T. later in my life and his music absolutely consumed my time. There is an honesty about it that is almost impossible to put into words. I have raised my grandchildren on the " The Songs of Fox Hollow". My 10 year old grandson and 9 year old granddaughter know the words to every song. What a loss to the literary community of songwriters. I am going to pull out all my Time T. Hall records and have a Tom T. day just like I did when we lost John Prine. It's is wonderful for you to pay respects. I hope you find that picture and frame it next to that key to the city. Favorite Tom T. song is utterly impossible but for my grandchildren it would have to be Sneaky Snake. For me, so so difficult but the twist in Ballad of Forty Dollars ranks high on the list. One of those never saw that coming moments from a song. Tom and his lovely wife Dixie are now part of that legendary Angel Band.. R.I.P. Tom
When I was a child my family did a lot of road trips. Between moving, vacations, and going on trips so we could be with Dad when he was TDY somewhere for a week. I have been back and forth across the country so many times, and through it all Tom T Hall was a central part of the soundtrack. 8 track tapes on endless loop, singing along to his songs. His songs instantly trigger memories of different places and events.
RIP Storyteller. Each time one of these great ones die a little of my childhood dies as well! You nailed it driving around Texas with late my dad in early 1970’s and hearing Old Dogs and Children playing on AM radio and sing alone with him. My dad hummed that song all the time the rest of his life.
My mom and dad had the 8-track of Places I've done time. My brother and I listened to it all the time as kid and is one of my favorite records of all time. That music is ingrained on my soul and is part of who I am as a man. I'm with you that he was best.
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One time Shawn Camp and I were headed to Charleston to play Mountain Stage so, while passing Olive Hill, KY we took a little detour to check out Tom T’s hometown. We were standing on Main Street which had been named Tom T Hall Boulevard or Street in his honor. We immediately realized we had to let Tom and Dixie we were there.. not sure if we sent an email or left a message but we got a message back from Tom T saying, “You’ll notice it’s a street that leads one way, out of town…”
We have indeed lost one of the greatest of all time.. aside from the music and songs, Tom T was one of the most down to earth, gracious and generous men you could ever want to meet. He was a superstar to me…
RIP Tom T… #flylow
Much love to ya, Mike!
Mike, I am not far from Olive Hill just across the state line in WV. I have been to Mountain stage too many times to count. I imagine that is a great gig to play. Because they always get some great musicians.
@@brianb.5473 I’ll be at the Fly In Festival this coming Friday in Huntington.. come say hi!
@@olebubby Mike I saw your on from 9-10. I will do my absolute best to make it. I will be the old guy in the Townes shirt.
Hey Mike, I'm a fan from Australia and I have loved Tom T from the time I first heard him. Only last week I was doing a stupid Facebook thing about how many songs in country/ folk/ bluegrass mention Harlan, Kentucky and of course I put up "Hero In Harlan". I think "Sam Stone" is an amazing song but right along side it sits "Hero In Harlan". I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Take care and stay safe and all the way around I'll still keep playing Tom T songs.
I am with you Otis, Tom T. Hall was a top notch singer songwriter, with so many great songs. RIP Tom T., "Old Dogs and Children, and watermelon wine" It takes a great mind to do just one song like that, and he made so many of that quality. I saw Tom T. on stage at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto many years ago, and he told some jokes, the one I remember most, was he said a bum walked up to him on the street and said, I haven't had a bite to eat today, Tom T. said, I told him, force yourself... knowing Tom T., he would probably never deny a hungry man a meal. I have 55 songs in my all time favourites list by Tom T. and so many more that i like also..... Then take a listen to "The Monkey That Became President" what a range he had, he certainly was a great poet. "Back When Gas Was 30 cents a Gallon". "Ravishing Ruby" excellent.
Hi Otis I always love Tom t Hall too since the kid I got to see him at yorkegheny lake Park up in the Uniontown mountains in Pennsylvania I believe it was 1974 I love always music especially ravishing Ruby... And I wash my face in the morning dew... Me and Jesus... And that's how I got to Memphis... And I ride a lot of trains... And of course always top hits so glad to hear others love and appreciate him too... That was nice video Otis very nice thank you sir 👍😁💕 Suz 🎵
I remember Tom performing Mr Bojangles many years ago and he had a little square of plywood on the floor and he sprinkled some sand on the plywood and he would dance on it maybe the old soft shoe I don’t know and his clothes were kind of worn down kinda like a hobo. The song was more like telling a story speaking more than singing and I will never forget that performance and I’m sure that for those 3 minutes or so he was Mr Bojangles. Thank you Otis for sharing your life’s stories and recollections be they happy or sad I need to hear them all. Live well brother…
50 years ago, the only radio station in my rural college town changed formats from top 40 to country. My car radio antenna had broken off and I could only get that one station, and then only if I stuck a potato onto the stub. Thus begin my infatuation with Tom T. Hall. Among others.
