Norton Buffalo was one of he reasons I started playing harmonica seriously. His opening phrase on Steve Miller's "Living in the USA" changed my life. One of the baddest song intros in rock history. And every harp player worth his diatonic has tried to crib his masterful solo on Bonnie Raitt's cover of Runaway. Brilliant! Underrated giant.
Norton Buffalo was VERY special to our family and my Father played harmonica in a similar style. He was part of our growing up and the music he gave us still gives back every day. When my Dad passed I emailed Norton and told him how much he meant to us and him. Norton took the time to email us back and sent us a gift. He was a special person and if you were fortunate enough to know him count yourself lucky.
I feel so lucky to have been able to see Roy and Norton together before Norton's untimely death. I've seen lots of acts in my days and nothing more intimate and electric than these two together
I found Norton Buffalo and his band while on a visit to Portland, Oregon, back in '78 or '79. Saw them on "Austin City Limits" one night. Ran right out the next day and found the "Valley of The Moon" album on vinyl. Been listening to it ever since! These guys were amongst those "unsung heroes" of the lost avenue of country-folk music that had started back in the sixties. For any of us that still love that music...could you imagine seeing Peter, Paul & Mary and Norton Buffalo together in concert?!?!?! How awesome would THAT be??? Off that "Valley of The Moon" album, there are only two songs I don't greatly appreciate. Fire up "Nobody Wants Me", "Eighteen Wheels" or "Another Day" and I become that fool that you just WISH would shut the f**k up and STOP SINGING (because I can't carry a tune in a tin bucket!)!
I met Norton as a small child growing up in Novato. He knew my family and my mother took the picture for Valley of the Moon. He use come to our house all the time. I use to hear him at many parties in Sonoma in the 70's. Anyway, I was fortunate to see him a few years ago and give some photo albums of his Konocti shows. Long live Norton...
Had the pleasure of staying at an Airbnb in California that was owned by a good friend of his. Our room was covered in beautiful memorabilia in tribute to him. We put this song on while we looked at his photos and read about him. Made our stay that much better❤️
@@BoazKimMusic unfortunately I did not!! It made me kind of sad that I had never heard of him. It was a wonderful experience to learn so much about such a talented musician. Now I have lots of Norton songs on my playlist ♥️
Omg! This song is so more memorable than I can tell anyone in words. I knew him in his up and coming days. I love this song he did near his near end of life, and to Me is so sweet. Will be played at my final. I I have it written it in my wishes. I am 64 now and not in good health and this song gives me such comfort. I was one of the rare ones in the early years to know his Non-Stage name. Miss him and his talent so much
I'm a budding harp player who had heard of Norton Buffalo and even seen a few clips. What I didn't realise is what a skilled and tasteful player he is. I see from his website he was a man of integity too. Although he's gone I have a lot to learn from this man so thank him wherever he be. It's going to be fun.
I will spend the rest of my life celebrating the lives of great souls like this one. I love you Norton... keep on shining your light! See you on the flip side.
Saw both Norton Buffallo and Roy Rogers, live, but not together. I’m from Northern California and worked in The Valley Of The Moon, so I remember hearing Norton on the radio constantly from 1977- through the early 80’s on once great Santa Rosa radio station. I actually took radio DJ class, from Ed LaFrance, who owed and ran the radio station, in college, long ago. Last night I started thinking about Norton and thought I had his music on my trusty good old iPod & sure enough, I have both of his solo albums, Loving In The Valley of The Moon and Desert Horizon. I also have his amazing harp solo with Bonnie Raitt, on Runaway & Steve Miller Band and Elvin Bishop, who I saw frequently, all of them live.
"...don't you cry now... " Wow. And how can we not? Thanks Bob for making this amazing video and posting it for all of us who loved Norton. What a beautiful soul. We will all miss him.
