I was honored to spend 20 minutes chatting to Tony Joe over a wine here in New Zealand in 2015 he was just an absolute gentleman with great stories and advice ! His music will live forever !

Tony always cracked me up with his stories. One time at Natchez Blues on the Bluff, he told me about meeting Tina Turner. He said he was sitting on a stool in the studio, Tina walks in and tells him, "You need to leave, I have a meeting with Tony Joe White". (His facial expressions had me laughing my ass off) Tony replied, "I'm Tony Joe White", He said Tina busted out laughing and said, "I thought you were a black man". You left out the very best song Tony Joe ever wrote, and that would be "Rainy Night in Georgia", Peter Green showed me how to play it. Peter messes with me when I try to sing it because for years he had me singing it wrong, Peter if you're reading this, it's "Distant Moaning" not "Misty Moaning". I will miss having the chance to catch up with Tony at the Natchez Blues on the Bluff festival. Since Tony's passing I probably won't go back, Jim Easterling guaranteed me a spot in the lineup if I ever wanted to play, to sad being forced to reminisce, getting old is a bitch, young'uns don't know where you're coming from because they haven't walked a mile in your shoes. BTW we all miss Joe South too.

I remember the story about the '3 Billy Goats and the Troll! under the bridge. Interesting you mention his accent. That's pure Louisiana accent there son. (And I ain't talking about South Louisiana Cajun speak, I'm talking North Louisiana piney woods.). Tony was great! R.I.P. You can hear the 'Louisiana Swamp' in his style. "Poke Salad".

I don't think Tony Joe White really got the recognition he deserved! great storyteller, songwriter and musician. superb analysis on Tony, great backing by Jeff and Steve. it's hard not to get caught up in his storytelling with that voice of his. thanks Fil.

Another one of those guitarist with a sort of laid back intensity, jj cale was another one

Thanks Fil for the great review. I was 14 when I first heard Tony Joe White on my $5 Japanese radio in LA, KFI 640 maybe 1969 I think. He was so funky everyone thought he was black.

Love his voice and playing. Such great rhythm. RIP, Tony Joe. Thanks, Fil!

Back in the 70'sI lived in the small town Collierville TN. Tony lived there and I went to high school with his son and daughter. He use to stop in this small gas station/grocery store/bait shop that I worked in and get gas. He was always a super nice person.

Poke Salad Annie was my first exposure to TJW, yet here we are, decades later, rockin’ out to a guy that we forgot all about....Yessir, in the interests of preserving history, I believe we need to organize, share each other’s thoughts, talk about stuff, y’know?

Hey this Steve Spear. Thank you so much for your kind words. It was an honor to work with Tony and Jeff. Especially when we would play that great tune Rainy Night in Georgia.

It's not just because you're from the UK, that deep south accent is magical, warm and involving, (or it might be because I'm an accent geek and truly love them). You nailed his amazing array of skills... great analysis of why what sounded, at first, like just the background of the song is actually wonderful guitar playing! This was a super fun one, merci beaucoup!

YES, TONY JOE WHITE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE ARTISTS. ---- I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HIM A FEW TIMES OVER THE YEARS & ON HIS LAST LONDON SHOWS. --- WE REALLY ENJOYED HIS SHOWS ---- HE WAS IN A REAL SWAMPING MOOD !! ------ HIS GUITAR PLAYING IS FANTASTIC , THAT'S FOR SURE !! ---- HE IS SADLY MISSED. ----- JOHN UK. -----

I fell for the sound of Tony Joe White after randomly hearing Poke Salad Annie long after it's first release (I believe) in 1969. A true original who bridged the gap between a murky backwoods swamp and a sly and stealthy fox. Love this Fil -Thanks for a great review - you nailed it again!

Pretty great to see someone i'd heard in the late '60s (polk salad annie,,,,gators got your granny...) but fave for me is Rory Gallagher 'doing abit of acoustic with a song by Tony Joe White, As The Crow Flies. Hope you like it" from Irish Tour '74. I've played this tune over and over in my head over the years,

The really good ones understand the idea of "less is more" and it's a great way to grab the listener's attention.

Been following you for a while now, and am always amazed by the depth and breadth of musical styles you are willing to cover! I’ve been able to revisit a lot of favorite guitarists and discover ones that are new to me...your insights are always well-stated, insightful, and educational. Thanks for yet another great analysis. I hope you keep them coming, as they are always fun to watch, and really help me enjoy and appreciate the artists and performances you share.

