Running My Mouth About Blaze Foley 

I got turned onto Blaze by the amazing Lucinda Williams and her tribute Drunken Angel. Thanks for helping keep his flame burning.

When I first came across Blaze Foley, I listened to him exclusively for weeks. I couldn’t get enough. I would go to sleep listening to Blaze. Brilliant and simple…tender and gruff.

There are the obvious good ones, but a relatively unknown Blaze song that always floors me is “You’ll Get Yours Aplenty”

I would say Cold Cold World. Everyone says it's so sad but it makes me feel good to know that someone else can hurts much as I do sometimes.

I saw Blaze perform quite a few times in the early 80's in Houston and he was almost always accompanied by Gurf. Blaze used to crack jokes about Gurf in between songs. "If you see Gurf looking happy tonight" (we never did) "it's because he just got his journeyman carpenter license today". Y'know, just small quips and funny comments. The thing is, I can't remember EVER HEARING GURF SPEAK A SINGE WORD OR SMILE. (caps on purpose) In my memory, it seems as though Gurf would wear this translucent snakeskin looking suit. I don't know much about fashion but I always wondered if he liked the look or was it all he could afford? But I always thought that Gurf and Blaze were perfect together, like Batman and Robin. Later on, I was totally floored to hear that a Gurf Morlix had been working with Lucinda and she had won a Grammy. I had always wondered what had happened to Gurf after Blaze left Houston. I had slowly disconnected from the happenings in Houston music at that time. I figured maybe he was off building houses or cabinets somewhere. I still get sad about Blaze and Townes to this day. As I grow older I fear the the lore about the people and songwriters of that era will be lost forever - not many people are aware of it even now. Those guys were special. They were the real deal.

If I Could Only Fly is one of the best songs of all time. Merle Haggard's version is fantastic as well.

"I Should Have Been Home", "Clay Pigeons", "Rainbows and Ridges", and "Big Cheeseburgers and Good French Fries", are my favorite Blaze Foley songs..

Clay pigeons is one of the most perfectly written songs ever. When he says “ I’d like to stay but I might have to go to start over again” man, if that doesn’t hit you like a truck then something’s wrong

Thanks again, Otis, for another morning coffee accompaniment. You pick the fruit for your content that doesn’t hang so low. I truly appreciate your efforts in keeping our music alive.

Great one Otis! Clay pigeons is my favorite Blaze song, I'm not a big cover fan but Prine did an amazing job. Best of health to everyone!

I could build me a castle of memories Just to have somewhere to go

Thank you Otis. I’m a huge fan of you, Gurf and Ray and Lucinda and Blaze and all the wonderful artists you mentioned. Thank you so much - you are appreciated amigo

Blaze’s story is probably one of the most important stories from our little circle of music.

Always interesting, always cool. Nobody minds the extraneous noise. Sometimes the stories make me sad. I feel really sorry for the suffering Blaze Foley went through and the suffering he put others through.

It's 12 noon here in the south coast of Ireland and I'm down the rabbit hole of u tube always seem to come back around to folk music was that a fg 180 yamaha blaze is playing in one of those rare videos

i watched the Blaze Foley doc last night and really enjoyed it and his wonderful songs. I'd never heard his songs before and I was really missing something....thanks for turning me on to him and his music.

I first heard of Gurf while I was a volunteer DJ at a small non-con radio station. I put on his song “Were you lyin’ down(When you stood me up).” So great!

Thanks Otis, I didn't know Blaze but knew some of his songs. I like the way your heart goes out for the songwriters we have lost . 😃😎✌️🤟

Otis, it was you who turned me on to Blaze. I stumbled on to your account a couple years back and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Such incredible people you’ve had the great fortune to know and talk to. Gem of a channel. Keep up the great work. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

I first saw Gurf with Lucinda a couple of times here in Portland.always knocked me out ,so tasty always in service of the songs.a beautiful cat ,love his records a lot and I bet he would have been great to work with as a producer ...kinda reminds me of how Buddy Miller is ,very musical and sharp.Thanks man

my entire world is out of focus 😀

When my daughter was in elementary school she loved Gurf Morlix "Dan Blocker" and Kinky Friedman "Old Ben Lucas". My favorite Blaze song - "Clay Pigeons"

We put on a benefit to raise the money for the tombstone Blaze has now. Many amazing artists played that day. Timbuk3 were on tour so sent cd's and other merch we auctioned off at the benefit/bbq. I'd give anything to go back in time and have one more conversation with Blaze. I like Our Little Town but it's hard to just pick one. Thanks Otis.

