Nathan Rogers doing "Northwest Passage" with Dry Bones

On February 1, 2014 in Edmonton, Alberta at the Queen Alexandra Community Hall.

[@NSResponder]

If this song had been the only one Stan ever wrote, he'd still be one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

[@squatters1]

Brought me to tears to see a son play his late father's song with such passion. Stan would be so proud of his lad. :')

[@blackmoorgaming1931]

aye he would

[@KipperStudios]

I was about to say this myself. He's got the ghost of his old man in his voice, and he sings it with his soul. I'm absolutely certain he'd be proud, because I know I would be if it was me.

[@sheilagoodman3220]

@@KipperStudios hard to see the keyboard when one is crying

[@jakecode103]

Brings me to tears everytime I listen

[@brendamyerstrachanmyer6817]

Nathan has his dad's voice - a few times I caught myself thinking I was listening to Stan

[@JRInnes]

In 1982, I attended the taping of a variety show at WCCO in Minneapolis. The host introduced a Canadian singer named Stan Rogers. By the time he finished Lock Keeper, my wife and I were captivated. It felt as if we and he were the only people in the crowded room. That's how powerful his voice, his music, and his good natured presence were. I am pleased to have the chance to "meet" his son Nathan through this video. We can all celebrate the presence of his unique father in the song his son sings.

[@stereodreamer23]

Imagine being the son of the greatest Canadian Folk Singer ever. Now imagine ALSO having a great singing voice and being able to play guitar well. And on top of all that, you have the honor of keeping your father's tradition alive by performing his music in your own special way, with your own power and passion. And then, imagine doing all this, and at your performances, EVERYONE in the crowd joins in, pitch perfect, on every chorus, raising all their voices in tribute to the tremendous legacy of which you are a small, yet vital part. Wow. If only we could all live a life just a fraction as full as this...

[@Ryansanders80]

I believe you mean the son of the greatest folksinger ever. not just canadian

[@j.b.9581]

@@Ryansanders80 Amen, Amen, and Amen. Stan is at the top of his game .. .. even NOW.

[@jacklinofx]

Once he starts singing... wow does he ever sound like his old man!

[@mr.meowgi9876]

Its almost as if for those fleeting moments stan was there

[@ComradeLeroy]

Every time I hear Nathan Sing any of his father's songs, I can't help but cry manly tears.

[@spacecowboy2k]

Oh my gosh, you definitely know this is Stan's son, though... Voice as bright and strong as a lighthouse... cutting through the fog of time and turmoil

[@celticcheetah6371]

Oof that’s poetry mate. Thank you

[@MadCapMag]

I bet that sounded amazing when you wrote it.

[@spacecowboy2k]

@@MadCapMag I did get a little carried away, I was swept up in the music. XD

[@officialusmanqureshi]

and the hair

[@AximVidya]

You have a way with words

[@danbellamy8648]

that smile when he gets to the first chorus gets me every time....something so simple but acknowledges such a legacy while still providing his own take on this cherished song.

[@themodelrailwayman5470]

Your comment made me notice this, and i also get got everytime by it - its almost as if he was initially surprised the audience would sing along, and is laughing cos he should have known that these guys would know the words

[@mesner5x]

He has similar tones to his father but he has his own unique sounding voice.

[@HayesRonan]

"..a land so wide and savage"....I'll tell ya what's savage, that bloody song. Out with the six string and off to learn it I am.

[@Mandolorian1001]

Hey! A fellow ronan! Lol. I love stan's music, I've been performing his stuff on stage for as long as I can remember; sing Northwest Passage and Barrett's every time im on a ferry boat. Fantastic music, great memories, and unforgettably Canadian. That's Stan to a T

[@stevenlenkowsky6879]

Ronan, I’m with you, I had to go get my 12 string after hearing Nathan’s performance of this gem. I’ve been staring it down now for days ....

[@Razhumykin59]

I beg to differ with some of the comments here. Nathan doesn't replicate Stan's greatness with his performance of this song. Stan's greatness is out there for us all to treasure. Nathan's performance of this song shows his own greatness. Let's treasure Nathan's greatness.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

Thank you fuck, very refreshing comment. Nathan has his own music, which sounds amazing, but does not put you in the same place Stan's does.

[@candytwo2653]

Nathan did great. His own rendition.

