Rafe Hollister (Jack Prince II) - The Lonesome Road

Jack Prince II sings (as TV character Rafe Hollister) a song called "The Lonesome Road". This excerpt is from Season 3 Episode 20 of the The Andy Griffith Show (Aired February 11th 1963).

[@jeddyhi]

It was moments like these that made the Andy Griffith show the classic that it is. I remember looking over at my Mom (rest her soul) and she had tears in hers eyes while Rafe was singing.

[@aaronking7326]

I lost mine 4 yrs ago march, I too saw tears in moms eyes when we watched this...Now shes looking down smiling, waiting til we meet again down that road...

[@terencedove5047]

May God bless you both so that you are able to meet your mothers and loved ones again 'on that road'...

[@tomlake4938]

Amen to that, that old boy could sing. Something about those Mayberry days, I was to young to remember them the first time th hey aired but Im an avid rerun watcher. Things were so much simpler back then. In some ways I think we have lost something, our innocence, Things are just so much more complicated in some ways these days. I cant put my finger on it. I too have lost my parents to this world and even though I honestly know there Not gone, they are just as much alive now as they were here on earth. There just in the spirit world. I look forward to the day they meet me at the end of that tunnel that takes me there. Still brings tears to my eyes . but it will seem like a blink of an eye in time. Peace and love to all. warmest regards. Rest easy my friends we are all going to that road when its time

[@kennethbredow3098]

Tom Lake May you shed more tiers for joy than sorrow. Just turned 59 and I feel the same, a lost generation I reckon.

[@olgabagley3564]

For your mommy to have tears in her eyes then that’s a beautiful thing

[@bfgolf]

Back when Hollywood had respect and admiration for southern culture, and could see the humor in it without making fun of it.

[@kristashelby6622]

Definitely agree

[@bfgolf]

@@kristashelby6622 still true

[@marlabohall8911]

How about when you respected the voices

[@marlabohall8911]

They were the ones that Paved the Way for the Future

[@megalon73]

To bad they didn’t bring any Blues and Grassy Music.

[@321ssteeeeeve]

In the late 80’s I would talk to Jack Prince on a daily basis. He was one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. When I was a student at UNLV in vegas, he was retired but worked part near a friends place. He was an genuine gentleman.

[@mikeblair3756]

A beautiful song and the perfect man to sing it . Truly the voice of the blue collar people that built this country !!!

[@williamhighfill539]

Amen to that, brother...being from the South I'm proud of it. Jack Prince was an unbelievable talent in the folk ballad genre and will never be forgotten...

[@scottbrooks2255]

Andy Griffith’s skills as an acoustic guitar player are often overlooked. I wish that they had highlighted it more often in the show. Great picker!

[@damolo8485]

True, but this recording ain't Andy on guitar.

[@davidlyons6235]

Andy was more focused on the talents of others.

[@10_a_see]

The guitar-work is phenomenal. I always thought it was Griffith but don't know for sure.

[@fretfix1]

@damolo OK Cliff Clavin...

[@steveavant9727]

@@damolo8485 really? How do you know that?

[@kevinvrury2365]

I remember it. It was a better country for having shows like this.

[@MMMM-gd3my]

Beautiful voice. Wish he had cut an album. This is the best rendition of this song ever. Bless you Jack Prince.

[@lindad.7642]

Love anything Jack Prince sang. He and Maggie Peterson and the Dillards we're the best episodes. Rafe Hollister. The Darling Family.

[@kenbredow8727]

I love all this music just beautiful

[@deborahgross1045]

They were my favorites also. Best TV show ever made.

[@robertsenseman4339]

Best show ever was

[@drabdr]

Every man needs a wife who has that much love and pride for him. Gets me every time… her eyes. Every woman deserves a man that makes her feel that way.

[@unklbuk1]

Doesn't matter how many times I've heard and watched this episode... brings tears every time, he was marvelous.

[@jackiethompson7446]

bubba im comin back years later this still gets me in the gettin spot you aint alone my friend

[@jpr422]

It takes you back to better days.

