I absolutely love this video. Ronnie Gilbert, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays and Fred Hellerman, the amazing Weavers. This brought happy tears to my eyes. Thanks for posting. The Weavers were targets of crazy ultra Rightists Neoconservative Neanderthals. As Fred said, and I quote: "If you can exist, and stay the course -- not a course of blind obstinacy and faulty conception -- but one of decency and good sense, you can outlast your enemies with your honor and integrity intact," Limbaugh frowns. I smile.
Why anyone would ever dislike this video I do not know. This is an awesome awesome group and I am sure the vast majority of us truly do appreciate their works!
Yes this song is a tribute to so much. Certainly Ledbelly who never got recognition in his lifetime. But also to the Weavers, and their pure talent unmatched by any current pops performers, which was undone by the paranoid conspiracy theorists of the McCarthy era-- and their descendants still lurking. Thanks for saving some of the reality of what incredible talent they could hav brought to all of us.
Go on fellows making that music! It´s wunderfull. Your voices are wery well reproduced.The instruments are a little thin.Wonderfull that people like you enjoy the hearts of listeners with these beautifull songs. A happy new year alltogether!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful. And their voices like the ones of young people!!!!! I'm almost 60 and I vould like that my voice stays so beautiful like the one of the lady!
What a wonderful moment in music history. They put shame on the 'singers' of today. This is beautiful. It was Jim Reeves that I grew up listening to singing this song. The yodelling in the background just adds to the atmosphere. Fantastic!....
The original words were changed from "Lead Belly's" "Irene, Good Night Irene, I'll GET you in my dreams," to what it is now. I'll loved them all, Arlo, Pete and Ledbetter. I have had the great fortune to have met with Pete Seeger, socially, many times over the years, There is no greater human being than he. I man who has always lived his principles.
Actually this song belongs to Huddie Ledbetter, who recorded this song and hundred others on portable aluminum disc recording equipment while he was in Prison (1930-1934). It's very sad that other people take credit take for other people's work.
You obviously live on a different planet from the rest of us. Seeger has always acknowledged authorship of everything he has ever sung including this one.
@moumeneamine Like many traditional folk songs, the specific origins of "Irene" are unclear. Lead Belly was singing a version of the song from as early as 1908, which he claimed to have learned from his uncle Terell. An 1886 song by Gussie L. Davis has several lyrical and structural similarities to the latter song, however no information on its melody has survived. Some evidence suggests the 1886 song was itself based on an even earlier song which has not survived. What is sad is you.
@moumeneamine This is a folk song chances are even Ledbetter didn't write it. It doesn't belong to any one person and the only reason it exists is because of the musicians who play it.
@moumeneamine Hudie Ledbetter. Hew-dee. I have a record of Leadbelly singing with Josh White, and Josh pronounced it, to Leadbelly's face, as Hudie. And Leadbelly probably didn't write it. He probably picked it up in South Texas.
@moumeneamine "Goodnight, Irene" or "Irene, Goodnight," is a 19th century song written and published as "Goodnight, Irene" in 1886 by Gussie Lord Davis an African American songwriter. The song (by then much altered) was first recorded in 1932 by American musician Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter who claimed he had learned the song from his uncle.
Such a great moment with Ronnie and Lee at the beginning the love that the group had for one another not mention they all looked up to eachother. Even though they didn't always get along which is a problem with most music groups they were and the remaining 3 are still amazing great inspirations to me ever since I was little
I remember looking all over to find the album of this concert for my cousin when it first came out because she had the title incorrect. The film is called 'Wasn't that a Time' but the album is called 'Together Again'. Only the now defunct legendary Colony Records on Broadway knew what I was talking about. This concert and song always makes me think of her. I despised their politics but because of my cousin I got to like the music.
There is something in their harmony that just makes me cry like a baby. Of course, I still laugh that I thought "Goodnight, Irene" was about his girlfriend not his gambling.
Bless you for posting this unbelievable video! I only wish EVERYONE on this earth could (should) see it. What a powerful influence they had on America and the world. And how brave they were for saying and singing what they believed in. What a fabulous gift they gave us, in music and thought.
The highlight of my concert going life, definitely this one. I attended one of what I think were two performances. Late Nov or Dec '80. The response was so intense, I think our balcony shook.