I was on a show with him around the time my youngest daughter was a few months old. I had been a huge fan since the late sixties. When I got my first car, I had the 8-track tape "We Got All Together And........" by Tom. I kept that tape in the deck most of the time.
Well, on this particular show, back in 1995, I had finished my set and was back stage while the crew was doing the rest. My wife was there with our daughter. I was holding her when Tom walked up to me. He reached for my daughter saying "Man, what a pretty baby." We talked for a bit. I mentioned a song of his, "Pretty Pamela Brown". He smiled and was surprised that I knew of that song. I asked if there were any way that he could do that song on the show. The stage manager gave us the 1 minute signal. I told Tom I was going to sneak out front to watch his show.
About 30 minutes into his show, he starting talking about me, my music, and "Man, he's got his beautiful baby girl here today, too." He then told about me asking about "Pretty Pamela Brown", explaining that it was a #1 in England but never released in the USA. He then said, "We don't usually this, and the band may get mad, but I gonna do this for my friend, Larry."
I tear up now remembering that. An artist that I truly idolized from a young age took the time to acknowledge me in that way. I have had the good fortune to work with a lot of very famous artists, but Tom T. Hall was in a class by himself. And a Class Act is truly what he is/was.
Thanks for the great music and, Tom, thanks for one of my greatest memories of all. RIP, my friend.
I saw your tears Otis. I feel for you the same way. The best songwriter ever. His brother Hillman has some songs here. Hillman was also a gifted writer who never got what he needed to make it big.
Tom T Hall was a storyteller. I saw Tom T. 3-4 in the late 60's and early 70's in Chicago. Got to talk to him a couple of times. He wrote (Margie's At) The Lincoln Park Inn on an airplane flying to Chicago the night before and sang it off the paper he had written the song on. So, I got to hear it before Tom T. recorded it. Loved his singing and stories. Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine and Margie were two of his best.
Ravishin' Ruby and Old Dogs... All of them, really. Thanks for your tribute to my hero! RIP TOM T.
True Artist...👍👍 Heartfelt Creativity.
I’ve been a huge Tom T. fan for fifty-plus years. You spoke at length of his song Homecoming, which is my favorite Tom T. song. I recall Tom talking about being savaged by some New York music critic after Tom performed at Carnegie Hall many years ago. The critic made some reference to Tom’s music as kindergarten level or for kindergartners. Tom’s response was, “I couldn’t think of a higher honor.” That’s an example of the hard-hitting, yet gentle wit that made Tom one of our greatest songwriters.
I was 11 or 12 when "Old Dogs..." came out. It remains one of my all time favourite songs, taking me back to warm Saturday nights, working in the barn with my Dad, listening to country radio. The lyric, "God bless little children, while they're still too young to hate" may be the most brilliant and profound that I've heard in my 59 years; considering so few years had passed since MLK and RFK were murdered. First, Jesse Winchester, then John Prine, then Tom T. Hall; so many brilliant artists lost.
He was a songwriter’s songwriter all the way. Phrases like “baloney, eggs, and gravy” make you laugh while “old dogs and children, and watermelon wine” can leave you in tears. There are a lot of folks sharing your grief today.
A class act and all around great guy!
RIP Tom T.
I love his music so much. I want to hear his music 🎶 over and over. One song I can’t get enough of is “We miss you on the old side of town”.
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville has a Wonderful Tribute to Tom T. Hall in the Exhibit entitled, "The Songwriters"!!! You can hear him speak to the inspiration of some of his songs. He speaks about "The Business". He even offers that clever, homespun country humor with his unique delivery.
Thank you sweet Lord for Tom T. Hall.
