This song would have won the academy award for song of the year, but it was the year that Raindrops from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid won the song of the year.
This is for my Spiritual Mom, Jean Sidwell, who loved me when I was just a lost soul of 13. She took me into her home and family and I became her "daughter by choice" for the rest of my life. I am so blessed that she loved me. She passed away in August; I miss her so much and talk with her often.
When I was a teenager I had a girlfriend named Jean. I sang this song for her w/ guitar accompaniment. Not because I liked the song (it sucks), but her name happened to be Jean :)
I remember the song well when it hit the AM airwaves in the late 1960's. But, I never saw it performed, or heard it anywhere but radio. Years later I found it was the theme song from a movie about reincarnation(?) .... never saw the movie either.
I wondered what happened to him! I used to listen to this all the time...still have the album of his from the 60's...still have love beads in my jewerly box!!!
I have a ex-Jean, too. She was my high school flame and guess when??? Well, 1969 of course. I married her twice. We ran away with bogas papers, we got caught and her dad made us get married at the judge. In the end, that was annulled and, now, I count down on my fingers to tell people that I been in love 5 time, I have had 4 weddings, 3 wifes, 2 divorces and 1 child. It all true. Everyone from high school knows!
Jean is my grandmothers name. I don't understand why people are say WAS her name.. that still is her name and always will be, i Miss you and love you!
This song is from a very sad movie. It exposes English Tyranny over Ireland, to a small degree, which has continued for nearly 1,000 years! The melody is haunting.
The only reason that I'm not just another suicide statistic is because I have this song on a vinyl 45 rpm.
Take THAT all you worthless biatches! You can't get to me and kill me. I continue to live, whereas women dwell in the house of whooredom forever, and ever.
My mother's name was Jean, though spelled differently. This is the first time I've been able to listen to this song in years cause it makes me cry. Beautiful!
All that I am reading here is sweet as sugar. An old friend brought up this song earliar to me. I haven't thought of it in years. It is nice to see and hear how much he was loved. All well deserved. His home town?
For me, "Jean" was the roller rink. Every week we'd go there, and an organist played everything; He'd play "Jean" with the "couples' skate", which is when you'd ask the beauty you adored out, holding hands, first learning about romance, within the dimmed, starry (via disco ball) rink.. It was magic.
This was such a beautiful tune back then, and even now, 40 years later, it harksns back to a time almost immemoral, a naive era of being "young and alive" as McKuen wrote and Oliver sings here.
I was in love with a girl named Jean when this song was on the radio. I let her slip away and married someone else. I miss Jean greatly now since my marriage is over. I wish I could go back and be with Jean again.
I heard this on the radio and was shocked that I haven't heard it before. It's a fantastic song, a forgotten gem that sadly gets little airing time these days.
All old people come with the "it was better in the old days" about everything. But in this case, with music that is, it's all true. Music was much better before when they had talent. Today it's all about the looks.
This is what its all about in life. A beautiful girl and a loving man. The summer of "69" was the best years of my life. I lost the love of my life...I will never live them again. RIP Oliver.
This song evokes memories from forty one years ago. As a fifteen year old wishing that my mother wake up from her half dream, she never would. She died at thirty two. This song is so surreal just as that moment in time in ’69. dirkbarr, I too miss my mom very much.
1969 had some great songs ..2525.. Get Back... nana heyhey by Steam...why dont they write songs like this now for the young people of today to live their lives listening to? Guess the Muse left..
I was raised with this lovely song around me sung by Aunts and Mom..nothing quite like it now. There is a beautiful sort of 'melancholy' about it that makes this piece so exquisite..Thank you! Oliver was so sweet, God bless his heart..
I was raised with this lovely song around me sung by Aunts and Mom..nothing quite like it now. There is a beautiful sort of 'melancholy' about it that makes this piece so exquisite..Thank you!
I knew the singer Oliver as Bill Swofford in the early 80s when we worked together selling real estate. He was a great guy and seeing this video of him was great!
@theseustexas One day back in the 80s I was strolling through the Student Union building at Southern Methodist University. That's funny, I thought....they're playing Oliver music over the speaker system. But then I walked further and much to my surprise there was Oliver singing his heart out to some SMU students (who probably wondered who he was). He still sounded great.
Sorry to tell you that Oliver died in 2000, a few days before his 55th birthday. His full name was William Oliver Swofford. After he left music, he worked in real estate and the pharmaceutical industry. One of the finest voices of that era, and his performance of this beautiful song will always be a classic.
@theseustexas i also sell real estate and wonder why a guy like he would do that? with his voice and talent....i wouldn't be doing real estate if I had talent....no insult intended, it's just a tough job out he4re....
And that girl at the end of this piece.....how pretty! I love the long straight hair....and the short skirt! What a beautiful ending to a beautiful song!
My mother's name was Jean and I remember she did not like this song, but my sisters and I sang it to her all the time....nice memory. Beautifully done by Oliver.
as a teenager, when this song was a hit , everyone seemed to approach me and burst into song....."Jean, Jean", all in jest. But I love this song and this version. Thanks for the memories.
