New Christy Minstrels - Today (Original Stereo)

This group was the brainchild of Randy Sparks who named it after the folk/balladeer troupe "Christy Minstrels" formed in 1842 by Edwin P. Christy. The idea was to bring together a collection of unique talents be they vocal and/or instrumental into one "super-group", and the New Christy Minstrels met with a lot of success early on. "Today" is a song that was used in the soundtrack of a Glenn Ford comedy called "Advance To The Rear", and through the spring and summer of 1964 was a huge hit reaching #17 on the pop charts. At the time of this original recording, the group was in a state of flux so the membership was ever-changing with Randy remaining a constant. Among the many members the New Christy Minstels have had included Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, Barry McGuire, Gene Clark of The Byrds, and The Association's Larry Ramos.

I would like to personally thank Randy Sparks and Becky Jo Benson of the New Christy Minstrels for their assistance and encouragement in the creation of this video presentation of "Today" for YouTube.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• New Christy Minstrels
• Today
• Randy Sparks
• Advance To The Rear
• Becky Jo Benson

[1veccajo]

Dear miamiwestchester, we will try to get to Florida in February, as we did last year. Sorry that we missed you! What is your favorite theater or performing arts center in Miami, Florida? We'll try. Oh, and yes, I am one of the performers. Thanks for being there for us! Becky Jo Benson

[Nocaro]

@1veccajo Thanks, Becky. I thought Randy had told me he was singing lead, but it's good to hear from you anyway. Merry Christmas! ... Lanny (Nocaro)

[djl1098]

Is this Randy on lead, or Clarence Treat?

[Nocaro]

@djl1098 I think Randy told me he was on lead...Nocaro

[70bonnie]

You just made my day and week. Its like a warm cup of coffee enjoyed on a cold blustery day. We did make wonderful music at one time in America. Thank You from 70bonnie.

[sandhorse1]

There is nothing more lovley than wonderful harmony....just wish the world could find it. Love The New Christy Minstrels.

[lesterconner]

This is a "Hauntingly" beautiful song. Love it....

[wanderlust21junie]

the oldies never grow old!!!

[dweml258]

All 4 Beatles had #1 songs on their own. But I count 5 former N.C. Minstrel members, as having #1's also. Kenny Rodgers (Lady); Kim Carnes (B.Davis Eyes); Barry Mcguire (Eve Of Destruction); Gene Clark (Mr. Tambourine Man, & Turn, Turn, Turn...with the Byrds)...and

Larry Ramos (Windy) as a member of the Association. (I think that he sung it) This might be a record.

[dweml258]

I'd hate to get all wussy, but This is one of only 4 or 5 songs that make me cry everytime...it was my Dad's favorite song...and one of mine. Beautiful pix, too. Is that Kenny Rodgers, third

from the right, in the last photo? I know that he was once a member at one time, that looks like a reunion

[misyespitelk]

YouTube transcends time.

[likatyga]

I'd also like to thank Randy and all the past members of the group for all the pleasure they have given me since i can remember (and I'm 57 now). It's hard to pick, but I think my favorite album (from the first half dozen or so) is a compilation "The Quiet Side of..." I also have a crush on the girl on the cover. Was she part of the band? Who is she?

[212729h]

This was the song that our grad class sang in 1965 . At Oak Bay High School in Victoria BC Canada , Oh how miss those long ago days and what great memories . And what happened to everyone ?

[judithlewiscpa]

I remember every word of this song from when I was 10 years old. Always has been one of my favorites & I'm so happy the internet has let me connect with this wonderful original performance! What a gift! Thank you!

[Cookieman0144]

I sang this to my wife during our first dance at our wedding.

[LLcoolDel]

I LOVE THE BEATLES, LED ZEPPLIN PINK FLOYD ETC. BUT SONGS LIKE THIS ARE AWESOME TOO. ITS GOOD TO BE DIVERSE