Working for Billy Joe Shaver

I envy those that got a chance to meet the man. Gary, you were awesome on Norm's show!

I really miss Norm.

awesome

I could listen to him ALL day😊

Norm and Billy Joe were the greatest at their craft, and miss them both dearly.

Thank you Gary Nicholson for these stories and especially the early days when a traveling band was a ‘working class hero’ status. ‘Not getting paid’ has a long history and many ‘working class heroes’ have paid in blood, labor organizing such as the Industrial Workers of the World, or other more freelanced actions of resolve. ‘The Man’ has always been one to keep your eye on and not trust what he says, but what he does.
‘Talked in song titles’ sounds like a good number of writers too. Thank you Gary Nicholson for your playing, song writing, and producing; there a good number of us who know about your great volume of work.
Your ending story about climbing to a precipice to jump reminded of these lines: “You and I clamber up the rough path, drops gathered on lichen and granite. The wind blows rain in our faces. A dozen yards below our feet the escarpment drops away … I think of those secret lives forever hidden whose songs we will not hear. From one end of this valley to the other are nothing but reasons to live.” Thomas R. Smith, “Escarpment Trail,” in Keeping the Star.

Oh my gosh that was so enjoyable and I loved Norm McDonald and to get some Norm stories is the icing on the cake !!!

When ever your near Murfreesboro Tn. give me a holla..I have a few Beatles things to give you....Great video keep posting I will keep watching...

These videos are absolutely the Greatest for us old timers who grew up on these Legends music ❤!!!

I loved Billy Joe.

Happy Friday, Otis

Thank you for these interviews and bringing these stories to light. Many thanks to Gary for sharing them.
This is the good stuff.

Be good to you 🤍🙏🏻

✌🏼&♥️. 😂

Does my heart good to hear that Norm McDonald was a big fan of Billy Joe.

If it wasn't for your channel I would have never known about these artists and their music thank you for the interviews

I went to a Billy Joe concert several years before he died… He showed up in an older white Mercedes with the driver’s side side-mirror taped on with duct tape. I thought it was the perfect metaphor for him…

Eddie Shaver was such an amazing guitarist. What a shame to lose him So early. Like all that have passed, imagine what he would be playing today. Great interview. Thank you Mr. Gibbs.

Waylon says, "Do not bring a gun to a Dynamite fight"
Thank you Gary & Otis

Great piece, thanks. I can easily accept the “Old Chunk of Coal” story, perhaps as much because I want so much for it to be true as because it rings so true. Also the part about Billy Joe Shaver being lyrically gifted is so true. His command of the English language in its poetic form is as good as it gets—he’s working at a level like Lorenz Hart or Cole Porter, but in a slightly different vernacular. It is simply spectacular—it’s what turned me on to country music!

Great stuff!! I’ve seen the Norm episode with Billy!! Outstanding, norm said Billy hit him for suggesting a lyric change, Billy said, no, I didn’t, so Norm said, what did you say Billy said you suggest the lyric change, so I hit you in the mouth!!😂😂🐿️😎🐿️

Thanks Otis Gibbs

That must’ve been a serious dope deal

That pasture joke is perfect

Hey Otis ,did you ever know a family in Kentucky with the last name of Mercer?

It was nice to hear more of Billy from Gary. I saw Billy a couple of times during my stay in Austin. Once at one of the block party festivals in downtown Austin and at Antone Records, he was a character in the beat way. I really enjoy his music. TY Otis.

You have to think how big Waylon would have been without Billy Joe

Can Gary tell us what it was like working, writing and paling around with Delbert Mcclinton?

Thank you Otis. Really appreciate the effort you put in to bring us these videos.
I'm a songwriter from rural Australia and Billy Joe is one of the best in my book. Huge inspiration.

I plan on getting over there to meet some of the folks who knew guys like him and Townes while they're still around. I'll look you up when I do.
Feel free to check out a few of my songs on here- Scott Bennett Music.
All the best mate and keep at 'er

Wonderful. First time I heard BillyJoe with Eddie I lost my mind. Just the best.

Mr. Gibbs, for me, two of the greatest things a person can do is care and honor...you do that so well.

Gary is great!

You just can't beat Billy Joe Shaver. It's sad the way his wife passed away, then his son Eddy, but Billy Joe kept going. I have to believe that they are all together now and there is no more trouble for any of them in the sweet by and by.

"Billy Joe was gifted, it's not that he was crafting them...songs just appeared...he was a craftsman as well as a savant." How cool is that? And that "Old Chunk of Coal" saved his life. The 9th saved Beethoven. When he was going deaf around the time of the 5th he knew he had to keep living when he was suicidal cuz Beethoven knew he had more music in him. Gift for the world.

Sure enjoyed that you guys. I’ve got a couple good stories Billy Joe too, but I guess we all do. I’ve got a couple on Garr too!

Hes my songwriting hero. Along with Kristoffersen. Met Billy in 2005.

that Norm episode I think it was on Netflix, It was pretty epic.

I really enjoy your shows, I'd met Billy Joe a couple times, he came to our Record Shop in West Nash. as did Eddie. I only wish I could have known him.

Hi Otis,
Another awesome interview! Thanks for what you do!

I had the good fortune to see Billy and Eddy at a benefit concert for Brenda here in a little bar in Waco. Sat maybe ten feet away, back in the eighties. It seems maybe the legal fight over the estate is now over with Fred Fletcher handling it. I hope he duly respects the legacy of one of our best songwriters.

Well, won’t it JUST?

Excellent stories. Billy is a legend. Do yourself a favor and read his biography

Loved Billy Joe. I’ve closed many a show with “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” True words.