While there are exceptions, these great singers no longer exist. He also sings with such great emotion and feeling. He makes you really care about Jean. Thanks for giving us this great song
It makes me very happy to see so many great comments about a song that I have loved since I was a little boy. This song is timeless and beautiful and sentimental, and I'm a little boy all over again when I hear "Jean" by Oliver. This song always stops me in my tracks. Thanks for posting it.
It was 1969 and I was serving with the 1st Cav in Vietnam. Someone in our base camp had this cassette & played it regularly. My girl was named Kathy but this song always took me back to her. On August 4, 1969 I received a letter from her telling me that she "simply could not wait." Though it has been all these years, and a lifetime later, this song still takes me back to the absolute love of my life.
@MrRonnieG -- Hey Ronnie, I was a kid in 1969, 11 years old, but I remember hearing this neighborhood girl, sitting with my mother at our kitchen table, consulting my mother on how she should word the "Dean John" letter she was going to write. Yeah, she'd met someone else. I've always remembered that.
My ex wife's name is Jean. We were very young when we married, then a year and a half later we divorced. As I drove her to the airport for her trip from Houston to Chicago, there was silence in the car. I turned the radio on. Soon this song started playing. It was so sad for us both. That was in the last time I saw her that spring of 1979 and I stlll think of her each passing day. The sadness gets worse when I hear this song sung by Oliver.
@highwaycan Hi highwaycan. I appreciate your story. What is worse? Breaking up before getting married, or having been married and getting divorced? I've never been married, but I've had some breakups and those were sad. Looking back, it was the best thing, not to have married a certain individual. I love that song, "Jean." I was a lad of eight when it came out in the fall of 1969.
@highwaycan Why is the song Jean sad if you got a divorce? Were you still in love with her? It's none of my business, but I'm dying to know. Usually divorces are brutal in a Moms Mabley joke kind of way! I'm dying of curiosity!
It was the first song I ever fell in love with. I remember singing it when I was about 6 or 7. I like a lot of Oliver's songs. I watched the movie that this song came from also "The Prime of Jean Brody" I believe. Didn't care for it but it produced a good song.
This was the first song I remember falling in love with- I think I was only 6 or 7 when it came out. I still enjoy this song. Didn't care for the film The Prime of Miss Jean Brody.
A rare case where a live performance eclipsed the studio recording. This is magic, in the hands of Oliver William (Billy) Swofford .... thank you so much for posting.
@MrMaxxmo ... right you are, sir.... I got to meet Billy at a small club in Chapel Hill, during my college years. This song is so much more memorable than the Rod McKuen version. I have it on CD in my car, and play it for the memories.
@raiderdanCA I saw John on FOX Sports show called "In My Own Words"he said we called him Will and that he gave him a Bone Marrow transplant but it only slowed down the cancer and we lost him.You should watch it if you can -very inter.Go Raiders!& Tarheels
@MrMaxxmo ... I was really sad to read of his passing. He gave us two terrific songs, and was a decent guy to boot. I'll try to catch John's interview... and as far as my teams, I also go Raiders (who I think will turn it around this year in Jason Campbell's hands) and .... sorry, I am a huge Coach K guy, and I have been a Duke fan(atic) since 1955 -- so you know I'm crowing over the latest NCAA Title.
dirkbarr, I know the feeling of missing mom. I lost mine in 2002, and every mothers day I just want to hide under a rock. It's hard, I'm a mom myself to 2 grown sons, but really; all I want is my mommy.
My song at age 17....loved Oliver and all the fools who greeted me with "Jean, Jean"...those were the days...wish n I was still young and alive. God bless Oliver.
Why don't we have beautiful music like this on the radio anymore? I'm a huge fan of this song. It stops me in my tracks. I've recorded it on cassette, and I've got the sheet music somewhere for it. I just wish I could find it! Just a beautiful and powerful song. This song is a definite 10! I think it must be one of my all time favorites! I love it when he sings "Jean, Jean, you're young and alive". I think this song probably makes all of us feel young and alive! Thank God
This is dedicated to my mum - Jean McGuinness Brown. Mum, you are the best! There is not a day goes by, that I don't thnk of you. You are missed by those who love you
natuarlly somehting this fine is also bittersweet..after 40 yrs..it brings me back to a moment in time and a young lady,,for a while it seemed as if we had a future..then like many of these young loves..it all vamished in..
she had health issues, even at16 so I guess shes probably gone by now...
there are thing sI wish I had said..like I hope you find the right husnband.. and have kids and have a great lifr...
@MrKapitanKirk Yes I had a time like you say too. Was this time, I had orders to Vietnam...we were so very close...then after 3 months there my letters stopped, no more the rest of the time I was there. When I got back I called her up...we went out and She said we have to talk, well I heard the spill asked for my ring back, took her back home never had anything to do with her again. Life has no rules. You live it best you can...be thankful for the memories.