WOW man that's heavy news to hear. 36 years ago this mid-Sept I met him in Evergreen, Alabama at a little hole in the wall clothing store. I worked at the local country radio station, 80,000 watt blow torch 93.3 F.M., and was driving through town when I saw his tour bus parked next to the clothing store. The bus had his nick name The Story teller on the side so I new it was his. I went in the store and he was standing in the store holding a pair of pants up to his legs to measure the length. We had some small talk, he invited me on the bus and autographed a hat for me on the spot. I was 18 with relatives in Evergreen but was raised in Akron, Ohio and that summer I was fresh out of high school. He told me he was on his way to do some bass fishing in Florida at a friends place and then a show at another location later that week.
He was down to earth to say the least and I remember him encouraging me to continue my pursuit in broadcasting. I did and while I never made it to L.A. or New York, I always made time to play some Tom T. Hall.
Otis, I love and look forward to your stories. Everytime I see a new one, I listen right away. I started listening to some of your music and I sure hope your music career has gotten the attention it deserves. I love it when you say at the beginning of each episode "Friends."
Tom T. Hall had a smokers, country voice . I was 6 years old in mid 1986 . I can remember cigarettes being smoked EVERYWHERE . My Mom used to let my Grandma and older cousin smoke in our house , today she don't lite smelly candles in the house lol . She would use a small saucer as an ashtray cause my parents didn't smoke LOL . Anyway's whenever I hear a good ole Tom T Hall song I think of a time when we didn't flip out on cigg smoke . Plus in the mid 80's my Grandparents were in their 50's so they were partying in Branson and in Orlando Cheyenne Saloon where greats like Tom T Hall would have the crowd wrapped around his finger singing a song about ......"I LOVE BEER !!" LMAO .
He was such an inspiration
There's been & are alot of great singersongwriters. But, none any better than ole Tom T. He seemed like just a good man & decent person & how he loved Miss Dixie. You were my bearer of sad news, Otis. Just found out, through you. Thanks for the video & the Tom T. Stories. A sad day for country & bluegrass music. Tom did alot of good bluegrass. Prayers for the family.
Thanks for doing this, man. I loved.Tom T., too.
Never be another Tom T. Tom and Dallas Frazier were the best songwriters ever in my opinion. Man we listened to Tom a many a day at work. About wore those cassettes out
Great video! It's Olive Hill, btw, probably 30 miles from where I live. He was well loved here, and will be missed. Kentucky Proud!
Tom T. Hall a unique God given talent! I love his music! He was one of a kind! Him and ol’ Clayton are reunited once again playing those “Lovesick Blues”. My favorite song of his would be “Homecoming”! God Bless you neighbor!
You are spot on with everything, so glad I found this. Many thanks.
Otis, Tom T. Hall is one of my favorites as well. I was telling my buddies the other day, that I bet Tom T. has more songs that I like than any other artist. He might not always be the first that I think of, but his songs catalog is more vast than any I can think of. Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs, Little Lady Preacher, Week In A Country Jail, Legend of Bill Crump, Sure Gets Cold In Des Moines, are some of my favorites but it don't even scratch the surface.
Great job Otis in honoring a true legend. Tom T is my all time favorite country singer and Emmylou Harris is right behind him. Two talented, humble, and classy people who I admire greatly. We can all be thankful for the memories he left us. God bless.
I love coffee in a cup
Fuzzy little pups
Bourbon in a glass & grass
And I love Tom T. Hall
Hey Otis, I wanted to share this story with you. I attended the IBMA ceremony back in the mid '90's. After a week of shows and inservices they had a big finally show on Saturday. I tried to buy my ticket at the last minute even though I was sure it was sold out. The person at the box office said because I only needed a single there was a spot down close to the stage. Cool! As I settled in two nice southern belles sat next to me and struck up a conversation. They asked what I did and when I mentioned I was a Special Ed. teacher they became very enthused and we carried on until just before the M.C. came out. Just then Tom T Hall and Ernest Scruggs sat down next to these two women, their wives Miss Dixie and Mrs. Louis Scruggs and they introduced me and shook my hand. What an honor!
Hell yes! : )
Beautiful story.
So many great songs, but I always come back to "That's How I Got to Memphis".