Everyone loves If I Could Only Fly, and I do, too-but if I had to pick another Blaze song it would be Faded Loves and Memories.

Cheers Otis! Great talk.

For a couple of years my favorite guitar players were Gurf Morlix and Bo Ramsey, who plays with Greg Brown. Those were good years.

Thank you for introducing me to Blaze!

Drunken Angel sent me down the rabbit hole on who this song was about. I feel like i've read and listened to everything Blaze. If I Could Only Fly and Clay Pigeons are my favorites. His songwriting was a level above his peers of the time. His finger picking was also stellar. As a recovering alcoholic/addict it gave me a bit more understanding of Blaze I believe. It's all too sad and tragic to think about sometimes. I also had a cousin I was close to named Toby Anderson. Great picker/songwriter that was actually shot one time on stage. He lived only to die too young related to his addiction. His life was very similar to Blaze's.

I don't believe I've ever heard of Blaze Foley. It's just another fine example of why I subscribed to your channel. You always introduce me to artists I have never heard of and I love it. Thanks Otis!

Thank you. You've opened up my eyes to two musicians to check out.

Clay Pigeons is my fave Blaze tune. I was playing Blues on Tuesdays at Joe's Generic Bar on 6th St in ATX back in '87-88 and Blaze was usually at the end of the bar. Needless to say, I burned a few bones with him on breaks in the backyard. We had some interesting, pun driven story swapping conversations. The man was an epic poet, a lone troubadour, a lover of people and a rarely seen genius. He was a total trip too. I mourn the loss of him.

I heard of Blaze through being a Townes fan. The three cars I went through in high school all had Townes, Steve Earle, Tesla, some kind of speed metal, a lot of punk, or drivin and cryin absolutely cranking out of it. I was friends with the WoodShop teacher and worked at a sawmill on the weekends with him. He used to tell me that he could tell when I pulled into the school. He could hear weird music inside the building.

met gurf when grant peeples brought him down to sopchoppy, fla for a gig back in 2010. intrigued by his style and lyrics. he did a blaze tune that resonated and, voilah. thanks gurf. been trying to keep up with gurf ever since. he keeps my attention with each portrait he paints, and he's been productive. y'all are looking healthy, by the way...judging from the interview. hold it in the road otis. thanks. PS mas tacos black beans are to drool for.

I look forward to what you have to say every Saturday morning. I love the bird songs and all the background sounds . It makes it that more real to me. I can almost smell the coffee.

I love the background birds!

He got in his own way.That summes it up. ⚡TCB. Great stuff

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I hadn't heard of Blaze either until i stumbled onto Otis. I now go back and look him up and listen to those heart rendering songs of his. May he rest in peace. Thank you Otis.

i drink coffee with otis in the mornings , long live great music and the tails it tells.

Wow I didn't think I would hear a Timbuk 3 reference in this video. Thanks for sharing, I wish I could have seen him perform....

Thanks Otis! I really enjoyed your morning chat today. And I’ve had that Marty Robbins album for years. The background noises in your recording were barely noticeable, especially when one is caught up in the story.

Blaze must have been a force of nature when you hear what’s been said and the songs that have been written about him. Lucinda sure described him well. It’s very easy to be either overlooked or misunderstood in this commercial music world.

I get it. Blaze has always been a fav.

I love these Blaze Foley stories, my favorite song is clay Pidgins, and another great video would we be able to hear some of your music?God Bless🙏

I wonder if you have ever considered writing a book to encompass all the history in music that would be lost? With everyone you know and your kind heart it would be wonderful and epic. Blaze would like it.

Stopped about two minutes in, went and listened to Oval Room. Great song, great live performance. Fantastic picking and playing on that acoustic.

Its great when you can find the beautiful unknown

Thanks so much. Just found this and don't know why I missed it before. Part of the reason I picked up the guitar and tried to sing was the music of Blaze Foley. His songs could be so moving or funny or both. If Only I could Fly; Clay Pigeons; Oval Room; Big Cheese Burgers and Good French Fries. It really doesn't get any bette, and I'm still learning. It helps heal my soul to play them now. Such music is the best medicine.

