My husband loved him . I seen in Wichita when I was a kid my husband was so jealous. When I'd come to his house he always put Jimmy Spears on a turntable it was love making music so they're both in heaven now and I hope he gets to meet him and hear him sing
I first heard Jimmie back in 1973 in college. Never saw him sing live. I still have my vinyl LP’s of his and still play them. I came across this just now & love this. It’s beautiful, my husband & I love his music. This is for my husband in the afterlife. ❤😢
I bought the album this song is on because of the cover. Never had heard him before. What a stroke of serendipity. What a voice. If Peace were a person, its name would be Jimmie Spheeris.
I bought this album also because of the cover, and like you had never heard of him. But am so glad I did find this album, it can relax you and just take you away.
I had read about Jimmie Spheeris but one snowy Saturday in Jan of '76, while playing in a band in Morgantown WVA, the snow forced the closing of the club. A group of us watched mesmerized as Jimmie and his band wove magic on DON KIRSCHNER'S ROCK CONCERT. Very shortly afterwards I bought ISLE OF VIEW and THE DRAGON IS DANCING. I later bought ORIGINAL TAP-DANCING KID and PORTS OF THE HEART when it was released. I played these jewels for whoever would listen. It is gratifying to hear these wonderful albums again and realize his magic is still touching us. Thanks for posting these-especially the live recordings.
Kerry Loeb... I just came across your comment and it's a real pleasure to meet an Alumni of the Lawrence Opera House. I was a back-stage manager at the Opera House when Jimmie played there. I'd not really listened to his music until after he performed. I was, as so many other's were: blown away. Incredible talent Jimmie was. I'm a long time Guitar player and it took me forever to figure out he was doing so many tuning variations that gave him his incredible sounds. Plus, that amazing voice. I also bartended downstairs at the 7th Spirit and the Sanctuary, if you lived in Lawrence, you will know. I lived right at 9th and Tennessee and off Iowa, when at KU. We had so many great concerts at the Opera House. I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't meet, if you lived in Lawrence or spent any time there. What a blast from the past. Remember Winfield, Kansas, Guitar pickers and player's fantasy land. Take care and hope you're well.
@@kerryloeb3656My name's Michael. Remember Jerry Cuthbert or Zimmerman and Dave. They were older and managed the whole House. I worked backstage with the band's, loading and unloading equipment and setting up for their gigs. Mostly I was getting stoned. Haha Wow.... I was usually the guy getting busted. LOL I'm sure I heard about the drug bust you're referencing, but there were so many. Do you remember Gordon Hedman and Roger, surely you knew Witt Shea, a hippie lawyer with no clients, practically lived at the Spirit. Hahaha They were with the Huns motorcycle gang from Connecticut. I was always with them and they were always at the Spirit. My God, how many drinks have I had at the Eldridge, about the only class in Lawrence at that time. How about Quantrill's saloon, everytime I went in there I'd get in a fight.... usually with one of the Amerine brother's, mostly Rance. What a dick! Haha Ace Johnson, the Sanctuary owner, came to several concerts and made me a great offer to bartend and book local talent for the upstairs and out on the deck. Remember how beautiful the Sanctuary was, built into the surrounding trees and I guess you could call forest/wood's. I hated when they started doing the Disco and dancing, maybe 76/77? Made a fortune there. Remember the Liquor card's? They'd scratch off drink prices and when people were broke they'd bring in @ 50 with just barely a few cents on each. Hahaha Hated that. The 18 Bars with 3.2 beer. Parties at Lake Perry, me and a bunch of girls and guys dropped Acid one afternoon and took a boat out on the Lake. The stars were like strobe lights, we paddled for hour's and realized we were 10 feet off the shore. We tried to leave and drive back to town but we couldn't figure out how to get out of Perry. Sorry, just haven't had these memories for a long time. I'm sure we've met, would've had to. You're the first person I've ever communicated with online about Lawrence and the Opera House. What a great place it was then. Almost a half century ago. Toss me some memories, if you want sometimes. Take care Kerry. The second Kerry I've known. The other was Kerry Livgren with Kansas.
