Johnny Rivers - Where Have All The Flowers Gone

This song made it's Billboard Chart debut in October of 1965 and peaked at the #26 position. These images illustrate what Johnny Rivers looked like in 1965.

[@alcameron6071]

I’m 73 years old now, and a Vietnam veteran. I saw Johnny Rivers in Vietnam in 1966 in a USO show that had none other than Ann-Margret along with him. When he sang this song, everybody was trying to avoid looking at each other because we all had a tear in our eye, and a lump in our throat‘s. Just like I do every time I hear this song. Funny how you can’t remember what you had for lunch three days ago, but you can recall an event that happened 55 years ago, clear as a bell.

[@dandandkl9048]

Hey Al…thank you from the bottom of my heart, for serving to defend us, happy you came home! My brother also was drafted and was lucky to return in 1969…different times, different heroes…now a hero is someone shooting a basketball…sad.

[@rustym.shackelford5546]

Thanks for your service! ☺ 👍

[@jeanettereece8398]

WOW. I am 68. Loved All His songs

[@garystephens5811]

I salute you sir! Deepest respect!

[@normacalfumil6499]

@@dandandkl9048 todas las guerras son inútiles si hay armas de destrucción de por medio y mucho interés de ambas partes.. al menos un balón de basket no daña.

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

I do wish they would put Johnny Rivers into the rockin roll hall of Fame, he deserves it, truly.

[@bobwaller1649]

One of the best voices of the sixties! His remakes were often better than the originals. A true classic artist!

[@frrantone9350]

He is one of the most underrated artists in rock and roll. Whether his original or a cover his style and voice made it unique.

[@elsaalcala5486]

Frran Tone don’t drink

[@garystephens5811]

I agree totally.

[@darylw4600]

I'm 63 and I'm happy but not the happiest I've ever been. I grew up in the sixties. I remember Johnny Rivers when he looked like this. I remember when the Byrds first came out and also the Beatles. It was the greatest time of my life. I remember my first love and how she dumped me for some douche bag. I remember meeting my wife and July of 2012 we were married for 43 years. Yeah, the 60's was the best time ever.

[@garystephens5811]

I'm 64 and I concur! 60s will never be topped, music or otherwise!

[@healingbuddy]

@@garystephens5811 I'm 65 and the 60s were so fabulous. Miss them and the wonderful music.

[@jade0425]

I’m 67 and I agree. ❤

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

He deserves more praise than what he has got. Especially on this song. Love U

[@davidgreenwell372]

My dad in his wisdom knew very well the repetitive cycle of this song's lyrics. He survived the battle of the bulge and a pow camp. He advised me well as I enlisted in 1966 just out of high school. I'm convinced his words helped me to also return home after my four years of service. God bless all those victims of the cycle...flowers to girls to guys to military to graves to flowers...repeat...

[@mountie816]

I'm 62 and this song still brings tears to my eyes.

[@user-wx7zl8fn7f]

I'm 61 ... this song played at my cousin's funeral back in the 60's ... his death was deemed unexplained and the case (as far as I know) was never solved. My big brother/best friend to his cousin identified the body. My brother was never the same ... it''s been said that the two of them died that night ... physically it took longer. Tears ... oh yah!

[@jaymista2]

Hi, I'm 80 ... I am a big fan of Elvis Presley and like him, I believe we have an after-life in that our spirit. or soul or whatever you want to call it, is an energy that leaves our body when we die. That spirit comes back to you through your memories of your lost one. It's hard when we lose someone. I have lost several not just close friends but people who were my best friend at the time of their death and to me their energy or spirits are still somewhere close at hand. Just believe.

[@marcristhia]

for the goods times

[@janinsweden8559]

Im 63

[@TaserTracks]

I love Johnny's version of this Pete Seeger's folk song. Never get tired of hearing it.

[@joecap4372]

Johnny Rivers the most underrated voice

[@stephenyardley4880]

Belongs in the Rock HOF.

[@joecap4372]

@@stephenyardley4880 you are correct.. so does the Traveling Wilburys belong in the Rock Hall of Fame....

[@haroldgillette7157]

Johnny is a music legend. So many great hits. One of a kind voice,that can't be mistaken for anyone else.

[@maryannkelley7039]

Johnny Rivers one of my favorite singers. Love this song. ❤

[@prittysm]

I too.

[@daleneuschwander4553]

Johnny Rivers could rock, sing gorgeous ballads, and cover protest songs soulfully. He was/is a complete musician.

