British guitarist analyses Johnny Rivers live in 1977!

Tonight we're going back to 1977 to take a look at Johnny Rivers!
Original video - • Johnny Rivers - Slow D...
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[@brendaparker3825]

Oh my goodness!! I am so glad you did Johnny Rivers. The man is awesome!! But so under rated. Should of been inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame a long time ago. So glad you see what some of us has known since the mid 60's. Thank you so much. You really touched my heart with one!

[@jimmycampbell78]

Is he really rock n roll? Someone else said this but he seems like a 70s mellow pop or soft rock act to me. I am not saying he is not talented but he just doesn’t seem very rock and roll at all. Just a genre thing.

[@brendaparker3825]

@@jimmycampbell78 Point well taken. But it's not actually just what you and I call rock and Roll. But other inducties include the temptations, the four tops, ect... I would never call their music rock and roll. But still loved it. Keep safe my friend!

[@bilguana11]

JR did a lot of R&R through out his many albums.

[@whoputyouontheplanet3345]

@@jimmycampbell78 His early work is very rock & roll.

[@johnoneal1234]

​@@jimmycampbell78 if you grew up in the sixties you would be outraged that he wasn't in the Hall just on the strength of Poor Side of Town. That song is, if anything, mellower than Slow Dancin'. But there is no song more iconic in the hearts of 60's rock fans, purely because of the sentiment it expresses.

[@sallyg.125]

Thank you for showing Johnny's amazing talent. I've always loved him but never thought he got the credit dued. Rock On!

[@abc456f]

Gotta love Johnny Rivers! Whether he's doing originals or covers, his voice is so unique.

[@jasholden9741]

I saw Johnny Rivers live at a small venue in West Texas in 1970. It was just Johnny on a stool with a guitar. I had liked Johnny OK before, but after that performance, I became a lifetime *_big fan._** Live and unsupported, he *KILLED* everyone there.

[@tboudreau5239]

GAWD how boring. Secret agent man!!! Please

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@duffgordon3775]

YES, and let is all encourage him to do a double "unplugged" LP!

[@usureaboutthat3052]

...had same experience summer of ‘67 in California...Johnny Rivers had ‘it’ then and has continued with ‘it’ for over 50 years.

[@LesSmith45]

I am 60 year old Rocker to the bone. Music is one of the biggest things in my life. I would love to just hang out with Fil for a weekend and just listen to music with him. He makes me smile every time I watch his videos and I have watched a ton of them. I love the way he smiles when he listens to the music. You can tell he loves it. I get so much enjoyment out of watching and listening to him. Thank you Fil!

[@usureaboutthat3052]

Johnny Rivers should be in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Period.

[@dianemiller8969]

I agree with you, Unsure!

[@usureaboutthat3052]

@@dianemiller8969 Why has he been slighted?…any ideas?

[@dianemiller8969]

@@usureaboutthat3052 Some people just don't see real talent, hear his voice like we do. It's sad!! they want to hear the trash out there, I guess?! Just my honest opinion. what do you think, about it?

[@Mutifidus]

Perhaps because he had so much success with covers his other contributions have not been fully appreciated.

[@usureaboutthat3052]

@@Mutifidus yes…well could be.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

There was a time when you could not turn on a radio without hearing a Johnny Rivers tune. He had style...plain and simple. Great analysis Fil...again. I vividly remember hearing "Secret Agent Man" for the first time because the song had such a great hook.

[@DerekDominoes]

"Summer Rain" has always been my favorite Johnny Rivers track.

[@drewpall2598]

Derek... like that one too. the strings add to the melody of the song.

[@dave32566]

Good call

[@debrataylor3539]

Derek mine too

[@OspreyFlyer]

Yep, same here. One of my favorite all-time songs any genre.

[@QBAN2010]

Mine too, Derek

[@garywohlgemuth3916]

Poor Side Of Town by Johnny Rivers is one of my favorite songs.

[@icanfartloud]

I second that emotion

[@jeffrobdine]

Secret Agent Man

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Johnny had so many great tunes.

[@ericynot]

@@jeffrobdine I remember laughing out loud the first time I heard Secret Agent Man because the lyrics were so goofy ("they've given you a number and taken away your name"), but the song is still fun to listen to today. Thing is, the TV show the song was written for was a satiric goof itself, so Rivers' tune was perfect for it.

[@jeffrobdine]

@greenmean1 Yeah, I was in high school at the time !

