Cyndi Lauper and Peter Kingsbery - Walk away Reneé (1994)

[@djtomfinn]

Well, I was in The Left Banke, and when we did this song in 1966, nobody in the group thought "Walk Away Renée" would be a big hit. As a matter of fact, we had already broken up when it was flying up the Billboard charts. Anyway, now it's 2016 exactly fifty (50) years since it became a hit. It's been covered by at least, several hundred artists and all versions have their own merit, because I believe they're done, for the love of the song.

[@sub222marathon]

Thank you for what has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever made. The song may be quite a bit older than I am, but its beauty isn't lost on me, its many fans or the many artists that have covered it. None are quite as good as the original.

[@djtomfinn]

Thanks a lot, we weren't thinking about "Walk Away Renée" becoming such a big record I think we were on the right track but, we were too young and were taken advantage of. But, these same people were responsible for producing us

[@Katy-ye1zr]

I remember this song out in my jr. hi - we all loved it's sad beauty and when I got older and got my first cd player - I bought your music. The band should have been huge, but left a wonderful legacy and sound I still hear in many young musicians today; may I ask what have you been doing in recent years, still an active musician?

[@ThorandSharon]

A great song, Mr. Finn. Any chance of getting Steve Martin Caro to rejoin the group?

[@craighickman5809]

Tom, I have loved this song from when it was released to now and beyond. Walk Away "Renee" is the middle name of my daughter and the 1st name of my oldest granddaughter. And, when I listen to Pretty Ballerina I think of my 2nd granddaughter. She is such a delicate little sprite. Thank you for such beautiful music.

[@tambyrlane]

Fifty five years later and this song still makes me emotional. The most beautiful song ever written.

[@micah3823]

Yes one of the most beautiful songs ever written...It's sits in the same column as A Whiter Shade of Pale and Reflections of my Life.

[@javagirl]

I absolutely adore this arrangement! As Tom Finn said, we still play it because we still love it. The weekend after my brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, after the shock and tears, he hollered out, "Enough of this sad stuff! Let's play some music!” Out came his guitar, and this was the first song he played.

[@cassandralee00]

Thank you for sharing such a personal moment. Music is healing to the mind, heart, and soul. Prayers for your brother and family.

[@Dawn-Songs]

What a beautiful memory ... I don't know if you have faith ... but I have and know that you will be reunited in the promised new Kingdom of God and he will be fully healed . Try to focus on that time and it will help your journey . 🤍 Revelation 21: 4 He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

[@lissazzzzzzzful]

Oh, Mr. Finn, this song was my favorite song as a child. It was like a blanket I could curl up with. Thank you.

[@tjk1968slice]

😊

[@jeffreylombardo782]

Cindi Lauper is one of the great raw talents of the past 30 years.A true Bohemian.Her honesty and passion for music cannot be disputed.Music like this makes life worth living.

[@richardshultis9626]

Jeff Lombardo....you nailed it. So true. So very true. I like the way you think!

[@micah3823]

I wanted to marry Cindi in the 80s....and still do...

[@rickrose5377]

One of the most heartbreakingly beautiful melodies in the history of pop music. I have the 45 of the Left Banke's original, purchased when I was a junior high school student of 13.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

Me too...

[@DottieandTom]

I do as well.

[@rogermurray8553]

Couldn't agree more. You've got a true soul, brother.

[@rickrose5377]

@@rogermurray8553 Have a terrific weekend, Roger. You made my day.

[@lindagonzales414]

Wow..45 that has been awhile.. I just love this melody!

[@lilyd7074]

This song, done this way, is a whole mood by itself😒

[@lauriecastor6329]

Fabulous

[@68blues]

Your name and mine together......in a heart.....on a wall. Whoever wrote that line is my hero.

[@josephworthfiftiesguy]

THE LEFT BANKE WROTE IT IN 1966

[@boborrahood]

@@josephworthfiftiesguy Tony Sansone, an older friend of the band, was the primary writer, with some imput from Left Banke keyboardist Michael Brown

[@philviger2951]

Tom: It's good to see an original member be able to look back 50 years and see the planted seed sprout into many appreciated branches of the mighty oak. Thanks for the memory!

