Jon Rennard Tribute & Leeds Memories

A personal tribute to Jon Rennard, a talented singer/songwriter who was very popular on the folkscene before his untimely death in 1971, at the age of 24.

2011 is the 40th anniversary of his death, and Jon is still fondly remembered and much missed in folk clubs. This video compares scenes from his hometown of Leeds as it was around the time of his passing with scenes of the modern city.

Many thanks to all whose images I borrowed for this tribute, and grateful thanks to Jean for very generously providing me with the original audio tracks from Jon's two albums: Brimbledon Fair and The Parting Glass.


Garners Gay

Come all you Garners Gay
Who are just now in your prime
I wish I was in that bonny girl's arms
Where I've been many a time.

Green willow it will twist
Green willow it will twine
I wish I was in that bonny girl's arms
Where I've been many a time

Well it's alright drinking ale
But it's far better drinking wine
It's far better sleeping in that bonny girl's arms
Where I've been many a time.

Well once I had time enough
To flourish night and day
Until that girl, that bonny, bonny girl
Came and stole all my heart away

But now all my time it is gone
And I cannot plant any new
For the very same place where the old thyme grew
It's now over running, running rue

Yes rue, that running, running rue
It's not the flower for me
I'll pluck up all the running, running rue
And I'll plant down the sturdy oak tree

Stand fast, stand fast sturdy oak
And don't you never ever die
For I'll prove as true to my own true love
As the stars prove true to the sky

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Rennard
• Brimbledon Fair
• Parting Glass
• Dave Burland
• Mr Fox
• Leeds
• Grove
• Memphis
• Topic
• Whitby
• folk festival
• Morris dance
• Nick Drake

[LilacVine]

@jeana1001 Lovely comment, thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it.

[jeana1001]

John Heselton Rennard R.I.P.

Garners Gay is a lovely song, so beautifully sung here by Jon. A wonderful tribute to a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist who was much loved on the folk scene especially in Yorkshire. Jon is still remembered by many people. I know that a lot of people will love watching your videos and will appreciate the time, thought and effort that has gone into producing them. I love watching them too; thank you for posting.