@@pistolp01 Wow Michael. This brings back some memories. Some of those names ring a bell, especially Witt Shea. Certainly Ace Johnson. Loved the Sanctuary, it really was just that. Such a great feel. We'd always head up that after we'd get tired of drinking piss-water at the Stables. You weren't the only one dropping acid in a boat at Lake Perry 😇. I almost ran somebody over in the water while tripping, a very close call, as they allowed me behind the wheel. I loved bartending the Eldridge -it really was my introduction to Lawrence living. The Elks was a bastion of racism and I recently wrote an essay about Lawrence which starts off with being told by the elite racist Elks officers to not serve Gale Sayers and his wife when he showed up for dinner (he had returned to Lawrence as an asst. coach/ consultant). We all served him anyway and the story unfolds from there. That was sort of the beginning of the end of my Lawrence days. You might enjoy reading it as I think it gives a decent impression of what living in Lawrence was like in the early 70's. Just send an email to kerryloeb@gmail.com and I can send to you if you want. I also wrote an essay recently centered around the Bird and Wes Kabler. Did you know him and the Bird-the great late night dive-bar hangout (that is still there, as is Wes)? I remember the drink cards and all of the bizarre liquor laws that were always spearheaded by the Mennonites in Western Kansas. Are you still living in Kansas now? I moved to Mexico 5 years ago and love it.
This is crazy. Seems a lot of KU fans here. I lived in Naismith Hall in 1978. Missed you all by a couple yrs. Anyway, I couldn't remember his name and took me over an hour to remember JS. I treasure his music with some of my favorite memories with my first love. So amazing to hear him sing in here.
I never thought I would ever hear a live version of this song since Jimmie has passed, but lo and behold. Thank god for the internet sometimes, I swear. This is my favorite song in the history of songs, and this version just feels so special. Thank you so much for preserving it.
Saw Jimmie the first time at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1973. Then again in 1975 in Norman, Ok and Oklahoma City. Huge fan of Jimmie. Huge part of my youth memories. Totally cosmic.
i bet we crossed paths at some time :-) i went to see him every time he showed up in oklahoma, tho most were in tulsa. he did lots of great concerts there :-) amazing man with an amazing voice and talent. this is my fav all time song of his. I am the Mercury...
@@clrok I first saw Jimmie back up for Dobbie Bros! In OKC! They were Boo'd off the Stage! Never to return! Jimmie became a Legend! Saw Him on His B-day, with M. Blues! Were You There?! also Ozark Mtn. Music Festival, on a Sat Nite! Were You There!? I am a Musician and His #1 Fan! I play many of His songs for My audience! They are Shocked! 😎🎸🎶🎶
Never heard a decent live version of him playing this. I have the album. First heard it in my early twenties & felt as if I'd entered some sacred sanctuary! What a pleasure to hear this! Thank you for uploading it (-:
@@groovengravyHe dedicated this performance to L. Ron Hubbard. On the same tour, he dedicated another performance of the song to the Lizard People of Danebulon Nine. True story.
It's just as much fun except the year and our age are about the same but who cares. pass me a doobie and sit back to enjoy him then and now. Peace and Love shall overcome.
I have legendary Jimmy Shannon from the Diskery in Birmingham to thank for turning me on to JS doubt I would have been exposed to such brilliance without him .
He was my favorite in the 70's. Caught only one of his concert stops however. Sad he had to leave so soon and so young. That voice was ELECTRIC and he moved like a snake, as if he was doing Thai chi or other marshal art discipline on the stage. He said his mom used to say, "Jimmie why rock when you can roll, why walk when you can stroll."
I never got to see him but heard him in college in Boston and i have adored his music since then...he is so soulful. Thank you for sharing this. It is so nice to know he is appreciated as I always thought he is timeless.