Loved his sense of humor.... Salute to a Switchblade-- Little Lady Preacher.... oh man Homecoming is on a whole other level! .... Half Pound of Ground Round... Trip to Hyden.... How I Got to Memphis.... geez.... it literally goes on n on n on. God Bless TomT!! RIP, Good Sir. :(
I was not very familiar with Tom T. Hall and his work. However, his ability to paint the small town every day life into a masterpiece that anyone could relate to
I apologize, hit the send button too soon. Perhaps technology is a very poor substitute for the quiet rhythms of small town everyday life that Tom T. Hall was so good at bringing to his songs. Watermelon Wine is his song that I am most familiar with, didn't realize Harper Valley PTA was his. Loved them both. I think St. Peter already has a song of Tom's already picked out.
Ol Tom is one of the greats. He will be missed. God bless and RIP Tom T.
My favorite is "Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?". Never fails to bring a year to my eye. Tom really knew exactly how to get a grip on the heatr-strings. Thanks Otis.
I Hope It Rains At My Funeral is my favorite but there are at least 30 others that are right there with it.
Hope it rains on that day 🙏
45 or 50 is a closer estimate... I hope it rains is a great one.
I totally agree. Every Tom T Hall LP has at least a few hidden gems. Always worth way more than the few dollars they are asking!
"I washed my face in the morning dew, bathed my soul in the sun, washed my face in the morning dew and kept on moving along."
Man Otis, this one is hard. My wife and I visited Olive Hill a few years ago. I was saddened there wasnt a 40 foot statue in the middle of town. Old boy deserved it for sure.
I, too, saw him at Bean Blossom. The only time I had the pleasure. It was the year he and Jimmy Martin provided lunch for everyone. I met Jimmy a couple of times, but that year I figured I'd eat and then hunt down Tom T., who was standing around talking to people. Unfortunately, by the time I ate, he had retired to private quarters. What a fun show though!
He was one of my first favorite singers so choosing a song is hard. I love Switchblade, Fox on the Run, Ballad of Forty Dollars, and of course Homecoming. I even though I've only been there once, I do have a special place for Thank You, Connersville, Indiana.
Thank you, Tom T. Hall. You were the greatest.
In 1980-1983 I was stationed in Germany in The US Army.
I had a Country band over there and we played every where.
Several Germans always asked me to sing How I got to Memphis. :)
You would be surprised how many older German people still remember when Tom T Hall was stationed over there too. He played in a few clubs and worked on American Forces Radio too. :)
Quickly, my favorite Tom T song is, "Joe Don't Let The Music Kill Ya". I remember the day I shook Tom's hand. He was just kind of standing there, Miss Dixie was sitting about 10 feet away. We talked music for a few minutes...or I should say, he talked music for a few minutes. And then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a green guitar pick and handed it to me. He said, "You're gonna need this".
Hope you still have it!
My mother was in love with Tom T. Hall. I really can't remember not hearing his music in the house when I was a kid. We saw him at a county fair when I was around 10 years old, I believe it was in Indiana. We drove for hours to get there. I've been to a lot of concerts and shows in my life and the thing that I remember most about seeing him was how quiet and well-behaved the audience was. It almost had a family reunion vibe, where everyone knows everyone else. Favorite song would have to be "I love".
Same here, Scott. Never saw him live, but my Mom used to play his records for us when my siblings and I were young.
There are so many great Tom T Hall songs. I've been searching around and found one called Gimme Peach from Places I've Done Time album. It's now my "this week's" favorite.
I burned a Tom T. Hall cassette tape out in my first pickup truck.A CD in one of my later trucks an now I listen digitally in my new truck with my two daughters.From year to year and truck to truck the music just gets better, deeper and more memorable. My favorite? That’s How I Got to Memphis because it reminds me my dearest friend Belle a Memphis native who undoubtedly left a lot of broken hearted young men searching the streets of Memphis for her. Much love for Mr. Tom T. Hall thank you for riding shotgun all these years. .
Ballad of 40 bucks + Homecoming (tie for my favorites) RIP Tom, I have enjoyed your music for over 40 years.
My dad turned me on to TomT in the late 60’s. My dad was in the Air Force stationed in Germany in the early 60’s as was Tom T. He said Tom T hand a band that played at some of the service clubs and places then. My dad pointed out “The Ballad of Forty Bucks” on the radio one day in the car as we were going somewhere. I was a long haired rock n roller at the time but thought this was one of the coolest things I’d ever heard. I used stay up and listen to Ralph Emery’s all nite radio show some back in those days. One nite Tom T was in the studio with him for a few hours. Telling tales and singing tunes. From then on Tom T was one of my faves. Sent him a note in care of Ralph’s show expressing my enjoyment of the whole thing. Couple of weeks later I got a hand written note from Tom T thanking me. Been a fan ever since. Still have the note. Another one I’m gonna miss.