I remember as a kid trying to figure out his solo on Bonnie Raitt’s Runaway not realizing he played 4 different harps, switching them out as he played. One of my top favorite harp solos of all time. What an amazing talent and a great spirit who left us too soon.
life goes on but norton's music will live on in america's history RIP to roy never forget his your time with norton because it is the one thing you can not get back
This is probably my favorite of all of Norton's songs. I was so glad when this video was uploaded. The opportunity to listen to Norton in concert was a gift from the universe - every time.
Heartbreaking to know Nortons Gone ...cried a bit when I watched this ...forgot how much I liked his unique voice ...Just Beautiful. Hey Roys no "Slouch" either
I miss him so much! He was such a special talented man. Thank God, He live on in his music and our memories. I will have this song playing at my funeral (already directed). Such a special message.
Just found out he passed. Met him in Boyes Hot Springs when I was a kid on Holiday. What a kind gentleman. May the Lord Hold you in the hollow of his hand before the devil knows you gone. Beautiful song.
The best "white" vocalist of almost 64 years .. Burl Ives and very few others during the 1950's with folk music. We were able to understand the words.. .Later comes Norton Buffalo...From 1950 in Mill Valley and 1959 in San Anselmo to Saratoga and 8,000 hours in Fed work on the Fla. Keys of "recovery.". And returning to Sonoma County finally in 1974 in 1982 NortonBuffalo shows up and makes babies, and a home in the Sonoma Valley.. And we could not stop ourselves for access to Norton Buffalo in shows within Sonoma County..
We were fortunate to have seen these two brilliant musicians perform together twice at the Palms Playhouse in Winters Ca. Hard to believe it`s been 14 years since Norton`s passing.We miss him so much.
Hi to all. I'm from Argentina and i play the harmonica since more than eighteen years. I have listened a lot of harmonica players, including the most popular, and i can tell you, Norton is in my top 3 harmonica player of all time. His tone was amazing, his technique, but, over all, his rythm. He was an oustanding musician and did amazing things with this little instrument. And, beside that, a great singer and composer too. Greetings and sorry my english.
Norton did an Austin City Limits show way back around 80. He and his band had the entire hour. Totally blew me away. I’d never heard of him before, but I watched!! Wow!! It’s still one of the best ACL shows I’ve ever seen. Been a fan ever since. Someday I hope to find the Valley of the Moon. RIP.
This is real ... country blues ... excellent musicianship, camraderie, honesty ... the worries I have today seem less important now ... thanks for this post :-)
I have appreciated Nortons music, since I was young! In high school I used to sneek into the Great American Music Hall to go see them and dance all night long! I've also seen him in another concert , with Elvin Bishop. What wonderful memories!
Did you know that Norton was close to death when this was recorded? Terminal lung cancer. Every time I watch it, tears well up. I got to see both of them together and separately. Great musicians and great people.
@@billiam8270 yes tears came to me as Recent fan....I wondered how he was gone as he is younger by two yrs than myself an ageing beginner harp player...Tears continue to flow but saved by the way he can express our emotions with a little box and huge love and ability...as Jon Gindick mentioned...I think..we may all come back as music....Norton sure has for me..
This man wa so tallented - i just cried when I saw this and remembered how he made me smile. From his very first album release when I knew him in Oregon...
Never get tired of this track, it's absolutely beautiful !!Somehow it makes me feel like I knew Norton and subsequently miss him... I guess that's because his lovely spirit shines through in his music :O)
My absolute fave by Norton & Roy. When they did it "Live" you could almost hear a pin drop. Still gives me chills remembering their great chemistry on stage, on CD, and now in this video. Thank you for sharing this musical gem.
I saw Norton many times when the Arrowooods owned the valley of the moon saloon on hwy 12BHS..with stogy horn and Elvin Bishop,,the good ole days....Johnny Mcfee and Clover.....
Thank you so much for sharing this. Of the relatively few videos we have of Norton, I think this one may be my favorite. The intimate setting, Roy providing such a beautiful backdrop, and Norton's voice and harmonica. Wonderful. R.I.P. Mr. Buffalo, you will be sorely missed.