[@TuckerSP2011]

Johnny is the consummate professional. He has been a magnificent singer since the early 60's. I saw him live in the early 90's at the Huntington Town House at a fantastic show that also featured Flo and Eddie, Felix Cavaliere and the Shirelles. It was one of the best nights of my life. I went with my parents and we danced all night. Johnny Rivers was just as good as he ever sounded on record and he looked as young as he did in the early 60's. If you ever get a chance to see him live, don't pass up the opportunity. I very rarely see him playing here in New York.

[@larrymartelllm]

Johnny Rivers is one of the most underrated singers /entertainers in rock music. Love your videos and analysis

[@nanettebryant7599]

Love Johnny Rivers...so many great songs ..thanks Fil❤

[@carlswenson5538]

We had great live music shows between 'In Concert' and 'Midnight Special'. There was no hiding with lip sync and pre-recorded tracks. It was live, polished and the raw talent shone through.

[@bekind6763]

Loved 'In Concert" I forgot about that show. Thanks for reminding me!

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

You sure, got that right

[@carlswenson5538]

@@bekind6763 One of my favorite In Concerts was a whole evening of Cat Stevens including the complete Foreigner Suite. Since it was live, you also got about 10 minutes of John Sebastian tuning his autoharp during one show. lol A Linda Ronstadt/Randy Newman duet was another memorable show. So many great memories. How I can remember this stuff is beyond me since I'm never sure what year it is these days.

[@rking6247]

Fil is a walking encyclopedia of musical knowledge!

[@bekind6763]

True & I like his voice better than my own! Can't stand the sound of my own voice, it's cringe worthy!

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Never boring with the professor at your table

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@paulablissett9396]

@@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222 Never!

[@jgibson111]

@@paulablissett9396 James Gordon?! That's my aka or alias

[@jerryp7721]

Vastly underrated artist. Thanks as always Fil for bringing these beautiful musical memories to life!

[@Teresa7087]

Always loved this song. Pure perfection. The lyrics really transport you to that room where Johnny and his girl are slow dancing.

[@ipsurvivor]

Super interesting artist... Secret Agent Man is “Like A Boss”...

[@knittingnana2939]

Johnny rivers still plays the celebrity theater in phx each year. Saw him about 6 years ago. He's a great guitar player. Mountain of love, secret agent man, poor side of town, tracks of my tears.

[@jackjohnson7396]

He was smooth and slick too. Very talented.

[@roses919]

I forgot how much I liked this song. Haven't heard it in donkey's years. Another great Midnight Special clip. Gawd how I miss those days. Didn't know that he gave the great Jimmy Webb his start. Always learn something new from these videos. Thanks!

[@roses919]

@Brad zybola Ah, the soundtrack of my youth! I was a tween/young teen during the glory years of the Midnight Special so I hadn't yet attended my first real concert. I used to fantasize that I was at THAT concert whenever the M.S. would come on. I'll look for you in the library on Tuesday!

[@johnmckenzie4639]

Rose S: I was going to comment those exact words. I haven't even thought of this tune for years and years, but when it started I was singing along just like I did back in the 70's. Another great video Fil. ROCK! 🤟

[@roses919]

@@johnmckenzie4639 Isn't it amazing how music has a way of cutting through the years and bringing you right back to a certain time and place?

[@garryellis3085]

No one ever mentions Johnny Rivers, Summer Rain. Has to be one of the greatest songs ever released. Bob Dylan also rated Rivers version of Positively 4th Street as the best cover of any of his songs.

[@darlatidwell9995]

I remember 1977 and slow dancing to this song. That was 42 years ago, and it's like yay I still have a memory. 👍👍 Fil !!

[@jcdbrw]

It was 45 years ago. Lol!

[@bellesmom238]

HIS VERSION OF WHERE HAVE THE FLOWERS GONE IS KILLER, THANKS FIL

[@avnrulz]

I will always remember him for 'Secret Agent Man'!

[@lancearmor3199]

U n me both sweetie boo

[@barbaradownie3265]

YAY JOHNNY RIVERS 😍😍😍😍 MY FAVORITE IS MOUNTAIN OF LOVE 🎶

[@donnacastel3568]

My favorite ARTIST OF ALL TIME ! Always was & always will be the absolute BEST ! ❤

[@kengk1234]

I love a lot of Johnny's stuff. One of my favorites is Summer Rain and a Mountain of Love.

[@kathleen3177]

Loved Summer Rain

[@buckjohnson1119]

kenneth koglin Yes, they were two more 'fantastics,' by him! 😊

[@Birdwatching754]

Johnny Rivers is so awesome and such a legend. His songs take me back to a very special place and time. I remember it like it was yesterday. What a legend.

