Verlon Thompson and Jorma Kaukonen - The Guitar and The Story Behind It- Live at Fur Peace Ranch 

I can tell you, it WAS Verlon's first time at Fur Peace. I'm the guy from AZ he mentions, and it happened pretty much like he told it, 'cept I had to email the lyrics to him. Two years after the workshop, I got to thinkin' I should be doing that song, so that's when I emailed him. I just can't tell you how great it was to sit around for 3 days with Guy and Verlon, listen to them play some of their songs, pick a little with 'em, and perform The Guitar on Saturday night with 'em. Fur Peace Ranch rocks! Don Cheek, Prescott, AZ

I have played guitar since I was 9 years old. Now 66, and I can tell you: I met Verlon back in 2019 I think. It was at Courvilles in Texas. He is not only an amazing guitar player, but the best song writer and best, real human I have ever met.

Brings tears of joy to my eyes!

I found this song browsing through a music app for a playlist I called “Americana”. It more than fit what I thought should be on there. I still get chills listening to it. Now I know the back story. There are a few more Guy Clark tunes on there. P.S. I saw Hot Tuna playing live while going through Army basic training at Ft. Ord CA. I was drafted (#61) Nam was towards the end. The army was trying to get more enlisted men and were trying to make training easier to stomach. So they marched us to a small football field with bleachers. We had on our green fatigues and plastic helmet liners and marched us single file into the bleachers. Hot Tuna was setting up at the end of the field and started playing. I was long hair hippie before getting in so I was enjoying one of the best bands back then. It was amazing someone decided to bring them to play. It was weird being in uniform all guys. Some officer made a career ending mistake by passing out beer to us. Hot Tuna was blowing us away and reminding us what freedom used to be. We were given strict orders not to leave our seats but how could you sit there with good rock n roll. We went on the field where we could enjoy the “concert”. Great band great tunes. They ordered us drunks back into formation and they ignored. Then MP’s in jeeps carrying shotguns roared up and threatened us. They got us up in some semblance of marching formations and marched us back to our barracks. We were happy with our buzz from the music and the beer. The yelling from the drill Sargents and the armed MP’s was a bit of a buzzkill though. I don’t think they had anymore concerts. But thank you Jorma and the rest of your band for making it a memorable day. I never went to Nam though.

A haunting song. I love it beyond belief.

Something magical. Everyone gets goosebumps from this song. Simply amazing. Thanks.

What a good man Verlon is. Much respect. Thanks.

Great story ! Verlon can really tell 'em. Guy couldn't have had a better partner and i believe vice versa

I met Verlon just this past weekend. He is an amazing musician/songwriter/singer and having spent a short bit of time with him I can tell you he is a genuinely nice person.

Awesome! This Jersey kid has been digging this Texas troubadour stuff for a few months now. I never tire of it.Wish Guy Clark was still with us. Thank you Fur Peace Ranch.

Hot Tuna Live catapulted me from a Peter Paul & Mary folkie into a serious fingerstyle guitarist. I owe a huge debt to Jorma. It's really telling watching his technique, how much of his DNA stays with me today. Thanks, buddy!

How many amazing songs came about through the guidance of Guy Clark? Had the pleasure of being in attendance for one of his paid teaching gigs near Kerrville. Words fail to express his brilliance. I miss Guy most every day

Verlon is just the coolest guy you never knew of.....

this song gives me chills each listen. hauntingly good!

This is just great, almost like being at FPR , thank you Jorma and Verlon

God knows what I'd give to be part of this amazing ranch, even if just for a little while. But being a 21 years old guy from Italy it's so far away and so hard to achieve. But I hope I'll make it someday!! This video might be one of the best on this channel!! Long live Jorma!!!

Somehow a little bit of Embryonic Journey slid in. Thanks for the memories.

Still get chills every time I hear this song - thanks for posting this! And thank you, Verlon!

Love this, Everything about it, Superb...

Man I love this version!

Great to hear the story about this song. Miss Guy

Every time I hear this song it speaks to me of why it is I play. There are many songs that move me, give me goosebumps and that I shed a tear or two over but this is 'The One'.

MAN! I could listen to him pick all day ❤️

Great story, fine song, and amazing guitar work!

GREAT PLACE! Saw Chris Smithers there!

Love this song! I got goosebumps when Guy Clark "DONE IT" Thanks for reminding me!

I hate rewriting a post that I had completed, that disappeared into the ethersphere. This would have been an over the top life experience. The song defies the common logic of group think. However, with Guy’s respect for his inner Muse, they produced a song that is beautiful, mystical, and coherent beyond measure.

I have watched several videos of this song, and each one is better than the last!!!!

Verlpn you are a great player but Guys voice sends the chills down my spine.

Brilliant story ✌🏽

......................... MMMMM ! Story , Tune and Song does the Heart and Soul Merry ! Enjoyed this video about as much as anything I've watched or heard in a very long time . THANK YOU , THANK YOU !

That weird base-slide noise he does at 5.01?????? Byooooffff. Love it.

Another memorable evening at FPR!!

I knew the story of how it came to be written, but never the details of the writing credit. That is very cool. Imagine signing up for a workshop and one day having your name listed as a co-writer of such an amazing tune. I would have done the same -- although I might have held out for a dollar bill, autographed of course, besides the credit.

Excellent playing!

What an awesome song. I must say. It gave me cold chills. Great job guys.

Fantastic.

Hi Verlon, I'm seventy five years old. I've been playing my dad's old 1947 Gibson for over sixty years. I'd love to play this song for my kids, before the Lord calls me home. Would you please teach me to play your lead parts? I would be very grateful. Thanks and God bless! gw

I got chills too! Every time.

Just to be able to lay on your back and listen, so effortlessly and pleasant - it is so relaxing and great….

Oh man -that is sooo good!

Fantastic! Bravo

..it's nice when you discover something that exceeds one's expectations..... ;-)

Just awesome!! I sure miss Guy.

There should be a film based on that story...

Gives me chills everytime

Great Story

❤❤❤❤❤

I love it so greatnesses

Awesome

Loverespect ciccio 71 wat a song

Wow!

SUPER!

Fabou. Legends

Hot Damn!!!

Oh my god!

Hieno esitys.

Wow

:-) GREAT STUFF.. ONLY AT FPR!

How many songs written from laymen, that will never be heard by record producers? A bunch

The world seemed changed when Guy died

Why spoil a good story with facts !! lol ..jorma !!

LOL. Nope. Jorma is showing his age.

That's a damn good song

Wow!