Jerry Jeff Walker: -We've Lost A True Legend 

What's your favorite Jerry Jeff Walker song? I absolutely love Charlie Dunn, Gettin By, Pissin In The Wind, Mississippi You're On My Mind, Backslider's Wine and countless others. I really could go on for hours about my love of his music, but I'll shut up and listen to you. What are your favorites?

Viva Terlingua saved my life back in my teen years. He died on my 60th birthday.

Thank you so much for this story. Jerry Jeff was one of my heroes and inspirations in the 70's. I am 75 and I still think about him.

I’ve been mourning for years. Thanks my brother, beautiful stories 🙏

I started getting into Jerry Jeff last year. And its turned me on to so many others like him. I love Jerry Jeff. RIP

25 Years old, grew up on JJW riding with my Dad. I’ll never forget the day JJW left us, I weeped the entire day.

Jerry Jeff ....my boys and I sang the pickup truck so many times Saw him and met him...my ultimate Country Hero Thanks

I have a picture taken with him, just happened to walk up to him by chance at Luckebach. Early 80s. What a great smile. Never forget what a gentleman he was.

JJW is a life changing artist for me. He's exactly what he wanted to be, famous enough to have a song covered by more musicians than anyone. Yet hardly known by any current country / folk fan today. Hearing his song on the car radio before he knew we're he was heading? Incredible, driving Jimmy Buffett to Key West? The man had a life only a King could dream of. He's just a perfect storyteller that you knew, he's been there in every song. I'm just thankful he followed his passion for life and gave us all the gifts he did. Thank You Jacky Jack, your an inspiration to me. His live shows were just like his recordings, great. Ride High Cowboy, you deserve it! Not many songs of his I don't Love, besides the obvious great ones, "Little Bird" "David and Me" "Morning song to Sally" are some Bell Ringers!

Otis Gibbs your music and story telling create a true Americana tapestry. You're a treasure. Please never stop, yer the real deal man. Peace.

Back in high school I confessed to a friend of mine that I'd never heard of Jerry Jeff Walker. He looked at me with a face of contempt and played Sangria Wine for me. Loved JJW ever since. Viva Terlingua is an all time classic album.

Otis, I used to work at the Texas Department of Transportation, and we did a TV public service announcement with Jerry Jeff and his two kids about school bus safety. A few days later, I went with another person to Jerry Jeff's house to have him record a few radio PSAs. I had scripts, and he recorded those. But then he decided that Woodie's song "Car-Car" would fit, so he did a few lines from that, then said, this is Jerry Jeff Walker, saying to watch out for kids getting out of buses on the road..." And then he said, "I'm going for some watermelon." And with that, he walked out of the room, and we didn't see him again. So we left his home and drove off. But that's not all... A few miles down the road, we saw a place selling snow cones, so we pulled over and got in line. The guy in front of us had his sone with him, and he was wearing cutoffs. We started chatting with him, then realized it was Joe Ely. ...But that was South Austin for you. Ha!

2020 has been rough. Lost John Prine, and now Jerry Jeff. All of my favorites are gone or getting long in the tooth. The Hag, Cash, Waylon, Rusty Weir, others gone. Willie, Ray Wylie, Shaver, Gary P all aging. Brings home to me how even at a young 64 years old, I'm on the back side of the hill and it's gettin' steeper. Always a Jerry Jeff fan, I guess for me the Gettin' By song or Stereo Chickens both sum up what always drew me to Jerry Jeff Walker music. He was the epitomy of the Cosmic Cowboy , and led the scene that came out of Austin back in the early 70's. Carefree, light-hearted, who gives a damn music. How can you not bust out in a big ole grin when you hear Jerry Jeff music. Music always changes, like the times and the direction of the wind. I get that and it's a good thing. But sadly there aren't a lot of great musicians doing great original music these days, so who's gonna fill those bootprints? Nobody knows, but I hope all the musicians keep picking and writing and we keep getting new stuff to listen to. Music heals the soul. Always has. God Bless Texas and Rest In Peace Jerry Jeff Walker.

" He looked to me to be the eyes of age ". Genius lyrics. For some of us Mr. Bo Jangles will always be our Amazing Grace.