Long Hard Road Norton Buffalo and Roy Rogers F Am Abm Gm C F Am Gm C As the train leaves the station and slowly pulls away F Am Gm C So I leave here back through the darkness from which I came F Am Gm C But don't you cry now, don't cry mama. 'Cause I'm not afraid F Am C Gm C Cause I can see the light, off in the distance, and the tracks are already laid Bb F It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on Bb C We sure gonna get there and it won't be long F Am Rain clouds above me, they keep on pouring down Gm C F Am I think they understand they're tryin' to wash away the sorrow, Gm C so that the sun can shine upon the land F Am Through all of my life, my fame and my riches, Gm C something's been missing that I could not find F Am Gm C But there's a train, a train to glory, soon I'm gonna have me, have me peace of mind Bb F It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on Bb C We sure gonna get there and it won't be long Harp Solo F Am Gm C As the train leaves the station and slowly pulls away F Am Gm C So I leave here back through the darkness from which I came Bb F It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on Bb C We sure gonna get there and it won't be long Bb basic Harp tab -1 2 -2 -2 -3 -4 -4 3 : -1 2 -2 4 -3 -2 -1 2 4 -3 -2 : -1 2 -2 -7 -6 5 4 -4
@spencergay...Wow HUGE THANKS FOR YOUR Fantastic breakdown of this perfect video and song by the amazing duo....So glad I persevered (ongoing as it is) and found your content in Comments..
I am curious how many views this video has gotten?To me it is probably one of the best I have ever viewed,every now and then your just watch a video time and again and enjoy it everytime!
Norton Buffalo was one of he reasons I started playing harmonica seriously. His opening phrase on Steve Miller's "Living in the USA" changed my life. One of the baddest song intros in rock history. And every harp player worth his diatonic has tried to crib his masterful solo on Bonnie Raitt's cover of Runaway. Brilliant! Underrated giant.
Underrated by who?
Norton Buffalo was VERY special to our family and my Father played harmonica in a similar style. He was part of our growing up and the music he gave us still gives back every day. When my Dad passed I emailed Norton and told him how much he meant to us and him. Norton took the time to email us back and sent us a gift. He was a special person and if you were fortunate enough to know him count yourself lucky.
Norton was a very important part of SF bay area music in the 70’s. His time with Commander Cody and Steve Miller Band were highlights in my eyes.
One of the greatest harp players who ever lived. R.I.P. Norton. You are definitely missed.
I feel so lucky to have been able to see Roy and Norton together before Norton's untimely death. I've seen lots of acts in my days and nothing more intimate and electric than these two together
I found Norton Buffalo and his band while on a visit to Portland, Oregon, back in '78 or '79. Saw them on "Austin City Limits" one night. Ran right out the next day and found the "Valley of The Moon" album on vinyl. Been listening to it ever since!
These guys were amongst those "unsung heroes" of the lost avenue of country-folk music that had started back in the sixties. For any of us that still love that music...could you imagine seeing Peter, Paul & Mary and Norton Buffalo together in concert?!?!?! How awesome would THAT be???
Off that "Valley of The Moon" album, there are only two songs I don't greatly appreciate. Fire up "Nobody Wants Me", "Eighteen Wheels" or "Another Day" and I become that fool that you just WISH would shut the f**k up and STOP SINGING (because I can't carry a tune in a tin bucket!)!
I met Norton as a small child growing up in Novato. He knew my family and my mother took the picture for Valley of the Moon. He use come to our house all the time. I use to hear him at many parties in Sonoma in the 70's. Anyway, I was fortunate to see him a few years ago and give some photo albums of his Konocti shows. Long live Norton...
Had the pleasure of staying at an Airbnb in California that was owned by a good friend of his. Our room was covered in beautiful memorabilia in tribute to him. We put this song on while we looked at his photos and read about him. Made our stay that much better❤️
Wow! I would love to stay there. Did you know about Norton beforehand?
