Bill Staines singing "River" with the Mystic Chorale

Bill Staines sings his classic song RIVER with the Mystic Chorale and special guest Larry Luddecke on piano as part of TURN TURN TURN, a tribute to Pete Seeger. Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Tremont Temple Baptist Church in Boston. With Ricky Mier on banjo, Chris Eastburn on guitar, Eric Kilburn on mandolin, Matt Steinberg on drums, Doug Rich on bass and Nick Page, conductor.

[@dontpaniciceland]

I love you so much, Dad. You’re an amazing man, and I respect you so much.

[@pdelevett]

Hi Bowen. I discovered your dad’s music when I was eight years old; I’m now 52. I had the privilege to see him perform again and to chat with him last week in Berkeley; he talked about how proud he is of your own musical career.

[@raelene101]

Your Dad is a wonderfull singer and songwriter. Im sitting here in Australia on my Mum's front porch in the winter's warm sun. Its a Bill Staines sort of day. 💕❤️

[@mikeybclassic]

Sorry to hear of his passing Rip Bill

[@lisabraiterman8468]

Your dad inspired me so much with his music and playing. He will be sorely missed!

[@gilray1977]

Bowen, I grew up in the 'Me and Thee' coffee house at the U.U church in Marblehead. I have been listening to and a fan of your father since I was 10 years old (52 years). He was a blessing to all ! A gentleman of the finest kine. I remember many times as a kid sitting with him in a back room as he tuned and warmed up for a performance. His lyrics and melodies have helped shape my world.

[@PaulaZF]

When I heard the news this morning of his passing, I had to come find this video. I’m one of the sopranos in the upper left quadrant. This song has become even more beautiful and poignant today. Bill was a mensch, humble to the core. I am grateful to Mystic Chorale for the opportunity to sing twice with this amazing human being. Sending prayers and loving thoughts to his family and friends. 🎶River, take me along…🎶❤️🧸

[@larryluddecke1006]

Larry Luddecke, piano player from above here...what an amazing moment in my life, musical and otherwise. The sound of Bill's voice and all of those voices - I swear the goosebumps are still there...

[@loveandlight8533]

My mom used to sing this to me, then we sang it together... she's gone now and this song remains in my forever memories❤

[@billthomson2313]

This song and the way it's sung is a metaphor for life. We played it at the memorial services for my wife and my oldest son. The entire audience joined in.

[@Ksunbabyaz]

This is a beautiful version of this song. I love folk music and I recorded this song off the radio with a bunch of other stuff back in the 90's. I gave it to my Sister and she loved this song. And I love this song.

[@gregmead2967]

River was the 1st song I ever sang in public. So sorry that we've lost you.

[@billthomson2313]

I first heard this song played when my youngest daughter sang it as a "coming of age" ceremony at the Unitarian Church. Then we played it when my wife and my oldest son passed away. Obviously it has special meaning for me.

[@jimcat68]

This makes me want to go back to Troy NY and walk along the Hudson.

[@charlesstuart7290]

Rest in Peace Bill as you float down eternity's river

[@deanapostol3963]

Fabulous version of a classic. I just heard Mr Staines passed away last month. Thanks for all the tunes Bill.

[@normpaddle]

I sang this song many times during my solo 3500 mile kayak expedition across the USA. Thanks Bill!

[@benbbuxton]

Awesome norm

[@robrussell5329]

I used to think this song was about a river... Ha! It's about Life. You lonely old river You changing old river Let's you and me, river, Go down to the sea. The only thing nicer than his songs (if such a thing were possible...) is Bill Staines himself. Some people should live forever. Bill didn't, but his songs hopefully will.

[@betsyenstrom6154]

I first heard Bill Staines sing in the Arts Center … Blue Mountain Lake. New York… he was a very young man… he often came to Rochester ,New York…. Golden Links Folk Singing Society… enriched our lives with his songs and spirit.

[@markstrait]

I go back to this frequently. Thank you my friend. Miss you.

[@carsonlyons6079]

My chorus class sings this everyday. Its really pretty all together

[@markmunger9978]

I meant Bill when we were both teaching classes as part of a program at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls, MN. I'll not tell the story here but you can find me on FB and read it on my page (just posted). Suffice it to say, I was so impressed with Bill's kindness to the folks he was mentoring, I became an instant fan. Not of his music (that came later) but of the man. A beautiful version of a beautiful song. Thanks, Bill, for the kindness you bring to the world.

[@unicaonesimo]

Rest in Peace, beautiful dreamer...Bill Staines.

[@beckynankivell8639]

RIP Bill. December 5, 2021

[@swiftpaddle]

Tears and gratitude . . .

[@ericerickson6537]

So glad I got to see Bill live about 20 years ago in Ohio. My favorite

[@CindySweetwater]

What a wonderful group for Bill Staines to sing his song with. And he had the best seat in the house, right in the epicenter of all those voices, helping to bring his song to life. Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@beverlymartin1414]

He lives in the hearts of many! Much love to you. Terry and Bev Martin 💙

[@markstrait]

Here I am again. Can’t stop listening to this. Thanks Bill & friends.

[@danielbelgum-blad3015]

Awesome song by one of the best songwriters of our era.

[@JimDorman]

I heard this for the first time on one of my first Sunday night's away at college. Bill was playing for a handful of us at our small coffee house. Somehow it made me feel better about being away from home for the first time.

[@peggycraft1692]

Was this in Cambridge, MA? If so, I was there, rather randomly, and fell in love with his music.

[@ChuckKruger]

Absolutely beautiful. THANK YOU.

[@InspiredByRoberta]

Glorious - I love this man's music so much!

[@nicolenagle4371]

I sang this song in elementary school music and fell in love

[@Pipedreams89]

Truly a great song about life. For many years our singing group sang this when we got together. Hello from NH !

[@melvyningram9217]

This is lovely to hear and sing ...

[@danielbelgum-blad3015]

Thanks, Bill for all of your songs -- we've sung this one around campfires, at camp with kids, on canoe trips down rivers more times than I can count.

[@peterfischmandebohanlonmus8664]

Given his recent passing, this brought tears to my eyes. So beautiful with the chorus and audience and instrumentalists!

[@jdjop57]

Beautiful . . . Just about moves me to tears as I listen, while watching the crystal waters of “our” river rush by (the spring-fed Ichetucknee, here in north Florida).

[@ronmeyer4458]

Thank you, thank you, Bill, for this incredible song, and for performing it with that magnificent choir behind you. I cannot listen to this song without tears streaming down my face. The River is such a beautiful metaphor for life. If you ever sing in my brother's living room in Coeur d' Alene, I am going to be there to hear you sing your marvelous music.

[@ericerickson6537]

Love his music just timeless

[@ericerickson6537]

He is a master love this song.

[@horowitzjohn23]

Such a lovely waltz.

[@joeofalltradeslondon2353]

Hey, I thought I recognized Nick Page, a true giant of a man

[@nancystitham5432]

RIP

[@rev1619]

❤

[@GrammyJane57]

🙏🏻🌺🎶❤️

[@scottmorley4981]

First time I heard this was on public radio in Santa Cruz and what made it so special was I was having hard day and took my dog for a ride and it came on as I was driving unaware for a time I was following the San Lorenzo River south on Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz.. It then empties into the ocean. It was epic and reminded me of my late father so much. The metaphor was profound and I'll never forget that experience.