Just seen this video today. What a great artist TJW was. I've loved his music for many years but for me the culmination of his work was the album The Beginning, my favourite track from which is Rich Woman Blues. His guitar and vocals on that track are beyond compare. Thanks, Fil.

He was definately at his best live!! another great analysis Fil.. thanks to whoever asked for this review!! some of that wah is sublimely played!

He has that deep South accent. I'm a native Texan and his deep voice with Southern blues is awesome. I don't think I've heard him before Great choice

AMAZING WORK!!! Never knew Tony Joe was a fantastic guitar player. His story and sound reminds me of Albert Collins using his guitar to make sound effects. Thanks, sir!

Great dynamics in the groove! Cool storytelling, using wah, singing and harmonica; quadruple the difficulty🤯. Very well done Fil🤘🏻

Years later they found out who the troll was. His name was James Foley and he lived in a van down by the river. Great story. I could listen to him for hours. This was the kind of stuff we listened to while stealing pot from my best friends parents and smoking it. Great times.

PHIL , THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT SONGS BY TONY JOE WHITE . --- STEAMY WINDOWS IS ONE OF MY FAV. SONGS & OF COURSE HIS OLD ONES P.S. ANNIE , R & I LEE , W& L.M. JONES . ELEMENTS & THINGS IS ANOTHER ONE. ---- HE DID IT LIVE FOR ME -- BY REQUEST AT THE JAZZ CAFE IN LONDON IN 2013. --- A LONGER VERSION , I ONLY WISH THAT WE HAD A RECORDING OF IT. --- YES, MANY THANKS PHIL FOR THIS , TRULY APPRECIATED AS WAS / IS YOUR JERRY LEE LEWIS DOCUMENTARY. ----- JOHN UK. ----

His most famous song is Rainy Night in Georgia. Well he did polk salad Annie. Both were hits . Can't remember if it was Soloman Burke or Brook Benton that recorded Rainy Night in Georgia. One of a kind. Great analysis Fil! Always pointing out the positive .

I loved this so hard! Another one that I hadn't heard of..what the heck?! Love everything about the man..his voice, his story tellin' in that same drawl I have, his guitar, his humor...ALL of it. Thanks so much for the introduction.....and of course for the info.

Always a brilliant review from Wings of Pegasus and this is no exception. I'm a huge fan of Tony Joe White and sadly missed. Thank you for another great video.

Oh.... I wanted some " Polk Salad Annie " 😔 Great deep voice and a very talented artist ! Thank you Fil .... maybe we can get some Polk Salad Annie next time 😉 Good info and spot on analysis... well done mate 😎🎸

I remember asking you to analyze this guy so whether or not I inspired it thanks very much. I love all things about him but his voice was so cool I could listen to him just talk. One of my friends was a tv makeup girl in Australia and actually met him I was green about that. I love his approach like - the bass player would be playing one continuous note and he would do sliding third licks over it like in Polk Salad Annie - so effective. It's true less can be more. Thanks again.

PS .Rainy Night In Georgia l think is his best song. Completely different from most of his songs. Check it out.

Great review as always, and Tony Joe....The coolest cat , and a master of understatement . Love it. Can listen to TJW till the 'gators come home !

TJW, the man's had this hypnotic, mesmerizing juju about himself! I first saw him in New Orleans, during Jazzfest, at a smaller venue, separate from the festival. Ironically, Dale Hawkins was also playing, but it was Tony Joe who put a spell on me. He was solo, using a looper, a veritable, one man band. I've never seen anything like it! 6 years later, I also caught him at the Chicago Blues Festival. This time with a band. Although it was great, the daytime, outdoor setting didn't have the intimacy of the smaller, indoor, solo spotlight. One of a kind!

My stepfather was huge fan of Tony Joe back in the 70’s so I too have been a fan watching Tony Joe come out of relative obscurity to international stardom in the last 15 years of his life. He is the Father of Swamp Boogie and was an amazing guitarist and vocalist. Thank you for this!

I have one of the first albums TJW put out. In the south we can identify with this style of music and storytelling.

I never heard this song before, I know him from Rainy Night In Georgia, knew he sounded familiar. Tony seems so confident and relaxed while he's performing. Great song, singing, storytelling and instrumentals all the way around.