[@sherryb6552]

unklbuk1 I feel the same way, just beautiful.

[@olgabagley3564]

It shows you Can’t judge a person by the way he looks or what he wears it is what’s in his heart & Soul

[@JR-zm2yu]

@unk ditto in 2021💜🙏 Another Jim Nabor's.

[@emeralddawn6545]

Very few people actually have a talented voice like this nowadays 😭 touches my soul

[@TheIceCycle]

that's very true, you rarely see that.

[@talenttrading]

absolutely correct

[@markmyers6472]

They are out there, just not on record labels, but in church choirs, small community groups and such... the talent in humans has not decreased... just the glitz, glimmer, flash and $$$ has taken over.

[@Daprince740]

Jack Prince was my FIL...he was estranged from his children most of their lives...I was able to find him and brought him to visit when my son was young...he had an amazing voice. Sang with the traveling Guys and Dolls...played "Nicely, Nicely"...

[@sheldontucker268]

What a wonderful legacy. I am glad that you were able to get together.

[@SantaBarbaraDianne]

Denise Prince does your son sing well like his grandpa? Sad to hear about the estrangement- life goes that way sometimes I suppose

[@brettswann975]

One of the most beautiful male voices I've ever heard.

[@trumanadkins9238]

Denise Prince bless you.

[@robertstv8045]

Denise was it true that your father-in-law was offered a small part in The Andy Griffith show but decided to continue to travel and sing?

[@roseross712]

Andy Griffith had so many people of outstanding musical talent on his show...singing and instrumental. ...including Andy of course

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

That carried over to Matlock - there were some really good singers on Matlock, including in the last couple seasons a church choir with several cast members participating.

[@kennethjackson7574]

I remember correctly (and that’s happening less and less often) in an episode of Diagnosis Murder guest star Andy Griffith picks up a banjo mandolin near the end of the episode and begins playing it. Quite an uncommon instrument.

[@gosson355]

Reason 1 million and 1 why this is the best show ever. The writing on this show was top notch. Chills

[@LacyBug22]

My most favorite 3 minutes and 30 seconds in all of Andy Griffith Show!

[@jeddyhi]

I hear ya, brother. Totally awesome. There will never be another show like this one. Today's kids are missing so much.

[@MikeJohnson-gv4zr]

This kid's not missing it! I don't really ever listen/watch today's media. Only old recorded media.

[@Armyjayden33]

jeddyhi am 12 and love the Andy griffin show

[@haroldeverson9256]

@@MikeJohnson-gv4zr 8

[@grayson89754tombean]

I want this SONG to be PLAYED or SONG at My GOING HOME SERVICES 🥺😢😭 AMEN, AMEN and AMEN🙏🙏🙏

[@edkostiu]

I have listened to over 60 artist with this song including Frank S and other but Jack Prince seems to nail it best. One of the great voices of his time. Andy Griffith picked some very talented folks for his show many of them still appearing across the nation as we speak

[@terencedove5047]

I would agree that Prince's version is the best; but my reasoning is that he didn't just sing it. He painted a picture, told a story. Griffith's very sensitive guitar picking was tailored to match that interpretation. And whether or not that was an audience of stand-ins for that scene, they were still drawn in by Prince's voice...

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

God, I miss good TV. I can't even watch it anymore.

[@jamesthomas4868]

Thank God I grew up with this. Hollywierd I believe is incapable of creating anything like this again.

[@kevinsmith7604]

😢Fantastic

[@burtcampbell1452]

EXCELLENT

[@sheldontucker268]

A favorite Television moment for me as a child. I remembered this song and never forgot Rafe Hollister ( Jack Prince).

[@sheldontucker268]

Kim Smith these moments of Television history that always gave me hope in humanity. Not many of those moments today!

[@dii392]

It's Rafe Hollister. You remind me of the old joke:" I'll never forget old what's his name!"

[@sheldontucker268]

Spel check got me. Just now saw it!🤠

[@terencedove5047]

@@sheldontucker268 ...believe it or not, your first name is the name of the man who was the executive producer of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - Sheldon Leonard...