Thank you for that detail. That's similar to knowing, for example, that when Glenn Miller took ''Tuxedo Junction'' to the no. 1 spot on the charts and sold 115,000 copies of his recording of it in the first week (almost 7 million in all thru the years), that Erskine Hawkins who had previously recorded TJ sold a total of 3/4 million copies of the song before Miller recorded it.
Thank you for making it clear that Gordon Jenkin's recording was not the first rendition of ''Goodnight Irene.''
The original recording of ''Goodnight, Irene'' by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers hit no. 1 on the charts in the third week of August 1950 -- and stayed in first place for 13 consecutive weeks.
@PublicRadioWorldWide Gordon Jenkin's recording was not the original version of "Goodnight Irene". The Weavers had already recorded it, as had of course Huddie Leadbetter,
@banjostead It wasnt the first time it was recorded however the weavers were the first to get it into the mainstream audience and it then it no 1 in the pop charts along with tzena tzena
I have just learnt of this song in the past week. My grandmother just passed away and her name was Irene. When they were much younger my grandpa used to sing it to her all the time apparently. We used it as the final song at her funeral and though it was a very sad day my grandpa managed to sing along to it with a smile on his face. Thank you so much for the post.
All but Lee Hayes, who died around 1981, are still alive. You can hear a radio programme on the BBC web site transmitted last Wednesday about Pete; but be quick they only keep programmes for 7 days.
I am so lucky to live where Pete Seger is a neighbor. He and his sloop Clearwater sail up and down the Hudson River stopping at all the small towns along the way giving concerts and working tward making the Hudson a clean river again.
There is a Clearwater benefit concert coming up May 3 at Madison Square Garden. It is both to benefit the Clearwater sloop program and to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Wish I could go!
This was a very significant event,as it marked the final time that all four Weavers ere gathered. How appropriate that this reunion take place @ carnegie Hall (same as the one in '55 and '63)...Mr. Hays,you will never be forgotten as you continue to inspire and provide me with with that burning desire to carry on with this great folk song tradition...R.I.P.
weavers--- h leventhal management and the folk era---
levenho2 4 days ago
I absolutely love this video. Ronnie Gilbert, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays and Fred Hellerman, the amazing Weavers. This brought happy tears to my eyes. Thanks for posting. The Weavers were targets of crazy ultra Rightists Neoconservative Neanderthals. As Fred said, and I quote: "If you can exist, and stay the course -- not a course of blind obstinacy and faulty conception -- but one of decency and good sense, you can outlast your enemies with your honor and integrity intact," Limbaugh frowns. I smile.
BearyHairy 1 month ago
What year is this?
HalfBornUnicornFetus 2 months ago
Absolutely - and I'm English!
banjostead 3 months ago
Did they sing "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine"
minnomouse1 3 months ago
@minnomouse1 Yes, they did. A good job of it all around. Peace. bear
BearyHairy 1 month ago
Why anyone would ever dislike this video I do not know. This is an awesome awesome group and I am sure the vast majority of us truly do appreciate their works!
wfulls 3 months ago
Yes this song is a tribute to so much. Certainly Ledbelly who never got recognition in his lifetime. But also to the Weavers, and their pure talent unmatched by any current pops performers, which was undone by the paranoid conspiracy theorists of the McCarthy era-- and their descendants still lurking. Thanks for saving some of the reality of what incredible talent they could hav brought to all of us.
MsTalkingStick 4 months ago
Pure Class.
UncleJeffreySpuds 5 months ago
Pete & my mom worked together sometimes. & Leadbelly. This is such a marvelous song--full of memories Need to get to my grandkids with this...
Tannywheeler1 5 months ago
Fantastic. Long live the international Socialist Revolution.
jayraskin 6 months ago
Can't get his song out of my head since they started talking about this hurricane.
meanwiddlekid 6 months ago
everyone makes up thier own words to this song and it sucks. Sing the correct words assholes
GranpaGrammy 6 months ago
@GranpaGrammy I just love your words of encouragement.
MrDrewlips 4 months ago
beautiful.
russtacean 7 months ago
loved this performance thanks for posting
127589 7 months ago
Is the movie, "A Mighty Wind", a parody of this documentary?
