John Sebastian Musicians Hall of Fame Backstage, Part One. 

I met him at a NAAM show and I was the only person to recognize him as he sat quietly sipping tea. I asked for his autograph and he invited me to sit with him. We talked for 20-25 minutes before his rude woman came over and interrupted us. Super nice man.

I stood next to John Sebastian at LAX in the 1960's when he was checking in for his flight to New York to be the "Ed Sullivan Show" in January 1967. I remember he had these very 60's boots on, brown leather with some sort of fringe on the top 4 inches. Old memory, but it ties me to a special time and a special group.

John Sebastian is one of my all favorite musician and songwriter and vocalist!

I saw John open for Steve Martin in '77 or '78. I felt embarrassed for him that most of the crowd only reacted when he sang "Welcome Back," the theme song to Welcome Back, Kotter. His music of the '60s was SOOO much better than that. I wore out their greatest hits album.

John is a Master in Melody … It’s hard to frown while humming a song from John. Thanks for letting everyone talk.

I had a teen crush on John and still do. Love his music. Nashville Cats always makes me smile.

John played our towns festival back in the early 1990's. His backing band was Al Anderson and NRBQ! Great gig from both artists!

These are great episodes for an old Vietnam Veteran like me. I would have definitely been at Woodstock in 1969 if I had not been drafted and in Vietnam. No doubt in my mind. Thanks again Joe!!!

'Daydream' was surely the song that made Lovin' Spoonful. Maybe i'm wrong, but it sure made one of the classics of the 60's. Thank you so much. I'm71 now. Love to all Americans from España.

Sending much love to John Sebastian for all those wonderful songs, memories and good times. Love, light, joy, peace and blessings, dear John.

He didn't have to be so nice, we would have liked him anyway-and it's so sweet to know he can still paint rainbows all over our blues. Wonderful candid sit down with one of the real talents of the era! Thanks, Joe!

Nicest Pro Artist around... he toured with Robin Williams years ago and Robin just got a new Otari 8 track reel to reel to playback all his sound ques on. I was invited to he & John's concert in Madison WI to make sure there weren't any hiccups during the show w/the tape recorder. Obviously, this was many years ago having ques on an analog tape machine and editing w/razor blades and a edit block, and much longer fingers before I lear

I went to see "An Evening with John Sebastian"... His one-man show, playing his songs, telling stories, and just charming the audience to the core. I went away feeling like John was an old friend. And I guess, in a way, he is an old friend. Thank you Joe for your wonderful Backstage series! The BEST content on RU-vid!

this man deserves much credit for the wonderful songs he's written and sang.. john's story is like a fairy tale.. I hope that he feels appreciated.. you're great as well joe.. rock on

11:30 - John mentions the Holy Modal Rounders - I have one of their albums - you will hardly hear a word about these people these days unless you watch these amazing interviews - I am so grateful x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

"Do You Believe in Magic" was the first tune I played on stage in front of an audience. Thank you John and Joe, love you both.

Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back....and Congratulations. You deserve the HOF.

Many thanks Joe for featuring and interviewing one of my all time favourites John Sebastian in part 1. Much appreciated. Side note: Co-founder of Lovin' Spoonful Zalman (Zal) Yanovsky was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where I live. Stay safe Joe, thanks again, and now looking forward to part 2.

Awesome! I am a huge fan of John Sebastian ✌

Oh boy…..Joe, this couldn’t come at a more perfect time! I just started reading a book about the Spoonful. After reading part one, I had to go watch Sebastian’s performance at Woodstock. He was even better than I remembered. I just saw part two up and I can’t wait to watch it. JOE, God Bless you in all you do. You’re bringing treasures to us and we love you for it!!!!

This gave me chills I’ve always loved everything that’s come out of John. He even blew harp with the Doors when they were in New York Then there’s the 4 of us album Ok I’m going to spin some vinyl now…

I am a HUGE John Sebastian fan! Thanks for this video. Love the accompanying photos.

