Stewball

Lew Dite with his tenor banjo.
A song Raymond Crooke taught me to love.

Previously I only played the Lonnie Donegan "skiffle take" of this song which was based on Leadbelly's version.
A couple of weeks ago Max (oldstewball) sent me Dan Fogelberg's youtube cover of this song. This got me thinking... then... after listening to Raymond Crooke this morning... well that did it! I was inspired to do my cover of the Peter, Paul & Mary version.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Lew
• Dite
• Peter
• Paul
• and
• Mary
• racehorse
• Raymond
• Crooke

[kaburto1966]

Usually, when I've heard a song often enough to remember the melody, I remember at least a little of the lyrics. So, when you started singing this and I didn't recognize the story of Stewball, I was puzzled at first. Then, I remembered, "So This is Christmas" by John Lennon. The melody is similar, yes? Thanks again for all of the music, familiar and new.

[lewdite]

I never thought about it.... but sure enough there are similarities...

[dleewhee]

Love the banjo sound with this song! Excellent rendition!!!

Smiles,

Dona'

[Spen1030]

There are so many versions of this song. At least yours is on key. Very well done Lew.

Peace, Doris

[oldcountrytunes]

I like the banjo. I like you version of this old song. Stewball (Max) sent it to me.?Thanks for posting. *****.

[oldstewball]

Hello

Lew...

Point of fact....John Lennon had indeed adapted the melody to "Stewball" for "Happy X-Mas".  This can be confirmed (in one of his Playboy interviews,I believe.:)

Peace,

Stewball

[sherrilynn115oo]

Gosh, I love the sound of your Banjo! Awesome!

[cocklesandmussels]

Thanks! I love this song...

[raymondcrooke]

Great rendition, Lew. Thanks for the video response. I like the way we inspire each other!

[oldstewball]

Hello

Lew

A song with my name on it! I had to investigate to see what this was all about. Much to my surprise,it was that old chestnut of a folk ditty that I remember from my youth. Each time I hear Peter play the opening chords,I and transported back to my childhood.

Here you have done something extraordinary...you've played it on your banjo. This is has a very interesting sound quality to it. You've inspired me to give the tune a try on my Deering five-stringer.

Peace,

Stewball