That is so real,what you said.But use your computer skills to find her,she probably is still alive,find her and tell her.I did this recently and it had a happy ending,now in touch with a friend I thought about for years.get off your arse and do it,and report back.Best of luck.
William "Oliver" Swofford passed away on Feb 12 of 2000; he was 55 years old. He was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1990's; not sure of the exact year. I am from the same town where he grew up. I knew his younger brother; who is the current commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. I was a young teen when Oliver was popular; but remember our small town was very excited about his success and numerous TV appearances (especially Ed Sullivan...that was always a big deal in those days :)
Wow - interesting. I imagine it would be very exciting to see someone you knew on Ed Sullivan - I mean if you were on Sullivan - you were huge! Nothing like it on tv now - Thanks for sharing.
when I was growing up, and this was popular, everyone used to sing "jean, jean...My name is Jean....great memories, and a great song that is truly me.
Thank God for the Brits! We helped them when they were fighting to stay alive. It's seldom noted that they helped the USA when out decade went into the toilet then. It started with mourning a fallen leader and being stuck in mourning - then these foreign four guys came n distracted the youth with 'Shouldah known better."
Although I am an American the UK is the land of my ancestors. My family name has it's roots in 7th century Mercia. When UK needed our help to remove the Argentines from the Falkland Islands Regal Ronnie said "No." A UK long range Vulcan bomber flew from UK dumped it's bombs on the air strip there and flew back to UK. It is the longest flight ever made by a military aircraft for a bombing mission. A deluded PM destroyed the Vulcans. They would have been as useful to UK as the B52 is to us.
I wanted to acknowledge him on the song of "the Prime of Miss Jean Brodee but I couldn't remember the "Brodee." What I wanted to bring out was that the producer told O. that his version of Jean saved his movie.
Me too Kevin90028. I just lost my mom this past June, and her middle name is Jean. This song has ALWAYS reminded me of mom. I watched this video and bawled like a baby wanting my mom to hold me one last time. I miss you so much mom...
@dirkbarr Damn dude, I just read your comment about this song & how much you miss your mom. You just thru a tear grenade in the room. That got me....damn.
@dirkbarr I know how you feel man, I lost my Mom this recent past February 21 and I feel just like you...A somber reminder to the lucky ones who still have Mom with them, to pamper her often because the day will come saddly when they would like to kiss her again, but her forehead will be cold...very sad thought but that's the way it is...
I seen this film wiv me mum innit.
1955Geezer 1 week ago
@1955Geezer ? what seen was she in , this film i watch 2 x a year MISS brodie / or were you talking about the vidio
Gee4747 2 days ago
Can't wait for Aron Freeman's version of this to come out April 10th on his first solo album
lcmtvbreath4 1 week ago
not a bad looking guy, either!
moonspinner55 1 week ago
Wasn't this the theme song for 'The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie'????
renkarm1 1 month ago
@renkarm1 yes it is
MrAllan3858 3 weeks ago
@renkarm1 That was indeed the movie that the song was used in.
drichards1953 2 weeks ago
This was sung live. It was on the Ed Sullivan Show and you needed to sing live on his show to a live audience and televised later.
rascal211 1 month ago
This song would have won the academy award for song of the year, but it was the year that Raindrops from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid won the song of the year.
jeewanjee 1 month ago
great song
101079b 1 month ago
Absolutely lovely song and performance. They don't make Top 40 songs like this anymore.
pcsbeat 1 month ago
oliver went to my high school, wilkes central. and so did zach galifianakis, my school has some names to live up to.
TheAlexKeyTV 1 month ago
This is for my Spiritual Mom, Jean Sidwell, who loved me when I was just a lost soul of 13. She took me into her home and family and I became her "daughter by choice" for the rest of my life. I am so blessed that she loved me. She passed away in August; I miss her so much and talk with her often.
Love, Bridgette
xooxox
bushbaby001 1 month ago
pph jeaeaaaaaaaaaan vagieaaaaaaaaaaaaan
skiinkan 1 month ago
When I was a teenager I had a girlfriend named Jean. I sang this song for her w/ guitar accompaniment. Not because I liked the song (it sucks), but her name happened to be Jean :)
bailinnumberguy 1 month ago
Listening to this song is like trying to eat green tomatoes raw.
Landrew0 2 months ago
I remember the song well when it hit the AM airwaves in the late 1960's. But, I never saw it performed, or heard it anywhere but radio. Years later I found it was the theme song from a movie about reincarnation(?) .... never saw the movie either.
mnpd007 2 months ago
I wondered what happened to him! I used to listen to this all the time...still have the album of his from the 60's...still have love beads in my jewerly box!!!
robolegs 3 months ago
@robolegs diagnosed with cancer. He died at the age of 54 i
romanticwarrior97 3 months ago
This was from the movie "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie".
And I remember when leather clothes were the rage in the late 60's.
Please bring back those days.
ShanghaiJill 3 months ago
good thing MTV did not do the video They would have been naked or worse in spandex
mybosco30 3 months ago
This One Is For You Jean Butterworth.
