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The Townes You Left Behind (MP3)
For Lyrics to “The Townes You Left Behind” Click on the link.
Cover Painting of Townes Van Zandt by Melene Marie Brown.
Thank you to all those who replied for the Collector Postcard of “Townes You Left Behind“.
About The Song
This song from Kenny (which was a pre-release single from his “Just A Songwriter” CD Album) was written in memory of the late Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt whose songs have been covered by hundreds of artists including such legends as Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, The Flatlanders, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson, Cowboy Junkies and Hoyt Axton among others.
Kenny’s ‘The Townes You Left Behind’ (a reference to the legends mentioned above and others) is a song that has been described by Dallas Dobro (Strawberry Music Festival) as “a long time coming, this is the best Townes Van Zandt tribute so far. Butterill’s songwriting and delivery rise to the occasion, connecting us to the essence of Townes.” And Michael Johnathon, host of the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour had this to say: “Kenny’s song is such a fitting and touching tribute to Townes. The recording and production have a warm and intimate feel to them which fits perfectly with the heartfelt lyrics about the songwriting legend.
The Townes song originally took shape during the last week in May of 1997, approximately five months after legendary Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt had passed away on New Year’s Day. Kenny was staying for a week at a friends studio on the Pacific coast in Northern California and had an opportunity to listen to entire collective works of Townes van Zandt, a timely listen, given the (then) recent death of Townes. Alone for several days, listening through all of Townes’ material on a quiet, private two acre bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Kenny was inspired and the “The Townes You Left Behind” song was born.
In his usual fashion, Kenny worked on the tune, off and on, for a few years until it was ready. Then in the studio he got a couple of terrific players to join in. Accompanying Kenny on guitars are Mary McCaslin, renowned folk singer/fingerstyle guitarist and open guitar tuning pioneer, and Steve Palazzo, one of the top flat pickers in the USA.
With the resurgent interest in, and recent celebration of, the works of Townes Van Zandt, Kenny is pleased and honored to offer up this tribute to the man who has touched so many of us.
USA/Euro/Aussie Radio Responses
Song Credits:
Vocals and Acoustic Rhythm Guitar: Kenny Butterill
Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar: Mary McCaslin
Lead Acoustic Guitar: Steve Palazzo
Written by Kenny Butterill
Produced by: Kenny Butterill and James Crandell
Copyright © 2001 by Kenny Butterill (SOCAN/BMI) All rights reserved.
Mary McCaslin appears courtesy of Rounder Records
| Please also be sure to visit: www.townesvanzandt.com where Jeanene Van Zandt keeps the spirit of Townes alive for all of us! | |
The Townes You Left Behind song is included on Kenny album “Just A Songwriter“.
For media interviews and European Radio Promotion contact:
Fred Boenig
Americana Media Promotion
Phone 484.239.3219