"hello it's me" michael hedges covers todd rundgren

[@stkittsdave1]

This video alone makes the internet worth it.

[@juaneato]

Indeed.

[@frank-ski]

Agreed

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

yes sir.

[@michaelcook2459]

Yep

[@davidfuller764]

Delightful

[@PlanetRockJesus]

People walking past not knowing what a bright shining star Michael was. R.I.P. Michael.

[@jameskahler6458]

This strikes me as perhaps my favorite Hedges performance. It is one of the first available. It is a cover. It is in standard tuning. He is basically out there busking as a college student. So this is pre-Hedges for all practical purposes as we all might think of him--but not by too much. It is altogether familiar, but at the same time already beyond anything that one would expect in terms of chord voicings. The guitar parts are complicated (i.e, the voicings and movement), yet the vocal is totally relaxed, creative and mature. He is totally in the moment and not distracted in any way by all of the various people coming and going around him.

[@GailWeisman]

One musical genius plays another ... RIP Michael

[@eazycheetah]

One of the privileges in this life was seeing Michael perform a handful of time. I was unable to see his last tour prior to moving abroad. I was hurt to find out he passed later that year. Gone too soon.

[@bubba2026]

Still hurts my heart a little to think he’s not with us. Such a bright shining star. Made such beautiful music, and was a sweet guy.

[@melchorvincentagot1002]

What was his cause of death?

[@airdalechick]

@@melchorvincentagot1002 "Hedges was driving home from San Francisco International Airport after a visit to a girlfriend in Long Island, New York. His car apparently skidded off a rain-slicked S-curve and down a 120-foot (37 m) cliff. Hedges was thrown from his car and appeared to have died nearly instantly. His body was found a few days afterward."

[@arissongsmusic]

🙏🎶💓🎶🙏 God bless him, Rocklove ArtyThan ☆♡☆

[@ppierquet1]

I saw Michael in a live concert many years ago, before he became "famous".....at the St Paul(Mn) student center. Michael came out on stage bouncing on a huge inflatable sphere...what fun. His music was wonderful; I'll always remember that experience.

[@geemora209]

How can this be more beautiful than the original? And, live in one take? My heart aches.

[@marthaworc7873]

In a just world, a world where talent and hard work would be rewarded by fame, everyone would know who Michael Hedges is. We do not live in a just world.

[@kevinshell4450]

24 year old classic rock lover here, love this song & I have to say this cover is absolutely incredible, the chorus is actually really hard to sing but he nails it, and his guitar playing is immaculate. So great

[@buttercupkong]

I dare say I love this version more than the original, it's just beautiful, it's the way he's played it and his voice❤️ - Amy

[@freeclimb5487]

Hmmm.. better than the original?

[@davidryan1757]

THE version for anyone who grew up loving MH. I 1st heard him c.81/2. Saw him 2xs a couple years later. Almost quit guitar after the last show!

[@pgcsmusicmadness]

Still the very best cover of Todd’s song. I come back here often to listen. It’s like visiting with a dear friend.

[@rlutge]

Sweet. Thanks, Ukulele!

[@josef2012]

Me too!

[@AndreasDevig]

The Isley Brothers version takes that cake in my opinion.

[@bufatutuagonistes8876]

Absolutely stunning. Early MH, at his public beginnings. His guitar and his creative expression were just so strong, even doing a cover. He does the song so touchingly and beautifully. We are lucky that this got shot! We are lucky that this got saved! We are lucky to watch this now! Thanks Randy. We are honored.

[@ChefClary60]

Sorry, never heard Michael, but as a HUGE Todd fan, props to you bro. Seems you have left us. So sad. Very few musicians (myself included) would ever try and cover such a difficult song with any hope of making it listenable. I really enjoy this version. Well done and RIP.

[@photopicker]

What VanHalen did for tapping on electric guitar Michael did for tapping on acoustic guitar. He influenced a lot of guitarists in the fingerstyle guitar world. His shows were amazing. His repertoire is amazing. He had a hard time making new records that were at the level of his earlier work. Where do you go once you hit the zenith of productivity? An artists dilemma. I saw several shows and met him at Harbin Hot Springs. He was a regular guy who detested fame. Loved guitar, loved his fans, but detested the attention it would stir in some people. All stars hit this. Michael was a bright star with a new sound that leveled the field.