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

I went thru all the comments!! Come on now doesn't anybody remember Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu hit #6 in late 1973!! That was my introduction to Johnny Rivers and he covered Help Me Rhonda in 1975 with Brian Wilson on backing vocals!!! Only hit #22 but I loved it! Aerosmith covered Rockin' Pneumonia in 1987 for some movie soundtrack.

[@paulablissett9396]

I do, like yesterday...., only i remembered some tracks when mentioned, been awhile....

[@Bruce15485]

Yes ! I bought the single ! and the album LA Reggae ! Fantastic album !

[@willbell1128]

Midnight Special and Don Kirshners rock concert were popular back then,,Saturday night after my paper route these shows came on after 10 p.m. great memories

[@pamr4040]

"Rock Concert" was simulcast (one of the first to do so, I think) so we could crank up the volume on the stereo and have a full, concert-like sound as we watched...if we'd only had the big-screen TVs we have today, that would have been awesome!!

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

12 midnight like the show said.

[@willbell1128]

Thiosemicarbizide Benzoyl Alcohol. 12 eastern time?

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

@@willbell1128 Good point

[@kperez-wq3iy]

@Stl.tinman..The midnight special was created to get teens off the street, and back in the house late at night. It worked for me.

[@HamiltonRb]

My favourite Rivers songs was Mountain of Love and Secret Agent Man. I can also recall when he was the warm up act, along with Buffalo Springfield for the house band at The Whisky a Go Go, a little band called The Doors

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Love Secret Johnny Rivers Agent Man..also nice 70's hairdo .. good pick..thanks Fil

[@davidcampbell4174]

Love the white guy afro in the 70's. I must admit, I had one too lol. Thanks Fil, great stuff as usual.

[@newspapertaxis1]

Loved Johnny Rivers...He had a knack for doing cover versions and making them damn near as good or better then the original version!!!!

[@markeast9221]

Wow !I have been a Johnny Rivers fan for years I am 65 ! But I am so impressed with you ! All the funfacts and details you know about the how ,where, why ,when ,All very very interesting ins and outs of the business details ,Rick Nelson and on and on !I learned so much !I just found you about 2 weeks ago and I can't stop watching one after another ! You are great at this !Your New Fan Mark East !

[@sharonmuzik]

He's a classic... love his cover of Seventh Son. Thanks for the memories Fil.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

who else did seventh son .love that tune

[@johndowns3839]

Willie Dixon..Mose Allison..

[@toddbogeart6757]

Totally dig it wonder where we would be right now without musicians like him, always enjoy this relaxed flow.Thankyou Chef

[@williethebeerman]

Dr Fil, I really enjoy all the history you give f these artists. I enjoy watching various reaction/analysis videos but rarely do the people in the video have a flipping clue about the song or artist. Thanks for the great job you do.

[@adventuretravelromance]

You did a great job covering Johnny Rivers. He is an unbelievable artist. His voice and renditions are all so good.

[@bekind6763]

I know who Johnny was I just didn't know how much talent he had.. Develop your own recording label, write you own material and have other's perform it! Continue to perform on your own as well. Way to go!!! Rock! ^m^😎^m^

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Yes your right..

[@thehawkpodcast4295]

Very underrated musician. I've always enjoyed his music. I've always felt he should have been a BIGGER star. He's just great!!!

[@lastone783]

Great performance. Soooo smooth. I remember him but to me, he was just another singer at the time. I guess it was that British Invasion! Thanks, Fil, for all the background info❣️

[@henry-bo3np]

Wings of Pegasus, thank you for this video. Johnny Rivers is a great performer, song writer, producer. Agree with others here that Johnny should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

[@bobburgess7369]

Thank you son, your comments help me with my radio show. Good work luv Johnny Rivers.

[@edchester3150]

By the late 80’s he was doing trade shows where I saw him in Chicago. Different hair but still a great ballad voice. He had not lost a beat at all. 5th Dimension is a good mention. Marline McCool also a top voice.

[@kb6kgx]

McCoo

[@TruthSurge]

I always liked this tune.

[@usermo]

Dude you are a fount of information you told me things I didn't know about Johnny Rivers. Great voice! And he can Rock! Your oldest (elderly) fan!🤘❤♋

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Always interesting with the professor at the helm

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Mona!

[@osaikomi]

Last saw Johnny Rivers in February 2019 An amazing talent. Bob Dylan considers Rivers’ version of Positively 4th Street to be the finest rendition of the 25,000 covered versions of Dylan’s songs. That is some serious high praise

[@wattsd12]

Johnny is one of my favorite artists of all time. I've seen him live about a dozen times over the past 10 years and every show is just magnificent. He's also one of the few who will stay after the show and sign autographs until the last person is standing there.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Thank you for bringing back sweet memories.

