Each song has its own secret that's different from another song, and each has its own life. Sometimes it has to be teased out, whereas other times it might come fast. There are no laws about songwriting or producing. It depends on what you're doing, not just who you're doing.

Then came the churches, then came the schools, then came the lawyers, then came the rules.

My idea of heaven is a place where the Tyne meets the Delta, where folk music meets the blues.

While listening, to things like western swing, for instance, I'd work something out in my head, then play it on my National; not the same song, but one that captured the feeling of the original tune.

I love Gibsons, and Nationals, too. There's something magical about them.

Sometimes you gotta be an s.o.b., you wanna make a dream reality

There happened to be guitar classes at the college, and there was a guitar teacher there with whom I used to play. In addition, I also would go out into country schools and teach little kids basic guitar and singing a few times a week.