Shenandoah, Harve Presnell, 1965

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

He sang at my uncle's wedding. They were in the same high school class.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Your uncle is one of the luckiest people in the world! As were all his wedding guests.

[@Loveoldies50]

I hope someone filmed it. What a wonderful wedding gift! What did he sing? He has a great voice! He needed a better agent! He was a great actor, too, and never got the breaks others, less talented, got!

[@jertunes22]

Wow! That's all I need to say!

[@jamesbeggs7679]

Presnell went to Modesto (CA) High School, where my father-in-law went to school-class of ‘49 or ‘50. What is your uncle’s name?

[@mountainmanws]

He was a close family relative to a good historical reenactor friend. She would talk about him proudly over the camp fire.

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

One of my favorite songs by a great singer! “They Call the Wind Maria” is another great song by him!

[@RollingEasy]

'Rotten Luck Willie'...... Love his voice. Always have. One of his songs actually played a very big part in the direction my life took..... And just how I lived it. Thanks always for that, Mr Presnell.

[@nstix2009xitsn]

@RollingEasy "Maria, Maria, they call the wind Maria!"

[@RollingEasy]

@@nstix2009xitsn That was the one..... He did that magnificently...

[@myfamilymatters]

I loved this singer’s roles in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Paint Your Wagon. He was a great actor as well. These old songs are timeless!

[@maxwill6408]

I can't help but get a tear up a bit when I hear him singing, he is that good.

[@paulholscher8021]

Harve Presnell had an very powerful voice to project to generations to come.

[@volkerbergmann9398]

Harve Presnell, a gifted baritone - voice, that remains unforgotten.

[@barbjam2219]

When I hear O Shenandoah sung by Harve Presnell, I am transported to "Somewhere Else" I get a feeling of sweet sorrow, joy & sadness. I remember and miss people who were important and not so important from the dim past, and I know deep within me that there is "Someplace Else" where they are all waiting for me. Thank you Harve for that beautiful gift that you gave the world. RIP🙏❤

[@rosemarie20]

You said that perfectly. It always makes my eyes well up with tears and I get a lump in my throat. It's such a beautiful song but, so melancholy.

[@kevinkurtz9889]

It's OK to be reverent to the past. Remembering where you came from, the people you met along the way and the lessons you learned.

[@syourke3]

Imagine! Once upon a time, you had to be able to sing to be a star!

[@nativelands6190]

Damn, if this isn’t the most beautiful piece of American art than nothing is

[@lala-gj4oo]

what a gorgeous man with that beautiful voice

[@christopherbrown6284]

one of the purest voices of all time

[@sharonpeterson5415]

I sang this song in music class in grade school. When I heard Mr. Presnell sing, I just fell in love with the song all over again.

[@SaundersE5]

We sang it In Catholic school, always loved this song.

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Incredible. With a voice like that you don't need instruments and you're never alone.

[@nickflynn7839]

Without a doubt. His voice is majestic.

[@deanburris549]

I have read that Harve Presnell was born too late, and I think there is a lot of truth to that statement. With his incredible voice and striking looks, he would have been one of the superstars in the era of the lavish Hollywood musicals. Imagine him in the movie Oklahoma! instead of Gordon MacRae. His rendition of They Call the Wind Maria from Paint Your Wagon is the standard by which anyone singing that great song should be compared. He was an amazing talent.

[@nstix2009xitsn]

I beg to differ, @deanburris549. For had Harvey Presnell been born earlier, we'd have missed out on his performance as General of the Army George C. Marshall in Saving Private Ryan, and as the father-in-Law in Fargo.

[@teller1290]

​@@nstix2009xitsn"Wade Gustafson!"- perfect, having to deal with creep "Jerry Lundegard!"

[@Suncast45]

Sends chills down my spine to this day! Those were the years!

[@johnwood551]

Not many people can sing without a musical accompaniment,but his voice is so pure it captures your heart ! They call the Wind Mariah has been a favorite of mine since the first release of it in Paint Your Wagon

[@alanpeterson9312]

Paint Your Wagon movie came out around '68-69. Robert Goulet was singing Mariah way back in 1957 on stage. It's here on You Tube. Timeless music across generations!