Great interview I am a big fan of the spoonful loved their music thanks

Been waiting a few days for this, knew you would come through. Few could 'create' a song like John Sebastian could do. Don't you sweat when you listen to 'Summer In the City'? Don't you feel whimsical listening to 'Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind'? Don't you feel for the guy when you hear 'Didn't Want To Have To Do It'? He's one of the few performers that I remember from my one day at Woodstock. Yes it was lightly raining, and humid, and muddy. The Spoonful's music was at the top of my list, and I still cherish those days. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks as always Joe!

Another home run Joe. Thanks for all you do!!

You’re the most Joe. John Sebastian is essential. Hangin’ on for part two.

Gosh I been wondering about him. So good to see this Joe. I opened for the Lovin Spoonful once but John wasn't with them at that time. He seems like a really good guy. Can't wait to see part 2 👍🏻😎

Joe, it was so cool hearing you talk about Matt Umanov's and John's Pizzaria (the greatest pizza) grew up in those places, I live in Woodstock now and I see John at the supermarket occasionally, I'm on my third time watching this interview, thank you so much Brother, you're the best...

Joe, I'll join the many others here in thanking you for interviewing John Sebastian, who has always been one of my favorites. I loved his Lovin Spoonful music and also his solo albums as well, which were beautiful. I still play them now and then. I'll look forward to hearing Part 2 and how he got on stage at Woodstock. Thanks Joe, very very great interview.

Your interviews are so good Joe. YOu ask a question and we get to hear all these wonderful stories and thoughts and you provide great follow up questions. I love when you insert pictures of places or people, records etc. of what the guest is talking about from close to the time frame they are talking about. Adds a lot. I would say these are like historical records for anyone learning or interested in the many facets of music through the years in America and abroad. From people who lived it and can provide details and insights that will be preserved for generations on. I find them very inspiring especially how people got started and their early years and clues to other artists to explore some not so popular but still influential. Greenwich Village for sure was a cauldron for so many people. John's insight into early Dylan is fascinating. Wonder what changed with him? The before the don't look back reference might be a clue.

Looking forward to part 2!

Thrilled indeed! Love J Sebbastian Wonderful interview so thank you 😇

✨’John & the Spoonful’ - a true ‘blessing’ !!! #🎶YoungerGurl’🎵😍🥊🥊 #ThanksJoe

*What a terrible place to stop!* Ha, showmanship. Just like a cliff-hanger at the Saturday matinee. You know everyone can't wait for the second part. "Nashville Cats" is a favorite of mine and the first thing I think of when I see or hear of John Sebastion or The Lovin' Spoonful. It was nice to hear more about how he had interactions with so many other greats. Great interview ('cept for the choice of when to break) :-) -- Thanks for sharing!

John’s a real treasure

Joe you are such a great interviewer..you ask pertinent questions then let the interviewee run with it and you never interrupt. Really appreciate your work..I learn so much from your great content. Cheers to you sir 🍻

Looking forward to seeing the rest of this interview. Mr. Sebastian seems like a very warm, engaging guy. These interviews are real treasures.

I’ve been waiting for this one!!

❤️ we LOVE you John Sebastian

Thanks so much for this wonderful interview.

Good one JOE. ✌🏻

Great interview, as usual. John is a wonderful guy. Left us hangin' though.

Yeeeeeeeessss!!! Perfect end to my evening and beginning to my weekend! Thank you!

That was GREAT! Plain and simple, TERRIFIC!! Thanks and keep 'em comin!

Good start Joelooking forward for part two..

My very first concert was John Sebastion, early seventies at Meadowbrook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills Mi.I was about seventeen,early seventies, we had no money and we jumped the fence to get in, never ever forget it,,,,,great fun

Always great stuff on the MHOF channel 🎸🎸🎸

Awesome, very cool thank you Joe Chambers I'm hooked!

Yet another terrific interview Joe! John seems like a really down to earth kind of guy. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to actually perform at Woodstock. Looking forward to Part 2... 👍👍

Joe your content is just so wonderful…thank you so much for sharing.

This is one of those conversations that will echo for many years to come A great archive, John is such a great artist and a most interesting fellow Thanks Joe for always finding the right questions and making it all so natural Awesome !

Joe y’all left us hanging!😂 Looking forward to seeing the next episode! Thanks for sharing!💫

Fantastic interview! I am looking forward to Part Two.