[@lucasthompson1650]

Garnet Rogers once said (after a Northern Lights or Full Moon gig in Edmonton, coincidentally) that he still sometimes gets accused of "ripping off the great Stan Rogers" when he plays in the US. "You'd think the similar spelling of our last names would give pause, but, man, ever since this one guy in Michigan screamed at me about how my brother was not only a patriot but also one of the greatest Americans, I've refrained from even entering into those discussions … yeah … That's the real trick, the whatchamacallit … life hack … to not getting shot in the parking lot of a Motel 6 as a Canadian folk singer touring in Michigan … the loudest customer is always right." 😆

[@candytwo2653]

@@lucasthompson1650 Nathan has talent and Garnet does too. They continue to honour one of the best songwriters and singers in Canada. Long may thier big jib draw....A family of talent!

[@pictcalgacus7732]

One thing I think we can agree upon, STAN LIVES! This is my first time hearing Nathan and that was my first thought.

[@andyduckering8731]

So I've just discovered this version by accident. I've loved this song for 35 years and I've always been sad that I didn't know Stan's work while he was alive. This version is fantastic. Basically I've pretty much sat and cried the whole way through. Nathan, your Dad would be so proud.

[@TheSilverdaleShrek]

If you want to hear this song done in a completely different way, check out Release the Archers. Heavy metal Stan Rogers is a new experience

[@UncannyXander]

Theory: Stan's vocal ghost possesses his son when he sings. Sounds so much like his father it's excellent.

[@dudds6699]

I hear you Zach and i agree.... Due South was totally underrated as well Paul Gross is a Canadian treasure.

[@stevenmartin1048]

he is so much better than his father.. because he's following his father's passage

[@wreckofthehesperas8323]

Their voices, Stan, Garnet and Nathan, are so similar I was confusing them as the same man. Think we saw Garnet not long after Stan died. Incredibly sad. So this wonderful guy here was just a little boy when he lost his father, but indeed that voice has come through the years to him, thank heavens!

[@anick82]

My dad is a huge Stan Rogers fan. I grew up listening to him, and having my father sing me to sleep at night while he sang and played "The Field Behind the Plow." I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan and Ariel when I was four years old. I've also been to many a Garnet Rogers concert, and had the pleasure of meeting him and Archie Fisher. I love Nathan's musical catalog and enjoy listening to him playing his father's songs. I am very blessed to have grown up in such a musical house as a child and to have that very outlet myself.

[@W1ckedshort]

This song is a love letter from a son to his father, I cannot be convinced otherwise.

[@garywhitt98]

And amen say all of us…

[@SirWitKiD]

Rest in Peace Stan Rogers. It's rare to feel love for a man you've never met. Thank you for the music and spirit. Gospeed and God Bless. Your boy is a true gem. Much respect.

[@garywhitt98]

And now all the Stan fans love the big-hearted stranger with the eloquent post. Well done.

[@JamesWillmus]

What's most amazing about this version of the song is that you can hear the whole audience sing with him. It feels like all of Canada is singing for Stan, their pride, and their heritage!

[@GerNiels]

Brings a tear to my eye, you Canadians better cherish this man

[@Contrarygardener]

I agree Jeb. In honor of your Mother, who America remembers for her commitment to encouraging children to read, you might appreciate Stan Roger's song Mary Ellen Carter, especially the last verse.

[@CeddyNash]

Jeb is a mess

[@aanneeccoo]

We do... And do to this day.

[@brahilly]

@@CeddyNash Did making that comment make you feel better?

[@michaelhogan738]

@@brahilly Given up on America - as founded.

[@Hrafnhistorical]

Definitely got some seawater in my eyes.

[@bullypopful]

I loved when he said "I'm not going to tell you to sing, you're just going to do it." He's onto us! Man the things I'd do to hear him live

[@John.Beyondbuilders]

I'm 35, and 7.5 yrs after this song was sung, I am crying like a babe. Well done Nate! Truly well done!

[@jameswillmus600]

I could see Stan above with a tear in his eye, he'd be so proud that his son not only carries Stan's legacy, but takes it to a whole new level....

[@elsakristina2689]

James Willmus he even got his dad’s voice!

[@ChristopherStump]

This is absolutely amazing. I had not, until today, heard Nathan's voice. It's simply astounding how much he sounds like his father yet at the same time is able to bring his own sense of passion to his music. I could listen to this all day.