I also grew up in a small Ky town. The great Tom T (The Storyteller) was so easy to relate to. To paraphrase, "maybe the Good Lord likes a little storytellin too)...
Just found out about "T's" passing a few hours ago. I just walked into the woods and had a good cry, I know there's a lot of big preachers who know a lot more than I do, and now I know that the the Good Lord likes a little Pick'in too. Thank you Mr Hall for introducing me to Luther Short, The little lady preacher, Pamela Brown, Clayton Delaney and to the ole boy who was wondering who was gonna feed his hogs and to all the make believe characters that you brought to life in my lifetime. Rest in Peace Storyteller, Rest in Peace.
Thanks for sharing Otis. My favorite Tom T Hall songs is How I Got To Memphis, Faster Horses (Cowboy and The Poet) Salute To A Switchblade, The Homecoming and The Ballad Of Forty Dollars. They Called Tom T Hall the Storyteller for a reason.
My favourite song writer of all time. Alan Hope, Old Hampshire, England !
As a kid, we'd always loudly sing "I Like Beer", though of course none of us had ever had a sip of beer, or vodka, or Champagne! I credit Tom, via "I Love", with stoking my current passion for old pickup trucks. Very sweet, heartfelt video by the way.
If I can’t dance it’s not my revolution - Emma Goldman
I can’t dance - Tom T. Hall
I didn't know that he had passed away..and in such tragic circumstances..
I was so very upset... Loved his music.. I heard him on the radio when I was back home
in Liverpool... My Dad went out and bought his records for me..such talent
...... Country people don't shine their shoes very often...and they don't shine other
folks boots either.....Wow..isn't that something !!!!! Bless you my friend....
He was my friend, though he never knew it. Through a very trauma filled childhood, this voice sang to me (often without actually playing) 'I care, I do, theres no one else like you." The adult in me knows it wasn;'t written for me, but the little girl who knew way too much darkness will always be grateful for the voices coming through the transistor radio, especially the voice of Tom T Hall.
This has been like watching a part of my childhood die in front of my eyes. Everything you hit on is right.
It's like how I felt when Elvis passed.
I had few happy times as a kid, but many were tied to Tom T Hall's music.
RIP
Shoeshine Man is my favorite Tom T Hall song today. He wrote so many great tunes that my favorite song changes from time to time. In the early 80s we went to the Texas Prison Rodeo in Huntsville. Tom T was the headliner after the rodeo. There was a traffic jam leaving the prison parking lot. Somebody rapped at our passenger window so we opened the window. Tom T Hall stuck his head inside our car to thank us for attending the rodeo and show. Who does that? After our brief encounter with Tom T Hall, we watched him approach car after car in the parking lot, thanking them for attending as well, we assumed. There has not been a prison rodeo for years now in Texas, and I don't even miss it. I already miss Tom T Hall, however. That wonderful blend of talent and humility that is/was Tom T Hall is very rare. I am honored to have witnessed it.
That's tremendous, Tom! : )
Hard to pick a favorite with Tom. Ballad 40 dollars, Watermelon Wine, Harper Valley, Memphis, I Like Country, I Like Beer, I Love You..great writer
T.T.H. 🎶”Legend”🎶 R.I.P.
Thanks Otis, Tom’ stories in song, made my childhood so much better.
Thank you!
Thank you so much Otis for your such interesting information about Tom T Hall who I didn’t know much before your video. What an interesting life and what an interesting man he was and he apparently saw it all in country music and art. Thank you thank you thank you as always for your excellent videos and your most fantastic details about such important people related to country music. May God bless you and continue with such an interesting amount of information that only cut you can give us in such an entertaining manner!
👏👏👏👏👏🍀🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Favorite Tom T. Hall songs are as follows……….All of em’
But “Faster horses (The cowboy and the poet”) holds a special place in my heart.
Heartbroken today. Every single musician I've ever heard, from Punk to Classical, always compared everyone to Tom T. He was the Measuring Stick. I met him once and he was as advertised. A genuinely sweet person. Damn, Tom T. I just love you, dude. Rest well.
That's a shame, I also enjoyed Tom T Hall as well.. But he had 85 years of sharing his talents. Thanks Tom . RIP..
