Has anyone ever heard the song "Norman Always Knew"? I've never been able to find 2 Songs anywhere. I'm glad that Washington County and Running Down the Road are finally on itunes!! I wonder if 2 Songs will ever be available there.

I just looked up the words and history of the song Norman Always Knew and would love to hear Arlo sing it at The Church next weekend. I never heard it before tonight. The article about its author states that Arlo sang it at Tanglewood and recorded it on his own label, but I don't recall coming across that song on any CDs of his. Which album/CD is it on?

uh-oh, where's the edit button? LOL... 2 songs... aha! I should know better than to be computing this late at night.

Sorry, I probably wasn't being clear enough. I was referring to "2 Songs", the album.

"Norman Always Knew" was on a special cassette tape. I have it. I thnk the flip side might've been a remake of Massachussetts. (Not sure). It's a good one tho...

the last time I was at the church there were a few copies of the tape there. Call George at 413-528-1955

Cheryl is right about “Massachusetts” being the B-Side to the 2 Songs – Special Limited Edition cassette-single. This tape is worth being sought out not only for the tribute song, but also for the fact that “Massachusetts” has been re-recorded for the project – don’t expect the more familiar Amigo version.
I didn’t get to hear Arlo sing “Norman Always Knew” at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts as reported but he did perform the song at his concert with Xavier in Stratton Mountain, Vermont in 1992. I dug out the old cassette of the concert and transcribed Arlo’s introduction to the songs, which is as follows:

“Sometimes in the mail we get songs and most of them are really dumb – even most of the ones I write I throw out. So, uh, it’s not suprising that we get a lot of weird songs. But every once in awhile something comes along that’s really nice. Two guys from Connecticut sent me a song they wrote about Norman Rockwell – the painter.The “other” guy that made Stockbridge his home… and somewhat famous. So we actually cut it as a single. I hadn’t done a single since “City Of New Orleans” in 1972. We actually got some if you like the song… What it is… Well, we’re doing a benefit single. We’re trying to raise some money for the Norman Rockwell Museum. Which is a wonderful place. A lot of people think that Norman Rockwell is kind of an “elitist” type painter – you know, painting white people and stuff. But he actually painted a wide variety of Americans from all over and there’s some very interesting, wonderful things… So, here’s a little song about him…”

Well (I'll be dog, my memorys not as bad as I thought it was...

The cassette is also worth having for the cover art. Rockwell's triple self portrait on the cover and inside a photo of Arlo's take on the subject. (had Arlo sign mine recently) If the Church is out of the tape you might find one in the gift shop at the Rockwell Museum. They had a bunch the last time I was there.

I only wish it were available on CD so I could put it on my ipod.

I've seen a lot of postings about "Norman Always Knew." I am Joe Manning, the co-writer of the song, along with Steve Vozzolo. We were very pleased that Arlo recorded the song, and thrilled with his arrangement. You should know that Steve Vozzolo has recorded a CD of songs inspired by Norman Rockwell's paintings. The CD is called "All The Colors Of The World." It includes a wonderful version of "Norman Always Knew," as well as 17 other Rockwell-inspired songs. Steve and I also have another CD out called "I Love Baseball." You can find the baseball CD at my Web site, which is www.sevensteeples.com and both the Rockwell and baseball CDs at www.stevevozzolo.com.


editted by Arnie to correct url.
Thanks for posting Joe!

My link to my Website in the previous posting doesn't seem to work. So please access www.sevensteeples.com from your browser. Thanks.

Joe Manning

(The comma got ya, Joe.) Thanks for the links!

kurt...

Thanks for the info on the song. It's nice hearing from the writers of songs. Welcome!

i'll say...

when i was growing up, and would need to see the doctor for shots or whatever, i remember well the artwork he had hanging throughout the office, (every time we saw scotty in an episode of star trek, we'd laugh at the idea of how much he reminded us of our family doctor...he was the best doctor ever)...anyway, i remember (one of several introductions to norman rockwell's stuff i would get there) a print he had hanging, which i loved, always made me feel like anyone who had such a thing on their wall (not to mention, the artist who made it) must be very wise to many universal truths...i've just the other day found the print on a plate! (just before you would resurrect this thread) and now know the name of it... "shiner"
...in our purchasing it we managed to create quite a joy at the counter (long story short).
anyhow, if he didn't include ALL sorts of people beautifully in his art...i don't know who did....
thanks for the links!