Version of Waiting For A Train

Subject: Version of Waiting For A Train
From: Lonesome Dave
Date: 15 Apr 00 - 09:10 PM

A few years ago I heard a version of Waiting For A Train that was unique and haunting and I have never been able to figure out who sang it. Most people perform the song with the angle "I'm a happy-go-lucky hobo". This guys' attitude was "Oh shit, I'm going to die out here". It had the intensity of Robert Johnsons' Crossroads. It sounded like young Bob Dylan, this was around the time the bootleg series was released and I just assumed it was on that disc but I was wrong. The guy who played it on the radio was a one time guest host and the regular guy had no idea what I was talking about. This has been bugging me for 8 or 9 years and I would be really grateful for any help.

Subject: RE: Version of Waiting For A Train
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 12:58 AM

Glenn Ohrlin of Mountain View, Arkansas did a version that he got from a neighbor of his named Sam Hess. Glenn called it "Sam's Waitin' For A Train". It was included on a live concert LP Glenn made that was issued by Archie Greene and the University Of Illinois Folksong Club back around 1960. It's a wonderful album.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Version of Waiting For A Train
From: Dale Rose
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 01:41 AM

Hey, Art, while we were on our way to the Folk Center this evening, we passed by the square and saw Glenn just a'sittin' there on a bench enjoying the music. Never have heard him do it. I will TRY to think to mention it next time I see him.