My buddy Wes Hilyer used to tour with Jerry Jeff. He talks about it like those were the best years of his life, wayback. He's not online, he's an aging street musician...but I know Jerry Jeff is deeply mourned by an old friend.

...Me n Jerry Rode a LOT of miles together right out of HS in the 80s! ...I will have to pop a top and celebrate the life of a native "Leavin Texas" for the last time ...wow!!! ...what a prolific songwriter!! I am not a top 40 C&W fan for the most part but that TX/Mex Blues and western that comes out of the Hill Country has a dope smokin C&W life of it's own. The arrangements don't often make the top 40 but it is one of the best exports to ever come out of the state RIP Jerry Jeff my long time drinking buddy! ...

I love That Old Beat Up Guitar! And so many of his tunes are wonderful. But if I had to chose an absolute favorite, I'd have to go with Morning Song For Sally! I miss Jerry Jeff a lot.

Since the late 60s - early 70s Jerry Jeff has been a part of my musical experience!! THANK YOU for all the wonderful music !!! Rest in peace old friend...

Hey There Otis... I mostly knew Jerry Jeff as a dear and long friend to my dad Ramblin' Jack.... We're so sad to have lost him this week... There's some great footage of JJ in a new documentary film about my dad called Texas Ramble that oughta be comin' out some time soon.. Anyway I liked your tribute... I'm mourning too... Stay Well! - Aiyana Elliott

I've loved Jerry Jeff Walker since the 70s. I've played his album Viva Terlingua 100s of times and I never get tired of it. RIP Jerry thank you.💞

Jerry Jeff’s music has been in my life since my Texas Tech days in the early 70’s . My wife and I went to many of his shows in Gruene. I lost het in 2019 and now Jerry Jeff. I’ll sit on the patio today and remember...no thinking, just remembering with a big ole Sangria. RIP compadre.

Otis, your remembrance and admiration of Jerry Jeff was so heartfelt and sincere my eyes welled up as our collective loss struck home, Scamp Walker time is over. A brilliant word monger. He aquatinted us to so many lovably unique characters starting with his telling of Mr. Bojangles. As he said what record company wouldn't be doubtful anybody would want a record about an old drunk and his dead dog. Jerry had that ability to shine a light on the soul of a man. Tell it again Stoney. Wondering how old Charlie's bin. He made legends out of the everyman. To me he was one of the heroes of this country, so why's he all dressed up like some old man. Lines so perfect, so honest and so moving. I listened all day to his words of wisdom, his kick the doors down rockers and his heartache of tears or is it rain. His insightful phrases will forever open our eyes to how a true artist sees the world. RIP Jerry Jeff Walker, you are a giant of a talent, now and forever😔

Man, I was sad when I found out Jerry Jeff Walker had passed. Saw him live at Tulane University in New Orleans in 1977. Loved the experience. Viva Terlingua was and still is one of my go-to records. As I’ve grown and found out about the making of that record and of JJW’s musicianship, I’ve learned to appreciate him more. How I wish I could write him a note to tell him how much he’s been a part of my life!

Hey Otis IMet Jerry Jeff in 93 in S.F. ZZZ i saw him about10 times.He will be missed God Bless Him

Jerry Jeff Walker, his songs played a big part of the man I am today. Growing up, sometimes the world felt like it was about to get the best of me. I was so unsure of myself, unsure of just were I was to fit into this crazy world. I did what I had to do to make it. A good drunk with hours of Jerry Jeff Walker on the stereo gave me the strength to keep at it. Getting by, on getting by, that was also my stock in trade. His music gave me the inspiration to never give up and I made a good life for myself in the end.. RIP Jerry Jeff Walker

Just seeing this Otis. I used to travel up state to The Birtchmerein Arlington Va whenever Jerry Jeff was there. He had close friends in (Great Falls) I think and would stay with them whenever he played there. One night I was sitting at the table right in front and late in the show, I asked him to sing My Old Man and he did it for me. When he finished it, he was obviously emotional. He leaned into the mic and said “Train time” and left the stage. One of the great times in my life!

He was one of a kind and touched a lot of artists over the years. Todd Snider did a 2 hour online celebration of life playing his songs. He is really struggling today. Thanks for passing on the stories Otis. The memories keep him alive.