[@michaelholycross8718]

I've loved his music since I was a little boy and heard "Memphis".

[@jeanie4176]

Love love Johnny Rivers❤️Tears of a Clown , Poor Side of Town, Summer Rain… wonderful lyrics voice, and instrumentals. this one too. He had a serious following, maybe not huge compared to others but dedicated. We recognized his talent and wonderful romantic songs. Nice lookin too❤️

[@barbaradownie3265]

ABSOLUTELY F IL SO CRUCIAL FOR ARTIST TO HAVE FULL CONTROL OF THEIR WORK!

[@fbello18]

Johnny Rivers was very popular - his song made much success, on radios and parties. I believe that his greater hit here in Brazil was “It’s Too Late” (1968)

[@debratucker5076]

Just looked at a 2018 video of him he’s almost 80 and he still has it. Crazy.🤟 Another great analysis

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@sclm55]

Johnny Rivers was such a great artist to listen to on the radio as a kid. Every week, I loved hearing him singing his it song 'Secret Agent Man' - the show was great as well. With my bad ear, I sometimes hear Johnny singing it this way, 'Se-cret, As-ian man. Se-cret As-ian man...!

[@sonjajelinski921]

I love Jonny Rivers. I have seen him many times live. He is always great. Thanks for doing this video.

[@itchiray]

NOLA born Johnny did a lot of covers but one of my faves is his "Poor Side of Town" - great song! 🔥

[@MadisonD941]

I won me a "transistor radio" on call in to AM station, because I knew who sang Poor Side of Town. Gosh, I'm really old.

[@arnoldmcginn6348]

Johnny was born in Brooklyn, New York

[@garyelkhorn2116]

I was at a concert of Johnny Rivers about 20 years ago in Elkhorn ,Wisconsin at the county fair, very good. I have followed him since the 60's.

[@scottjackson1420]

I saw Johnny perform in person once ... sadly, at the food court of a mall in Memphis, Tennessee. This was in the early 90's. He still had the voice.

[@jcdbrw]

Great song. Johnny Rivers is so good, love all his songs. Thanks Fil.

[@shanemccormick6072]

I remember dancing to the song at my senior prom Charlie Pride and Charlie Rich some of the best vocals your hear

[@barbaracollins8552]

Love that song ! My favorite by him is Secret Agent Man.

[@dahur]

Check out Johnny playing "Secret Agent Man" live on Dave Letterman.

[@Justme77400]

Barbara Collins Also Rockin pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu.

[@LonskiBig]

....This guy cannot stay out of the limelight for very long.......His "Memphis" version on American Bandstand is "Super-classic"......how can such a young guy be so musically ultra- professional......I will never know.....

[@jojoz]

absolutely agree

[@Properformancenutritioncom]

Nice to see Johnny Rivers on the channel.

[@dianemiller8969]

Love, Love Johnny Rivers. My favorite by him is "Poor side of Town". Great analyses! Thanks!

[@kathleen3177]

I saw Johnny 3 years ago and he is as good as ever!. I love all the info that you give about and artist and the songs! Thank you!

[@NuclearGrizzly]

His cover of "Memphis" rivals even the Chuck (the real King of Rock n Roll) Berry original.

[@allisonyoung4007]

My FAVE!!

[@NuclearGrizzly]

​@William Harvey It's a Cheech and Chong reference. Dang I'm old AF

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Yeah..have Chuck pull off a 68 comeback special..good gig.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

@William Harvey Elvis does even better

[@philm.6113]

NuclearGrizzly Elvis said Fats Domino should be called The King of Rock and Roll. Chuck Berry was awesome ...no doubt about it. Bob Seger's - Rock and Roll Never Forgets...'All of Chuck's children are out there playin' his licks.' Chuck was a huge influence with guitar playing and hidden video cameras.

[@johntegan51]

Seen JR 3 times. One of my favorite songs! Great performer... great memorable songs...should be in the R&R HOF. Just saw him on his last tour in Scottsdale, AZ. Sad to see him stop performing.

[@sbingham1979]

Fil I always loved this song, but I honestly never knew who sang it. And I am just now realizing he also sang "Poor Side of Town" - one of my favorite songs when I was just 9 years old. As always, you are doing a great job covering the history of much music that might otherwise be forgotten. Many thanks!!