[@billmiller9145]

@@photopicker Saw him open for Pat Metheny in Denver years ago and never forgot it. Never heard him cover this, sad that people are just wandering about behind and in front of him without even a notice.

[@AndreasDevig]

@@billmiller9145 Michael and Pat in one night? Must've been quite a night.

[@billmiller9145]

@@AndreasDevig Speechless. They were supposed to play Red Rocks. A steady 3 day rain put and end to that. No worries, we went from row 23 to row 3 at the indoor arena

[@joetatich4]

@@photopicker well said my friend! ✌🏼

[@zzwerzy]

I've heard, seen, lived and breathed a lot of Hedges. This is the only example of him playing in standard tuning that I am aware of. A rarity!

[@saturnsabyss]

I literally just discovered him, interesting observation!

[@zzwerzy]

Thank you. How wonderful to be hearing Michael for the first time. His first two albums are not to be missed: "Breakfast in the Field" and "Aerial Boundaries."

[@bobs1613]

Probably shouldn't admit that I have tears.right.now. bless you for this and the other uploads.

[@rlutge]

+Bob Skevington Thanks man.

[@LizbethPlenty]

A lot of us do. Thank you for acknowledging that. I am beyond words grateful for you shooting and sharing these videos. Thank you Randy. It is moving beyond words to hear and see him especially in these times. It is so heart and soul nourishing in such a deep angelic way. Love and miss... but this helps. Be well gracias

[@johnschoen703]

He had a knack for covering uncoverable therefore obscure songs in which he veers sharply while staying true to the original at the same time completely owning the the song as he's pouring his heart out through the lyrics like he's lived them himself. Truly a one of a kind troubadour of his era. Of course he's dead because he's tragic as well.

[@patrickkohlman2059]

I was there, he was just a kid then. It was obvious he had a great future. It was a special time....... Palo Alto before it got "discovered."

[@rlutge]

Patrick Kohlman halcyon days...

[@samrush2943]

Another massive Todd fan here, and I think this is a beautiful version, love it. Rest in peace my brother.

[@DaveLL500]

I've been coming back to this video for years now because it's far and away the best cover of one of my favorite songs. It's a shame this once in a lifetime musical talent remains largely unknown.

[@rlutge]

One could say the same for the guy who wrote the tune.

[@dhulbert855]

@@rlutge To be fair, Todd's somewhat less obscure than Michael... (us fingerstyle guitarists revere Michael as a god, tho.) Thanks so much for posting this one especially. It's a gem! I return to it every once in a while.. So, so incredibly beautiful. Peabody Institute educated.. Reading about him just today in Acoustic Guitar magazine.

[@MsTubbytube]

His singing of covers is often just a little delayed from the beat, in a most artful way as in this cover. What a gorgeous voice

[@monicavanderveken3029]

This is incredibly beautiful and makes me think of a crush I had in high school...he never knew...

[@rlutge]

his loss!

[@therussiandragon616]

I think it is credibly beautiful.

[@janinaandayagutierrez4025]

Its april 2022,and I 've watched this video 6 times ,yesterday and today,and ,I will watch this again.I can't get enough of this version.Reminds me of my high school days❤️

[@rlutge]

Sweet!

[@kenf1ott]

Pitch perfect vocals. Very rare.

[@j.sakanaru3067]

Michael Hedges is so timeless miss you man!

[@scruffystrat]

Michael Hedges.......still hard to think he’s gone!! RIP.....

[@Lisa_Evers]

Gosh.....here I was on KZbin, just searching around for covers of Hello It's Me... (which I know more or less, from the Isley Brothers)...and then I happened upon this here video... I began to listen and thought...'wow this is nice' and 'I wonder where this guy is playing in the video?...the posters behind him make me think he's in a college town'.....then I began looking through the comments...see that many people seem to know him.... Michael Hedges...and I'm thinking 'Michael Hedges?...never heard of him...maybe I need to do a bit more digging on him...'. And then I see your comment that he's left this world? So sad... but I'm still gonna do more digging. ;-)

[@LizbethPlenty]

@@Lisa_Evers he's always been our angel. Listen more, soothes your soul. Such a rare soul. Shalom

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

@@Lisa_Evers I hope you followed your instincts to learn more about Michael Hedges. He was an incredible artist and a really down-to-earth guy. I miss him.