I haven't heard this guy before - I'm glad I have now. I love the friendly humour. It's like a quiet, friendly conversation but with nice guitar licks. The beefy tone of his strat is outstanding.

Loved Poke Salat Annie....a classic!

Thanks Fil!!..I have never heard of Tony Joe White, but I definitely know those songs he wrote! Yes, I love his storytelling ability in a Southern accent, reminds me of my Arkansas daddy! By the way, if occasionally we must encounter trolls at all on this channel, they better love rock and roll!!....🤣🤣✌❤🤘

Elvis loved Tony's music, he even sang Tony's big hit *"Poke Salad Annie"* in every performance..... RIP Tony

He was so incredibly popular back in 'the day'.... So great you did this... and as some one else mentioned, yes he died last year another great loss to the music world... wonderful review

Used to see TJW without a bassist, glad to see the bass represented here. He used to play with Cozy Powell. Tony Joe is an organic player. Real southerner right here, came from share croppers. Tony wrote Rainy Night in Georgia, too.

Oh my. Thanks so much Fil.... I have seen quite a few of your analysis... but never did I think about you reviewing Tony Joe White. I grew up in a small town near Memphis.... and of course was a huge fan of Tony Joe, Fogerty and CCR. And yes, I have eaten polk sallat. Thanks for sharing Tony Joe with people who never heard of him. Love this.

What a solid groove... Always knew him as a songwriter; didn’t know he was this good as a player. Thanks Fil! Peace. JR

You absolutely nailed this one too. Excellent analysis. Fascinating. Great clips! Great job!

This is a great song with that combo of story telling and sing. Love his use of the wah pedal, they are such a great effect, you can do so much with them. Loved his version of Polk Salad Annie.

Got some of Tony’s music , love the guy and his bluesy swing ! Still play his album a lot gutted to hear he died RIP Tony you were a one off amazing musician !

- I LOVE this video. It is great to hear a professional musician’s analysis of various songs. - Tony Joe White was awesome! -

More personality and musicality in his little finger than 99% of shredders, love Tony joe.

I think Tony Joe was a brother by another mother to Barry White. The timbre in his voice is amazing. His guitar interludes are just perfect. No shredding, just a few smart licks that fit perfectly with what he is singing and playing. As usual, thanks Phil/Fil

I still have Tony's original single of Polk Salad Annie on Monument Records. It was a hit in my area of the Southeast. I heard Tina Turner listened to Tony's demo of Steamy Windows and wanted to meet with him about it. When the meeting happened and he walked into the room she started laughing like a crazy woman cuz she thought by the sound of his voice that he was black!

Tony’s voice and accent are very compelling to me as an American woman from north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The deep tones and southern accent are as attractive to me as a good Liverpudlian accent. 😉 A very talented man with a great sense of humor. This song is completely new to me. Hearing this is like receiving a new gift. Thank you.

Brilliant analysis FIL! TJW could tell a story and create emotion with his playing...

I love how the guitar is telling the story.

Truly a great artist and song writer ,this song from the stunning album ,The Train i,m On

Tony's got an incredible sense of timing. He gets so much flavor, with so few ingredients. He's way down home, there are five forks to the Pearl River. Tony sounds like he'd be at home tying his trout line to the knee of a cypress tree. Catching tabby cats, using the stump perch for bait. The sound is regional, right out of the heart of the Southern bubble. There are Americans down there, You got to eat and drink with them. If you're looking for the roots of rock and roll. Tony's got them. Tony was born in Louisiana.

I agree with Fil on the rhythm. The drums and bass player are spot on and laying down a totally cool groove. Really cool performance all around.

I think you've missed something. The style of music that Tony plays. Tony and John Fogerty were masters at a very unique style of rock called Swamp Rock. I've searched high and low and these 2 guys were the only ones that I've ever heard pull it off successfully.

Love TJW! Rainy Night in Georgia is one of the most beautiful songs ever.

Austin City Limits has always presented live music in the most tasteful way. Every Saturday night at 11pm EST on PBS. The very best have played there. Thanx, Fil. I really enjoy the way you smile and that makes me smile.

Tony Joe was such a unique talent. I never knew the cover of "Poke Salad Annie" was a hit for Elvis in the UK. As someone from the same part of the country as Tony Joe (less than 80 miles away) who could relate to eating poke sallet, the original version was always the best and most liked for us.

