In 1970, Steve Goodman wrote a song describing a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans which many deem the best train song ever written. In 1972 Steve pitched “City of New Orleans” to Arlo Guthrie, who recorded and released it on his album Hobo’s Lullaby. Twelve years later, Willie Nelson had a number one country single hit with his version, earning Steve Goodman a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
Last year, The Latebirds made the trip from Helsinki, Finland to Levon Helm‘s home in Woodstock, New York to record new versions of several tracks from their recently released album Last of the Good Ol’ Days. Now we can finally hear what came of that collaboration. Listen below as Helm adds his roots-rock drumming style to “City of New Orleans.” (via Largehearted Boy)
MP3: The Latebirds ft. Levon Helm – City of New Orleans (Steve Goodman cover)
[audio: News0611/20CityofNewOrleans.mp3|artists=The Latebirds|titles=City of New Orleans]
Check out more of The Latebirds on their website.