[@letlivedidsbury]

I was the biggest fan of Johnny Rivers and still am to this day!

[@lewbrown3213]

hell I,m 77 and never get enough of his music

[@maryannkelley7039]

I can relate. I am 69. 😄

[@larrypeek9278]

You wrote this 6 years ago brother hope you are still with us I am 75.

[@caroltaylor7894]

What an amazing voice! October 2020 and I still love, and always will, the wonderful, Johnny Rivers.

[@cathpalug1221]

I finally found that song that my dad used to put on repeat in the car

[@ruthiekumar8770]

I'm 93 and love Johnny Fivers.

[@victorwasright8382]

rock on!

[@brendaallen5842]

Well Ruthie you would be 95 now, hope your still going strong

[@vincecarnevale4406]

I was In a local restaurant back in the 60's when I decided to play Memphis Tennessee by Mr.Rivers on the jukebox,was booed by some of the patrons,Johnny Rivers was way ahead of his time with his music.

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Who can sing such a classic as where have all the flowers gone and still come out looking good? Johnny Rivers always fantastic! Thank you for all your sharing of your great musical talents from Patrick

[@SuspiciouslyDLicious]

Rivers' upbeat version of this song has plagued me all week long. What sweet, sweet melancholy....

[@77loneranger]

Where have all the masculine sounding voices like Johnny Rivers gone? By far the best version of this song.

[@beverlym5465]

Johnny Rivers has always been one of my very favorite artists. I love his style, his voice, everything. I could listen to his music all day. So many people don’t know his music and that’s sad, because Johnny Rivers music is so special.

[@waynejones5181]

An excellent version, from an excellent artist.

[@newhotman1001]

A great song from one of the greatest solo artists of the 1960's. To think of the hits he cranked out in the 60's with the British Invasion at its peak is incredible. What is wrong with the RRHOF? This man belongs there and I hope they realize their error soon.

[@eddielawson2900]

I remember having to sing this in my Dad's band in 81 I was 16. This song still brings a tear to my eye.

[@piacentini]

Unbeaten Rivers . This is one of the most iconic strong voices of the 60¨. He made millions dance together when girls and boys were not allowed to touch each other frequently, during dancing. Stunning piece of us, stunning piece of a life that is going slowly to immortality.

[@jjsiegal1]

Im 61... and for some reason this song popped into my head today and I haven't heard it in years. Time has passed, like a vapor Into Thin Air. I thought about my mom and dad and my friends who have gone now. I can picture them in my mind's eye. The photographs of when we were young and strong, and how much hope we had. I thought about how hard they tried, they all did the best they could. With whatever talents and gifts they had, whatever resources were at their hand, we are all limited by our Human Condition and the ways of the world. Our egos will never make up for our flaws apparent as they are to others. Ppl can See us better then we see ourselves. All we can offer is love... without that we are nothing. This song is about war... and all that is lost in the name of War. Reminding us how short life can be, those young men who lost their lives and their loved ones were cut short (oh so brief). None of us is perfect nor will we ever be. But find someone to love make it your every effort. For this is what we are here for and nothing else...Time is short and soon we will be gone too. Find someone or something to Love~!.

[@caroltaylor7894]

What a talent! Cool and simply sophisticated.

[@slsmit2]

this music is even more fitting than ever in our fragmenting society...timeless....

[@SuspiciouslyDLicious]

slsmit2 - yes!

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

No one can ever sing this song but Johnny Rivers he was so good, talented, handsome , he had it all.

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

He should be in the rockn,roll hall of Fame . He was So Good.

[@joseizquierdo566]

Thanks for such a nice and sad but truthful song, Johnny...🌻

[@firstnamelastname3579]

This recording by Johnny Rivers was also one of the first songs that I taught myself to play on the guitar! My brother Thom had the GOLDEN HITS album and a man I knew (Greg Combs) had bought a guitar, but never learned how to play it, and simply gave it to me. This cover of WHATFG is the best one!!!

[@eileenhughes7251]

My god I was looking through old billboard charts and come across this guy! He is brilliant! I don't think his music made it in Britain but looking through the charts he had lots of hit records! I am going to buy his music! Criminal he did not make it here!

[@davidsurnearsr8249]

Johnnie was amazing! Too bad he was so under appreciated. I have loved his music for many many years, he is my all time fav

[@kevincomery1634]

Also check out Walter Jackson's cover of this song brilliant.