[@garywhitt98]

Chris, I agree. Nathan pounded it a bit more which I like. But he didn’t have a young Garnet Rogers to belt the harmony with him like Stan did. I am thinking of you and praying for you. We will see you soon.

[@ChristopherStump]

@@garywhitt98 Thanks, Gary. I can't get home soon enough. Lots of love to you and Margaret.

[@0654mwright]

I can’t keep a dry eye watching this, he must be so proud to carry his father’s music and legacy on

[@typhoonaaron]

It's like the ghost of Stan walks. Boy Nathan, you've got some talent and some of your father in you for sure.

[@thomastoland6789]

HOLY CRAP Nathan is scary good

[@SuperJonesy2]

I have fallen in love with Nathan's version of this song all over again from when I first heard Stan sing it!!! Great Job!!!

[@TheOldProfessor1]

His father was great and Nathan isn't less great, just different. He leaves it ALL on the stage and in the end that is what any kind of artistic attempt, music, drama, fiction, non fiction, anything, is all about. Leaving it all on the stage. Or the highest compliment I imagine I could pay a Canadian, leaving it all on the ice. Dr. Randall Norris, Ph.D.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

Stan had a kind of... I'm not even trying look and feel. Nathan doesn't just sing a song like Stan, he murders it, strangles it, gets every possible groan and crack and buckle of his voice and makes damn well sure it's all laid out on stage. I'd have loved to meet Stan, I would murder to meet Nathan.

[@paulnorton2885]

In this performance of the song, Nathan uses tunings and chord progressions that are far more complex than those which Stan used to write the song and record its original version. Nathan also sings the song in the next key up from Stan's version. What is the difference? On one hand, Stan's version is excellent. On the other hand, Nathan's version is excellent.

[@ChateauCarterOriginals]

Stan Lives Through His Son...... You Can Hear it, Clearly!!!! 💯💯💯💯

[@Canuckmom128]

I tell ya...those Rogers genes have musical notes imbedded in them. Yowza ! Damn fine job, Nathan and all. Somewhere, Stan is standing on a bar table, shouting " that's my Boy". !!

[@TrappedinSLC]

Stan’s brother Garnet, too. They got the good genes in that family.

[@labellasongs]

Heard Stan’s version for the first time just this past weekend while out fishing on a boat and got chills and felt my heart swell. The original studio recording feels incredibly reverent, wistful, and melancholy, and the harmonies are magnificent. Just watched this and was brought to tears. Amazing tribute to his father while adding his own artistry. There is something so raw and cathartic about this version, I’m glad I heard it after the original. Much love to Canada from the States.

[@keithellis1628]

Strong genes in that Rogers clan. Brilliant !

[@thesourcefinder]

When you sing a song of history, you become the medium through which that moment of history may, but for a moment, be relived and ruminated upon. Stan Rogers was a medium. As is Nathan. As am I. As are you. Sing on or let it lie. Let history guide you.

[@Whathuhwhowhere]

Fucking Hell, this is absolutely beautiful!

[@d.s.parentsr6502]

HMS Erebus was found ~7 months after this performance. HMS Terror was found 2 years after that (in an amazing coincidence) in Terror Bay.

[@d.s.parentsr6502]

For those who may not know, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were the two ships of Sir John Franklin's doomed expedition to find the Northwest passage. All 134 souls were lost and the two ships were surrendered to the Arctic ice/crushed/sunk not to be seen again until only very recently.

[@sand.4520]

@@d.s.parentsr6502 "Atleast they believed to the last moment, not ran away."

[@grahamy3400]

Thumbs up from Australia

[@HAGSOLO]

I am so grateful that I came looking for his Pa and found this first. I’ve listened twice since and will again - this is the best performance of it I’ve ever seen - and - something I’ve never said in the 50 or so of my 70 years spent actually paying attention - it was like hearing it for the first time.

[@francette19380]

Dear Nathan... Father then son. I'm very moved. Love your voice. This song has for me a strong initiatic power. From my country, France, in my heart, by my behaviour, I'm trying to find the Northwest Passage.

[@Dabednego]

Nathan looks so much like his father and uncle it's scary.

[@chriscarter5720]

I'm not Canadian (A brit living in France) but I have always loved this song. Stan wrote a fine, rousing song, but Nathan has taken that song and, with passion and an outstanding voice, turned it into an anthem for the ages. If ever Canada was looking for another National Anthem this should be it.