Further on, and up the road Otis! Seems like as we age these huge Legends in the music of our youth, and of course present life included, are leaving us...a hard reckoning for alot of us, Man, they were Magic when they played...and still are. My greatest wish is that the new generation of music enthusiasts will get their own legends, and understand the founders also...and I saw a t-shirt my buddy has that I get a chuckle out of..."I may be Old, but...I got to see all the best Music"...To the bar somewhere where they are all tuning up for the afternoon show today, Jerry Jeff and the band are ordering their first beer of the day...and tonight it'll be a knock-out show in Heaven someplace...Many Thanks Jerry Jeff Walker, you really left us something behind...😔😶😯😟

I first heard J.J.Walker in the early 80's allway's been a fan I learned to play & sing ten or so of his song's...think ill pull down the ax and remember Jerry Jeff R.I.P. BUCKAROO

Just finished "mile marker 125" Saturday Man...4/20/24...you always take me to a good place...and beyond. NYC

Jerry Jeff Walker was a true master of the guitar and vocals 😊

RIP GONZO! I have tears in my eyes Awesome awesome tribute TYTYTY My first JJW song was Up against the wall then LA freeway. One of my biggest regrets in life (musically) is not going to see Jerry Jeff live. there is only one crying in my beer country song I will listen to on purpose is I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight! Excuse me while I wipe me tears! TY again!

I loved this man. Now, day is less light.

Man i am enjoying your talks. I am a nobody Songwriter and i have walked some of the same trails . Makes a songwriter feel all warm inside. I am not alone.

In about 1974, I drove to Columbus, GA to finally get to see Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff, and another guy that was the opener. Willie's bus (the other guy was with Willie) was late so Jerry Jeff became the opener. He was so drunk he messed up lines and ended up throwing his guitar over his head off the back of the stage. In spite of all this , he was still great. Saw him several more times over the years both with his band and by himself. Love most all of his songs, but I always especially like to hear him sing the line from the song "Lovin' Makes Livin' Worthwile"----- "But you can tell them ol' Jerry Jeff said it's OK". RIP Jerry Jeff!

I found Jerry Jeff Walker though Jimmy Buffett. Jerry Jeff Walker is one of those artists that doesn't fit into any one genre he was his own genre. His voice is so awesome it could stop a charging rhino. Thank you for this video!

I read where Townes took JJ home once, and Townes’ mom didn’t think he was well mannered, due to JJ not introducing himself and his salty language. Mr. Bojangles is one of the few songs that can’t be overrated. It’s a folk monument. Thanks again, Otis.

He was Born in Oklahoma his wife's name was Betty Lou Thelma Liz he's not responsible for what he's doin his Mother made him what he is..... sigh RIP Jerry Jeff this Oklahoma singer will never forget you.

'Get me off this LA freeway' perfect metaphor. I also love the way David Bromberg did Mr BoJangles. Best cover!

Sad days. I will always love 'Eastern Ave. River Railway Blues' and 'I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight'. Always stop me in my tracks. Thanks for this tribute.

JJW was a true American Original. I first heard from a friend when I was in college around 72-73. He was playing Viva Terlingua and I heard Gettin By and Little Bird and the rest and I was hooked and never missed a record since. I got to know him and Buffett around the same time. Great that his music lives on.

First time I heard Mr Bojangles was when Sammy Davis Jr performed it on TV in the early 70s. I was a kid and I can remember how strongly it hit me. Of course it was many years later before I discovered Jerry Jeff and learned it was he who actually wrote it. Learning that made me an instant fan and I've been a fan since. Thank you for the stories.

Viva Terlingua inspired and motivated me to move to Austin in 1974. Never got tired of hearing Jerry Jeff’s music. Yep, he was the real deal.

One of my favorite Jerry Jeff songs is My Buddy from A Man Must Carry On. Go listen: The nights are long Since you went away I think of you All through the lonely days. We will miss you ol buddy.

Thank you Mr. Gibbs, listened to JJ for many years. Anyone who spent time hitchhiking in the 60s is aces in my book! Did some myself back then. Mr. Bojangles always brings a tear.

Otis: scamp walker time again one my favs. thanks for the stories .