@@BoazKimMusic unfortunately I did not!! It made me kind of sad that I had never heard of him. It was a wonderful experience to learn so much about such a talented musician. Now I have lots of Norton songs on my playlist ♥️
Omg! This song is so more memorable than I can tell anyone in words. I knew him in his up and coming days. I love this song he did near his near end of life, and to Me is so sweet. Will be played at my final. I I have it written it in my wishes. I am 64 now and not in good health and this song gives me such comfort. I was one of the rare ones in the early years to know his Non-Stage name. Miss him and his talent so much
I'm a budding harp player who had heard of Norton Buffalo and even seen a few clips. What I didn't realise is what a skilled and tasteful player he is. I see from his website he was a man of integity too. Although he's gone I have a lot to learn from this man so thank him wherever he be. It's going to be fun.
I will spend the rest of my life celebrating the lives of great souls like this one. I love you Norton... keep on shining your light! See you on the flip side.
Like both them 💪
Saw both Norton Buffallo and Roy Rogers, live, but not together. I’m from Northern California and worked in The Valley Of The Moon, so I remember hearing Norton on the radio constantly from 1977- through the early 80’s on once great Santa Rosa radio station. I actually took radio DJ class, from Ed LaFrance, who owed and ran the radio station, in college, long ago. Last night I started thinking about Norton and thought I had his music on my trusty good old iPod & sure enough, I have both of his solo albums, Loving In The Valley of The Moon and Desert Horizon. I also have his amazing harp solo with Bonnie Raitt, on Runaway & Steve Miller Band and Elvin Bishop, who I saw frequently, all of them live.
Years ago l had the pleasure of interviewing and photographing Norton. He had high praise for Roy.
"...don't you cry now... " Wow. And how can we not? Thanks Bob for making this amazing video and posting it for all of us who loved Norton. What a beautiful soul. We will all miss him.
I remember as a kid trying to figure out his solo on Bonnie Raitt’s Runaway not realizing he played 4 different harps, switching them out as he played. One of my top favorite harp solos of all time. What an amazing talent and a great spirit who left us too soon.
Say the song is in e , so you can solo in a , draw in d harp , e blow in e harp , which other key harp am I missing?
@@LeonNachu According to Buffalo, the 4 harps were F, Eb, Db, and C in that order.
life goes on but norton's music will live on in america's history RIP to roy never forget his your time with norton because it is the one thing you can not get back
DANG ! That was beautiful. RIP Norton,you are missed, and remembered.
This is probably my favorite of all of Norton's songs. I was so glad when this video was uploaded. The opportunity to listen to Norton in concert was a gift from the universe - every time.
Heartbreaking to know Nortons Gone ...cried a bit when I watched this ...forgot how much I liked his unique voice ...Just Beautiful. Hey Roys no "Slouch" either
I miss him so much! He was such a special talented man. Thank God, He live on in his music and our memories.
I will have this song playing at my funeral (already directed). Such a special message.
Just found out he passed. Met him in Boyes Hot Springs when I was a kid on Holiday. What a kind gentleman. May the Lord Hold you in the hollow of his hand before the devil knows you gone. Beautiful song.
This song gave the inspiration to write my speech for my grandmother who died last tuesday morning !!!
His harmonica never overwhelmed, it just made all the music better. The best of the best team players.
I saw NB playing w Steve Miller Band in 1978. What an amazing multi instrumentalist. Just wow.
The best "white" vocalist of almost 64 years ..
Burl Ives and very few others during the 1950's with folk music. We were able to understand the words..
.Later comes Norton Buffalo...From 1950 in Mill Valley and 1959 in San Anselmo to Saratoga and 8,000 hours in Fed work on the Fla. Keys of "recovery.".
And returning to Sonoma County finally in 1974 in 1982 NortonBuffalo shows up and makes babies, and a home in the Sonoma Valley..
And we could not stop ourselves for access to Norton Buffalo in shows within Sonoma County..
Great soulful feelin' in every single note. Never enough listened after many many years . With Norton
❤ here ❤
We were fortunate to have seen these two brilliant musicians perform together twice at the Palms Playhouse in Winters Ca. Hard to believe it`s been 14 years since Norton`s passing.We miss him so much.