One of the greatest who I feel was under appreciated by many Rest In Peace Tom T
I loved Tom all my grown up and still do. Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs and me and Jesus got our own thing going , are two of my favorites. Thanks Otis for sharing.
The thing about his song catalog is: the deeper you dig, the more you discover how much deeper there still is to dig.
And, "So let me say this, I never tried to hurt anybody
Though I guess there's a few, that I still couldn't look in the eye" gets me every time.
What a couple of lines , unbelievable how profound some of them are , a mountain of wisdom passed today. I can’t say enough about how great he is
There will not be another voice like that, ever again. He and Hoyt Axton were voices I remember so well from childhood. Country flowed through him. RIP Tom & thanks.
Great job Otis on this one, Tom T was best songwriter in country music. He will be missed. I'm putting his records on now and enjoying what he left us.
I loved Tom T. Hall! To me, the secret to happy life is still “faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!” In a time when the world was neck deep in rock and roll where you couldn’t understand what the words were, his real life, country wisdom was mocked in some circles. I guess I was country when country wasn’t cool.😎🤠👍🏼
"I could see him half-stoned picking out the "Lovesick Blues"
-Tom T. Hall
"They´s worth more now then when they´s a-living !"
-Tom T. Hall
He had many memorable lines that stuck in my mind.
R.I.P to the greatest country singer to ever be, I'm getting ready to be a senior in high school, and his music is the soundtrack to my highschool years, My favorite would be That Song Is Driving Me Crazy (the song that made me become a fan of his)
Homecoming is a gold standard for songwriting. Everyone who writes songs strives to write something half as good as that.
" I drove by the grave to see her, boy, that really is a pretty stone." ( Gut Punch ). First Jerry Jeff and now this. I don't think we'll ever see their likes again.
Otis, I really really like your observations, commentary and interviews. Totally authentic and full of heart. Thanks.
homecoming, how i got to memphis and who's gonna feed the hogs may be some of my favorite songs of his. hard to say. rest easy, storyteller
He could make you laugh or cry, remember, regret or rejoice--sometimes all in the same song. May God bless his memory.
Good one Otis. Awesome that you met him and shook his hand. Thanks for doing this. One of my favorites is "That's How I Got To Memphis."
I always liked Tom T Hall but it wasn't until my father told me that he wrote the song Hello Vietnam from Full Metal Jacket and I got to looking into all the songs that he wrote/cowrote that other folks played and my admiration for him was forever solidified.
All of his songs were deeply filled with heart and carried the mundanely epic stories of humanity like a master.
Tom T. Hall is up on that same top-shelf level with John Prine IMO
Thank you Otis.
Well, he's gone to see Ms. Dixie. And indeed -- that audiobook is really something else. I normally like books better, but this is one is built for the medium. You get these exquisite little poems or sayings by Tom T., too. He will really be missed.
My father was completely over the moon about Tom T. As a kid he was just a guy on the radio to me , but when Clayton Delany came on the radio I knew to shut up because Dad would't put up with any chatter while it was playing. I think looking back that song must have struck a chord with him growing up in rural Arkansas.
Thanks Otis
Thank you Otis for your fine tribute to Tom T. Hall. I totally agree with you about his songs and writing ability.
Thanks, Bob!
Rest in peace Tom T Hall. He is a one of a kind songwriter. Very few people have the ability to craft a three minute song/story and for it to mean so much to the listener like Tom T Hall.
I saw Tom T at an ACL taping in the early 80s. It was transformative. He wrote a song that you could see, smell and taste and make you homesick for a place you'd never been to. Clayton Delaney, The Homecoming, How I Got To Memphis..he was a giant. Thank you Tom...
My favorite is "Homecoming". By a mile. But I could listen to him on a loop forever. Tom's a fellow Kentuckian, and he was as genuinely country as a fence-line mailbox next to a red gravel road. Thank you for the heartfelt tribute. It means the world.
You feel like it's 1972 and you are right there with him. It really is a touching piece of music. I hope he knew how highly he was thought of.
What's your favorite Tom T. Hall song? Did you ever get to see him live? If you did, I'd love to hear about it.
Faster Horses, and no Sir. Wish I had been blessed to see him live. Thanks for the video, and delivering sad news in an honorable message.
Otis, I'm so glad you started off with your description of The Homecoming and how he casually slips in: "I'm sorry that I couldn't be here with y'all when mama passed away." The Homecoming has been may favorite for decades. There is so much insight in that song.