Just want to say I really enjoy your interviews. You have the stars, and the artists and musicians that didn't get all the limelight. I also dig your interview style and pertinent questions. Great job, keep them coming !

Great interview, Joe. Can't wait for part 2. It's a good thing I heard that story about Woodstock before or I'd be itchin' badly for the rest of it! ;)

Again Joe , this is great! I’ve never heard John speak ill of anyone in any interview. Such a positive guy. Would love to shake his hand. Also, your museum looks incredible. It’s been 40 years since I passed through Nashville. I need to get back there. Well done. Be safe and stay well. Lance

Another great one, Joe..favorite channel. All these folks I grew up loving.

Ooohhh nooo..!!! A cliffhanger..! John’s music always makes me happy..🌈Looking forward to Part 2..!!👍🏼

Another great interview Joe, you keep coming up with them. I was hooked on the Spoonful's music as soon as I heard Daydream. Summer in the City is certainly one of the great tracks but doesn't get the credit it deserves. John seems a really nice bloke and is a good storyteller. I liked the helicopter story especially. I remember the EP Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind' coming out in maybe 1966 and I loved it. It also had Jug Band Music and This Sporting Life plus maybe one other track. I've still got the EP and it's in an old record cabinet on top of a wardrobe. Shame. John is definitely one of my heroes and I'm sure a hero to many. Thanks Joe. Love your channel.

Saw John in concert Feb. 2020. I was in the front row about 5 feet away. He was great and his stories are so entertaining. Always wondered if he ever got paid for Woodstock since he was a highlight.

Great interview Joe!! Thx🤓

thanks Joe for having John on even if he never could write a song or play an instrument that man has one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen

Can't wait to see part 2!!!!

Great! Look forward to part 2.....🔥😎

Joe, john talks about jug band and that folkie stuff but... his first big hit was a swipe job of Holland - Dozier - Holland ( Motown ) Martha and the Vandella's Heat Wave song.. Thanks Joe..

Great interview

Sad to say, Matt Uminov closed his doors at the Guitar Shop a little over a year ago. I live up the street here in Greenwich Village. And was wearing a Matt Uminov Guitar T Shirt today! I was a regular in there. And his personal collection of mostly Gretsch Guitars was pretty amazing. You never knew who you would run into in there... Right? Such as yourself. Nice interview with John... Thanks. Keep up the great show here.

great interview!!

Joe: another great interview. As usual, you talk just enough for the guest to open up and talk about the stuff we want to hear. You always reinforce my theory that the best musicians are the best fans.

Glad to hear the Holy Modal Rounders mentioned. As an old timey acoustic duo they were the first to use 'psycho delic' In a lyric. Around 1963.

I am just a fan..but, love all the details of how the artist evolved! Thanks Joe! Always great interviews ❣

WOW about John S’s musical family. I never knew, but it really makes sense.

It’s impossible to see John Sebastian’s name and not feel joy, the man is the best :) When I tried my hand at song writing 10 years ago I wrote to him and he quickly sent back advice and motivation, then went out of his way to send my father and myself signed images. I’ll hopefully meet him one day and thank him for being the man he is to everyone, even a stranger from Australia :)

Great interview, Joe!

I loved the Loving Spoonful. It was partly the zany personality and Zal, but it was mostly creative because of John. Its lovely to have his witness years later as survivor and just how normal humble and human he is, thankful too i think. When you have that kind of success and fame and you still keep your head on your shoulders thats marvellous

So gifted love all those songs

I met John a few years ago after a wonderful performance in NC. He was extremely nice to us and generous with his time after the show. He signed several of my old Lovin’ Spoonful LP’s, a CD or two, and we took many photos while we were at it. John’s performance that evening was fantastic and his attitude toward all who wished to meet him afterward was what any fan would hope for. It’s always fun to meet an artist that you’ve listened to and admired for decades and then getting to see they are also great person as well. Thank you John for sharing your gift of music and your kindness towards your fans for all of these years! Your signed LP’s and the photos we took that evening are now permanently and proudly displayed in my music room among my collection of music memorabilia and instruments. You are a class act!