[@jpbreeze]

my God...absolutely beautiful version...

[@richardwedlich1021]

Thanks for bringing back this great oldie. I love Cyndi Lauper's feeling for it.

[@johngiovine8792]

This is such a hauntingly beautiful cover of a truly great song! I absolutely love it!

[@larydixon4824]

This rendition of the song is heartwrenching.. The pure emotion in the voices and instrumentation is rarely found anywhere in music today.. It's a moving piece of work that leaves you spellbound and completely fixated on the performers.. A Remarkable version of this classically crafted song... Lary

[@larydixon4824]

I wish to offer my greatest respect to the writers of this timeless song... Lary

[@larydixon4824]

Of Thee Am I The Angst Of A Man With A Love Now Lost The Frailty Of A Man Able To Stand In The Face Of Adversity Only To Fall With The Beat Of A Heart The Power Of Love Is Immense Lary

[@larydixon4824]

Peter Kingdbery and Cyndi Lauper chose one of the Most Haunting songs from the late Sixties to turn into an Incredibly Beautiful and Powerful performance.. One that, hopefully, should forever remain a Classic in Modern Music.. Bravo... Lary

[@davidkyle5017]

wow...what a wonderful version of this. Great to Cyndi from back in the day and Peters voice is simply fantastic. So glad I came across this vid.

[@aa64912]

To Tom Finn. This song and how it was recorded has always been a major influence on what I do in my sudio. The song had an innocence and a rawness to it. Your music helped set the foundation for decades to follow. Now days people want to tech the soul out of a song. Proof you got it right is that the song after all these years is still around and being covered. Thank you for the music,.

[@REBBEORNOT]

Me, too! I’ve been making music, live and in studios for 60 years, and this song still touches me and teaches me things about great chord progressions, and direct, wise lyrics!!

[@stevenmalsin9870]

Now that Steve Caro has left us, I've been playing and re-playing and re-playing this song, just as I did in '66 when I couldn't get it out of my head, my heart. And this is a very worthy, true and sensitive reprise.

[@mplslaker4237]

Awesome - and great appreciation for the link. TP

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Thanks Mr Peter Kingsbery , his voice is amazing ! 🎼🦋🎹❤

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

Cyndi Lauper's voice is definitely one of a kind...I like it's rawness.

[@Shamrockrancher]

Funny... I always thought of her as not much of a musician as much as she just had a marketing brand back in the 80's. Then a year or so ago, I was up early on a Sunday morning and the radio station here in Dallas played a Blues album featuring her. It was spectacular! I was so impressed, I couldn't believe it was Cyndie. I enjoyed her on Roger Waters production of the wall in Berlin, @ the wall after it came down. Needless to say, I see her entirely different now than I did in the 80's. Another rendition of this song that I absolutely love is by Rickie Lee Jones. It's a heart breaker.

[@jamisondean9385]

And so is Peters

[@lordsmitty7297]

Love this song and all singers of it

[@bryancurtis9616]

@@lordsmitty7297 I absolutely love her unique voice/ brand.....but forgetting lyrics, especially with a Left Banke member....unforgiveable...im sorry

[@MamasGroove]

Where has this man been all my life! That was awesome!

[@joeconner2231]

The evidence of a great song is no matter who sings it or the tempo, it still sounds great!

[@Wordsmyth8]

Truth.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Tom: this song was always a favourite. The Left Bank was a musical gift to us! Thank you so much. Xo

[@se7ensnakes]

darn that was good, and specially that drummer. Whoever compose this got some freaking real talent!!!!

[@zelpho3]

A great version, been checking a dozen or more, so I can learn it on guitar, and this is my fave so far. And i just discovered Peter Kingsbery - what a voice!

[@actionsub]

If you haven't already done so, check out Cock Robin's "When Your Heart is Weak". That was my introduction to Kingsbery's unique voice.