Desoto875 3 months ago
THAT WAS ..WHAT WE NEED... SO NOW...
hughilene 4 months ago
My sister is named Bonnie Jean lol
deathtoyouall 4 months ago
nice !!! still ...
simbad909 4 months ago
Born William Oliver Swofford. He hit #2 in Billboard, 10-4-69. God bless ya, for postin' it. Thanx!
DaveWollenberg 4 months ago
Great song from a great movie. Unfortunately a bad lip-synch job.
expoboy52 5 months ago
@expoboy52 He's not lip synching. He's singing live.
The audio & video are slightly out of synch.
kirko1954 4 months ago
He had a beautiful voice that transcended beyond situations! Long live this Oliver!
MultiBudboy 5 months ago
Comment removed
MsJCBurke 5 months ago
Once the hits dried up apparently he tried teaming up with Karen Carpenter that failed.I would have loved to sit in on one of those sessions.
MrBizzarobrian 5 months ago
Back in 1968 or so, we were always singing this song in music class.
islamstillsucksallah 5 months ago
obe of my top 10 songs
bluepastry 5 months ago
this was always my mom's favorite song.. i remember her ironing clothes while it was playing on the radio.
tjschoice 6 months ago
His shirt reminds me of Seinfeld's "Puffy Shirt".
visor109 6 months ago
I have a ex-Jean, too. She was my high school flame and guess when??? Well, 1969 of course. I married her twice. We ran away with bogas papers, we got caught and her dad made us get married at the judge. In the end, that was annulled and, now, I count down on my fingers to tell people that I been in love 5 time, I have had 4 weddings, 3 wifes, 2 divorces and 1 child. It all true. Everyone from high school knows!
edwardrandalloneill 6 months ago
The B-Side to this 45 rpm was really good, too. It was called "The Arrangement" Does any one have it to post on here? I'd love to hear it again.
Joestgenpaulsen 6 months ago
Jean is my grandmothers name. I don't understand why people are say WAS her name.. that still is her name and always will be, i Miss you and love you!
hotestgeek 6 months ago
This song is from a very sad movie. It exposes English Tyranny over Ireland, to a small degree, which has continued for nearly 1,000 years! The melody is haunting.
Celestialday 6 months ago
@Celestialday Actually it's from the movie "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" 1969 about a young teacher in 1930's Edinburgh & starred Maggie Smith.
zone003 6 months ago
The only reason that I'm not just another suicide statistic is because I have this song on a vinyl 45 rpm.
Take THAT all you worthless biatches! You can't get to me and kill me. I continue to live, whereas women dwell in the house of whooredom forever, and ever.
JoeFranklinRapedMe 7 months ago
Always liked this song, and I'm not gay whatsoever!
Cromag99 7 months ago
@Cromag99 this song has depth and meaning whether your gay or straight! Incidentally my condolences on Oliver's passing! R.I.P.!
farwayout 7 months ago
My mother's name was Jean, though spelled differently. This is the first time I've been able to listen to this song in years cause it makes me cry. Beautiful!
hopefloats57 7 months ago
Just happened to find this old favorite~Thank you~
all4musica 7 months ago
I remember loving this song when I was about 4-5 years old.....I had just a vague memory of someone singing Jean.......I had good taste back then!!
edkegger1 7 months ago
This song was the theme from the movie The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
NoIDidunt10 8 months ago
KapitainKirk- Its never too late. Give it a shot.
VOICESOF1 8 months ago
KapitainKirk- Its never too late. Give it a shot.
VOICESOF1 8 months ago
oh god i love this song, and i love him!! to bad he is no longer alive :( Love You Oliver!!!! x
serenitysmum25 8 months ago
why did this song pop in my head...thank you ..youtube for always having every strange song or video I can think of
sizzorgirl67 8 months ago
what is about this song ?
marcjusz 9 months ago
@marcjusz ...Jean ...hello lol just kidding.
sizzorgirl67 8 months ago
This song is about the LOVE within the heart of man, the top of the hill represents loving 6.7 billion people within your heart. LOVE is the TRUTH
PerfectLoveMinistry 10 months ago
All that I am reading here is sweet as sugar. An old friend brought up this song earliar to me. I haven't thought of it in years. It is nice to see and hear how much he was loved. All well deserved. His home town?
godblessiowa 10 months ago
Sang with real tears, this was a very sensitive nice man, died too soon.
One of the nicest songs ever made.
theflowerpower01 11 months ago
He looks a bit like a young Buddy Ebsen, no?
crocetti1984 11 months ago
@crocetti1984 No. Closer to Mickey Rooney, or Robert Morse.
dannybex 9 months ago
For me, "Jean" was the roller rink. Every week we'd go there, and an organist played everything; He'd play "Jean" with the "couples' skate", which is when you'd ask the beauty you adored out, holding hands, first learning about romance, within the dimmed, starry (via disco ball) rink.. It was magic.