Just stumbled across this recording and it brought some great memories as well as a tear or two. I do not even recall how I initially discovered Jimmie so long ago, but I know I still have a couple of his LPs in boxes upstairs (from when I had a working Technics turntable!). His music is both moving and ethereal though I admit, I was surprised to hear the dedication at the beginning of this unique live recording. If he got something out of LRH, so be it. Glad it helped him to stay alive and write more music. Just wish he was still around. Never got to hear him live, and this was a surprising joy to listen to. Love the ending with his backing band. Wow! Thanks for posting this Mr. Universe!
The catch is, Hubbard never was blinded and crippled as claimed. I got the true story from two people on separate occasions who were in the military hospital with Hubbard. Both said it was a lie. I knew Jimmie and he like so many others in $cientology bought a pack of lies. But it's a wonderful song.
I bought Dragon is Dancing from a second hand shop in the early 90's - don't know why. His music, lyrics and voice transports me still to such a beautiful place. Just here hunting to see if there was anything I could pass on to a musician friend who's playing reminds me of him. Where is he now?
if you are asking where Jimmie is...he's no longer with us. Motorcycle accident, not his fault (drunk driver) took him from us one terrible day July 4, 1984. Life is just not fair, we needed to hear his voice longer :-(
Do you have the full show or do you know if someone else does? Do you know if any shows were filmed? I saw him in 1976 in Columbia, MO, and it was one of (if not THE) best show I've ever seen. Thank you!
L. Ron Hubbard died in 1986. Spheeris died in 1984 before Hubbard. Hubbard could not save Spheeris from riding his motorcycle and having an accident that killed him. But Spheeris' music that he left behind is good regardless.
Most of the artists we love lead lives that completely contradict the beauty & inspiration they give us. The examples are endless! That's why I rarely ever look into their private lives by reading biographies or what have you. The art remains untouched that way (-:
I have to thank my friends sister Tammy for introducing me to Jimmies music. Have all the albums. Ever grateful.
My husband loved him . I seen in Wichita when I was a kid my husband was so jealous. When I'd come to his house he always put Jimmy Spears on a turntable it was love making music so they're both in heaven now and I hope he gets to meet him and hear him sing
How you figure "in heaven" ?
@@AMEER-114- well I know my husband's there just hoping and praying Jimmy is too
You didn't say how you "KNOW"
Jimmy is straight gold.. only true music people know about him
I was at this concert, it is an amazing memory. It’s sad that he died so young in a motorcycle accident.
My late first wife and I went to the concert early and stood about 20 feet from JS for the entire concert. Was really powerful.
I first heard Jimmie back in 1973 in college. Never saw him sing live. I still have my vinyl LP’s of his and still play them. I came across this just now & love this. It’s beautiful, my husband & I love his music. This is for my husband in the afterlife. ❤😢
This is fantastic, had to play twice to believe how good it is.
I knew his estranged son Jim. He just recently passed away and he was an AWESOME guy. Looked like him a lot
I bought the album this song is on because of the cover. Never had heard him before. What a stroke of serendipity. What a voice. If Peace were a person, its name would be Jimmie Spheeris.
That is such a beautiful comment! And so true.
I bought this album also because of the cover, and like you had never heard of him. But am so glad I did find this album, it can relax you and just take you away.
Jimmy was a spaceship who took my friends and I onto another sphere and changed our concepts of music forever. such powerful soul and dimension.
I had read about Jimmie Spheeris but one snowy Saturday in Jan of '76, while playing in a band in Morgantown WVA, the snow forced the closing of the club. A group of us watched mesmerized as Jimmie and his band wove magic on DON KIRSCHNER'S ROCK CONCERT. Very shortly afterwards I bought ISLE OF VIEW and THE DRAGON IS DANCING. I later bought ORIGINAL TAP-DANCING KID and PORTS OF THE HEART when it was released. I played these jewels for whoever would listen. It is gratifying to hear these wonderful albums again and realize his magic is still touching us. Thanks for posting these-especially the live recordings.