[@ILoveOldTWC]

Rafe is the same one who wouldn't take the shot.

[@davidhopkins1786]

That's pretty good guitar pickin', too.

[@10_a_see]

It really is. Andy doesn't play like this in any other episode. It adds so much to the performance but at the same time doesn't take away from the vocals.

[@saleemahfareed4790]

My favorite song

[@charlenevarada--Stargazer]

What a beautiful song! I still get misty eyed whenever I hear it as he REALLY put his heart into it!😊

[@DavidMiller-xw3gk]

Love this episode. A man who was despised but came through Instead a diamond in the rough.

[@mattstrawbridge3856]

How he transitions in the same breath at 1:51. Holy heck, what talent and control.

[@lonniebiz]

You must be talking about the breath taken at 1:41.

[@mattstrawbridge3856]

Yep… but even with that breath, all the air he expends right after it. His control was nuts!

[@lonniebiz]

@@mattstrawbridge3856 Agreed.

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

best rendition ever, thanks Mr. Prince. My children's children will know of you. God bless you.

[@chrisandersen5635]

So good! The singing is beautiful, and the guitar is great. I think Andy’s guitar playing is often overlooked.

[@texasbest308]

Can't judge a book by it's cover. This clip proves that

[@buck546]

I am glad I grew up during this time and am sorry my Grandchildren won't. Life was so simple and even though we were in a war people were civil and happy. You didn't know your neighbors politics and didn't care. Everyone went to church on Sunday and visited in the afternoon. Children played where they chose up until dark. Everyone knew their store keeper and butcher by name, your gas was pumped and your wind shield was cleaned all for the price of the gas you bought. School taught you the basics reading, writing, and math and their doors were never locked. Evening entertainment was sitting on the front porch enjoying the cool evening air listening to the whippoorwill singing in the distance.

[@exposingdarkness5351]

There’s something about this song that gets to the deepest part of your being. It’s makes me want to cry.

[@4KindnessGal]

I think that’s because so many of us tote such a heavy load sometimes. I think this sone really speaks to those who has felt the weariness of life.

[@exposingdarkness5351]

@@4KindnessGal Probably why I also like the song weary traveler

[@phyllisgiaconia5852]

Exposing darkness, and yet brings peace. I love this rendering more than any.

[@JohnSmith-el6lk]

Nobody has done a better job singing this song. He was born to do it.

[@stevelogan5475]

Back when you actually had to have talent, and a God given voice to sing.

[@terencedove5047]

The stated truth right there!

[@yipmunjunchristopher2348]

Maybe it still exists tho starting to doubt this age

[@1919Denise]

Indeed.

[@breannmariegrissom6661]

No kidding!! I love this old sound! This is a fashion that needs to come back into style.

[@rondanorris5504]

Lol

[@wesleycook7687]

Andy Griffith shows his real side in this movie .

[@juliannaking4473]

Look up, Look up, and seek your Maker......

[@warrenjbrown4898]

Good counsel ....

[@terencedove5047]

If people would only take that seriously!...

[@markeydavid7532]

True words for true joy

[@fordj82]

Absolutely beautiful! Jack Prince was a wonderfully talented singer. ❤️ My Love sings this for me, often.

[@100PercentOS2]

Love this song and Jack Prince is the best at singing it with his beautiful voice.

[@judywoods6913]

Listening to the music, you can see it your minds eye that man standing and looking down that road. It is so good, also so sad.

[@WildMagnolia601]

I've listened to this four times already.......magical.

[@francescafasulo6880]

Gives me chills,, what an extraordinary voice.

[@enki9243]

Such a beautiful song, sung by a wonderful actor!

[@joshjones9898]

Perfect.. feeling, passion, soul, all in a beautiful voice with perfect tonality.

[@audreydaleski1067]

An extremely talented man!

[@judywoods6913]

I have this episode saved on my dvr. I love listening to them both. They were fantastic. As for the snobs, they were the absolute worst people. God bless Andy and Rafe .