Hi to all. I'm from Argentina and i play the harmonica since more than eighteen years. I have listened a lot of harmonica players, including the most popular, and i can tell you, Norton is in my top 3 harmonica player of all time. His tone was amazing, his technique, but, over all, his rythm. He was an oustanding musician and did amazing things with this little instrument. And, beside that, a great singer and composer too.
Greetings and sorry my english.
Eterna Locura Your English isbetter than my Portuguese any day, and you know great music when you hear it!
Crying too.....from the loss and the beauty of this duet. RIP and in Glory , dear Norton.
Just read that he passed, vell the angels need some wonderful harmonica too,thanks for sharing your genius. R.I.P Norton. Miss You
Norton did an Austin City Limits show way back around 80. He and his band had the entire hour. Totally blew me away. I’d never heard of him before, but I watched!! Wow!! It’s still one of the best ACL shows I’ve ever seen. Been a fan ever since. Someday I hope to find the Valley of the Moon. RIP.
That harmonica is part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks for the music.
Norton had such a unique voice, I am glad we all had the opportunity to have him share it with us. RIP
This is real ... country blues ... excellent musicianship, camraderie, honesty ... the worries I have today seem less important now ... thanks for this post :-)
I have appreciated Nortons music, since I was young! In high school I used to sneek into the Great American Music Hall to go see them and dance all night long! I've also seen him in another concert , with Elvin Bishop. What wonderful memories!
Lucky you. Able to live where u could sneak into GAMH
this is so beautiful its tearing me up RIP Norton :(
It's hard for me to believe I've just heard this for the first time, I must have replayed it 50 times already, and I'm in tears
I feel so blessed to see such talent on the sofa in his later years! Feel like I'm sitting in the chair across for them!
R.I.P. Norton, What a great song! Thank you Both Forever!
Music with so much feeling, thanks for sharing your spirited gift with those who understand and those who in time will understand.
Always loved these guys.
A real tearjerker.
Vale, Norton, you were the classic gentleman.
Have never heard either Roy or Norton...AWESOME!
Did you know that Norton was close to death when this was recorded? Terminal lung cancer. Every time I watch it, tears well up. I got to see both of them together and separately. Great musicians and great people.
@@billiam8270 yes tears came to me as Recent fan....I wondered how he was gone as he is younger by two yrs than myself an ageing beginner harp player...Tears continue to flow but saved by the way he can express our emotions with a little box and huge love and ability...as Jon Gindick mentioned...I think..we may all come back as music....Norton sure has for me..
This man wa so tallented - i just cried when I saw this and remembered how he made me smile. From his very first album release when I knew him in Oregon...
Never get tired of this track, it's absolutely beautiful !!Somehow it makes me feel like I knew Norton and subsequently miss him... I guess that's because his lovely spirit shines through in his music :O)
I got to know him a bit back in the 70s, he would frequent and play at The Saloon in Yountville (Napa Valley) hella nice guy.
Proud to count both of these men among my friends. Rest In Peace, Norton. Miss you !
I just met the guy and already falled in love. great peace of art
This is so unbelievable good ! This is 100% music ! I love this duo!
Every time I listen to this song I cry. Miss you and thank you for leaving us with your gift.
My absolute fave by Norton & Roy. When they did it "Live" you could almost hear a pin drop. Still gives me chills remembering their great chemistry on stage, on CD, and now in this video. Thank you for sharing this musical gem.
Thank you! *Norton Buffalo - September 28, 1951 - October 30, 2009* - Shared on Google+, Oct. 30, 2018
I was supposed to meet him in 2009 ... just a little too late. :-(
So great. Your music touches the heart and will always be remembered. RIP Norton.
GRANDE GRANDE GRANDE GRANDE GRANDE GRANDE Norton sei un GRANDE ciao Norton
The Valley of the Moon continues to grieve.....miss u Sir..RIP
This is magic, isn't it?
Saw these guys in Oz many years ago - unforgettable - but this song rates as one of the best.
I saw Norton many times when the Arrowooods owned the valley of the moon saloon on hwy 12BHS..with stogy horn and Elvin Bishop,,the good ole days....Johnny Mcfee and Clover.....