I went to TCU because of Scamp! Have to admit the very first time in 74 at Tim Smith's house I hear , Hill Country Rain!! And that was that, Jerry Jeff's baritone voice, fun party lyrics , great band , That Jazz record he put out!! Is awesome too!! GOD SPEED JERRY JEFF, I have tears in my eyes..lost a good life long friend..

Great video Otis. I really got to love country music through Jerry Jeff. A guy I worked with from Texas turned me on to him and I never looked back. Saw him several times. Class all the way. He left the world a better place.

Jerry Jeff Walker truly one of a kind. He will be missed.

Otis thanks for a nice tribute to JJW. His lyrics and score composition were masterful. What a picture they painted. So many JJW songs that bring a smile to my face, and a tear to my eye. We will miss you Jerry Jeff. Like you told us… for now we have to, “let the high times carry the load.” R.I.P.

Jerry Jeff Makes me happy. Saw him in College in Wisconsin 1976 and in 1989 in Houston

This year...sucks Prayers for his family and friends. 👍😎❤🖖

Viva Terlingua is one of my favorite albums of all time by anybody and London Homesick Blues is my favorite song that he ever recorded. He may not have written it but Gary P. Nunn was playing in the Lost Gonzo Band backing him up. RIP Jerry Jeff.

I used to see Scamp when he played Wolf Pen Amphitheatre in College Station back in the 90's. Then would catch him each year in Gruene at Christmastime. Always fun, always the best time. I'd give a boot full of hundred dollar bills to see Jerry Jeff at the Armadillo World Headquarters back in the day. He should have made radio airplay much more than he did - totally underrated.

I am glad you mentioned Jerry Jeff's connection to Guy Clark, whose compositions he championed and career he brought the spot light upon

Hey Otis I woke up this morning to find your tribute to Geri Jeff just like a week ago when I woke up on a Saturday morning to find out that he had passed great job my friend I loved his music and his style Viva Terlingua Viva Jerry Jeff Walker Heavens gain another great singer songwriter musician what a hell of a band up there

Hi Otis -- I live here in Indy like you. I just wanted to recount my first Jerry Jeff concert. It was in a church (maybe Episcopalian) In Greenwich Village, NYC in the late 1960's. The audience sat in pews and the admission was small enough that I had it in my pocket. It may have been a free show for all I remember. I was visiting my friend Steve Weeks (RIP Stevie) who was a student at Columbia University there. David Bromberg was his accompanist so we heard a master story teller and a master guitarist. A magical evening. I saw him again down in Austin when I lived there, but that was a bar gig and not quite the same. Don't know why I wanted to share this but here I we are. -- Bill

Ridin high was one of the first albums I ever owned 1979. Nearly wore the grooves out of the album. RIP #jerryjeffwalker your music will last forever

Jerry Jeff is the gift that keeps on giving. In life, as well as in death. Reading the stories that people have to say about him (like these by you) the songs they like, what they were doing when they heard this song or that song or when they first heard him or saw him live. All of these are gifts that are keeping him alive. He’s still here, and he always will be. RIPJJW

I just heard. Shit. Jerry Jeff was someone I grew up listening to and loving. I'm gonna listen to Desperados. And sit in the kitchen and cry....

RIP,Jerry Jeff Walker..🙏🏻❤️… I wish I had lived near him back then.. the lead guitarist ,and one of my best friends, in one of the 4 bands I was simultaneously playing bass in had a nickname for me..”GC” ..( Goodtime Charlie) because of my propensity towards massive doses of nose candy ,bourbon and tequila… I might’ve given ol’ Jerry Jeff a run for his money..😳🤣 Thank God that I found a great woman whom I eventually married and claims ( truthfully) that she tamed me…❤️ I always say that I just got tired… haha.. Shame that I didn’t have a tenth of JJW’s talent… but to quote another krazy man…”Life’s been good to me so far..!” Thanks once again,Otis..! Your shows are a big part of my days lately..👍🏼❤️

Thanks for the tribute. I agree with that - Desperodos Waiting for a Train, although it's a close call with Willie Nelson's version of the Clark classic.

When I was a teenager centuries ago, I was listening to the David Bromberg album "Wanted Dead Or Alive" where he covers Mr Bojangles. And he tells the story about how he played with Jerry Jeff Walker who authored the song. I had never heard of JJW and one day in a record store saw the album Walker's Collectibles and bought it. I loved that album. A number of great songs. But my favorite is, "I Like To Sleep Late In The Morning." In fact, I think I'll go listen to it now.

