Johnny Rivers - Hey Joe

First song on side one of Johnny's 1968 release LP 'Realization'

[@robertgagnon9186]

What an incredible version of "Hey Joe"!!! I was surprised and amazed to hear how much Johnny Rivers changed his musical style with "Realization". I'm 71 and remember when Johnny Rivers released this album. He changed the words, the musical style and made this song so introspective and so representative of the 1960's mentality!!! (It is surprising that so many people have NEVER heard Johnny Rivers version of "Hey Joe".)

[@mikee758]

I think this is a very 'overlooked' album certainly one of the very best releases of the late sixtees and Johny Rivers best for me.

[@ethridgephoto]

yeah, what Mikee said... : )

[@madredelarosa]

Indeed

[@duffgordon9005]

Take this - sargeant pepper!

[@firstnamelastname3579]

DUFF GORDAN: I AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT! I was 10 years old in 1967, and when Sgt. Pepper came out, I said "HOW STUPID! IT'S an album by the WORLDS MOST POPULAR MUSICAL GROUP, PRETENDING THAT THEY ARE THE MOST POPULAR MUSICAL GROUP IN A MAKE-BELIEVE WORLD!" I'VE bought SEVERAL Beatles albums 'in my life'😁... BUT... I've NEVER bought Sgt. Pepper! REALIZATION by Johnny Rivers IS MUCH BETTER!!! When someone does a cover of your song (POSITIVELY 4th ST. by Bob Dylan!) and your official statement about it is "THIS IS EXACTLY THE WAY I WANTED THIS SONG TO SOUND!" , THAT IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT OF ALL! WHITER SHADE OF PALE IS EXCELLENT! HEY JOE! WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE! "REALIZATION" IS AN underrated MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!

[@firstnamelastname3579]

DUFF GORDON: Sorry I spelled your last name wrong!👍👌

[@The53rrc]

This is one great song from one of the greatest albums of all time. River's pinnacle album in my opinion.

[@williamhatley365]

J.Rivers,,,,,,,a true king without a kingdom,,,,,,,,,,

[@garycooper8687]

Somebody needs to get this on the radio with all the modern hits just to blow minds all over the country.

[@user-zo9wf2wn9m]

One of the best albums ever. I'm 76 years old and I bought a vinyl when I was in the Marine Corps. Still have the record and a CD. Why is this man not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?.

[@lilwobblywade6324]

po;itics

[@79tazman]

Johnny Rivers rocks even today I wish i was alive when he was in his prime

[@allenstrange4863]

Listened to this album in 1968, still love it over the past 51 years! Awesome recording from song one to the last!

[@duffgordon9005]

It provides great satisfaction to listen for the details of the production...every instrument is Perfect, and JR always adds little "touches" in the background.... JR ALWAYS had the best behind him- If he had a band-- "JR and Studio 54" "He did it 'his way' ALWAYS

[@yurivernadsky9947]

I was a kid when o first heard this, it was about 2008-2009, i used to suffer from imsonia so i always took headphones and heard to the radio on my old cellphone, there was a radio, my favourite one, called "Executiva FM" it was a radio that played flashbacks, 60's, 70's, nationals (Brazil), everything related to rock, classic and so on. I remember that one of those nights this song showed up, i was astonished, specially due the chorus in it, so i recorded it in order to search in future (the radio signal wasnt that great, and my cellphone was old, i could basically record the chorus and guitars, voices where "pixelized"), in the morning i asked my father wich song that was, he recognized that it was hey joe, but i couldn't find the version with the magnific chorus, time went on, i found the Fever tree version, wich has a awesome chorus too, but it wasnt the one i've heard back then. After 19-20 years, i was playing video game and this song came to my mind, i sang as i recorded (i still remember the rythm in the record) to google music, and here i am! Finally found it!

[@eoj2495]

Totally new direction for Johnny Rivers in 1968. If I recall right, the songs segued into each other beautifully... this was (still is a) great album.

[@glenfriesner8720]

Heard this album 50 years ago and still listen to it a couple of times a week. Just can't go wrong With Johnny

[@paesano285]

This song was very underrated! I have been listening to it for over 50 years....never gets old!

[@charlesthompson2461]

agree, doesn't get plaYED ON Main stream oldies stations.