[@multicaruana]

Somehow I had never seen this episode before. All I can say is that this was an unexpected treat, a pure joy.

[@ronbridges678]

This song brought tears to my eyes when I was a kid. Just found this song and the tears flow again!!!!

[@dragaustin]

I Love this song, what a voice, I remember watching this when I was little and getting all chocked up, still do, amazing voice.....

[@loadedforbare]

Andy is showing off his guitar chops!! Have never heard such picking and riffing from him before (heard his trombone playing on Johnny Carson, very musical). An Andy of all trades.

[@themaker9343]

I love the music in the End Griffith show i even tear up

[@peterfotineas7623]

I am going to have this song played at my memorial by Mr Jack Prince

[@david9783]

this blew me away when I first saw it...thought it was a voice over,but it is genuine. What talent those men had!!

[@2spinner2]

Jack Prince has an awesome voice!

[@iaintwonderwoman5720]

I love the “original Andy’s” as we call ‘em in our home…the later ones lack that sense of timelessness Rafe at musicale is a very favorite♥️

[@mikealpha7575]

Only one complaint. This song isn't long enough. I can listen to this over and over.

[@joelwinters100]

This man has a voice from heaven.

[@paulsimmons3211]

Simply beautiful rendition of Look Down That Lonesome Road...Jack Prince's melodious singing voice could melt the hardest hearts...

[@mandyinseattle]

I always love Andy's playing but this is extra sweet sounding and ironic that he played a character named Lonesome Rhodes in the movie "A Face in the Crowd." He was way underrated as an actor on this show.

[@terencedove5047]

Maybe underrated, but definitely not underexposed. I just looked at Wikipedia to make sure... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Griffith ...but perhaps you've seen this before...

[@mandyinseattle]

@@terencedove5047 right, definitely not under exposed and he did work all of his life but I believe he never won a single award for an injustice. That's crazy

[@terencedove5047]

@@mandyinseattle, I will agree there. I remember his being nominated for several awards but not winning one that should have counted. That was an injustice, indeed... Even more so was the fact that his co-star Don Knotts reportedly won FIVE Emmys for his role on TAGS...

[@TomBarrister]

Not so ironic. Those close to him say his real life personna was closer to his character of Lonesome Rhodes than he was to Andy Taylor. Barbara Edwards, Griffith's first wife, described him as "a man surrounded by himself."

[@glenncalzada1707]

@@TomBarrister if actors were awarded based on their personal characters, there would be far fewer award programs and recipients. Most performers are full of themselves.

[@evelyngadette2436]

That is indeed a beautiful song and he does such a good job with it.

[@lowmazda626]

John Trevathian Upchurch Jr. aka Jack Prince (January 19, 1920 - January 8, 1994). A Louisiana native, Prince was his mother's maiden name. During WWII he was stationed in France and performed there. He performed in night clubs, on Broadway and on TV in the 1950s. He worked with Andy Griffith in the Broadway production of Destry Rides Again. On Andy Griffith, he played essentially the same character under several different names, a farmer-moonshiner. As Rafe Hollister, Prince revealed his singing talents, and that propelled him to a successful career as a singer until his death in Las Vegas at age 73.

[@garymitchell3725]

His voice is so beautiful and calming.

[@cain8546]

The amazing music and musicians are why I still love this show so much.

[@nicky0016dd]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@tazal5011]

thank you for posting this. the first time I saw Jack Prince as Rafe Hollister singing this, I said Bless his heart (something we southerners say) and burst into tears.

[@danielcook9280]

Some song hit your heart and you never ever forget them. 3 such songs from this series! There is a Time, and Dooley the other two

[@lindavillmow1760]

Such gentleness and strength

[@teecutie3471]

Beautiful ♥️♥️♥️

[@garrypiercy6814]

What a beautiful voice!

[@sherrybarnhard1528]

Beautiful, every time I listen to it, it brings tears to my eyes.