I like the song "Contrary to Ordinary" that Jerry Jeff sang, The Pickup Truck Song, Mr. Bojangles, and Getting By on Getting By. I love them all!

Facebook friend of mine "checked in from Katy, Texas today. Navajo rug popped into my mind. I sang it for a while, then brought it up on RU-vid, then shared it on her post. Searched for your comments on him. Here I am hearing.

He had a great style all his own. His music would just grow on you easily. Jerry Jeff may you have a wonderful journey on the other side.

I was a true friend of Rusty Wier. His last month on earth Rusty was at his oldest son's house in Driftwood, Tx. Many friends would visit often. Jerry Jeff was there a lot. He and myself were with Rusty the day he died. A small crowd including Bob Livingston was there when he passed. We were all singing Rusty songs during his last breath. It was at Jerry Jeffs request. He was a real true person. A.D.Jackson

I am so sad to hear of his passing. We grew up with JJW. I can recall there being 4 generations all sitting around listening to him, everyone knew the words to the Viva Teralingua album. That would be hard to do today. We have seen him live a few times mostly in the bay area. A couple of years ago we traveled to Austin, I made it a point to find Capital Saddle, where used Charlie Dunn worked. I intended to have a pair of boots made, I figured it would cost $1000 or so. Im not rich, not even comfortable, but it seemed like the thing to do. Well, they said the boots would be at least $5k. I became much less eager to get the boots made. Keep up the good work Otis. I enjoy your storytelling.

Thank you for your touching recollections, Otis. I first became aware of JJW during my own "contrary to ordinary" days back in the 70s, while I was traveling throughout the US, especially the Southwest. Now, as I live my ordinary life, I continue to be moved, haunted, by his lyrics and music.

Wow, R. I. P. to Jerry Jeff Walker. What a rare man and a rare spirit. Awesome stories Otis. Thank you for sharing.

Last Friday was a very very sad day. ANOTHER LIGHT went out of the world with the passing of Jerry Jeff Walker.My two favorites are GETTING BY and DESPERADOS WAITING FOR A TRAIN. WAITING FOR A TRAIN reminds me of the days in Key West when I was a little kid and would hang out with my grandfather. CAPTAIN TONY'S was the Conch version of THE GREEN FROG CAFE(for the uninitiated, a Conch is a native-born Key Wester.).I can relate GETTING BY. During the 80's,90's,and the 00's was about all I did.Or so it seemed. Your music and stories will live on Mr.Bojangles. Bless your memory.

Got to see him at Outlaws& Legends.Wanted him and Gary P rock out.They didn't but that's cool.Love 'em both. Desperados waiting for a train.Best cover song ever.

Years ago (90s) while at school, I saw Jerry Jeff in Lubbock, and I doubt he remembers being there. However, 4 years ago he played in my hometown of Valentine, Tx (pop. 130) and it was everything I could have hoped for. I will never forget it. God bless Jerry Jeff. We will miss you. Love "Charlie Dun".

loved his music so around 1975 i bought tickets for him & guy clark in NYC .He was on first & was so drunk he could only sing about 5 songs before falling down & passing out.Thanks to Guy we had a super long show to make up for jerry jeffs crappy one.I still enjoyed his music but never looked at him the same again.

I've been lucky to see Jerry a few times was able to do so in Lake Charles LA before his passing. It was as good as any show I've seen previouslyand you could tell the man was still happy and loving life.

Thank you for this video, I haven't completely processed Jerry Jeff's passing yet. He's been a musical hero of mine for years, I was in my early twenties, searching for something similar to Gram Parsons at my local flea market record booth , I went there every week and Bob , the guy that ran the booth recommended Jerry Jeff, I picked Viva Terliqua, went home, listened and fell in love with it. That was the first album I ever heard that made me feel like I was in that place, a spectator, a participant , I loved it, I couldn't stop listening to it, if Sangria Wine don't let you know you've arrived at the party nothing will. I never met him, and I've never been to Texas, but every time l listen to that album, I'm hanging with Jerry Jeff and Hondo Crouch, in Luckinbach Texas. It's as good as it gets.