As,l , will I remember, some times.
What
Live recordingS ?
Its ONE SONG.
I saw him at the old Free State Opera House in Lawrence, Kansas in 1973/74. I still listen to his music sometimes and it still uniquely moves me.
Talk about an obscure location for JS to perform in. Sounds like the perfect venue for a concert. I’m jealous.
Kerry Loeb... I just came across your comment and it's a real pleasure to meet an Alumni of the Lawrence Opera House. I was a back-stage manager at the Opera House when Jimmie played there. I'd not really listened to his music until after he performed. I was, as so many other's were: blown away. Incredible talent Jimmie was. I'm a long time Guitar player and it took me forever to figure out he was doing so many tuning variations that gave him his incredible sounds. Plus, that amazing voice. I also bartended downstairs at the 7th Spirit and the Sanctuary, if you lived in Lawrence, you will know. I lived right at 9th and Tennessee and off Iowa, when at KU. We had so many great concerts at the Opera House. I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't meet, if you lived in Lawrence or spent any time there. What a blast from the past. Remember Winfield, Kansas, Guitar pickers and player's fantasy land. Take care and hope you're well.
@@kerryloeb3656My name's Michael. Remember Jerry Cuthbert or Zimmerman and Dave. They were older and managed the whole House. I worked backstage with the band's, loading and unloading equipment and setting up for their gigs. Mostly I was getting stoned. Haha Wow.... I was usually the guy getting busted. LOL I'm sure I heard about the drug bust you're referencing, but there were so many. Do you remember Gordon Hedman and Roger, surely you knew Witt Shea, a hippie lawyer with no clients, practically lived at the Spirit. Hahaha They were with the Huns motorcycle gang from Connecticut. I was always with them and they were always at the Spirit. My God, how many drinks have I had at the Eldridge, about the only class in Lawrence at that time. How about Quantrill's saloon, everytime I went in there I'd get in a fight.... usually with one of the Amerine brother's, mostly Rance. What a dick! Haha Ace Johnson, the Sanctuary owner, came to several concerts and made me a great offer to bartend and book local talent for the upstairs and out on the deck. Remember how beautiful the Sanctuary was, built into the surrounding trees and I guess you could call forest/wood's. I hated when they started doing the Disco and dancing, maybe 76/77? Made a fortune there. Remember the Liquor card's? They'd scratch off drink prices and when people were broke they'd bring in @ 50 with just barely a few cents on each. Hahaha Hated that. The 18 Bars with 3.2 beer. Parties at Lake Perry, me and a bunch of girls and guys dropped Acid one afternoon and took a boat out on the Lake. The stars were like strobe lights, we paddled for hour's and realized we were 10 feet off the shore. We tried to leave and drive back to town but we couldn't figure out how to get out of Perry. Sorry, just haven't had these memories for a long time. I'm sure we've met, would've had to. You're the first person I've ever communicated with online about Lawrence and the Opera House. What a great place it was then. Almost a half century ago. Toss me some memories, if you want sometimes. Take care Kerry. The second Kerry I've known. The other was Kerry Livgren with Kansas.
@@pistolp01 Wow Michael. This brings back some memories. Some of those names ring a bell, especially Witt Shea. Certainly Ace Johnson. Loved the Sanctuary, it really was just that. Such a great feel. We'd always head up that after we'd get tired of drinking piss-water at the Stables. You weren't the only one dropping acid in a boat at Lake Perry 😇. I almost ran somebody over in the water while tripping, a very close call, as they allowed me behind the wheel. I loved bartending the Eldridge -it really was my introduction to Lawrence living. The Elks was a bastion of racism and I recently wrote an essay about Lawrence which starts off with being told by the elite racist Elks officers to not serve Gale Sayers and his wife when he showed up for dinner (he had returned to Lawrence as an asst. coach/ consultant). We all served him anyway and the story unfolds from there. That was sort of the beginning of the end of my Lawrence days. You might enjoy reading it as I think it gives a decent impression of what living in Lawrence was like in the early 70's. Just send an email to kerryloeb@gmail.com and I can send to you if you want. I also wrote an essay recently centered around the Bird and Wes Kabler. Did you know him and the Bird-the great late night dive-bar hangout (that is still there, as is Wes)? I remember the drink cards and all of the bizarre liquor laws that were always spearheaded by the Mennonites in Western Kansas. Are you still living in Kansas now? I moved to Mexico 5 years ago and love it.