[@brucegibbins3792]

@@charlesthompson2461 maybe that's because mainstream radio is bland, boring and their program directors are subliminally able only to recognise that any version of Hey Joe they play would highlight just how irrelevant they are outside of the only justifiable purpose there is and that is as background music in a busy ten crib cathouse

[@charlesthompson2461]

@@brucegibbins3792 yes, everything is so bland mainstreet now.

[@francomeyer8775]

They cant tell flowers from colors... the best opening ever.

[@pifflebang]

Beautifully haunting, I never knew there were so many versions of this song and they are all brilliant in their own ways.

[@drunkardsdream]

yes my other favorite is by lee moses

[@pifflebang]

@@drunkardsdream Yes, iv'e just heard it, its like a well loved blanket wrapping itself around you.

[@lilwobblywade6324]

fever tree

[@carloscosta1923]

Incredible version of a classic. Hail Hail Johnny Rivers!!!!

[@jerseytidefan]

the best version of this song. hands down.

[@jeffthewhiff]

A "psychedelic" Johnny Rivers. That is pretty cool!

[@kimdenson8457]

Like opening a forgotten vault of treasure, all shiny and shimmering. Thanks for the beautiful songs!

[@proud098]

masterpiece by Rivers.......this version seems psychedelic to the max!!!!!!!!! the whole "realization" album is greeaaatttt......AAAAAA+++++++++

[@alvarovergueiro8191]

Concordo ..esse álbum pra mim.e.o.melhoor.dele

[@stellaercolani3810]

Love it, love anything Johnny Rivers performs. He's underrated. I think he's superb!

[@sherriehill9140]

There's just 'something' about him. He's always had 'it'. He's still one of the most beautiful men I've ever seen. Every song seems to come right out of his heart, and when he's done, he's done. Until the next song. His eyes show it all. He shares his heart through his music and makes everyone believe he's there 'just for you'.

[@michaelclendenen4005]

Johnny rivers was and is always one of the overlooked artists. But just kept spinning music and hits out

[@jeffdowler9130]

one of my top albums I grew up with, pass down from my dad and the best Hey Joe.

[@MustangSam]

This is a fantastic album! I still have it and it still blows me away! Best album Johnny ever made!

[@Speedracer78]

Amazing and haunting! The bass guitar line on this is incredible.

[@Stonewall1861]

Johnny Rivers will always be one favorite singers of all time. I love all his songs and I have many of his songs.

[@gil.gosseyn4786]

I used to listen to this album in the dark, when I was a teen, I always loved the bass guitar work. I think it was Joe Osborn, of Wrecking Crew fame. A great album.

[@tickledpink2U]

One of the best albums ever recorded by anyone.

[@marionlovett7167]

Another great song form the 1968. Where has all the great group gone.

[@firstnamelastname3574]

"Long Time Passin'?"

[@dennisallen6041]

@@firstnamelastname3574 @ Love the referrence to Where have all the flowers gone . lol

[@Psyche777able]

Couldn't get enough of this back at Ft lewis,WA in 1968=1969. Alway liked his singing. Best recording of this song. Thanks for posting it.

[@firecapt100]

I have not heard this song since 1969....Wow, talk about memory lane. I have loved Johnny Rivers music since the 60's. Thanks for posting these!

[@TheRonpower]

I love this version. It gives more meaning to the song. Go Johnny Go !!!!!!!!!

[@dennispelkey6768]

I love his version of Hey Joe and love the bass line

[@denisehedden5108]

🥀Amazing Song Brilliant lyrics, vocals and music! I love this song🥀✌🥀

[@andremdesouza]

Johnny Rivers best album on 60's!!! :')

[@daphnefrench5517]

Johnny Rivers , Awesome Music, Love You And All Your Great Songs ! Thank You

[@mikewalter6183]

Been playing this Album since 1968,just timeless and speaks Volumes of the Music Johnny made!

[@OldielocksNmo50]

Been fuzzed since 67 when this came out..black lights, posters, gf's, fish netting..17-18 yrs olds..just b4 going in playing war for uncle LBJ ..and 'merica..awesome times. Gra b d Funk 69-70 good too!

[@colerainfan1143]

Johnny Rivers, still alive on KZbin. An underrated talent who has a great body of work. This is not my favorite version, but what does that matter.

[@Psyche777able]

It took a long time to release this. One of my all time favorites station at Ft. Lewis Washington Back in a time of Vietnam after serving my time in Hell.So much talent.