This was such a beautiful tune back then, and even now, 40 years later, it harksns back to a time almost immemoral, a naive era of being "young and alive" as McKuen wrote and Oliver sings here.
mikeaustin1 11 months ago
I STILL THINK OF JEAN BACK IN THAT 1973 ALGEBRA CLASS. WISH WE HAD GOT TOGETHER.
RALPHIEREDRYDER 11 months ago
I was in love with a girl named Jean when this song was on the radio. I let her slip away and married someone else. I miss Jean greatly now since my marriage is over. I wish I could go back and be with Jean again.
wa6fhx 1 year ago
Miss you Kathleen! even after 40 years ♥♥♥♥
shieldwolf49 1 year ago
Miss you Kathleen! even after 30 years ♥♥♥♥
shieldwolf49 1 year ago
--- What a Great Singer...He Always Be Remembered.
retronut55 1 year ago 3
Always loved this song. So romantic and soulful. I wonder if he got the idea from 'Bonnie Jean' in Brigadoon?
london2z 1 year ago
I LOVE this! Reminds me of my friend Zvi.
10Canada1 1 year ago
I heard this on the radio and was shocked that I haven't heard it before. It's a fantastic song, a forgotten gem that sadly gets little airing time these days.
All old people come with the "it was better in the old days" about everything. But in this case, with music that is, it's all true. Music was much better before when they had talent. Today it's all about the looks.
TheDraug 1 year ago 18
This is what its all about in life. A beautiful girl and a loving man. The summer of "69" was the best years of my life. I lost the love of my life...I will never live them again. RIP Oliver.
cd272443 1 year ago 2
Rest in peace William "Oliver" Swofford. Such a talent and taken too soon.
bobbyshermanfan 1 year ago 2
Just a beautiful song, wonderful. And no lip sync here, he is really singing this live.
Musclevideofreak 1 year ago 2
This song evokes memories from forty one years ago. As a fifteen year old wishing that my mother wake up from her half dream, she never would. She died at thirty two. This song is so surreal just as that moment in time in ’69. dirkbarr, I too miss my mom very much.
FFOTUC 1 year ago
I'm in love with this guy! He's actually singing a song for me!!! LOL =D <3
TheJeanski 1 year ago
1969 had some great songs ..2525.. Get Back... nana heyhey by Steam...why dont they write songs like this now for the young people of today to live their lives listening to? Guess the Muse left..
rds1958 1 year ago
I'm Jean and wil never forget...........
werentthosethedays 1 year ago
I was raised with this lovely song around me sung by Aunts and Mom..nothing quite like it now. There is a beautiful sort of 'melancholy' about it that makes this piece so exquisite..Thank you! Oliver was so sweet, God bless his heart..
GemsNgold 1 year ago 2
I was raised with this lovely song around me sung by Aunts and Mom..nothing quite like it now. There is a beautiful sort of 'melancholy' about it that makes this piece so exquisite..Thank you!
GemsNgold 1 year ago
The way he sings this song always made me feel as if he really pined for Jean. RIP William OLIVER Swofford.
lasinlo 1 year ago
Reminds me the movie "The prime of Miss Jean Brodie" with Dame Maggy Smith...
fernanton 1 year ago
@fernanton it should, it was the theme song...
thealbumcollector 1 year ago
@fernanton yeah this was the theme song for that movie! i <3 it
Alan95Haitch 1 year ago
This is one of the very first songs I remember. I knew I liked it and Oliver as well...right from the beginning.
I have a copy of the original 45; but I'll remain saddened to know that I will never realize the dream of having it autographed by him.
Oliver, this will always be the song that defined you. You will always be one of my music heroes. Thank you for this winner.
FischerFan 1 year ago 2
My 2nd born Daughter's middle name is Jean. When I hear this beautiful song, I always think of her. RIP Oliver.
sugaree9 1 year ago 2
@sugaree9 MY Daughter's JST THE SAME ,ALL BECAUSE THIS SONG.
dolly0228 5 months ago
One of my many favorite songs...love you MA...
trialcourt 1 year ago
He does a better job at this than Rod McKuen.
stadalberts 1 year ago
I knew the singer Oliver as Bill Swofford in the early 80s when we worked together selling real estate. He was a great guy and seeing this video of him was great!
theseustexas 1 year ago 3
@theseustexas One day back in the 80s I was strolling through the Student Union building at Southern Methodist University. That's funny, I thought....they're playing Oliver music over the speaker system. But then I walked further and much to my surprise there was Oliver singing his heart out to some SMU students (who probably wondered who he was). He still sounded great.
BRUC2016 1 year ago 2
@theseustexas
Do you know how he's doing now?
cutenhonest 1 year ago
Sorry to tell you that Oliver died in 2000, a few days before his 55th birthday. His full name was William Oliver Swofford. After he left music, he worked in real estate and the pharmaceutical industry. One of the finest voices of that era, and his performance of this beautiful song will always be a classic.
dweaver52 1 year ago 4
@theseustexas i also sell real estate and wonder why a guy like he would do that? with his voice and talent....i wouldn't be doing real estate if I had talent....no insult intended, it's just a tough job out he4re....
werentthosethedays 1 year ago
Tenderness, just heanvenly! I love this song, really!
