Roughly a decade later when we were working through demos for what would become Films For Radio, Don Heffington’s name rose to the occasion. Imagine the thrill when he came to Nashville from LA to make a record with us.

He was perfect for the project. (Don and Byron House on bass became the unforgettable steam engine that gave the songs thump, rattle and roll.)

When we took the record out on the road and Don agreed to join us, we decided we needed to up our travel game. We rented a big shiny RV. Some of the guys had long legs ~ including Don. Seats on flights had to accommodate his lanky frame.

Unfortunately the big shiny RV turned out to be a rattle-trap-piece-of-crap.

We all despised it and eventually abandoned it for the familiar joys of the 15-passenger van.

Many of the gigs on that run were accompanied by long drives, which could make for some short nights in hotels. During one particularly late night, Jack Henderson and Heffington were slogging their instruments and suitcases down some godforsaken dimly lit hotel hallway knowing they would only sleep for a handful of hours, get up, turn around and do it all again.

Heffington inquired, Why do we have to leave so goddamn early? Henderson replied, I think it’s to leave just a bit of extra time in case something goes wrong on the drive...

Heffington didn’t miss a beat: Well, what could be more wrong than this?!

A quote that would live on, perfectly applicable to many a situation, this became a permanent part of our vernacular.

Don Heffington lives on, as does his music - including records made with Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Victoria Williams, Lone Justice/Maria McKee and dozens of other songwriters. It was a thrill to get to walk the high wire with him.

Fly high, Don Heffington, and may you have all the legroom heaven can provide. #donheffington

Karin (w/Linford close by)