[@raulnovoa6098]

How did he passaway

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

@@raulnovoa6098 He died as a result of his car going off a cliff in California. He was returning from a trip to NY. I imagine he was tired and it was night. I saw him perform once. He is unforgettable.

[@jairgomes4836]

Hey, man... one of the best versions of this song on youtube!

[@scottarnest8980]

Michael is a legend. Every guitar player should know his work. Left us too soon.

[@rosievela9909]

Love Michael Hedges It’s sad how he’s gone way too soon like so many other great people. Still I honor them & I Adore Michael Hedges

[@marcleerahn]

Hard to not love the song more less the man playing it on a guitar. Watching the video on the computer and realizing how many people walk through the video and don't stop to appreciate the chance of a life time is honestly sad. Michael is missed.

[@belascialoja4812]

Yeah, true... it seems there's a few onlookers/listeners in front of him, but still the tone-deaf idiots filing along behind him don't even look, don't applaud or smile or even glance over when he's done. I'd kill to have been there! What a voice, what a guitarist.

[@ryanmaclean4426]

Can not thank you enough for posting all these youtube videos, and for having the foresight to know what you were witnessing and record it. One of the greatest concerts I ever saw was Michael Hedges and Leo Kottke at Carnegie Hall. Have all his albums, great to see his formative years. Might stay up all night watching these.

[@rlutge]

+Ryan Maclean thanks for the note. one night michael called to say that leo was at his house and had never heard him play. he asked if i could bring a video over which i did. i guess he liked it...

[@dfleonard]

Wow. What a terrific rendition. Great vocals. Great guitar playing.

[@runtfan71]

One of my favorite artists covering a song by another of my favorite artists. It always boggles my mind how cleanly and seemingly effortlessly he was able to play these whacked out chords. What a great video, thank you so much for sharing this.

[@rlutge]

By chance, I got to have lunch with Todd earlier this year. What a treat. I picked his brain about a lot of music industry stuff, but especially about Michael. I asked if he knew him and he said "of course" and air strummed a guitar. (I reposted, publicly, a pic from that lunch on my facebook page)

[@josef2012]

@@rlutge wow,really cool 💗

[@rbplaysa99olson]

Dang... he had a good voice! I've only heard his instrumental stuff.

[@zibabird]

Thank you for sharing these classic Michael Hedges videos.

[@zenwolfpup106]

beautiful song... amazing guitarist

[@194853DodgeTrucks]

I saw Hedges in 1990.....he was so intellectually gifted as a musician, and funny as shit. I really do miss him as a performer.

[@imCOLDholdME]

So beautiful. Listing to you play makes me happy.

[@David-no7zi]

This is the finest version of this song that I've heard. Thank you so much for uploading it!

[@benjamincox4211]

David Noble better than the original?

[@이규령-j4p]

He was a the best tapping guitar player ever. I couldn.t see any guitatist who could beat Michael.s sound quality yet, there r so many tapping guitarists in the world though. RIP. Michael. I lost one of my guitar hero.

[@stargazer9713]

memories: Palo Alto California upstairs in a tiny little room. The Varsity. Me and friends listening to MH’s music .

[@raywest3402]

So much talent. A beautiful voice and accomplished guitar playing. The angels must love listening to him.

[@RandymanB]

So fortunate that I got to see him live in St Paul shortly before he passed. What an artist he was.

[@daldoc76]

People walking by like it's just some mortal kid guitar player.

[@janinaandayagutierrez4025]

I love his style of playing guitars and style of singing❤️

[@togue777]

Perfect voice and perfect chords. Come to think of it, he didn't cover anything that he didn't do just about perfectly His falsetto breaks were wonderful

[@phillecompte3438]

Never heard of this guy but hello ! he is just terrific .

[@andrewm1112]

+Phil Lecompte He was big in the late '70's. He goes in and out of public consciousness, but his work is legendary as it is both beautiful, and he was the innovator of a number of acoustic guitar playing techniques. Check out his records, they are worth owning. The instrumental stuff he did is unparallelled in sheer beauty.