Jerry Jeff Walker will be missed. Found him in my teens. His music rode with me as I crossed the country. R.I.P. Thanks Otis.

I first heard Mr. Bojangles by JJW himself in the mid 60's on the original KPFT late at night with my radio and pillow speaker while I was supposed to be sleeping but couldn't. I was hooked on Jerry Jeff from that moment. I already had all his albums before the world was rocked by Viva Terlingua and continued on. He even brought me to Jimmy Buffett, whom I pray he is pickin' & a grinnin' with again.

I feel like Hank Williams tonight. My husband introduced me to Jerry Jeff. He saw him in New Mexico in ‘75. JJW was thrown out of all 3 bars in town that night. I was proud to meet JJW while he was holding Camp Belize in his beloved San Pedro, Belize. He and Susan came down yearly and his fans followed him. They are wonderful guests, holding picking sessions in local bars, fund raisers for local charities and supporting local businesses. JJW supported our SAGA Humane Society by passing his hat during Mr. Bojangles . Our island mourns for the loss of our friend.

Jerry Jeff's music and lyrics just tore me up and down, he touched my heart and soul and I loved him.

Jerry Jeff ,Townes and John Prime Wow, the creme de la creme of American song writers , folk guitarists ,performers and free spirits..It's great listening to your storys Otis ..!

Very nice tribute to JJW. I am from Texas and we love Jerry Jeff. Listening to his music, sure brings back many happy memories. RIP. JJW

I wrote this to Jerry Jeff 2 years ago, and am adding to this excellent playlist the Chuck Pyle song Jerry covered, Jaded Lover. 198something. I was living a footloose life as a ski instructor in Crested Butte CO, doing all I could to participate in local arts and culture with my time and effort while having no dinero to contribute. Musicians, theater types, drug dealers; everyone knew each other, and I fell in w a pie-in-the-sky kind of guy named Jake Jacobs. His big idea was to promote a Music Festival. A Big Idea whose time might have come, I jumped in with both feet. Hosting a music festival was the happening thing @ winter resorts, Telluride Bluegrass had been going strong for a decade or so. We knew in our hearts the funky Butte had way more heart and soul than glitzy Telluride. What better way than a homegrown festival to prove that point? Jake got busy schmoozing the local deep pockets. My part was to build the local buzz. I had a few radio connections, including involvement in a local group trying to start a public radio station in CB. So most of my radio pals jumped on the music festival train. Plenty of crazy-ass twists and turns later we had a venue. It was a beautiful valley among the high peaks. It was also a cow pasture. No stage, no utilities, no road, but plenty of elbow room. One of our "deep pockets" decided we were going to do things his way, We were so far into it after a year, we yielded. 6 months later we have a full 2 day schedule of performers, a stage, some security, a dearth of marketing, and a headliner from Austin. I am the "master of ceremonies," addressing an audience of 200 and several empty acres. That's when I met you. We talked of life... Actually we spent a few minutes backstage figuring out your intro, and commiserating about the anemic turnout to the 1st Annual Crested Butte All Star Music Festival. You finished off the festival solo, on a high note, much appreciated. Jake and I thanked the "crowd," and together vowed there would be a 2nd Annual. That is not my best memory of the festival. Later that night I got a call, "better get down to the Eldo." What? Its a Sunday night, during low season for ski resorts, and the whole town is winding down from the Festival. However, CB etiquette dictated that one does not disregard a call like that. You might miss the one event destined to be the talk of the town for months to come. So I moseyed over to the Eldorado, a narrow locals' dive, a whole block from my apartment above a tiny victorian home. And there, to my wonder and amazement, Jerry Jeff Walker was playing an impromptu benefit for the Festival. What a heart in that man. The next time I saw you was a show in Grand Junction, CO. You invited Chuck Pyle to join you on Jaded Lover. Did you know Chuck passed 2 years ago? Apparently drowned while fishing @ a local pond. Always ride your horse the way its going...

Thank you for the stories about Jerry Jeff Walker. May his memory live on.

The same story jjw told me in luckenbach Texas and no one believed me, thanks brother, Semper Fi and Erin go Braugh

My dad played his stuff when I was a kid he passed and I'm still listening to Jerry thanks for the time u spent today on your thoughts as well sir!