My second favorite is a Week in a Country Jail. I'm glad you talked about that one, too. "After seven days she got to looking so much better, I asked her if she'd like to run away." Pure genius.
(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine
When I was about 5 or 6I remember beating on my Roy Rogers guitar and singing Clayton Delaney. Otis if you make it to Carter County KY at the welcome center in Olive Hill they have a bunch of Tom's memorabilia. I saw Tom play Camden Park not far from where I live in WV. A couple times. Got to shake his hand. RIP Mr. Hall.
I don't know any one who dislikes Tom T ,a true American and says,the simplest things that mean the most ! Thank You Otis,for sharing this with us today !!
Otis I just listened to Old dogs and children and watermelon wine
It moved me to tears
God bless Tom T and you
He’s one of my all time favorites too. Sorry to hear about his passing. “Week In A County Jail”, “Homecoming”, and “Shoe Shine Man” are my among my favorites of his..
Thanks Otis. You did Tom T. proud with this video. Impossible to name my favorite. But I often think of "(If they) Hang Them All" as one of his best that isn't so well known. He always blows me away with powerful understatement. Definitely "Americana" before someone thought to coin that word as a genre.
BTW I thought you were going to say you got the key to Spokane. I heard he got the key to that city after writing Spokane Motel Blues.
One of the all time greats. He’ll be up there performing with Jones, Haggard, Williams and all the greats of his generation. Thanks for sharing.
I met Tom T a few years back at the Station Inn. Humble man. I truly look at him as my biggest songwriting influence. I will surely miss him, but I will continue to sing his songs in my head, especially "Ballad of Forty Dollars." Otis, check out the documentary "The King of Bluegrass." Tom T talks about that performance with Jimmy Martin, saying he would have done it for a bologna sandwich.
Homecoming is my favorite. Can listen to his music all day. Love his songwriting. Have to be a genius to write such relatable lyrics.
My son has loved that song since he was 3 years old nit has always spoken to him.
My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing his talents with us over the years. As he sang, may it rain at his funeral
So many great hits, “ She gave her heart to Jethro” and “The Little Lady Preacher” just to name some underrated ones.
Tom T Hall has been one of my favorites since childhood. I just heard that Don Everly passed away too. The legends are all leaving us.
This one hurts. When I was first trying to write songs Doug, my band mate/mentor told me "Listen to Hank, Hag, Harlan Howard and Tom T. Hall. Do what they do. That's it." We covered Fastest Rabbit Dog in that band. Tom T. was a giant.
Had the honour of meeting the great man shake his hand and had a one to one interview on tape when he visited Ireland back in the 80's R.I.P. The Magnificent Music Machine.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Otis. I started listening seriously to Tom T. later in my life and his music absolutely consumed my time. There is an honesty about it that is almost impossible to put into words. I have raised my grandchildren on the " The Songs of Fox Hollow". My 10 year old grandson and 9 year old granddaughter know the words to every song. What a loss to the literary community of songwriters. I am going to pull out all my Time T. Hall records and have a Tom T. day just like I did when we lost John Prine. It's is wonderful for you to pay respects. I hope you find that picture and frame it next to that key to the city. Favorite Tom T. song is utterly impossible but for my grandchildren it would have to be Sneaky Snake. For me, so so difficult but the twist in Ballad of Forty Dollars ranks high on the list. One of those never saw that coming moments from a song. Tom and his lovely wife Dixie are now part of that legendary Angel Band.. R.I.P. Tom
When I was a child my family did a lot of road trips. Between moving, vacations, and going on trips so we could be with Dad when he was TDY somewhere for a week. I have been back and forth across the country so many times, and through it all Tom T Hall was a central part of the soundtrack. 8 track tapes on endless loop, singing along to his songs. His songs instantly trigger memories of different places and events.
RIP Storyteller. Each time one of these great ones die a little of my childhood dies as well! You nailed it driving around Texas with late my dad in early 1970’s and hearing Old Dogs and Children playing on AM radio and sing alone with him. My dad hummed that song all the time the rest of his life.
God rest his soul. I have been a huge fan of T for many years. Very sad to read of his passing. R.I. P.
My mom and dad had the 8-track of Places I've done time. My brother and I listened to it all the time as kid and is one of my favorite records of all time. That music is ingrained on my soul and is part of who I am as a man. I'm with you that he was best.