I've never heard of this guy! Interesting act!

Love that swamp rock.

Thank you for articulating the things that I feel but can't quite put into words

HIS COUSIN IS QUIT THE GUITARIST AND FIDDLE PLAYER DOUG KERSHAW THANKS FIL

Love ur reactions! Greetings from across the pond

That was awesome never heard that before.

One of the best concerts I ever attended was back in the 70's at Seattle Center Coliseum where Tony Joe White (decked out in a fancy white fringe jacket) opened for CCR. Those really were the days!!

tony was a very underrated performer. what a great talent. good review, wings.

...High Sheriff of Calhoun Parish is my favourite song but I never got to see him live. The guy had an internal timing I wish I had!

Just watch this one again after your Rainy Night in Georgia Tony Joe White analysis. Tony could sing and play the slow Ballard and the rockers! He was another excellent singer, songwriter and storyteller.

I cant believe I missed this when it came out! Another great Tony Joe White song, and a very insightful analysis.

Phil - Only recently came across your reviews which I am thoroughly enjoying - makes me go a listen again to tracks that I have known for years ( ..and years ... and years...) and find something to marvel at. Thanks.

Tony Joe White really good Song writer. I believe he wrote a couple hits for Tina Turner. Love that natural wood look stratocaster, I didn't know they made them like that back in the 70s/80s. I wonder if it's custom. Great stuff Fil 🤙

Was playing Homemade Ice Cream on the Gretsch trying to nail the harp solo this afternoon, great song...

Just heard an interview with him... First two songs he wrote were Polk Salad Annie and Rainy Night In Georgia... nice start!

I dig him. ✌🏼🤗💖

Well.... Just hell yes! Mind your troll now :-) Nice catch on that solid background.

What a great demonstrative soulful voice. My mother's common law ( who plays blues guitar) plays a lot Tony's catalogue. His phrasing and technique with that wah wah is so tasty. A very underrated artist. RIP, Tony. Another insightful analysis. Thanks, Fil.

Thanks for following up on this suggestion, Fil! Haven't heard in years, forgot all about this song! Appreciate Tony Joe White much more now seeing him live than before, when regarded as just another country/blues/pop act. More of a hard rocker/psychedelic blues fan back then. That would still be the center of preference, but greater respect and appreciation for a wider spectrum of music surrounding that, I guess. Grouped this song with others like it -- 'Troglodyte' and 'Hot Rod Lincoln.' Quite a bit of talent in Tony Joe White, which can be appreciated by any other guitarist or musician. Gets a great sound out of that instrument, as most advanced players like Tony do. Great voice and singing ability, but not quite what the mainstream rockers were looking for when spending their hard-earned dollars, or asked what gift wanted. Tony faced stiff competition from various genres he crossed, and never found that niche that brought him the fame and success he may have otherwise enjoyed under different circumstances. Another problem is that many of these artists were only good for one or two decent songs. Ironically, would now likely purchase an album or CD of his if encountered!

I've been listening to him for a long time ,he's recorded with clapton,knolpfler ,waylon,Emmy Lou Harris ,and many others

TJW's version of Rainy Night in Georgia is one of my ll time favorites.

I've always thought that if ever there was an unsung Stratocaster hero, that would be Tony Joe White. Absolutely kills it on Polk Salad Annie, too!

Hi. Other great singer / story tellers are Harry Chapin, Kenny Rogers - the Gambler, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Billy Joel - Italian Restaurant. Happy New Year!! Peace to you and yours

Great show fil....I do remember the song but never listen to him but now I have another add to my play list fantastic....rock on brother😎

TJ was an incredible talent. A gifted musician that looked so natural on stage. RIP Tony. ☺

I think you may have missed a very important part of Tony's guitar tone. Tony is using a very subtle blend of an octave pedal. That gives his guitar that Tony Joe White feel! You can especially hear it on the tune from this same concert, "I get off on it". By the way I really like your take on your videos!

Thanks Fil. Thanks Tony Joe, i've loved your music for 50yrs so far...

Fil, I don't know the stats, but I remember Tony Jo's version of his song Poke Salad Annie getting a lot of air play.