Teflon65 10 months ago
How sweet!!!
tesore 11 months ago
The song that was #1 the night that I was conceived. I often wonder if my radio-listening parents heard this one that night ...
adproductn 1 year ago
THANKS WEAVERS.
KITCHENOFDISTINCTION 1 year ago
Go on fellows making that music! It´s wunderfull. Your voices are wery well reproduced.The instruments are a little thin.Wonderfull that people like you enjoy the hearts of listeners with these beautifull songs. A happy new year alltogether!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
trudix01 1 year ago
Wonderful. And their voices like the ones of young people!!!!! I'm almost 60 and I vould like that my voice stays so beautiful like the one of the lady!
dominiquedv 1 year ago
What else can be added? A great melancholic song… the new year’s national anthem!
tupregunta 1 year ago
What else can be added? A great melancholic song.....
tupregunta 1 year ago
Read what I said! I didn't say Seeger wrote it.
banjostead 1 year ago
What a wonderful moment in music history. They put shame on the 'singers' of today. This is beautiful. It was Jim Reeves that I grew up listening to singing this song. The yodelling in the background just adds to the atmosphere. Fantastic!....
yingkbc 1 year ago
Pete Seeger's still got it goin' on. So, so amazing.
imabrokenradio22 1 year ago
The original words were changed from "Lead Belly's" "Irene, Good Night Irene, I'll GET you in my dreams," to what it is now. I'll loved them all, Arlo, Pete and Ledbetter. I have had the great fortune to have met with Pete Seeger, socially, many times over the years, There is no greater human being than he. I man who has always lived his principles.
imperfectmessenger 1 year ago
Best bar closing song ever.
mmm413 1 year ago
@mmm413 I'll drink to that !!!!
212729h 1 year ago
Actually this song belongs to Huddie Ledbetter, who recorded this song and hundred others on portable aluminum disc recording equipment while he was in Prison (1930-1934). It's very sad that other people take credit take for other people's work.
moumeneamine 1 year ago
@moumeneamine
You obviously live on a different planet from the rest of us. Seeger has always acknowledged authorship of everything he has ever sung including this one.
banjostead 1 year ago 10
@banjostead Ummmm, no. This was Ledbetter's standard for decades. What planet are you on?
mikefmich 1 year ago
@moumeneamine Actually the Weavers give Huddie Ledbetter full credit for this song in their opening on another web site.
686204 1 year ago
@moumeneamine Like many traditional folk songs, the specific origins of "Irene" are unclear. Lead Belly was singing a version of the song from as early as 1908, which he claimed to have learned from his uncle Terell. An 1886 song by Gussie L. Davis has several lyrical and structural similarities to the latter song, however no information on its melody has survived. Some evidence suggests the 1886 song was itself based on an even earlier song which has not survived. What is sad is you.
CJHawkinsTube 1 year ago
@CJHawkinsTube
You are right,andt truthfully, how can we go from enjoying music to debating who wrote it first!..
This is the favourite song of my 83 year old father,who now suffers from dementia.
He sang it to me when I was a child,now I sing it back to him.
That is the power of music!.
neohip 1 year ago
@moumeneamine This is a folk song chances are even Ledbetter didn't write it. It doesn't belong to any one person and the only reason it exists is because of the musicians who play it.
andywhite12345 1 year ago
@moumeneamine Hudie Ledbetter. Hew-dee. I have a record of Leadbelly singing with Josh White, and Josh pronounced it, to Leadbelly's face, as Hudie.
BarerMender 11 months ago
@moumeneamine Hudie Ledbetter. Hew-dee. I have a record of Leadbelly singing with Josh White, and Josh pronounced it, to Leadbelly's face, as Hudie. And Leadbelly probably didn't write it. He probably picked it up in South Texas.
BarerMender 11 months ago
@moumeneamine "Goodnight, Irene" or "Irene, Goodnight," is a 19th century song written and published as "Goodnight, Irene" in 1886 by Gussie Lord Davis an African American songwriter. The song (by then much altered) was first recorded in 1932 by American musician Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter who claimed he had learned the song from his uncle.