[@deano72]

Il never tire of this style of music.

[@robertcoker4648]

One of Johnny's best, still listening, fifty years later 7/22

[@poeronald48]

I was seventeen when I hear this song by Johnny Rivers and never stop loving it. It still holdup today, so many ways ... God Bless

[@keithorr6878]

Not sure how I missed the Johnny Rivers version of this one way back when but I did. As always he did a great job of it. Glad I finally heard it for the first time just now.

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

This guy deserves nothing but the best.

[@luvaquad]

I sang this in choir , not 1 word has slept my memory .. No one ever learned ! Luv this man~*.*~

[@johnpastirchak1470]

Sadly underrated artist. Love Johnny Rivers.

[@woodybailey1108]

Went to Nam, and some didn't come back. God bless them!!!

[@1anaconda89]

This is and always has been my favorite rendition. Just love the background, the drums and of course Johnny's guitar !! I can still remembering myself during Math class in the 7th grade during 1966 humming this song .

[@altfactor]

This is the only version of "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" that you can dance to, but then again, that's the style of music Johnny Rivers had/has.

[@thomasbullock3894]

Suggest also hearing The Searchers version.

[@dennisdivine7448]

I've seen the Kingston Trio perform this in-person, but I have to say that this version has the most meaning for me.

[@johnnieonenote1]

Why isn't this man in the R & R Hall of Fame?

[@joanbusche7037]

I wish he was in the rock&roll hall of fame. Johnny deserves to be in it. I love his songs and he has an awesome voice.

[@davebock7950]

Why isn’t Johnny Rivers in the Rock and Roll hall of fame?

[@ChivaInvencible]

Because they prefer "rockers" as Janet Jackson... 🤮

[@wyguy99]

My guess would be the people in charge of those decisions don’t know music from a sandal.

[@garystephens5811]

There is not one artist who deserves to be in Hall of Fame any more than Johnny Rivers. He should be in there just for the covers he did alone, much less the originals. My favorite song of his is "Do you Wanna Dance".

[@kennethjensen9612]

A Great musician totally under rated

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

Where have all the flowers gone, great song. No One will Ever sing it like Johnny Rivers. They would Never be good enough. He is the Best on this song. Love you Johnny, Always,

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

I Love him, now that was Talent. He had the good looks, voice, he was just Damn talented.

[@jeremypaluck4246]

this is such a great song, covered to perfection. I love jamming this song.

[@upinside]

This man is Absolutely Awesome with his Amazing voice I love all of his music Thank you Mr. Rivers

[@cosie4]

ben33603, it was early sixties a friend drove me to Whiskey-A-Go-Go on Sunset Strip, and this Canadian walked right by Rivers. I remember saying the singer was really good. I didn't know who the hell he was at that time. My friend told me it was Johnny Rivers. I've been a fan ever since. What a unique voice he has. Remember the girls dancing in the cages? I now own a bar and often think of building those cages. But like you, Ben, I'm getting old!

[@mshemking]

My grade two teacher introduced me to this song....Thanks to her!

[@455Transam]

Of course she did, I'm sure she was a bleeding heart Liberal that WANTS Freedom and Democracy but doesn't think we should fight for it....FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!!!!

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

My brother was in vietnam too and he lived johnny rivers singing and music .

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

Meant he loved Johnny rivers too.

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

Especially this song

[@zeekettete]

Circle of life theme but I fell in love with this guy's music from Mom and Dad's 8 tracks ❤ back in the day... love him still...

[@larrydickerson2476]

One of the best .....If not the best this when music was music....

[@silviabastosspee6105]

verdade Larry, e eu ainda amo esse homem!

[@garystephens5811]

Amen, Amen brother!

[@200sil]

QUE MARAVILHA, AMO ELE, E TUDO QUE ELE CANTA!

[@avcat]

It would be cool to see a performer of today attempt an equally upbeat rendition of this song! The guitar, tambourine, hand clapping and background vocal tracks are great additions.

[@johnwagemann8578]

Another very good rendition by Johnny Rivers.

[@missmarplefan]

everything johnny does he does good !

[@shirleydunbar6970]

Thank you for the beautiful song, you are my favorite singer and I'm a big fan

[@thebigbadwolf86]

I swear I belonged to the wrong generation haha! Old tunes like this are what music is made of!

