993. High-Flying Bird (Billy Edd Wheeler)

[pontello3]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[davequ]

Candy Givens (rip) from Zephyr did a really nice version of this song on Zephyr's "Sunset Ride" album from around 1971-72. Nice song.

[raymondcrooke]

@davequ Thanks for watching.

[furakkueroru]

I like the version on BEW CD (electric version).

[Tony2581]

You truly are prodigious, Raymond, and I hope that doesn't mean you will stop posting your songs when you reach 1001...?

[raymondcrooke]

Don't you think 1001 is enough?

I will take a break for a while, but I'm sure I won't be able to resist putting up the occasional song - especially as there are still so many coal-mining songs to do!

[Tony2581]

Raymond - Thanks for mentioning me in your mining songs playlist, but to set the record straight, I haven't "taught" you any mining songs - because I can't play or sing a lick...! I do, however, enjoy listening to different artists' interpretations of these powerful songs. I am very thankful that you have taken the time to share your talents on YouTube. I hope you will continue to post your excellent versions of coal mining songs with us! All the best, Tony

[raymondcrooke]

Well, I couldn't have learnt them without the words and music you provided. As a teacher (retired), I'm sure I've often taught my students to do things I can't do myself!

[Tony2581]

Thanks so much, Raymond, for your very passionate version of "High Flyin' Bird" ! Billy Edd Wheeler is a brilliant songwriter - he also wrote "Coal Tattoo", "The Coming of the Roads", "Red-Winged Blackbird" and "Ain't Going Home Soon" - and you cover him very well ! I would particularly like to hear your interpretations of those last two songs. I very much appreciate all of the excellent coal mining songs you have performed for all of us on YouTube! Best wishes, Tony

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for all the great songs you've encouraged me to learn, Tony. I'll see if I can fit in one more mining song before I reach my target of 1001.

[TimMcMullen]

This one by Judy Henske and "The Coming of the Roads" by Judy Collins really put Billy Edd Wheeler on the "map" for folkies. He also had an impact on the country music scene as well. Your eclectic song choices are always so interesting. Thanks for pulling in this one.

Tim

[raymondcrooke]

It's thanks to Tony Oppegard, who encouraged me to do all these coal-mining songs. Thanks for your comments.

[SirCoughsalot]

Billy Edd Wheeler is from a town very close to MY hometown! My uncle used to know him, although I'm not sure where he lives now. He certainly wrote some great songs... This one is new to me, but I like it a whole lot.

[raymondcrooke]

I believe he lives in Swannanoa, North Carolina, and is still writing songs.

[banjodano]

Hi raymond,

beautiful singing and guitar playing

Have you heard of Liam Clancy's passing today

[raymondcrooke]

No, I hadn't. I'm sorry to hear that. He made a lasting contribution to folk music. Thanks for letting me know.

[hultonclint]

Very very nice! Awesome singing, guitar playing, and overall expression. You're great in "sit down" mode!

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Ranzo. I do tend to sit down more these days. Must be getting old.

[stewballmax3]

Salutations

Gentleman Raymond...

I clearly remember playing that Judy Henske side until the grooves were no longer visible...lol! I was secretly hoping that one day you would offer us your own interpretation...and here it is...even better than I had conjured up in my imagination. Soulful,direct and delivered with a deep-seeded passion and urgency!

Pax,

Maximilian

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Max. That was a great record, which I haven't heard for many years. I'm still waiting to get my collection back from where it's stored at a friend's place. Thanks for your positive feedback.

[TravisTricky]

Love these ballads. For a song that has been done by more than 90 different artists I'm surprised I haven't heard it yet, Thanks for sharing 5*

[raymondcrooke]

His songS in general, Travis - not just this one! He wrote lots of them. Thanks for the stars.