[@USCG.Brennan]

I played this album over and over and over again back then. Still sounds great!!!

[@Psychelmer]

I remember this entire album being played like 2AM on a station in Portland, OR, in '68, way ahead of the album stations that came along later. I was electrified!! I really wondered is this the same guy that sang that goofy song about secret agents?? I bought the vinyl the next time I was in town!! The intro still gives me shivers-- I have no idea who arranged, directed or produced it, but they sure were good!!

[@doncarpenter8025]

I used to go to sleep to this song. My neighbor heard it through the wall and had to know what it was. Later we both played this late in the night. Great 60s and 70s....

[@triplettam]

Still have this album. When Johnny went hip. Fantastic!.

[@darrylwattsthomas672]

This is a brilliant album. I had this in the sixties. The bass player is so innovative and the drummer is is pulsey giving nice drum fills complimenting the interesting bass lines. I used to practice my drums as a young teenager a lot with this song blaring through my hi Fi speakers on either side of my head.

[@doppelganger521]

I have this album. In my opinion it is the best produced album ever.the acoustics are amazing. I played this music through my University years. Takes me away.

[@georgelee6253]

doppelganger521 &

[@eoj2495]

doppelganger521 I got this album in 1968 or 1969. Every track awesome. Still love it!!!

[@asimplesong1]

I agree. Played it so many times over the years. Great production.

[@keithfields1178]

doppelganger521 who was the Engineer on this Masterpiece of history. He may have influenced other music with his magic touch, and golden ears. Be worth searching.

[@cursino1]

@ken d Better than Beatles albums?

[@tararash491]

Bought this album new in '68 as a 16 year old kid. Learned every song on guitar. 50 years later it is the only album I've seen that will totally relax me. Still have one of the 1968 releases still in plastic and has never been opened.

[@gustavollig7676]

Johnny Rivers ist es heute noch wert, entdeckt zu werden !

[@TheRusty13149]

Johnny's very, very best tune! And that's saying an awful lot! Great stuff, Johnny!

[@dennisallen6041]

I would rank it up there with Summer Rain.

[@eoj2495]

Have not heard for about 35 years...what a great album!!!!

[@007kosty]

This was the first track of Rivers Realization Album. I listened to this song more times than I can count - first heard it on the 8 track tape.

[@felipesants8936]

REALIZATION ONE OF THE BEST ALBUM FROM THE SIXTIES

[@skyraider8793]

Fantastic.

[@reallyrarestuff]

Two very worn copies of this LP here on the shelf. Johnny's best work ever. He says it was his favorite project, and fans agree.

[@49kasey]

I was working in the audio department of a big store in suburban Maryland when this came out. The record department was right next to us. All I could think was that he was trying to cash in on the psychedelic thing that was all that was happening musically at the time. I never heard this until today. I'm gonna have to listen to these posts.

[@ThePaleGuy01]

Listen to this song and close your eyes you can even smell the 60s!

[@eoj2495]

Had the album when it came out - late 1968 or early 1969 (?). Just a fantastic, well produced album. Love the way the songs flow. Thanks for sharing.

[@gordonjohnson4014]

Realization, Sgt. Peppers, and The Bee Gee's 1st - Three Magical Albums from 1967

[@fflubadubb]

Never heard this version that I can remember !

[@mikewalter6183]

Plain and Simple CLASSIC ALBUM! After 50 years still play this Great Music.

[@dynjarren8355]

Johnny Rivers Psychedelic!

[@shirleydunbar6970]

Johnny can do it all and make it sound amazing thank you, for this beautiful song

[@shirleydunbar6970]

Happy Birthday Mr.Johnny Rivers.

[@jeffdowler9130]

This album was past down from my dad, that love country. It was one that I lesson to during meany of my meditations. All I can say is to those that hear it now, bless you, welcome its a hard road home.

[@peterklein717]

Oh man. 1968 in all its glory. Played this track at max volume all the time until the album got annexed by a lovely ex in my army days. Special memories.

[@Buzz1593]

My girlfriend at the time bought me this Album on 8-track in 1969. Had never heard it before, I fell in Love with it...Johnny Rivers best work...

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Thank you so much for sharing this great music from absolutely one of the best albums ever made. Thank you Johnny and God bless from Patrick

[@daviddickey1994]

My first Hey Joe and an awesome version.