[@mitchbrown3911]

This is one of the most moving / powerful / manly fucking songs I’ve ever seen. Wow

[@TheCiaranR]

This, I have to share. It may well slip through the cracks unnoticed, but what harm - it's not something I feel the need for feedback on . . . I'm a Traditional/Folk musician in Cork, Ireland and I inadvertently strayed across this song and performance tonight, at 11.15pm, the 2nd of June, 2020. Searching youtube is not a thing I really do. I know the music I like and enjoy playing the music I love. 'Northwest Passage' stopped me in my tracks. I'd never heard it before. So I stayed to spend time to find out more. I'd never heard of The Rogers' legacy in Canadian Folk Music, I'm ashamed to say. I'd never heard of Nathan Rogers, Garnet, and more importantly as I write this, the man who wrote the song - Stan Rogers. I was blown away by what I found. Apart from discovering the wealth and depth of material composed by Stan Rogers - a legacy of material previously unknown to me as a folk artist - I discovered he died 37 years ago this very day. The 2nd of June, 1983 ... Music is a strange art, it is a call-to-arms and a whisper at the same time. And I have a tingle in my spine. 'Nothwest Passage' is a huge song. Thank you Nathan Rogers. You do the legacy proud.

[@theminorityshack7071]

I do believe one of the best music types is northern US and Canadian folk music. Gordon Lightfoot and The roger legacy are majors.

[@9duckman9]

I cried listening to this. Not the first time to hear the song and I am not even Canadian

[@jimbarron8688]

When we listen to these songs we're all Canadian.

[@somename3424]

i loved that he acknowledged that he doesnt even need to tell the crowd to sing because they would've done it anyways

[@TrappedinSLC]

Is it possible to be somewhere someone is playing this and NOT sing along?

[@youngyoungmcgurn5088]

Such an incredible song. I sing it a lot at gigs, but I have to say, with all the greatest respect to Stan, this particular version is definitely my favourite, and not just because Nathan sounds great. The instrumental arrangement overall just makes this epic and magnificent; I could imagine something like this being used in a film.

[@thunderbird4747]

Oh how I long for a studio version of this song

[@timward276]

Holy shit does he sound exactly like his Dad. What a great voice.

[@Whathuhwhowhere]

this has become one of my favourite performances of this song!

[@GarettMacLaren]

I haven't cried like this in a while guys, I really haven't.

[@DerpyPossum]

feels like the emotional climax of a film. :,)

[@Wuerfelhusten1510]

I come here from year to year... and it catches me everytime

[@diogocarvalho5464]

Year 2021 and listening from Brazil, thanks for this moment, it's impossible not to see your father in you singing, don't think i'm saying you don't have your own tallent and style, but it's impressive for me.

[@upyoursdotcom]

I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan Rogers once. Great guy.

[@lukewalker2936]

Just found this today and it fills my heart with joy! Wish this version was on spotify

[@edwinrideout514]

Nathan ,god love him, isn’t his father and he can never be. What I see and hear is that he honours his fathers legacy. Yes his voice makes the hair stand up on my arms when he sings because I do hear Stan but I also hear Nathan himself who does my heart good.

[@merrittorius]

What a wonderful rendition. Got a little choked up there. Beautiful work to everyone and the crowd joining in. All wonderful.

[@unclefester9113]

Great song. To all the folks that think - Nathan sounds so much like his dad. I'd confirm that he's pretty close. Willie Nelson - has a son that sounds - so much like his dad - its not even funny. Great song. What a legacy - father to son - musical legacy and inspiration. Wow to have that much impact on your son. I wish I had.

[@pudops]

Stan is having some sort of drink up in sky listening to his son loud and proud! Nathan everytime I listen to you i blow my speakers!!! #CANADIANPRIDERULES

[@snbks4ever]

stumbled upon this lovely gem, another repeat with a bit of adult beverage then lads yah, so much thank you

[@bertybaby2671]

I've cried my eyes out. What a beautiful performance, truly!

[@oneworldmusicpodcast2369]

I wonder what it must feel like to connect to your father through song. This is amazing!

[@allen-michaelsoard9391]

He sounds so much like his dad

[@garywhitt98]

I come back often to hear this best interpretation of Stan Roger’s masterpiece.

[@4417t]

Kinda honestly really cool that the best cover of this song ever done was by his own son! So much heart in this performance.