JacinthoPilla 1 year ago
I think he was originally from NC, and I think he has passed away. What a loose, a man with such a beautiful voice and songs to sing.
atp1962 1 year ago
Love this song - always reminds me of my friend Sister Jean - she is bonny, young and alive like Miss Jean Brodie
vantheman2006 1 year ago
Great song! Oliver had a terrific voice.
And that girl at the end of this piece.....how pretty! I love the long straight hair....and the short skirt! What a beautiful ending to a beautiful song!
unconventionalmeans 1 year ago
My mother's name was Jean and I remember she did not like this song, but my sisters and I sang it to her all the time....nice memory. Beautifully done by Oliver.
nikcrabtree 1 year ago
a really lovely song that will always bring a tear to my eye
mal334455 1 year ago
as a teenager, when this song was a hit , everyone seemed to approach me and burst into song....."Jean, Jean", all in jest. But I love this song and this version. Thanks for the memories.
laff2010 1 year ago
While there are exceptions, these great singers no longer exist. He also sings with such great emotion and feeling. He makes you really care about Jean. Thanks for giving us this great song
rllplayeragent 1 year ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
this guy was GOOD
shelbydawkins 1 year ago
It makes me very happy to see so many great comments about a song that I have loved since I was a little boy. This song is timeless and beautiful and sentimental, and I'm a little boy all over again when I hear "Jean" by Oliver. This song always stops me in my tracks. Thanks for posting it.
Beautifulmusiclistnr 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
springs215 1 year ago
Great song. I am Jean. Growing up they all sang this to me. Later in life I learned the meaning.
laff2010 1 year ago
@laff2010 ...very nice comment Jean
mal334455 1 year ago
It was 1969 and I was serving with the 1st Cav in Vietnam. Someone in our base camp had this cassette & played it regularly. My girl was named Kathy but this song always took me back to her. On August 4, 1969 I received a letter from her telling me that she "simply could not wait." Though it has been all these years, and a lifetime later, this song still takes me back to the absolute love of my life.
MrRonnieG 1 year ago
@MrRonnieG -- Hey Ronnie, I was a kid in 1969, 11 years old, but I remember hearing this neighborhood girl, sitting with my mother at our kitchen table, consulting my mother on how she should word the "Dean John" letter she was going to write. Yeah, she'd met someone else. I've always remembered that.
57highland 1 year ago
And everytime I meet a Jean..I can hear this song playing.
LastTree 1 year ago
My ex wife's name is Jean. We were very young when we married, then a year and a half later we divorced. As I drove her to the airport for her trip from Houston to Chicago, there was silence in the car. I turned the radio on. Soon this song started playing. It was so sad for us both. That was in the last time I saw her that spring of 1979 and I stlll think of her each passing day. The sadness gets worse when I hear this song sung by Oliver.
highwaycan 1 year ago 15
@highwaycan Hi highwaycan. I appreciate your story. What is worse? Breaking up before getting married, or having been married and getting divorced? I've never been married, but I've had some breakups and those were sad. Looking back, it was the best thing, not to have married a certain individual. I love that song, "Jean." I was a lad of eight when it came out in the fall of 1969.
Helivz 1 year ago
don't be sad man god is always with you....everything happen for a reason.i am sure there is someone else for you.....be strong...
0124777215 5 months ago
@0124777215 That's a beautiful thing to say....you made me cry
bluevirgo19 5 months ago
@0124777215 that's a beautiful thing to say...you made me cry
bluevirgo19 5 months ago
@highwaycan Why is the song Jean sad if you got a divorce? Were you still in love with her? It's none of my business, but I'm dying to know. Usually divorces are brutal in a Moms Mabley joke kind of way! I'm dying of curiosity!
MrRJMGREEN 5 months ago
@MrRJMGREEN She wanted the divorce; I didn't. Yes I was still very much in love with her.
grodrigu100 5 months ago
A great memory from 1969. RIP Oliver.
ftsjr 1 year ago 2
All love to you Dirk...
Sraheens1 1 year ago
if only Gerry (my mom) were here today....but I still have Joe, Joanne and Jon........the J's have it . Miss you mom
laff2010 1 year ago 2
Nobody sings "Jean" like Oliver. I'm learning to play this beautiful song on the piano. I just hope that I can do it justice.
Beautifulmusiclistnr 1 year ago 2
It was the first song I ever fell in love with. I remember singing it when I was about 6 or 7. I like a lot of Oliver's songs. I watched the movie that this song came from also "The Prime of Jean Brody" I believe. Didn't care for it but it produced a good song.
RikBison 1 year ago
This was the first song I remember falling in love with- I think I was only 6 or 7 when it came out. I still enjoy this song. Didn't care for the film The Prime of Miss Jean Brody.