[@logan1572]

One of my forever favorite songs. Pretty damn incredible performance. Thank you.

[@susanreed2802]

How cool is that Cyndi playing a dulcimer

[@52blackshadow]

You liked that Susan? Well, then here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3zaoYqslq-ZY7c

[@powwowdoc]

This is a very special rendition. Quite magical.

[@shellylyndsley394]

Love this song!!! Such a great harmony and the music is phenomenal !!! ❤

[@paulharvey7453]

Hi Mr Finn I wanted you to know this is one of those songs you are always happy when it came on the radio and no matter how many times you hear it you never get tired of it ! I was 10 when it came out and love it today as much as then thanks for the great music from TheLeftBank!

[@Hovermaster]

just found this one in 2024...no idea this ever existed.

[@tjk1968slice]

Same

[@dianagreen5700]

Always loved this song, brings back many memories.

[@delausa]

Cannot stop playing this. Just discovered Peter Kingsbery. Wow!

[@JuttaBauer-i7o]

Peter Kingsbery, so wonderful ❤

[@sharodcoulson1291]

First crush was a girl named Renee. Unrequited love can hurt a long time. I find solace knowing she probably dodged a bullet with me.

[@wesleygraham2741]

My first crush was also named Renee and summer camp ended and I never saw her again!

[@RobertGraziose]

When I was in high school security guard that picks me up with his Girlfriend's sister. I took her to a wedding. And i'm sure you can guess her name was Renee. The song was very popular then. And as you can guess she walked away. It was cool.I was seeing somebody anyway. Song has good memories.

[@carlam1990]

It's an emotional, melancholic song. It's supposed to be dark and haunting. If the singer's voice breaks, I think that adds to the tenderness of the song and it's meaning. They're not quite together here, but it's not supposed to be perfect.

[@oleradiodudea.m.4735]

Not another song where the words and melody (especially the minor chords) melt together like butter to become a new creation in music!

[@rebeccagardner1485]

Peter Kingsbery has the voice of an angel💖💖💖

[@micah3823]

WOW...This is just lovely....so well done....I always crushed on Cindi Lauper since the 80:s...

[@dcprofessional7263]

LOVE this song. Remember, as a young teenager, asking the "record store" manager - yes record store manager (small town USA) - to order it for me as it wasn't readily available. I have a lump in my throat every time I hear this song - ah, the memories of a simpler life - believe it or not!

[@shellylyndsley394]

I absolutely love this song and i always get excited when i come across performers doing their renditions of it, every one unique in their own way, this one is no exception, beautiful to behold. ❤

[@dovidgo]

Thank you for posting this. I stumbled across it some time ago, and it joined my file of top best favorites - by far the best rendition of this song. The musicians are so united, so "tight", their playing so elegant, just right. And the breathtaking harmony of Ms. Lauper! I went and listened to dozens of "covers" yesterday, and confirmed that only Linda Rondstadt & Ann Savoy are even in the same league as this (and of course the original Left Banke). But only Cyndi Lauper makes that incredible progression to - how to call it?- note?, at {most strikingly) 1:17; and again at 2:07, 2:53 &, 3:43, as she sings 'home" !! The delicacy throughout of the notes of the accompanying instruments, the excellence of the filming & editing, which brings us into the intimacy of Cyndi Lauper and Peter Kingsbery as they create a unity of beauty and love for all of us, the poignant beauty of Cyndi Laupers singing, and harmonies -- just those few seconds of "....follow me back home" - fill my heart to bursting. What incredible courage and humility to be so naked in public. I was glad to discover her performance of Carey at the tribute to Joni Mitchell, and to see Joni Mitchell herself listening, concentrating and appreciative; another rare person with these qualities of courage & humility - "let's have another round for these freaks and these soldiers,…these friends of mine". Thanks to all of you who made this - from Tom Finn & colleagues to Cyndi Vines. In my pain of loneliness & hurt you give companionship, appreciating beauty & meaning in life.