You continue to broaden my horizons by introducing me to musicians with whom I had been unfamiliar. Thank You

"Dammmm Troll!" ... Normally spoken introductions can be the death of a song but this is SO different and really sets the mood. Superb stuff, especially with all those wah twitches and ripples. 10/10

Man, he's the real deal, he'd give you a guitar lesson you'd never forget! Loved Ira Lee and Willie and Laura Mae Jones. He wrote some great songs. Great use of the Wah pedal...Sure was a Rainy Night when he passed away.

Always loved his song “Georgia Pines”.....RIP

I'm amazed at the number of people posting who have never heard of Tony. I can only assume he was better known here in the UK. His 1991 album "Closer To The Truth" is superb and well worth seeking out. Tony sadly passed last October, but he was a brilliant song writer, songs such as Rainy Night In Georgia, Steamy Windows and Polk Salad Annie are a great legacy to leave behind.

Hi Fil ! Good to see and hear you again ! I love this choice ! Back in the 70’s , we were gigging in Louisiana ... and it was quite different than Texas , inasmuch as you HAD to be in the musician’s union to play in any bar or night club in the state . And they often checked to see if you had your card on you ( right in the middle of a set sometimes !) Well, we were playing a night club on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge and right when we got off stage for a break , we sat at our table and this cat walks up with sunglasses on looking very intimidating and says to us collectively “ I just know y’all got your union cards right !? “ ... we all started flashing our cards to him and then he sat down and said “ got ya! “ He ordered us a round ( all over Texas , drinks were always free for the band , but not LA ! So we thanked him and he said , my price ... “ I get to do a song with y’all ?” We said sure thing ! ( all the while wondering if this guy was any good or just crazy or drunk ... or both ! Well , he got up and knocked out a beautiful version of “ Rainy night in Georgia “ and then we jammed on Johnny B Goode “ Afterward , we took another break and I said to him you did an wonderful version of Rainy Night ... he said , yeah , I’m kinda proud of that one .. ( found out he wrote one of my favorite songs right then and there !) He was a great guy and will be missed ! I cherish that memory ! On a side note ; Another time in Fort Worth , sometimes we backed up Bruce ( Hey Baby ) Channel ( for a couple of years , anytime we played at a place called “ Beef and Boogie” He did a set then went home .. we finished the night . He played there on Wednesdays and Saturdays , we played Friday and Saturday sometimes and when Bruce was booked , we played for him . Well , one night , the last song we sang on that set was “it’s up to you “ ( Ricky Nelson ) We took a break and again , this guy comes up to the table I was sitting at and says “ I liked the way you did my song “. I thought he meant that was a favorite song of his ... and replied , well , thanks glad you liked it ... The owner of the club Walks up about that time and says “ oh boy , I guess Jerry’s telling you about the songs he wrote !” I said to the owner , “ like what songs ?” He said ... oh he wrote a bunch of songs ! The guy was Jerry Fuller ( actually from Fort Worth , like me ) and I’d heard his name mentioned in passing ... well, I then proceeded to pick his brain for songs he’d written ... the list was incredible!!! And then I found out he wrote most of Ricky Nelson’s stuff and produced and wrote for Gary Puckett and wrote all of his hits ... plus much more !! Lol ... the funny thing is , I thought he was drunk or gay when he joined me at my table ... or both ! But , he was just paying a compliment and from that time on , we remained friends

When Elvis performed Polk Salad Annie he replicated Tony Joe White's storytelling almost word for word.

Wow- I didn't know anyone else knew of this song. I have a cd mix that I made (yes, I'm old) with half Tony Joe White and half The Persuasions- fantastic stuff. Kind of similar to the great Joe South (Walk a Mile in my Shoes, Hush, etc.)

Good analysis again Fill. Just got into this guy recently when I found out he wrote one of my favourite songs ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’. Sadly died recently just as I was discovering him.

Tony Joe White was a close friend of my Uncle Rick who used to work in Nashville as a songwriter. I honestly don't know much about him or his relationship with my Uncle but he seems like quite a talented guy.

I concur with all your musings here Fil....don't forget all those little fills (no pun intended!) and "hammer ons" on lead guitar.....a master of his craft and if you watch anything with TJW, whether as solo, with just drums or a band, he creates such "a groove"...

Flavor, rhythm, and nuances, Polk Salad Annie, it's just as empty as it is full. That provides that texture, and that contrast. Very Louisiana.

A true legend of blues swamp music he is one of the best musicians and singers who can tell a story. A real lost art in this day and age.