[@krazyk2033]

He is a legend among guitarists. He’s like the Jimi Hendrix of acoustic guitars. He pulled sounds from those strings that baffled the listener and if you weren’t seeing it for yourself you wouldn’t believe it was just one man and one guitar. This is an example of his vocal abilities, which we also at a high level... gone way too soon 😢

[@rosssoutherland8118]

Sometimes his voice is overlooked for his playing-when it was just fabulous!

[@brianwalsh6666]

What a gift, Michael, to all of us! In sooth, you soothe, ever in groove... Peace

[@karenlopez9417]

It's 2021,and I just discovered Michael's version of this song.I love Todd Rundgren's version but I love Michael's even more.I keep playing it over and over.Here is someone I'd never even heard of until a few days ago yet my heart broke when I read that he'd passed away Dec 2 1997.RIP Michael.

[@gavinsdad1]

I was a lucky one ! Got to experience Michael a few times. Special talent.

[@reidperper798]

I discovered Michael Hedges in Palo Alto in the early 80’s playing at the Varsity Theater. Everyone sensed he was special. Miss him. Love his rendition here.

[@matrixInvader]

this is a great intro to jazz chords

[@puppyguitar010]

Beautiful song!

[@JaneStClair-bb3by]

What a gem. Thank you for capturing this.

[@hannahbutler8452]

Lovely! Great job! This is my favorite song of all the time! ♥️

[@AdlaiAlexander]

Wonderful. I remember those days at the Varsity quite well and very fondly. Thanks for sharing these.

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

This is so beautiful ❤ you’re a brilliant musician- just gorgeous, especially singing this song

[@yanricharduk8483]

Very Good Randy, I really Enjoyed

[@geemora3948]

Beautiful.

[@EliasGraves]

We all love Michael for his guitar skills but damn he had some serious pipes too! RIP Michael, the aerial boundaries have moved aside for you.

[@the.holyfountain]

this music is so charming! makes me feel happy and magical🥰✨

[@stevewilson7915]

Dude, you have amazing talent That was brilliant!!! You took a great old tune and made it your own. You're a star man. Good luck and God bless.

[@rlutge]

A real starman. Google Michael Hedges.

[@ucantuse7]

Amazing how many folks are strolling past, not even looking at him. Thank you so much for the video

[@jamesflattery4870]

Outstanding artist and guitar player .. beautiful

[@tijuanaiguana190]

The scattered applause breaks my heart for what a great performance that was

[@rachaelappold5079]

Very beautiful voice! I love this song; there's such a selfless vibe to it and you captured it perfectly!

[@jeffsolenberger4527]

outrageous guitar work....nicely done!!!!!

[@rlutge]

J Solenberger one of the greatest guitarists of all time. if you think this is good, take a spin through his instrumentals.

[@6wireheaven]

yea, ponytails, butterfly collars, cheesy high school bulletin boards,......and no fear of guns or shootings. a genuine and gentle time. this performance was a once in a lifetime thing. those kids got to witness it, and many didn't even realize greatness in front of them. some did. one couldn't ask of a better performance and cover of this great song. a gem.

[@rlutge]

looks like one from 1980 (when folks still walked by...)

[@julieannkuster1999]

ONE of my favorite SONGS hes killing it in a good way..plays great..i feel hes very talented..🤗☺️👍🥰

[@samuelpajoa215]

Great Song! This is my favorite song of all times. Great job! Real Voice Real Music. 🎶🎸👍❤✌🇺🇸

[@maironbeats9550]

Lyrics: 😊 Hello, it's me I've thought about us for a long, long time Maybe I think too much but something's wrong There's something here that doesn't last too long Maybe I shouldn't think of you as mine Seeing you, or seeing anything as much as I do you I take for granted that you're always there I take for granted that you just don't care Sometimes I can't help seeing all the way through It's important to me That you know you are free 'Cause I never want to make you change for me Think of me You know that I'd be with you if I could I'll come around to see you once in a while Or if I ever need a reason to smile And spend the night if you think I should It's important to me That you know you are free 'Cause I never want to make you change for me Think of me You know that I'd be with you if I could I'll come around to see you once in a while Or if I ever need a reason to smile And spend the night if you think I should

[@thefeelcompany]

What a gem to stumble on whilst looking at Todd arrangements and find Mikey H!!!!