[@galexander8723]

One of my personal favorites… what a voice

[@RandRdriver]

One of my favorite clips from the show. He has an amazing voice.

[@kevinsmith7604]

Fabulous 😢that man was wonderful

[@UnseenEntityMetal]

me too man...cant help it the quality of his voice is just heart rending

[@gregzeiger5634]

why does my jaw just drop when i hear this,,,,so many chilldhood memeories..and such a beautiful voice..from chicago but that dont mean a thing when it comes to beauty to the ears....WONDRERFUL! !!!

[@Stuntdriver-007]

I remember watching this (reruns) when I was young. My Mom always enjoyed when Jack Prince would sing on the show. She especially loved this song. I later added this song to my catalog of songs that I have sang for different events throughout the years. When Mom passed away a few years ago, I managed to sing this at her funeral. The special connection we had to it, made it so memorable.

[@johnbravo2301]

This scene is one of my favorite , stirs the soul . Makes you think eternity of the soul in heaven

[@r.j.wheels6755]

Goosebumps every single time. What a beautiful voice.

[@ji5055]

I'm watching this tonight on Me-TV. I love that voice. I had to see if there was anything else who sang that I could listen to. I always liked him. If I could find a man like that to go out with I word. You can tell he's got a big heart. Teddy bear cuddle on the couch Snuggie man

[@judylav5]

Andy was a master guitarist!

[@jayceew.rabbit9358]

I always loved this and still to this day! What a voice!

[@mikecrider8478]

By far the best version of this song I've ever heard.

[@carolynjohnson2326]

IDK why but this song popped into my head today. Years and years (and years...) ago, my sister and I used to sing this as a two part harmony song. Those were the days.

[@larrymiller9558]

Beautiful song👍👍👍

[@janicegreenberg6680]

A gorgeous voice, a lovely song.

[@OysterPir8]

For the life of me, I can't understand why he didn't record any albums. I would bought every single one.

[@lloydrobeau5126]

What can i say except that Jack Prince moves me with this, I play guitar and I am told that I can sing,, well not THIS good, I am sure, MAGNIFICENT VOICE !!!!!❤

[@joeygrazio9875]

Andy Griffith what can u say the music was unbelieveable greatest show ever

[@cliometrician]

Just wonderful. I have listened to this countless times.

[@MariaGarcia-eg4wk]

I don't know how many times l seen Andy Griffith shows l can't get enough.

[@jeffschudel4529]

Let me take this time to say The Andy Griffith show is my all-time favorite television show. It has been around more than 60 years and the humor still works because it doesn't involve ridicule, sexual innuendo and because not every line is a forced joke. And because who wouldn't want to live in Mayberry? "Aunt Bea the Crusader" is my favorite episode.

[@teamfreeman4419]

Netflix has all the episodes :) Truly my favorite episode.

[@suze816]

A thousand Thank You's for posting this ! He had an awesome voice. Remember earlier in that episode when Rafe's wife saw him in that suit the first time (that Andy found for him to wear)...and Rafe's wife remarked, "Why Rafe Hollister, you look good enough to bury !" That always cracked me up. I'd love to find all the B&W Andy Griffith episodes on DVD. Barney was in all the B&W ones.

[@glenncalzada1707]

Try Amazon. If its on DVD, then Amazon will find it.

[@carlhollis47]

Do you remember the episode where they were giving tetanus shots and Rafe wouldn't take the shot, ole Andy sang his funeral dirge "dig my grave with a silver spade" and he says to Rafe" dont that just gitcha" 😂😂 ole Rafe starts stamnerin " who will take a shot, I'll take a shot" 😂😂😂😂

[@1Andelina1]

so good!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnmccarthy9452]

everytime I hear rafe Hollister it brings tears to my eyes

[@utbr01]

Beautiful 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@mcfrdmn]

Fantastic musical performance !

[@mcfrdmn]

Fantastic musical performance !

[@mcfrdmn]

Fantastic musical performance !

[@paulh7589]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@presbyteriangirl9739]

I absolutely love this song. What a talent.