SkrepkaMoya 5 months ago
Such wonderful harmonies
SaskiaCornell 1 year ago
Such a great moment with Ronnie and Lee at the beginning the love that the group had for one another not mention they all looked up to eachother. Even though they didn't always get along which is a problem with most music groups they were and the remaining 3 are still amazing great inspirations to me ever since I was little
allenshepard 1 year ago
I remember looking all over to find the album of this concert for my cousin when it first came out because she had the title incorrect. The film is called 'Wasn't that a Time' but the album is called 'Together Again'. Only the now defunct legendary Colony Records on Broadway knew what I was talking about. This concert and song always makes me think of her. I despised their politics but because of my cousin I got to like the music.
meanwiddlekid 1 year ago
Last song always played at wedding dances when I was young. Will never forget!
difa2ol 1 year ago
There is something in their harmony that just makes me cry like a baby. Of course, I still laugh that I thought "Goodnight, Irene" was about his girlfriend not his gambling.
peepers47 1 year ago
Thanks much for sharing.
DeffLeopard 1 year ago
Wow. Thanks for posting this.
jordanthecat 1 year ago 2
Very uplifting and inspirational.
judydrake11 1 year ago
This is LeadBellys song i dont care who sings it
SouthernPride76 1 year ago
Dear Banjostead,
Bless you for posting this unbelievable video! I only wish EVERYONE on this earth could (should) see it. What a powerful influence they had on America and the world. And how brave they were for saying and singing what they believed in. What a fabulous gift they gave us, in music and thought.
chettmansberger 1 year ago
"Absolutely overwhelming ..."
Magnificent.
UncleCharlieOakley 1 year ago
incredible , moving . just wonderful . thank you
bearcub410 1 year ago
This group of troubadors have influenced a whole generation of "harmony singers".
I first heard them on the radio here in the UK, back in the late fifties.
In fact among the first Albums (vinyl), I bought was the Weavers reunion at Carnigie Hall.
Great minstrels doing what they do best, may their God/s bless and keep them!
richams1 1 year ago
The highlight of my concert going life, definitely this one. I attended one of what I think were two performances. Late Nov or Dec '80. The response was so intense, I think our balcony shook.
spagandtuna 1 year ago
Oh geez, I just cried like a baby.
simstephen 1 year ago
Could listen all night to this..WONDERFUL
oldhippypeace 1 year ago
Let's not over analyze here. The Weavers were the best and this song is one of their best.
mmm413 1 year ago
Thank you for that detail. That's similar to knowing, for example, that when Glenn Miller took ''Tuxedo Junction'' to the no. 1 spot on the charts and sold 115,000 copies of his recording of it in the first week (almost 7 million in all thru the years), that Erskine Hawkins who had previously recorded TJ sold a total of 3/4 million copies of the song before Miller recorded it.
Thank you for making it clear that Gordon Jenkin's recording was not the first rendition of ''Goodnight Irene.''
PublicRadioWorldWide 1 year ago
The original recording of ''Goodnight, Irene'' by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers hit no. 1 on the charts in the third week of August 1950 -- and stayed in first place for 13 consecutive weeks.
PublicRadioWorldWide 1 year ago
@PublicRadioWorldWide Gordon Jenkin's recording was not the original version of "Goodnight Irene". The Weavers had already recorded it, as had of course Huddie Leadbetter,
banjostead 1 year ago 2
@banjostead It wasnt the first time it was recorded however the weavers were the first to get it into the mainstream audience and it then it no 1 in the pop charts along with tzena tzena
allenshepard 3 months ago
Comment removed
JonathanLundell 1 year ago
This song was #1 on the day I was born too but the version by Sinatra (which I cant find).
jackcarr1 2 years ago
My Father taught us this, said he had an old gal friend named Irene (to bug our mom) he passed Feb 4 age 86; much loved, always a pisser.
Hemlock271 2 years ago
My mother used to love this song and was always singing it. I just googled it and discovered it was no. 1 on the day I was born.
tgon1563 2 years ago
@tgon1563
Me too!!!
jackcarr1 2 years ago
I have just learnt of this song in the past week. My grandmother just passed away and her name was Irene. When they were much younger my grandpa used to sing it to her all the time apparently. We used it as the final song at her funeral and though it was a very sad day my grandpa managed to sing along to it with a smile on his face. Thank you so much for the post.
daveyvance 2 years ago
I enjoy reading from those who just now heard this song for the first time. It reminds me of how I felt the first time. Thank you for this post.