[@uniquerebel385]

Me and my 5 year old son still sing this great song

[@louisecleckley2867]

Thanks Mike for the time together. You bought this tape for me on Saturday at the mall two days before you passed. Love you and miss you.Nell

[@alexprice4122]

love some johnny!!!!!! rivers!!!! - man

[@johnspear7020]

Al, thank you for your service.

[@stevestanley9691]

Great song. Had his album back in the 60s and a few 45s. Good music for our time

[@billyswann2236]

Great song, great entertainer. Just your music Johnny Rivers. Excellent on guitar.

[@blindbasser]

Had a little band when I was a kid and this was one of the songs we played !

[@1MollieM]

Love the background vocals too.

[@andresbanega5759]

NO se concebía una Fiesta sin la música de JOHNNY RIVERS

[@leekrick4816]

Saw him live 1988, Was great.

[@billwidner8982]

Been singing this song since before Rivers recorded it. Don't get tired of it.

[@sweetlife031]

Very nice!

[@puddins51]

ohhhhhhhhhh my gosh.,one of his best, love it............thx johnny

[@mikekretmar]

Thank you Kingston Trio for writing this song

[@BillSharkey]

Actually, Pete Seeger wrote the first three verses in 1955 with additional lyrics by Joe Hickerson in 1960.

[@saletecembrani1335]

Forever in my heart!

[@jeffpetrey69]

The great Johnny Rivers

[@prittysm]

I love this song 😍😍😍😍😍. Kisses From Brazil.

[@ben33603]

@watchful38 I am 72 also, and I am the happiest I have ever been. I wish I could have seen Johnney when he appeared at the Whiskey A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Retired and living in Baja. I love it here.

[@borgward9569]

How can you not like this?

[@fardelphilippe5991]

Johnny Rivers, éternelle merveille!!!

[@sowalat]

wow that is so cool. I think music has no boundries of age , Iam 52 would still love to be17 again but alas that is not possible not here on earth...... but hopefully in heaven

[@piacentini]

I was 15 at that time,I feel Rivers exploded in 1966,not to mention 1967. It was an era that everything was exploding in 1965,1966,1967,1968,1969. Happy to be a Teen Ager in love,and driving my own car, Peugeot 403.since 1966. Every Friday and/or Saturday I was inviting 3 or 4 girls to parties ,all of them getting fun. Later at 02.00 at the most, we were back home,I was making the deliver of everyone of them. One year later ,in 1968, one of these, became my girl friend,and married 1974. It was an elegant era with my 16 years old,I used a Local Taylor blue or grey or light beige suitcase,and shoes from "Salvador La Porta" (The Queen of England´s shoemaker) and a Ninna Ricci or Dior cravate. Chemise was from Savile Row in London. Buenos Aires,was awesome at that moment.

[@WilliamVanDaniker]

My favorite song by him❤

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

I Loved Johnny Rivers he was one of the Best. I have all of his records. As far as I'm concerned he was No. 1 on everything he sing.

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

And he was very handsome too.

[@jeanettereece8398]

I love Johnny Rivers. I remember this when Viet Nam war was going on. It was a sad time. Alot of our young boys never came home.

[@donearl6675]

when i was about 9 when this song came out..we use to do the "wutusi"to this.my mom &dad we get the biggest kick out of that...sometime even the "jamesbrown" =8^D

[@Paula_Quiroga]

Recuerdo haberla escuchado con 8 años por primera vez en la televisión... recordarla siempre y no poder encontrarla hasta unos 10 años más tarde!! :D

[@shirleydunbar1020]

Beautiful song thank you Johnny Rivers

[@chasjohn57]

my favorite version of this song. Thank you for posting

[@josedaserra380]

Love this song. True words.

[@susangaildeaver2533]

I remember in 2007 a guy trying to make a bit of cash to eat on.He was sitting at the bus stop with a guitar, he pl😢this but had trouble with the words so I joined in. Made enough to get him some food and motel home, and then I went on to my place

[@williamshardinski6360]

the best

[@bwbarbee1029]

I think his BEST song!...Great sounds from my youth!

[@juliemarinko]

When will WE ever learn?

[@9lontoonieful1]

Wonderful!

[@daleneuschwander4553]

Rivers belonged in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a long time ago.

[@thomasbullock3894]

💐 When will they ever learn, When will they ever learn. 💐

[@lindsaygook5550]

Classic Rock 'n' Roll

[@AustriaGermany]

great song!

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

I'VE ASKED MYSELF THIS SAME EXACT QUESTION MANY, MANY, TIMES AND STILL NO ANSWERS.