I agree about Jerry Jeff. Some of the best concerts at the Palamino in Los Angeles and Austin. I just loved his music.

Viva Terlingua was a classic recording and in my opinion the birth of Outlaw Country.

I discovered Jerry Jeff as a kid in Sweden in the early '00s, as I started to rummage through my mom's collection of country radio tape recordings. 'Navajo Rug' and 'Blue Mood' would have been some of the first songs for me. That slightly rugged deep voice had such warmth to it. It just makes you feel alright about whatever's going on. He's stayed with me ever since. Be it beer-soaked sing-alongs, storytelling character studies or laid-back philosophy, you just get the feeling he knows the people he's singing about, and has a great affection for them. Even the outcasts and deadbeats. Well, especially them. Like 'Stoney'. Feels like walking right next to this guy who rambles on about his adventures on the road. I could listen to that forever.

Nightriider's Lament! One of my all-time favorite songs, and the only song I ever learned to play on a guitar. (Not much of a musician, me.) I love the contrast of "taking a different turn" in one's life, and finding something so basic and so uplifting, as a result of that choice -- like Frost's "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood....and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference." RIP JJ

Otis my man I am just discovering Jerry Jeff Walker and he is blowing my mind this is my dude. thanks for this man

You didn't mention Gonzo Compadres, one of my favorites. Hunter Thompson was a friend of mine, lived next door to him for a few years in the early 80's. In 90 I sold him a big assed red Pontiac convertible, he loved it. "So long senoritas, your salty tears flavor our margaritas". Cracks me up every time. Wonder if Jerry ever knew Thompson.

Okay, while I never knew Jerry Jeff Walker personally, outside of getting his autograph at a couple of different shows, I think this is a good Jerry Jeff story! In the seventies I was involved with the Jehovahs Witnesses (I wasn't a very good Jehovahs Witness, I will admit). Across the street from me lived one of the JW elders. One day my neighbors (also JW's) came home and saw Brother Elder leaving my house. "Hey, we saw Brother Elder leaving your place! Is he studying the Bible with you now???" they eagerly asked me. I replied, "Nah, he was just returning my Jerry Jeff Walker albums that he took and recorded onto cassette."..... You might have to be a Jehovahs Witness in order to truly appreciate the irony in this story! :)

Viva Terlingua might be country music’s Exile on Main Street.

One of my few piano sheet music pieces from when I was young, "Mr. Bojangles". I acquired it in 1979 and I cherish it today. ~ Pallas

Pick up truck song. Makes me think of my Dad. My Grandpa drove a Plymouth.

Fall of 1974, freshly married, I drug my new wife and best friend down to the Castle Creek venue to catch Guy Clark.I saw him and Townes Van Zandt there together and solo two or three times already and really was juiced to turn them on to Guy.Our table was right in front of the stage and so great to be watching Guy's show from. The problem was the people at the table behind us kept getting louder and rowdy with every song. This drunk guy directly behind me was the worst. He kicked me a couple of times and pushed my chair so hard, I spilt most of a beer . On stage , Guy was trying to get Jerry Jeff Walker on stage to join him. The dude stood up and hit me in the my head with what turned out to be a crutch. Well, that did it! Time to kick this dude's ass! I stood and half- turned around, and not 12 inches from my face was a smiling Jerry Jeff Walker! He said, " S'cuse me Pardner,", and pushed past me and climbed up the stairs to join Guy. I was astounded...! He was not THAT drunk, for he really nailed "Old Time Feeling" and " Desperadoes Waiting for a Train" and a few others. It was so cool to watch them tell stories and sing together! I was really glad i didn't whip that guy's ass...LOL I really love all the stories you share, Otis! It's truly a wonderful thing !!

Desperados, Up against the wall, Mr. Bo, really almost everything! Fun guy, from what I could tell, but had some "times" of my life lightened by him...thanks!

What am I supposed to say ? God, I could talk for hours about those records and that dead town I knew. I still have those records. They are treasures Im so saddened but so grateful for this human being who came along with a song. He brought the sunshine into my youth. Im still very touchy about his passing. So unreal. He is a National treasure. 💓🙏🦋

Mr. Bojangles is one of my favorites . I'm told he made Guy Clark's " L.A. Freeway" popular first ,don't know if it's true , but I like his version best . He will be missed .