[@adreampainter1]

Don't know what I was dreaming when I woke up from a nap craving this song or this particular mix, but I am glad to have found it. Thank you

[@johnwisdom2562]

RIP Tom Finn Died June 27, 2020 (aged 71)

[@freshmanna4678]

Sad to hear he’s gone. Glad he shared his thoughts beforehand ❤️🙏🏻

[@pattimaher1792]

❤🙏🙏🙏 Thankyou for sharing your talent~ RIP❤

[@eileenmaryomalley740]

Rest in Heaven Tom singing this song in Heaven with the Angels for God Himself 🤍🕊️💜

[@johnthrelfall5]

First version that made me cry , that Cyndi! Great version. Great band.

[@richardshultis9626]

One of the best songs ever. It has been covered by many, each with its own twist on the song, and I love them all! A great song!

[@robertm7889]

WOW wonderful, powerful version of a genius song!!!

[@jonathankirk6659]

CYNdi Lauper and Peter Kingsbery are absolutely terriffic backed up by a great group of performers!!!

[@reneekennedy716]

MY song!!!! SO neat hearing this version! Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesanderson5393]

i remember my first love through this song, still gives me chills, thank you Left Bank

[@allaprimalady]

Another great version

[@dianespringford3947]

Beautiful. This is gorgeous

[@christennant8690]

Diane Springford I agree. Classic rendition.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I always loved this song & you seldom hear it! The other song you seldom hear but that I so love is “Pretty Ballerina “( Left Banke too!). What an amazing job they both do on this song. How beautifully they both sing this gorgeous song!!♥️

[@PAJA63]

Pretty Ballerina. Album by Peter Kingsbury. You won’t be disappointed… ☺️

[@scotteckert3110]

this is sheer brilliance, thank you.

[@markhogge1047]

Very cool note from Finn. It's my favorite song. I was in 7th grade when it was a hit. Its just one of these songs that are perfect. I'm very grateful that it came into being.

[@mustangsally1058]

OMG!i didn't even recognise his name! Smacking myself in the head! Peter Kingsley from Cock Robin!!! OMG, I've loved this guy for years, well, his singing that is. Can't believe I didn't know about this.

[@danielmenefee1943]

This song Iwas11 in 66, once you hear this Song you can’t forget it! The first girlfriend I had she had a wall in front of her house, and somebody scratched mine and her initials inside of a heart upon a wall so this song was reality for me probably my favorite song my first Love!

[@mustangmooney21]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@richardwedlich8823]

This was a favorite back in the day. I love the way Cyndi and Co do it here.

[@philwright2480]

He's the original singer, not company

[@richardwedlich8823]

@@philwright2480 Good to know! Thanks.

[@alastairtopham5939]

Beautiful rendition of this great song.

[@marshallposey2063]

A fantastic version!

[@ricardopdarocha147]

Beautiful 💐

[@stevehelton997]

The 60's I was there

[@jimtorguson7913]

Cyndi Lauper had few memorable hits. But, that lady can sing!

[@billschwalb9486]

One of the most beautiful songs I've heard. Whether done by the Left Banke, The Four tops, Southside Johnny, Cyndi Lauper or several others. Either version of " You won't see me follow you back home" works well.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Oh que mirada la de Peter sobre Cindy en el final ...🦋

[@proslipbrakelubrication1922]

Fabulous guitar

[@blackfender100]

Killer song ! I was a child when this was out with 4 older siblings this was playing in the house just a timeless lovely sad song.

[@50franny]

OMG,I love this version!!

[@natehamon8042]

I usually have to look at my metal and rock favs to see bands keeping real instrumentation alive. Gaga and Bruno are doing it for the pop world.

[@MackBesser]

one of the greatest "Unrequited Love" songs of all time--written and played by a group of hi-school buddies!!!

[@danielmenefee1943]

Cyndi,Love her the most uniquely wonderful voice!Love how she looks!!

[@johnzimmerman1159]

A thumbs down against any musician is a thumbs down to a struggling humanity. You bastards of humanity.