Ghosts of Austin ... Huh... Hope you wrote that song. Great premise for a tune.

Picture Cards Can't Picture You, is my personal favourite..

Cheers (coffee), Otis.

This guy can talk and he is super creative. Otis interview with Gurf about Gurfs experiences with the late Blaze and Townes will be legendary.

I’m glad Blaze’s music lives on!.. He deserves it!

I remember the song Drunken Angel by Lucinda Williams from years ago. But I had never heard of Blaze Foley until watching this video even though that song is about him. I checked out his music and I find it and his whole story just haunting. I tried to get a copy of the movie Ethan Hawke did of the love story between Blaze and his muse Sybil Rosen. But it's not available up in Canada. If anyone knows where I can get a copy, that info would be appreciated. Thanks for introducing me to Blaze. His songs are just stunning!

Smoke break for the roofers

I love blaze he. Is such a great songwriter nd singer also my favorite song is ww3 or cold cold world or living in a house in a tree

Hey Otis, Live at the Austin Outhouse is an awesome record, and those backing vocals are really good. My two Blaze favourite songs are probably Clay Pigeons and Election Day. I like his intimate side and also his sense of humour. He was a fine songwriter.

And sad songs for us to bare ... im tried of runing around looking for answers to questions i already know

“If I Could Only Fly” “Clay Pigeons”

Big fan. Had I’d known there was a documentary, I’d watched it long ago. All I was ever able to find is the book his gf had written. A shame that Casey Monahan didn’t write one.

Sarah Elizabeth Campbell and possibly Champ Hood on those backing vocals

I emailed Casey Monahan, from the Austin American Statesman in 1989, a link to this video haha a quick Google search led me to an email address. a very beautiful piece she wrote indeed

Not sure what algorithmic tendency led me to Blaze in 2011...but I've raved about him ever since...had a mail promo of 113th Wet Dream...favorite song...Picture Cards...check out the Texana Dames tribute!

You've mentioned Phil Kaufman a couple of times since I learned about your wonderful podcast. Would love to hear how he's doing, and I'm sure he's got some killer stories to share! I've been interested in him ever since Gram Parson's death but know next to nothing about what he's been up to over the years. I donated to a GofundMe thing a few years ago when he was recovering from, as I recall, a car accident.

Have to say I was a late bloomer when it comes to Gurf , but your audio podcast was were I first heard of him!! So thank you 🙏 My favorite Blaze song would be Big Cheeseburgers and good French fries 🍟 ✌️😎

Have a great weekend Otis.

I’m hopeful that things are less complicated for Blaze Foley now… and he rests in peace… How unfortunate that we don’t appreciate some people… until they are no longer here… 🎶🌞🎶

thank u brother otis!

Blaze Foley and Gurf Morlix, just to have been able to hang with these two playing guitar, a dream jam session!!

I’m pretty sure I learned about Blaze from you, Otis. Although, I listened to Lucinda sing Drunken Angel when it was released. And I also saw Gurf at the Canmore Folk Festival years ago. I bet Gurf performed a song or two of Blaze’s. I am actually surprised that I didn’t know about Blaze, but I am so glad that I found him; thanks to you. ❤

Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻 Happy Saturday! Be good to you 🤍

Happy new year m8, from NZ.

I had one take away from yesterday's interview... other than being reminded just how good Blaze Foley was.... Thank God Guy Clark never got a chance to introduce me to Townes Van Zandt!!!!!!!!! I was a 19-22 year old kid when I used to hang out with him, thanks to Doc Watson. He was so very nice to me and encouraging. One day, he was like, "Next month, I'm going to introduce you to Townes." Townes died that year. Knowing who I was back then.... as much as I love his songs... yeah, that likely would have been a bad road!

Otis, I appreciate how you bring out "the inner Game" of writing Original Music -rather than focus on the gear and Facade of the performer. I hope to meet you some day... Peace Brother !😇

Interesting to me, that you brought up the live “Outhouse” album. I was listening to Blaze overnight and I thought I should play the album you mentioned, but instead I played a different one. Now I’m anxious to play the live album which I have not heard. Thanks for the interesting video and the recommendation. Clay Pigeons is my favorite Blaze Foley song.