John is a longtime favorite, if for no other reason than his ongoing association with NRBQ

Excellent interview. One of the nuns who taught me in elementary school had an autoharp and showed it to us and played it a little. I loved the sound of the instrument, but it wasn't an instrument I had ever seen any of the pop musicians play. This was before the Spoonful. That instrument, despite it having a kind of a low class reputation, really sounded good on the Spoonful recordings.

I love John...a big part of my younger years and the music...omg...

Wow! Talk about a cliffhanger. I have John's vinyl with his Woodstock photo on the cover. Never knew the story. Met him and John Phillips in the mid 90s at Ryman Tin Pan South press conference. I was helping with a photo book called Music Row Dogs and Nashville Cats (stars with their pets) and he gave us his blessing. I think I have all the Spoonful vinyl. Can't wait for part two...

Back in the day there was a time when it was hip to be negative, as Mr Bob Seger pointed out, and there was more conformity going on in the music scene then there was in the U.S. Army. I have to be forever grateful for that otherwise I would never have discovered some of the most brilliant and wonderful artists and musicians ever. Starting with John Sebastian whom I still listen to pretty regularly, but other greats like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Doc Watson and Bill Monroe, a host of country crossover artists before it was the thing that were making it famous in small clubs all over the Rocky Mountains, who would jam on stage with some of the best folk singers, and on off nights get to see some of the elite Mississippi Delta blues artists cashing in on what notoriety they could get, all too numerous for me to count here (Sonny Terry & Brownie Magee come most to mind). It was the greatest time to be a music lover... Back In '72!

Sebastian. Thank you thank you, Joe!

This is really good interview

"You've Got A Friend In Me" #Timeless

I met John at a gas station in New Jersey. Nice guy.

Hi Joe ,oh iLOVE this ,love the Spoonful and especially John Sebastian ,I heard you mention the RARHOF ,I thought they were inducted ! Thank you for such great interviews as always ,you’re always so kind to your guests and to us fans too !You certainly do your homework ,and I agree w you ,I’m a huge Tom Petty fan too ,devastated by his loss !But what a gentleman here ,John Benson Sebastian

thanks Joe.

I really liked the Spoonful when I was young. (You got us again Joe👌) you're not from the Colonel Parker school are You? "Always leave them wanting more." Lol,

beautiful! i had no idea

❤️ Joe C its me Cindy, I’m getting more private but my genuine musical heart still must show its beat to one of my favorite channels!

Thanks again Joe, I served this band in 2004, Greenville, SC at a restaurant & they asked me if I knew who they were and I said no...then they sang "do you believe in magic " Very nice guys and they tipped well

Jug Band Music, great lyrics and delivery Nashville Cats also! Good stuff Joe. I love the theme music to your channel I find myself humming it all the time and may work up a version of it.

JS had the goods. He rolled like the late Rory Gallagher: His own artistically brilliant way & most in the music industry knew it too. As Rory, JS played by his own rules.

Always liked John. Good guy. I like that he was at Woodstock bet his bio would be a great read!

Looking forward to Part II. Mr. Sebastian is in my top 4 or 5 of singer songwriters.

Great interview Joe... and what a cliff hanger...

We'd seen Sebastian at McCabe's in Santa Monica I believe, at the behest of a friend and I went along under mild protest. What we enjoyed was just a man and his guitar and his stories, grand humor and an obvious love for performance. A benchmark for me will always be the multiple offerings of Sir Paul McCartney I have witnessed. McCartney was always having the most fun of anyone in the building. When a performer has that affect it saturates the entire crowd.

I remember seeing John doing an outdoor show in the early 80's with NRBQ , they backed him up on Lovin' Spoonful songs , I believe he ended up teaming up with them quite a few times after that..

Thanks so much for this one, Joe. My first rock concert was Rick Derringer and his band The McCoys at the Van Wert, Ohio fairgrounds in the fall of 1965, but in August 1966 my second was a double bill at the Ohio State Fair featuring The Lovin' Spoonful and Herman's Hermits performing on a stage in the middle of the rodeo arena. I was 15 and had already figured out that John Sebastian and his band were much better musicians and songwriters than Peter Noone and his group, and they proved it that afternoon -- especially on your favorite "Summer In the City," which hit #1 on the charts that August.