[@danieltrickey9285]

This is really cool that you showcased Johnny Rivers. We should all celebrate an artist who made it by doing covers. I know this song is one of his originals, but he didn't make it because of his originals, he made it doing cover songs. You should know this Fil, because you've done covers that are better than the original and it's nice for the rest of us who do these songs justice.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

This is another song I felt lukewarm about until seeing this live: I love it! Smooth country vibe rather than pop

[@marycarlson2230]

Hi Wings! Great information on Johnny Rivers. I grew up on his music but never knew his background. I really appreciate what you do. Great job!

[@PC-dc1kv]

Fil, you are a wonderful teacher, analyzing and explaining so many different aspects of the song, the performers, the arrangements, and everything involved in each video. I binge-watch your videos for the knowledge and sheer pleasure of learning and listening to you! You have an undeniable gift for teaching in a simple and straight forward manner. Thanks so much for the pleasure of watching these wonderful videos.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@nise5281]

Love love love this song!

[@davidhosscowart5849]

One of the many great, unique voices from “back in the day.” It seems everyone sounds alike nowadays. J. Rivers was so smooth and (as Fil said) easy to listen to. Just curious, but how old are you Fil? I love your appreciation for the great talent of all genres from the ‘oldies but goodies.’ I always enjoy your analysis and the info that you bring every time out.

[@dianejohanson98]

Love Johnny Rivers! Always have! Great singer! Seen him in concert a few times. Great performer, great voice!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

The memories, the feels and the fashion. Thank you for the analysis and detailed history, always❤️

[@venesmarie]

oh johnny rivers ,a lovely voice,some great hits.poor side of town ,my fav of his.

[@duffgordon3775]

Of all the sounds I have heard in 50 years, it was my rediscovery of JR that is like an instant , anti depressant.

[@kathyirvine6719]

WHOA , I barely remember this, I was young at the time. Beautiful Music!!!

[@debravirden7130]

"Smooth as silk", Fil , I love your analogies.

[@KarlaElaine100]

I had forgotten about The Poor Side of Town! My mom used to listen to it. I so much appreciate your detailed knowledge about the history you know when doing these reviews!

[@michaelhendricks1206]

Great choice Mr Fil. Always admired Johnny Rivers. 😎😎

[@tammycenter8757]

@Fil, darlin, you are in the way back machine here. Taking us older people back to our younger years and how great the music was. God bless you.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Brings back precious memories. 😍

[@chipdamutt108]

Always loved this song.

[@77thesnake]

Thanks for posting this. You obviously did your home work on Johnny's career. He needs to be in the RR Hall of Fame.

[@garenmcvay2695]

I really dug Johnny Rivers, and loved slow dancing with my girl to this great classic song. How could you not feel love for that special girl while dancing to this tune? I also really dig Summer Rain and Poor Side Of Town.

[@nickbishop8930]

Excellent analysis. Lotta good Johnny Rivers tunes. Rock on from Western Wisconsin ✌

[@sartainja]

One of the best slow dance songs of all time. It is hard to top this song. It brings back some bittersweet memories.

[@paulj.ingram2839]

Pride of the Big Sur coast. Used to see him around the Monterey Peninsula from time to time.

[@masterbuilder3166]

Phil. My wife heard me listening to this and it looks like it might be a good night😉. I owe you one buddy 👍

[@Lalrinmawii7]

Oh..wow.. love this song...brings back a lot of memories.. thank you...totally Awesome!!

[@froter1]

Love love Johnny ! He was certainly an influence.. so many good songs ♥️♥️♥️ thanks Fil ! You’re the best !

[@fayedunbar2912]

Always liked his voice. So smooth. I remember Wolf Man Jack on Midnight Special.

[@mlhesler68]

Loved his early stuff. Soulful music even Motown took notice.

[@jamesframpton8120]

"Poor Side of Town" from 1966, a No.1 on the US charts my fav. JR track, but this good too and "Summer Rain".

[@guyinsandiego7257]

Thank you Fil, another great review of not just "Slow Dancing" but also of a terrific artist. My own personal favorites are "Summer Rain" followed closely by "Seventh Son" and "Midnight Special".

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Hot damn Steven he did him. Barefootin on the last train to Memphis, swayin to the music, trying to get to you My Brown-Eyed Girl. Thank you, One with great knowledge. Peace Boogie Woogie

[@bigsteve6200]

CAN YOU DIG IT !. Even Fil can't keep a good ol' boy down. Great song to review. Hell yeah !

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

@@bigsteve6200 does the professor have the Rockin pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie flu, hell yes I can dig it. After not seeing a response from you I was beginning to wonder if you weren't suffering yourself