[@ElectricBoogaloo007]

This version really reminds me of Hurdy Gurdy Man by Donovan--which is also a great song.

[@donaldswafford6987]

I associate this with the time just prior to my long flight to Vietnam ... and Hurdy Gurdy Man ...

[@frankd.506]

And Jimmy Page played on that Donovan album

[@dennisallen6041]

@@donaldswafford6987 And I bought the album in.............Viet Nam. Also Canned Heat's Cookbook. Must be rare albums, have to serch by name to find them.

[@gadsdonflag4289]

His alltime best and a landmark for our generation. Thanks for posting!!! I bought it when it first came out and played it over and over and over again until the wee hours of the night. ;-)

[@lovevibration]

@cb3961 I was the same age when this song came out & played it endlessly. Flush with emotion hearing it again. God Bless Johnny Rivers.

[@admiral37]

Johnny Rivers and Lou Adler created a masterpiece with Realization.

[@fredcloud9668]

Best version of this song.

[@lindaclarke862]

Always loved Johnny Rivers! I remember when he came out with a wonderful 'single'.... Wichita Lineman. I loved it! Then one day not long after it's release it was gone! The record soon came out again only sang by a very young Glenn Campbell. I never heard anything by J.R. again unless I played the records of his I already had by him. I never found out why he was replaced by Glen Campbell ( I never warmed up to Campbell) I had the album Hey Joe, It was fantastic! He DOES belong in the R & R Hall of Fame!!

[@saradon96]

I've been listening to the album since I got it 53 years ago. It's one of the greatest albums made by one of the greatest artists. So why isn't Johnny in the R and R Hall of Fame?

[@jeanmarclavoie307]

Great album.... bought it in 69 ..while i was posted in Lahr Germany (Air force)

[@barbruhland7769]

Love this album

[@jimuren2388]

Johnny went through changes in the 60s. For sure.

[@joaomanoelvieira2645]

Fantastic

[@cb3961]

I was into this LP/tune bigtime in '68 when I was 14. Hell any version of Hey Joe is a keeper in my book...lol

[@johnknottenbelt2502]

This album blew me away, when I first heard it back in '68. Such a different direction for Johnny Rivers, hence the album title. It was a 'revelation journey in itself'. Even Dylan lauded his version of Positively 4th Street on this album. Too many favourite tracks on this album for me to single out just one !

[@toddberner9198]

DONOVAN went in a similar direction....he went from a flower power song called MELLOW YELLOW to a song called HURDY GURDY MAN, on which John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin played bass guitar.

[@fhpferrari]

FANTASTIC SOUND!

[@shirleydunbar9106]

First time hearing this song wonderful loved it

[@madmaxxxxful]

Best version of this song

[@OhioHenryRifles]

One of the best Rivers I have gone alone. Yessssssssssssss thanks for the 60s and 70s. you made it great. Dav

[@edwindonaldsnider]

JR is still a great talent. Kills this great song!!!

[@fatimajesus4948]

Primeiro disco que comprei na minha vida em 1969 .tenho ate hoje .paguei 18 cruzeiros

[@carloslupi7598]

El mejor álbum J. River.

[@knickd1979]

Wow Just wow Where was this version my whole life?!?! I’m crying it’s so haunting

[@marbleys56]

this rendition of the song!is a great piece of music works!:)

[@celsocarlospommer8604]

Bom dia, para mim, foi o melhor disco de Johnny Ribers, comprei - 0 em 1970 e tenho até hoje.

[@huskyjerk]

This is better than I thought it would be. Heard it just now for the first time. Pretty darn good. 4.5 out of 5. Nice.

[@barrybaker429]

huskyjerk Your right,Totally!One of my Favs!

[@dennisallen6041]

Best version I've heard.

[@throatgorge2]

Holy Shit! This is the best "cover of a cover" ever!

[@catg5222]

É o álbum que jamais foi e será superado. Todas as novas gerações deveriam ouvi-lo para pregar amor.

[@paulosaca5650]

Foi quando eu me tornei musico!!!

[@felipesaucedoflores61]

Brillante arreglo psicodélico de un músico tan talentoso como lo fue Johnny Rivers

[@jucineigiachini5338]

2024 🎉🎉🎉Ana hapyyy

[@drstevie]

classic lp !

[@cicerodelgado5279]

Linda musica

[@shirleydunbar6970]

Beautiful ❤️❤️