Lennon4life1968 2 years ago
in this case the original leadbelly was great and the weavers was great too.
of course leadbelly was close to pete seeger.and he was pleased that one of his songs got a national audience....
deja2053 2 years ago
One of my early memories comes from when the family sang this song together. Thanks for the Post!
TheFalconracer 2 years ago
My parents taught me this song and I sang it with them and my grandparents.
My children may know it but I doubt it - my grandchildren - no way !!!!!]
indah007 2 years ago
Remarkable!
Best regards from Belgrade, Serbia!
sbd650 2 years ago
Does anyone know if any of the weavers are still alive?
paramedic1231 2 years ago
All but Lee Hayes, who died around 1981, are still alive. You can hear a radio programme on the BBC web site transmitted last Wednesday about Pete; but be quick they only keep programmes for 7 days.
banjostead 2 years ago 3
@banjostead and Erik darling also passed away who was also in the weavers ( he replaced pete seeger)
allenshepard 3 months ago
@allenshepard Yes, Erik Darling died August 3, 2008, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from lymphoma, at the age of 74. Peace. Bear.
BearyHairy 1 month ago
Never heard of this group.......they were great!!
♫ Derek J. Holak ♫
boogertoots 2 years ago
Just wonderful
this0033 2 years ago
Bravo! Thanks for posting this!
taosranch 2 years ago
Great scene from a great documentary... I've never seen Pete Seeger looking happier than when singing with the Weavers.
Nilsosmar 2 years ago 8
Comment removed
anatefcan13 2 years ago
the whole documentary was awesome and this was certainly the crowning moment.
Brilliant artists all of them
Lennon4life1968 2 years ago 2
I love all of your spirits. You will be with me always. Even in my dreams!
megchristianfan 2 years ago 3
Goose bumps! Just wow.
Jasperblu 2 years ago 2
Awesome!
mthoganway 2 years ago 2
my grandfather was a POW in the UK. he loves that song ....
student10241024 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
Oldbrook 2 years ago 6
wow. Remarkable.
ubersoxfanjpm 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
fantastic- love it
ekksmann 2 years ago
Without question the best folk group of all time. RIP Lee, live forever Pete, Fred and Ronnie.
freddodaw 2 years ago 16
Bristol Rovers FC.........UK
gashead1 2 years ago
Weavers forever!
JKBTeacher 2 years ago
Hootenanny! Folk music lives on...
limegreenicebox 2 years ago
Get Pete nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize!
nobelprize4 pete d0t 0rg
SJDinAudubon 3 years ago 4
I signed up!
Bobbytoo 3 years ago
This is my favorite tune.
The humming when I should put my children
biggebuff 3 years ago
Talk about a footprint in the sand
jnsii 3 years ago 3
I am so lucky to live where Pete Seger is a neighbor. He and his sloop Clearwater sail up and down the Hudson River stopping at all the small towns along the way giving concerts and working tward making the Hudson a clean river again.
fluffers99 3 years ago
There is a Clearwater benefit concert coming up May 3 at Madison Square Garden. It is both to benefit the Clearwater sloop program and to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Wish I could go!
hagmartha 2 years ago
Nothing to say but this is just superior. *****. Thanks for posting and thanks to Max for sharing with me.
oldcountrytunes 3 years ago
This was a very significant event,as it marked the final time that all four Weavers ere gathered. How appropriate that this reunion take place @ carnegie Hall (same as the one in '55 and '63)...Mr. Hays,you will never be forgotten as you continue to inspire and provide me with with that burning desire to carry on with this great folk song tradition...R.I.P.
Pax,
Max
stewballmax2 3 years ago 4
Oh, sweet Irene!
longerthanalways 3 years ago
Simply wonderful!
kwassagirl 3 years ago
Thank you!
My first favorite song.
A lifelong joy is Ronnie Gilbery throwing her head back and singing.
spacenurse 3 years ago
She is exuberance personified when she's singing
(well the Happy Songs anyway !)
jesscheckin 3 years ago
beautiful
cappellacentral 3 years ago
I grew up hearing these voices. Absolutely timeless. Brings tears to my eyes. How beautiful!
ytcarol 3 years ago
i love this version
jc851 3 years ago