This is crazy. Seems a lot of KU fans here. I lived in Naismith Hall in 1978. Missed you all by a couple yrs. Anyway, I couldn't remember his name and took me over an hour to remember JS. I treasure his music with some of my favorite memories with my first love. So amazing to hear him sing in here.
I never thought I would ever hear a live version of this song since Jimmie has passed, but lo and behold. Thank god for the internet sometimes, I swear. This is my favorite song in the history of songs, and this version just feels so special. Thank you so much for preserving it.
Echoing your thoughts & feelings completely Kelly. Jimmie will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Saw Jimmie the first time at Oklahoma Baptist University in 1973. Then again in 1975 in Norman, Ok and Oklahoma City. Huge fan of Jimmie. Huge part of my youth memories. Totally cosmic.
Wow I saw Jimmie 5 times at the Boomer in Norman. I always had to be peeled from my seat when the shows were over. Best voice I ever heard.
Thomas thats where I saw Jimmie in Norman. Several times. I will never ever forget Jimmie❤ LET IT RAIN!🌧
That was home turf for Jimmie Norman KGOU was unrelenting for playing his songs around 74 -75. I saw him in Tulsa around then Spellbinder
i bet we crossed paths at some time :-) i went to see him every time he showed up in oklahoma, tho most were in tulsa. he did lots of great concerts there :-) amazing man with an amazing voice and talent. this is my fav all time song of his. I am the Mercury...
@@clrok I first saw Jimmie back up for
Dobbie Bros! In OKC! They were Boo'd off the
Stage! Never to return! Jimmie became a
Legend! Saw Him on His B-day, with M. Blues!
Were You There?! also Ozark Mtn. Music
Festival, on a Sat Nite! Were You There!?
I am a Musician and His #1 Fan! I play
many of His songs for My audience!
They are Shocked! 😎🎸🎶🎶
Never heard a decent live version of him playing this. I have the album. First heard it in my early twenties & felt as if I'd entered some sacred sanctuary! What a pleasure to hear this! Thank you for uploading it (-:
You still haven't
@@groovengravyHe dedicated this performance to L. Ron Hubbard. On the same tour, he dedicated another performance of the song to the Lizard People of Danebulon Nine. True story.
I just discovered this. Sounds very good.
Used to love passing a doobie and listening to this album in my dorm room 1971
It's just as much fun except the year and our age are about the same but who cares. pass me a doobie and sit back to enjoy him then and now. Peace and Love shall overcome.
I Love Jimie Spheeris and have since 1974. Wonderful music! Thanks!
I have legendary Jimmy Shannon from the Diskery in Birmingham to thank for turning me on to JS doubt I would have been exposed to such brilliance without him .
what a treat. never heard his voice in a live recording. everything i hoped and more
Check out this full, live concert from 1974, Denver, CO -- lasts an hour and 42 mins: th-cam.com/video/b8eTSc3bKeU/w-d-xo.html&feature=emb_logo
I miss you.
Saw him in the early 70s before he died. Amazing ❤
So. .
You saw him BEFORE he died ?
Got me through college. Best make out album ever.
I haven't listened to Jimmie's amazing music since my vinyl wore out years ago. Many thanks to your TH-cam channel for keeping it his music alive.