It was so good to see Gurf's face in your last post -- I've seen his name so many times over the years and it's a name you remember. First I'd heard about Blaze Foley was from finding out who Lucinda's song Drunken Angel was about. (PS: I too love Slaid Cleave's first album -- got his signature on it when he played the not-Texas locale, Montclair, New Jersey.)

"If I could only fly" makes me cry sometimes but it's the healing type, not the traumatic kind of tears.

I got my tequila. Cheers!

I joined Tony's Acoustic challenge many years ago and always enjoyed when Maggie Pope would post a video playing acoustic guitar and sing. Check out her video here on RU-vid Maggie Pope Clay Pigeons (Blaze Foley Cover)

I kind of think as unique as Blaze was we all have known a blaze to some extent . Maybe even in ourselves and a beautiful song has it's own costs .

Clay Pigeons is the best. Love it.

Otis it’s crazy that Blaze or Townes being the incredible writers that they were didn’t become more popular? Had I been aware of Townes or Blaze back in the day I would have driven to Texas just to see them. There really is only one other musician who you compare these two with. And I don’t have to say his name.

I lived in Austin in the 80s ,(pre email and internet) and he was one of those guys you'd read about in the Austin Chronicle and his fame slowly spread. I saw him one time at the Austin Outhouse one night and wish like hell I'd stayed the entire evening but it was a work night and my date did not share my passion for the music. He was gone 6 months later. I regret leaving early as much as I regret turning down last minute Hendrix tickets because I was studying for a 8th grade final. Six months later Jimi was gone and I missed the similarities.

Clay Pigeons my favorite

Hey Otis, Gurf is one of my favorite players, also a great producer, as you said. G&S is still open and relatively unchanged. Austin has changed so much, just since I’ve lived here, but the G&S abides. Really enjoying your stories and interviews. Thanks

Otis, I saw someone was performing in Bloomington. James McMurtry maybe, any chance you saw a shoe in the past week. He is definitely on my list

Hi OTIS, Lucinda Williams knew the best singer song writers because she is the greatest song writer female or male , another artist that can tell a story full of emotions that hit you straight to the soul and take you on a ride . BLAZE WAS ONE OF THOSE WRITERS.

I own quite a bit of his original artwork!

Glad you gave Slaid Cleaves a mention, a super songwriter and as genuine as they come. As for Blaze, what I find with all of that Austin crowd, it's very fine margins between those who become mainstream and those that don't. I don't think it's talent alone, sometimes, like many things, it's just luck and been in the right place at the right time. For me, Townes is as good as anyone, Blaze could have been had he lived longer but for every one that makes it, there are dozens who are just as good who don't. When i say make it, i mean mainstream selling thousands if not millions of records in their time. Having said that, many may not want mainstream but just make an ok living and maybe someone more famous will pick up one or two of their songs to give them a decent paycheck now and then. But if i could only fly is for me, one of the best songs ever written and shows the talent Blaze possessed and it beggars belief what he would have written if he wasn't killed. Baby, it's a cruel, cruel world.

❤

This has nothing to do with Blaze but you need to go see Tab Benoit and review him. From a dedicated viewer and subscriber.

👍

"If I Could Only Fly" heard Merle's version, loved it but wanted to know who wrote it so discovered Blaze. Merle was a phenomenal songwriter, "real" is the attraction for me. But ole Blaze was the real..est. I just hate that sometimes creativity comes from genius that drops out by addiction. ( Townes, Jimi, Hank, Prince, Tom...El.. Keith) Too long a list.

FYI, the construction noise does not get in the way of hearing your voice clearly.

👌☕️😉

we should totally egg that blaze haters house no need ot wate toilet paper

dweedlie dweeedlie tweedlie dum

I meant to ask you Otis did you know Townes?

hey i resemble that remake.....im out of focus !

Hey Otis, did I miss something at 11:28 min. into your video? You read from the newspaper article that "the Police called Blaze's death an 'UN-fortunate' Homicide", to which Blaze would have laughed at that because to someone like Blaze, "there was no such Beast as a 'Fortunate' Homicide"? Was what you read a misprint, or a misreading, because what you're reading was (as you said) "blurry"? Did you actually mean to say that "to someone like Blaze, there was no such Beast as an 'UNfortunate' Homicide?" Just wonderin', is all?