Steve Goodman’s Debut Album Became a Soundtrack for My Life!
I first discovered the magical, funny, and poignant music of Steve Goodman back in 1971, when his self-titled debut album came out. At the time, I was a student at the University of Florida — so I don’t think I heard about him from Gene Shay’s folk show in Philly. I’m pretty sure it was the liner notes on the back of the album that pulled me in. That’s where I read this from John Prine:
I been listening to the radio since I was nine years old. I figured I could see songs better than most people listen to them. The first time I heard Steve Goodman on the radio, I knew I was listening to a tall skinny cat with a little beard singing the best damn train song I ever heard. Two months later, in the back room of The Earl of Oldtown, I met a short stout fellow with no beard who wrote and sang the best train song I ever heard. His name was Steve Goodman. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
– John Prine, 1971
Since I had already discovered John Prine, that quote alone would’ve been enough to sell me on the album.
A Who’s Who of Folk and Country Greats
But wait — there was more. A who’s who of American folk and country players were listed on the back cover. The lineup included:
- Bob Dylan – piano on “Election Year Rag”
- Kris Kristofferson – backing vocals
- John Prine – backing vocals
- Vassar Clements – fiddle
- Charlie McCoy – harmonica
- David Briggs, Kenny Buttrey, Norbert Putnam – Nashville A-Team players
- Also: Grady Martin, Ben Keith, Donnie Fritts, Martha McCrory, and a full brass section!
I already knew Dylan, Kristofferson, and Prine — and I recognized names like Vassar Clements and Charlie McCoy. I figured even if I didn’t love the songs, the music would be top-notch.
Spoiler: I loved the songs too.
🎶 My Favorite Tracks from Steve Goodman’s Debut
While I love all the songs on the album, Side Two was the one I played the most (yes, I think everyone always had a favorite side on an album). Here are six of my favorite songs from Steve Goodman (1971):
Side One
- The I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m Goin’ Nowhere in a Hurry Blues
This one pops up in the jukebox in my head all the time. “It was on a Sunday morning about a hundred years or so…” - Donald & Lydia
A beautiful, heartfelt cover of the John Prine original. - You Never Even Call Me By My Name
Later made famous by David Allan Coe — but this is where it started.
Side Two
- City of New Orleans
The “best damn train song” Prine ever heard. And one that helped define Goodman’s legacy. - Turnpike Tom
Another one that’s always in my mental jukebox — I just love the story. - Yellow Coat and Would You Like to Learn to Dance
These show Steve’s softer, tender side. Both are among my favorite ballads by anyone.
Who Was Steve Goodman?
Steven Benjamin Goodman (July 25, 1948 – September 20, 1984) was a folk and country singer-songwriter from Chicago. He wrote “City of New Orleans,” co-wrote “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” and penned the Chicago Cubs anthem “Go Cubs Go.”
Goodman passed away from leukemia in 1984, but left behind one of the most enduring catalogs in American folk music.
Links For the Further Exploration of the Music of Steve Goodman
🎧 Listen to Steve Goodman’s Debut Album Playlist
This album has been part of my life for over 50 years. Every time I hear one of these songs, I’m back in Gainesville, with the volume up and the liner notes wide open.