RikBison 1 year ago
A rare case where a live performance eclipsed the studio recording. This is magic, in the hands of Oliver William (Billy) Swofford .... thank you so much for posting.
raiderdanCA 1 year ago
@raiderdanCA It was William Oliver Swofford.His brother is John Swofford former Q-Back for UNC Tarheels & ACC Comm.
MrMaxxmo 1 year ago
@MrMaxxmo ... right you are, sir.... I got to meet Billy at a small club in Chapel Hill, during my college years. This song is so much more memorable than the Rod McKuen version. I have it on CD in my car, and play it for the memories.
raiderdanCA 1 year ago
@raiderdanCA I saw John on FOX Sports show called "In My Own Words"he said we called him Will and that he gave him a Bone Marrow transplant but it only slowed down the cancer and we lost him.You should watch it if you can -very inter.Go Raiders!& Tarheels
MrMaxxmo 1 year ago
@MrMaxxmo ... I was really sad to read of his passing. He gave us two terrific songs, and was a decent guy to boot. I'll try to catch John's interview... and as far as my teams, I also go Raiders (who I think will turn it around this year in Jason Campbell's hands) and .... sorry, I am a huge Coach K guy, and I have been a Duke fan(atic) since 1955 -- so you know I'm crowing over the latest NCAA Title.
raiderdanCA 1 year ago
Perhaps a supreme compliment is to say that I cannot get any work done when this song is playing. Superb.
1Pickles 1 year ago
ah ah never thourght id hear a song with my name in it.
jeankroberts 1 year ago
dirkbarr, I know the feeling of missing mom. I lost mine in 2002, and every mothers day I just want to hide under a rock. It's hard, I'm a mom myself to 2 grown sons, but really; all I want is my mommy.
dibiasit 1 year ago
Its just amazing that when you hear this in public today that people still stop and just listen. Just so beautiful!!!! Thanks for the post.
1957collectorboy 1 year ago
Aw what a cutie!
I was making pies with my Grandmother this Easter and this song came on the radio, I just had to find it again. What a lovely song.
Sshelly34213 1 year ago
My song at age 17....loved Oliver and all the fools who greeted me with "Jean, Jean"...those were the days...wish n I was still young and alive. God bless Oliver.
laff2010 1 year ago
Why don't we have beautiful music like this on the radio anymore? I'm a huge fan of this song. It stops me in my tracks. I've recorded it on cassette, and I've got the sheet music somewhere for it. I just wish I could find it! Just a beautiful and powerful song. This song is a definite 10! I think it must be one of my all time favorites! I love it when he sings "Jean, Jean, you're young and alive". I think this song probably makes all of us feel young and alive! Thank God
Beautifulmusiclistnr 1 year ago 3
This is dedicated to my mum - Jean McGuinness Brown. Mum, you are the best! There is not a day goes by, that I don't thnk of you. You are missed by those who love you
vgreencan 1 year ago 2
Love this song. From the 1969 movie The Prime of Ms Jean Brodie. The songwriter is Rod McKuen.
nancyfloressantos 1 year ago 5
pretty song. went to #2. so did his 'good morning starshine.' that would've frustrated me.
blueeyesofice 1 year ago 2
Wow,
natuarlly somehting this fine is also bittersweet..after 40 yrs..it brings me back to a moment in time and a young lady,,for a while it seemed as if we had a future..then like many of these young loves..it all vamished in..
she had health issues, even at16 so I guess shes probably gone by now...
there are thing sI wish I had said..like I hope you find the right husnband.. and have kids and have a great lifr...
but I know in my heart of hearts its way too late
MrKapitanKirk 2 years ago 10
@MrKapitanKirk Yes I had a time like you say too. Was this time, I had orders to Vietnam...we were so very close...then after 3 months there my letters stopped, no more the rest of the time I was there. When I got back I called her up...we went out and She said we have to talk, well I heard the spill asked for my ring back, took her back home never had anything to do with her again. Life has no rules. You live it best you can...be thankful for the memories.
trollerguy 1 year ago 3
@MrKapitanKirk
That is so real,what you said.But use your computer skills to find her,she probably is still alive,find her and tell her.I did this recently and it had a happy ending,now in touch with a friend I thought about for years.get off your arse and do it,and report back.Best of luck.
tukidream 1 year ago
William "Oliver" Swofford passed away on Feb 12 of 2000; he was 55 years old. He was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1990's; not sure of the exact year. I am from the same town where he grew up. I knew his younger brother; who is the current commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. I was a young teen when Oliver was popular; but remember our small town was very excited about his success and numerous TV appearances (especially Ed Sullivan...that was always a big deal in those days :)
Free1108 1 year ago 18
Wow - interesting. I imagine it would be very exciting to see someone you knew on Ed Sullivan - I mean if you were on Sullivan - you were huge! Nothing like it on tv now - Thanks for sharing.
brenda259 1 year ago 2
Also very sorry to hear of his early passing - incredible sweet voice.
brenda259 1 year ago 3
wow. I always thought he had a beautiful voice. So handsome too.
uwillbelieve 1 year ago 3
@Free1108
Well, your friend was one hell of a vocalist. What great expression.
ytesr 1 year ago
@MrKapitanKirk My dear Sir: it is never to late to love....I believe the worst life of all is that of never having loved at all...
