Old Crow Medicine | Ketch Secor & Joe Andrews | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Old Crow Medicine Show shares stories of their busking days and their journey from street corners to playing on the big stages of Bonnaroo and headlining their own tours, all while staying true to their roots in country music.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] KETCH SECOR: We thought we'd just sort of welcome you with a fast-paced little tune from down Tennessee way. We rolled in on a tour bus this morning. We got here about 6:30 or 7:00 AM. I think we left Nashville about 11:30 last night. Slept like little babies in our berths with our curtains pulled. The bunk this week-- did you notic... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ Old Crow Medicine Show started as a group of friends looking to escape their small town and play music.
• 🧑‍🏫 Their experience as street performers taught them the importance of engaging their audience and creating an unforgettable performance.
• 🤕 The band's dedication to their craft and willingness to explore different genres has helped them carve a unique place in the music industry.
• 🧑‍🎨 Collaboration with artists like Bob Dylan has helped Old Crow Medicine Show gain recognition and expand their fan base.
• 🎼 Old Crow Medicine Show's music embraces country music roots while incorporating influences from various genres and time periods.
• 🤕 The band's connection to the streets has remained an integral part of their identity, even as they've played on larger stages.
• 😘 The band values community and actively supports initiatives like their school, the Episcopal School of Nashville, which benefits from the sales of Ketch Secor's book "Lorraine, the Girl who Sang the Storm Away."

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Old Crow Medicine Show start?

Old Crow Medicine Show began as a group of friends looking to leave their hometown and play music together. They started by busking on street corners and captivating audiences with their performances.

Q: What was the initial inspiration for the band?

The band members were inspired by the music scene in Ithaca, New York, which embraced the fiddle as a valuable instrument. They wanted to create a band where every member could contribute to the sound.

Q: How did Old Crow Medicine Show transition from busking to playing on bigger stages?

Old Crow Medicine Show's captivating performances and unique sound caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals. Their dedication to their craft and willingness to explore different genres and influences helped them stand out and earn opportunities to play on bigger stages.

Q: How did Old Crow Medicine Show's connection to Bob Dylan come about?

Old Crow Medicine Show wrote the song "Wagon Wheel," which was based on a snippet of a Bob Dylan song. Bob Dylan acknowledged their work and credited Arthur Crudup as the original writer, who in turn credited Big Bill Broonzy. This collaboration with Bob Dylan helped Old Crow Medicine Show gain recognition and expand their audience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Old Crow Medicine Show started as a group of friends looking to escape their hometown and play music together.

• They began busking on street corners, using their skills to captivate passersby and create a performance that engaged the audience.

• Their dedication to their craft and unique sound led them to opportunities like playing with Willie Nelson and headlining their own tours.