[@SmokingJacket]

Wow, that was speciel!

[@reneematte8426]

Thanks Cyndi Vines 💖♪ ♫ 🎸🎷 🎻🎹🎺🌺🎧🎼🎩🎩🎩

[@tommyus4]

This is our last daughter's middle name. The original, when I was 8 , just jumps out at you. The arrangement was incredible, especially for the era. The fact that it was written by a 16 y/o (I think) is amazing. The backstory makes it real and thus even better. The best cover, from what I consider a once in a generation voice, is Linda Ronstadt, with Ann Savoy.

[@lauriewilson4016]

That was so good

[@wesleygraham2741]

The original is the first record I ever bought

[@nestoralvarez8035]

LAMENTABLEMENTE EL TIEMPO NO REGRESA, NOS QUEDA EL RECUERDO Y LA SUERTE DE HABER ESCUCHADO A TREMENDOS PROFESIONALES DE LA MUSICA, GRACIAS

[@marshallposey2063]

The Left Banke was the best version....but this one and Linda Ronstadt's version are damn good.

[@boborrahood]

How about adding the Four Tops, the first group to cover it, in the top 3 covers? The lead writer of it, Tony Sansone, said his agent told him they wanted to cover it in '68, but they couldn't pay that much for the rights. Sansone said Yes, I'm a fan of them !

[@bufb]

David Cassidy has a great version too

[@brendanbourne4357]

@@bufb Southside Johnny?

[@jimmyjohnson9615]

Very nice. Well done. Thanks for the Video.

[@frankh.2254]

das ist noch Musik, die zu Cyndi´s Stimme passt. Das ist authentisch und weckt Emotionen in mir. Schade dass Cyndi jetzt ein komplett anderes Genre bedient

[@michaelluczak3019]

Fabulous. Great talent and great song.

[@swaymyway6631]

Beautiful cover of a beautiful song

[@walkawayrenee969]

Beautiful version of this song❤

[@marcellodaff77]

For those who don't know this song was the guitarrist Tom Scholz from Boston's inspiration for his hit "More than a feeling".

[@se7ensnakes]

I wish they had this in some studio recording you could buy

[@dianagreen5700]

One of my very favorite songs

[@joblow6409]

Thank you..Thank you..Thank you for posting this video it used to be here a long time ago. Peter & Cyndi sang this song better than anyone. Both have such amazing voices and show such awesome emotion its beautiful. Their Beautiful !!!!!

[@dropbearattack]

Jo Blow Nah,Rick Price owns this.

[@Stevetheperformer]

dropbearattack Eh, kinda disagree- ya, he has a great voice, looks good, but he's having too damned much fun to capture the soul of the song

[@7matboy]

Jimmy Lafave does it much more soulful!

[@raimmoonettinnen5994]

What a combination, Peter and Cindy, better than tbe original

[@kmacAustin]

One of my all time favorite songs!

[@joblow6409]

Watch Cyndi sing *I Drove All Night*...Amazing !! Watch Peter Kinsbery sing *Only The Very Best*...Spectacular !!!!

[@CMcGourty]

Jo Blow a

[@shaunderwin7868]

What a brilliant version always loved listening to Cind

[@robertwwylie1443]

good to see 2 of my favs from the 80's cover this sad cockrobin never got the respect they were due in the 80's one of the best to come from here in the states in my mind and always loved cyndi not a bad cover either

[@krisrodrigues1]

Really really good cover.

[@freshmanna4678]

Nice rendition! I think I like it better though the earlier version sends me back in time. I like that, too. And the words ... oh the words... so lovely tho so sad.

[@frankfelker5374]

My goodness. This is nice.

[@danielstump3204]

Wonderful song; nice rendition.

[@Wallosc]

L'un comme l'autre, je les aime beaucoup alors forcément les deux en un duo génial, imaginez!

[@jinnybergan8978]

Some songs are like fine wine...they get better with time.

[@hubertvale5132]

Beautiful and heartbreaking!

[@dragonfox2.058]

Very nice!!