Love, Bridgette,
xoooxooo
bushbaby001 7 months ago
I believe this performance can be found on The Ed Sullivan Show DVD collection. By the way it is Brodie, not Brodee.
dukevw 2 years ago 2
does anyone no wherew I can buy this video & also the cd its my favarate song and brings back lots of memories
jrpgagnonjr 2 years ago
By all accounts he was a really good person and of course what a singer!
hajune 2 years ago 2
when I was growing up, and this was popular, everyone used to sing "jean, jean...My name is Jean....great memories, and a great song that is truly me.
laff2010 2 years ago 3
My friends Dad used to sing this song to his wife, sad but great song.
plastic1492 2 years ago 3
one of the best....so sad he died so young.
laff2010 2 years ago 3
Thank God for the Brits! We helped them when they were fighting to stay alive. It's seldom noted that they helped the USA when out decade went into the toilet then. It started with mourning a fallen leader and being stuck in mourning - then these foreign four guys came n distracted the youth with 'Shouldah known better."
salinagrrrl69 2 years ago
@salinagrrrl69 Oliver was from the US
inbredagogo 2 years ago
He was from NC. We went to the same H.S. but 2 or 3 years older than me. He died in the early 90s.
nor888vast695 2 years ago 2
Although I am an American the UK is the land of my ancestors. My family name has it's roots in 7th century Mercia. When UK needed our help to remove the Argentines from the Falkland Islands Regal Ronnie said "No." A UK long range Vulcan bomber flew from UK dumped it's bombs on the air strip there and flew back to UK. It is the longest flight ever made by a military aircraft for a bombing mission. A deluded PM destroyed the Vulcans. They would have been as useful to UK as the B52 is to us.
nor888vast695 2 years ago
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodee was a Brit film.
I believe that it is known now Ronnie helped with Sat-intel. Clandestinly of course.
salinagrrrl69 2 years ago
I wanted to acknowledge him on the song of "the Prime of Miss Jean Brodee but I couldn't remember the "Brodee." What I wanted to bring out was that the producer told O. that his version of Jean saved his movie.
nor888vast695 2 years ago 2
this song is a love song not military BS,comment about the song or shut-up
JJMFB1 2 years ago
Um dos videos mais bonitos da década de 70.
miguelleao54 2 years ago
Comment removed
miguelleao54 2 years ago
I have that exact same outfit.
Kevin90028 2 years ago 2
I Have not heard this since I was a child. It is so beautiful. Thanks for posting
1957collectorboy 2 years ago 2
xxx love it.....where are songs like this nowadays? it's all doof doof and skanky blonde girls that all look the same, blaaa
dessert57 2 years ago 6
What a gorgeous voice. He deserved so many more hits than he had.
sunbunny24 2 years ago 3
Sorry. I was thinking of a song from THE GONG SHOW in the 1970's that went "Gene, Gene the dancing machine."
BaboonBreath11 2 years ago
,,,that,s a sad one
twochaudio 2 years ago
This by far the best song that he had ever done. I love this song.
INGRAMDR 2 years ago 2
Come to think of it, she always wore slacks, not jeans.
Kevin90028 2 years ago
Lovely. I recall this as a child, oh so long ago...
pastlifewife4 2 years ago 4
Me too Kevin90028. I just lost my mom this past June, and her middle name is Jean. This song has ALWAYS reminded me of mom. I watched this video and bawled like a baby wanting my mom to hold me one last time. I miss you so much mom...
dirkbarr 2 years ago 30
Amen dirkbarr : A fabulous and moving masterpiece that moves us all the same way. I cry too , and for no apparent reason.....
It just moves your heart.............
Badbill13 2 years ago 5
@dirkbarr Damn dude, I just read your comment about this song & how much you miss your mom. You just thru a tear grenade in the room. That got me....damn.
macreal65 1 year ago
@dirkbarr Wow, beautiful song to remember your mother by.
larciabella 1 year ago
@dirkbarr I know how you feel man, I lost my Mom this recent past February 21 and I feel just like you...A somber reminder to the lucky ones who still have Mom with them, to pamper her often because the day will come saddly when they would like to kiss her again, but her forehead will be cold...very sad thought but that's the way it is...
fernanton 1 year ago
Saw this movie when I was 9, always loved it, and remembered The movie ,and the Song 'jean' By Oliver...Days gone by
acdeucee 2 years ago 2
One of the best movie themes ever. 1969 was unusually good year for best songs
from movies, along with this there was also"Raindrops Keep Fallin'" and "Everybody's Talking"
metrogoldwyn 2 years ago 11
This song reminds me of my dear departed mother. Here name was Suzy. (But she always wore jeans, so there's that.)
Kevin90028 2 years ago
Thats very simple yet so touching
acdeucee 2 years ago
Great live performance.
fivemile13 2 years ago