[@scmah174]

Thanks Randy. Miss Michael.

[@rlutge]

+scmah174 : )

[@CaseyRounds]

Excellent chord voicings! This flows much better than what I have previously seen online.

[@jerryrickcolella]

These people are about to bump him into a plant. Poor Michael! I saw him about a year before he died. These videos are priceless! Thank you so much for sharing them!

[@donyjohansyahhabibie]

This video was made before I am even born, but I am a big fan of Todd and this is one of my everlasting favorite song. Stumbled upon this cover, and I feel lucky to know this cover by Michael!

[@cugelchannel4733]

What on earth is up with those imbeciles who keep walking in front and behind him in the video? I can understand that he's just playing in an open space, and this is early days and maybe they never heard of this guy. But, if you were just walking by and heard someone singing and playing with such perfect beauty and easy mastery, with a multiple octave range, hitting every note perfectly, would you just keep going, paying no attention? "Well, I'm just going to ignore this unbelievable talen cause I gotta to go and get a latte?" I just shake my head man.

[@ckallaher]

Wow. I was just looking for cover versions of this song at this pops up. I think I’ve watched your upload of Michael doing Wondering Where the Lions Are about 50 times. Saw him many times at the Varsity just a few years after this, maybe 82 or 83. By then he was a total monster. But this is beautiful and touching. One of my favorite songs from my youth, and still. Thanks as always.

[@jeannecohen535]

Such a special soul. Talent of unworldly proportion. I learned of him after he left this world and couldn't believe that we all hasn't heard all about him in his time. He actually pioneered guitar techniques of current day music.💗

[@rlutge]

Thanks for the note, Jeanne. We were lucky he came into our universe.

[@neil2385]

Amazing. What a talent. He was signed that day. The pan up into black is hilarious. One can bet that the camera operator wishes they had that moment to reconsider again. The pouty waspy blond is priceless

[@jeyssonalexisreyesromero7049]

Wowww! Que buena versión de este gran tema de todd rundgreen ! Saludos a todos desde Perú- Lima

[@bill72pa]

Amazing performance! Thanks for posting this.

[@JoeP-f5f]

Something special about this , he put his name on it.

[@CharlieRogersMusic]

hey Michael. Happy Valentine day I try to keep up with your great song but I just love this cover. I'm trying not to think you die. You're were so talented hey buddy, stay well and we friends stay close to having a great day in heaven. Charlie Rogers music. don't forget me, buddy. miss you.

[@TheBadappel]

Such an amazing cover of one of my favourite songs. Beautiful,sad, and happy at the same time

[@kevindigo22]

I am so glad I discovered this buried treasure...I love this!!

[@MisterNiles]

Such profound treasure. Thank you Randy. I'd also like to apologize for all of the upcoming, gushing comments about how thankful I am for these videos :) I don't know you, but I sure love you for this gift.

[@rlutge]

Thanks for the note. We always like to hear from Hedges folk...

[@tacticalbouzouki6575]

Awesome! It would be great to see the rest of this performance.

[@rlutge]

It is all up on my channel...

[@tacticalbouzouki6575]

@@rlutge thanks. I just subscribed to your channel 👍🏼

[@francismarclim351]

I so love this version of the hit! ❤❤

[@pcmaclean]

I wonder if the passers by had any idea just how phenomenal a talent they were being treated to?

[@arissongsmusic]

Extremely enjoyable version, Very nicely done Rocklove AT ☆♡☆

[@londonukhm]

i just have no words , so beautiful!

[@rlutge]

: )

[@vazz22]

POWERFUL 1970'S VIBE

[@coresurf22]

UN-belieeeeevable! ❤

[@jackvega9696]

Great stuff, brother! Todd Rundgren is so underrated. Respect! You got talent 💪

[@fiosfiend]

Makes me wonder about all the fools walking past him, if they realize what a legend they just passed. I was fortunate enough to see him live before he died. What an incredible performer.

[@TheJackster-tl8oi]

I’m a young lad, I was born in the early 2000’s. And yet, this song from the 70s gives me such a sad nostalgic feeling, this rendition is beautiful.

[@dogboy33]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing this with the world.

[@fabianb.s.4193]

Just beautiful