[@JoshL117]

2:22 The soul of Stan's voice possesses Nathan 7:55 The soul of Stan's voice ascends to return to Stan

[@franklintrenholm2513]

This is a beautiful tribute which words cannot describe. Outstanding!

[@MaidensWorldOfWax]

Nathan is such a gifted musician and yes I'm sure pops is looking down proudly. Rest In Peace Stan. You're missed more than words can express.

[@lorenmiller3797]

I really enjoy Nathan's voice. It is much like his father's, but unique. Beautiful.

[@gangsebona9114]

I've never heard such version of this song.... Love You and thank You.

[@TheEves]

This is just so lovely...I really enjoyed your emotional vocal...its just amazing. best of luck, Marissa (Scotland)

[@blatrug]

This version is every bit as great and spine tingling as Stan's. It is different. Who am I to judge such great artistry?

[@jedinightwing]

This is perfection

[@SpaceSnaxxx]

SUCH A GREAT SONG. I can't imagine how awesome it would be to play a song that my father wrote...

[@clovis2012]

Wow he looks so much like his dad and can channel that voice too!

[@KissesFromCanada]

It is such a blessing that Nathan is a musician who does his father proud. I can’t wait to enjoy live music again. Dry Bones, please visit the Sunshine Coast in BC (if you haven’t already). I’ll buy the Screech!

[@Kadagirl777]

Wow, he has that same timbre and vibrato as his dad :) He sounds so much like him ❤️

[@grahamy3400]

Well done Nathan. Plenty of Australian fans for Stan and for your music.

[@juniperdog5523]

Wow, his vibrato is so like his father's!!! Wonderful.

[@toferj7441]

This is such a great song!! It puts a huge lump in my throat every time I hear it. 😖😢

[@garywhitt98]

THE best version of this song. Well done!

[@TKite2409]

10 years on, still amazing!

[@suemorgan1720]

shivers down my legs, great job. Loved your Dads music

[@j.b.9581]

. . . brought me to tears . . again. Stan seemed to have SO MUCH LIFE ahead. Snatched too soon . . Thank you Nathan. Carry the torch, my friend, hold it high!!!

[@B-...]

It wouldn't be the classic and true to the original without an amazing lead voice and a dying cat as the backup vocalist.

[@bobpage6597]

But it damn well works, and works well! It wouldn't be Northwest Passage without it!! :D

[@SuperGamli]

The lead is doing ok, but that back vocalist man...

[@kat3times]

FOR REAL THOO xDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[@jrmetmoi]

The last ever episode of ’Due South’ from back in the 90s

[@garywhitt98]

Ah, you did it. You made beauty! Nathan Rogers is a rare rare talent. And the failed tenor brings no shame through the attempt but rather highlights what a friggin’ genius Garnet is on the original recording. Epic tenor.

[@barenakedpanda]

I love all the comments - my people, you are out there! I grew up loving Stan and having no one around me know who he was. I was so lucky to see Nathan do Stan's music in concert in 2012. It was amazing. I was singing along to every song like some kind of nut. lol.

[@garywhitt98]

Yes, we are out here, even in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. You have excellent taste.

[@EnderLord007]

Great rendition of a great song, and looked like a fun venue to be at as well. My only complaint is that KZbin has decided the best time for an ad on this video is *as soon* as Rogers starts singing.

[@rukeyser]

Indeed.Hideous.

[@mikecarpenter3819]

Well done! I have also loved Garnet's music, and you are continuing the family's music going so beautifully,, thanks

[@thechazdarby]

I haven't watched this performance in a little while...still so beautiful and remarkable.

[@seansky2721]

Well done, young Mr. Rogers.

[@AC-zy9tz]

He sounds almost exactly like his dad. It's amazing

[@juliangriffiths7298]

Just fabulous. Sounds just like his Dad to me. Rest in peace, Stan.

[@metalhead666118]

Uncanny really, superb & his father would be so proud

[@garywhitt98]

My...dear...sweet...Lord. Nathan sings with heart.

[@kathleenbuckley7262]

Thank you, Nathan. Thank you.

[@kyletrueman17]

And thus, great respect was paid to a legendary Canadian song.

[@kololikate]

Wow! Amazing! Truly continuing stans legacy!

[@garywhitt98]

If I could live with the same passion with which Nathan sings this song, I think I would not be ashamed at the end of my life. We all fall short but we need not fall in such piss poor fashion. Go with God friends.

[@huewhite9136]

TY Nathan xoxo