The breadbox will be full forever!
The absolute best. Made my day today.
언제나 들어도 정말 좋네요. Thank you ~ !
Thanks so much for posting this video! My wife and I loved Norton's music so much - and this is probably my favorite song.
for ever Norton Bufalo !!!!!!!!!!!
R. I. P. Norton, I love you!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Of the relatively few videos we have of Norton, I think this one may be my favorite. The intimate setting, Roy providing such a beautiful backdrop, and Norton's voice and harmonica. Wonderful. R.I.P. Mr. Buffalo, you will be sorely missed.
It doesn't get better than this...! ! !
Thank you for sharing this with me....
It touched my heart...
WOW... THAT'S A BIT SPECIAL !!!
Straight into the favourites folder goes that one !!
Fine music from these gentlemen.
Rest in peace Mr. Norton Buffalo.
Very tasteful harmonica playing.
excellent synchronicity...the feel and the vibe ..spot on
Fantastic
ya diez años !!!!!!!!! genio !!!!!!! siempre vas a estar presente!!!!!!!!!!
Soul !!! Thank you thank you
love and miss you buffharp. Love ya Roy! Blessings and thanks for making this video!
so long norton never forget you!!!
Miss u Norton Buffalo :) very much
Not sure anybody ever played better than Norton......
Long Hard Road
Norton Buffalo and Roy Rogers
F Am Abm Gm C
F Am Gm C
As the train leaves the station and slowly pulls away
F Am Gm C
So I leave here back through the darkness from which I came
F Am Gm C
But don't you cry now, don't cry mama. 'Cause I'm not afraid
F Am C Gm C
Cause I can see the light, off in the distance, and the tracks are already laid
Bb F
It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on
Bb C
We sure gonna get there and it won't be long
F Am
Rain clouds above me, they keep on pouring down
Gm C F Am
I think they understand they're tryin' to wash away the sorrow,
Gm C
so that the sun can shine upon the land
F Am
Through all of my life, my fame and my riches,
Gm C
something's been missing that I could not find
F Am Gm C
But there's a train, a train to glory, soon I'm gonna have me, have me peace of mind
Bb F
It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on
Bb C
We sure gonna get there and it won't be long
Harp Solo
F Am Gm C
As the train leaves the station and slowly pulls away
F Am Gm C
So I leave here back through the darkness from which I came
Bb F
It's been a long hard road that we've been travellin' on
Bb C
We sure gonna get there and it won't be long
Bb basic Harp tab
-1 2 -2 -2 -3 -4 -4 3 : -1 2 -2 4 -3 -2 -1 2 4 -3 -2 : -1 2 -2 -7 -6 5 4 -4
@spencergay...Wow HUGE THANKS FOR YOUR Fantastic breakdown of this perfect video and song by the amazing duo....So glad I persevered (ongoing as it is) and found your content in Comments..
Simply beautiful
My lord how how good, thank you
Merci pour cette très belle chanson...
I miss you Norton!!!
SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
so sweet..you'll be with us forever
So fine...
Great song. Miss you, Norton. God rest your soul.
I love the passion in this song !
Lovely job.....nice harmonica.
sure do miss Norton!
Love Norton Buffalo
If you have listened to this more than once you have Great Taste in Music.
norton Buffalo un authentique Harmoniciste que j'admire.... parti trop tot
awesome, truly great
I am curious how many views this video has gotten?To me it is probably one of the best I have ever viewed,every now and then your just watch a video time and again and enjoy it everytime!
Violão voz e gaita traduzindo o significado da arte...
Guitar and harmonica voice translating the meaning of art ...
doesn't get much better!!
Heavenly
Oh so good you guys were a great match seen you want to be you all at the same time keep rocking
Real nice !
damm, this is beautiful
The man was not singing ,he was praying!!!!!! R.I.P.
Norton ❤
Nice song
GOD, that's Sweet!
Fantastic!Thank you:-)
Awesome!!! Lovely voice and song:)
Grandma mary