I have to say, I don't think anything could get me to dedicate a song to L. Ron Hubbard, but whatever floats your boat....
He was my favorite in the 70's. Caught only one of his concert stops however. Sad he had to leave so soon and so young. That voice was ELECTRIC and he moved like a snake, as if he was doing Thai chi or other marshal art discipline on the stage.
He said his mom used to say, "Jimmie why rock when you can roll, why walk when you can stroll."
Beautiful song
Saw him often in Boulder and Denver...ONE OF A KIND.
Midnight Express channel just uploaded a Spheeris performance. Great quality. The guys really good. I dedicate this comment to L Ron Hubbard.
Seriously?
I just want to savor it. Listen to all the lyrics,
RIP Jimmie 😢
I never got to see him but heard him in college in Boston and i have adored his music since then...he is so soulful. Thank you for sharing this. It is so nice to know he is appreciated as I always thought he is timeless.
Incredibly beautiful!!
What a wonderful artist.
Just stumbled across this recording and it brought some great memories as well as a tear or two. I do not even recall how I initially discovered Jimmie so long ago, but I know I still have a couple of his LPs in boxes upstairs (from when I had a working Technics turntable!). His music is both moving and ethereal though I admit, I was surprised to hear the dedication at the beginning of this unique live recording. If he got something out of LRH, so be it. Glad it helped him to stay alive and write more music. Just wish he was still around. Never got to hear him live, and this was a surprising joy to listen to. Love the ending with his backing band. Wow! Thanks for posting this Mr. Universe!
Saw him 3 times early 70s, one of my best friends grew up with Johnny Peirce, bass player in Crooked Oak ok.
The catch is, Hubbard never was blinded and crippled as claimed. I got the true story from two people on separate occasions who were in the military hospital with Hubbard. Both said it was a lie. I knew Jimmie and he like so many others in $cientology bought a pack of lies. But it's a wonderful song.
I bought Dragon is Dancing from a second hand shop in the early 90's - don't know why. His music, lyrics and voice transports me still to such a beautiful place. Just here hunting to see if there was anything I could pass on to a musician friend who's playing reminds me of him. Where is he now?
if you are asking where Jimmie is...he's no longer with us. Motorcycle accident, not his fault (drunk driver) took him from us one terrible day July 4, 1984. Life is just not fair, we needed to hear his voice longer :-(
Do you have the full show or do you know if someone else does? Do you know if any shows were filmed? I saw him in 1976 in Columbia, MO, and it was one of (if not THE) best show I've ever seen. Thank you!
What a voice. Too bad the audio recording wasn't better. Still not bad for the time.
L. Ron Hubbard died in 1986. Spheeris died in 1984 before Hubbard. Hubbard could not save Spheeris from riding his motorcycle and having an accident that killed him. But Spheeris' music that he left behind is good regardless.
aaaargh! A scientologist! what a bummer
John Parker thought the same, but don't think it was so intense back then. In fact, wasn't it dianetics?
And if LRH saved his life - until some drunken asshole took it away -- we were the richer for it....
He left it.
Most of the artists we love lead lives that completely contradict the beauty & inspiration they give us. The examples are endless! That's why I rarely ever look into their private lives by reading biographies or what have you. The art remains untouched that way (-:
He was a Scientologist in the early day's- as were many musicians in this time. He eventually fell foul of Scientology shortly before his death.
Moody,
Where is the rest of the album that this came from?
You say above...
"an evening with Jimmie Spheeris"
@@charlesdyal1956 this is a live performance
I.O.V. is his first studio album...not a live album
The live album came out 2000 on Rain Records. Very difficult to now find and goes for big bucks.
"An evening with Jimmie spheeris" recorded at Shaboo in Willimantic very hard to find, apple music used to have it
David Campbell and producer made this song work. It sadly sounds stupid when he brings it onstage and talks about his religious cult following.
Lol you might want to research David Campbell a bit. Jimmie brought the magic to his music.