[@samanthabloggins1775]

I love all the music from the movie Paint Your Wagon!!

[@nancytunis7472]

Every time I cross the Missouri, my heart sings some version of this old precious tune.

[@stevevance5090]

What a Great song and what a fantastic job Singing Harve !!!

[@lynneowens8292]

Harve Presnell had an amazing voice. I first encountered him at a live performance of Camelot, he was Lancelot and was wonderful. He also had a classically trained voice and he did the most beautiful version of Carmina Burana ever. He was vastly under rated.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I just came across this while scrolling. I’ve never heard of this gentleman but he was singing one of my favorite songs from my childhood. My parents took me to see How the West was Won at a fabulous theater in Detroit when I was young. This haunting melody was featured in the movie. I think I heard it once again in a movie that starred Jimmy Stewart. It has never left me. It is one of my favorite melodies.

[@cherylridsdale-schimanskey7632]

Mine too!

[@barrd1950]

jimmy stewart was one of the many stars of how the west was won.

[@JackieSkellington]

You are thinking of the film "Shenandoah" with Jimmy Stewart, he plays a Virginia man trying to keep his sons from the Civil War, it's good.

[@lisamongelli743]

So Beautiful what a privilegeand a gift to hear him sing💝🎁

[@jasonwidmer8009]

It honestly makes my heart glow with how many people loved a person in my family. He was amazing in the only time we met. Spent 3 hours listening to his stories.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

You're so lucky to have known him. We didn't get enough of his amazing talent. He's sorely missed.

[@markberryhill2715]

Cool story. I remember meeting a few of my relatives that left an impression on me after a short time. 50 year ago.

[@susannaude8514]

Beautiful man with a beautiful voice.

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Thank you for sharing all these recordings of the amazing Harve Presnell. He was a national treasure, and we didn't get enough of him. He's greatly missed.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

A voice with passion. A good looking guy,too.

[@wildbunch5054]

Beautiful voice and song. Those accompanying Harve did a great job;

[@bobareebop]

"He's Gone Away" was prominently featured in the sound track of "How the West Was Won". These old American folk songs have such an evocative quality to them.

[@dappledcam6154]

Yes indeed. The lovely sentimental tone seems very ancient in Origen harking back to the Celts

[@monksoup669]

I know, I’m sitting here listening to this and thinking , Oh my God this is beautiful, and the mind pictures it evokes

[@lisaknell1809]

What a voice! I’m sad I didn’t appreciate his talent until after he passed. This song gives me chills, so very talented...

[@stevensilverstein9897]

He was so special, and sadly also forgotten. What a pity.

[@angelescresthwy]

This is the most beautiful version I have heard .

[@chelsearoses22]

I would agree, I will add though Peter Hollens. He's more recent, 30s age range but he does all of the harmonies and it's very beautiful as well. But this version does have a purity and warm tone to it.

[@Steelesome]

Such a fabulous voice

[@janengdahl8608]

I'm from the West (Arizona)...so I never thought much about "the Shenandoah" until I had the opportunity to see it....new appreciation for the song and the river! Harve obviously is one of the greatest singers of this era. Wish we could hear more singers choosing to sing great songs like this.

[@mjleger4555]

I am suddenly just floored! Why didn't I know about this beautiful voice? I guess he was a bit before my time, then I was working as a musician myself so didn't get to go to hear other singers much. I was researching the song Shenandoah and ran across this! His rendition of this is astoundingly beautiful! I'll be back to hear it again, and probably again. Thanks for posting it

[@nstix2009xitsn]

@mjleger4555 Have you written anything yet on the song? I became obsessed with it about six weeks ago. I'll give proper attribution; I always do.

[@ullig.3766]

Ohhhhh,wo gibt es noch solch Musik,,und solche Männer ...?

[@nstix2009xitsn]

@ullig.3766 "Ohhhhh, wo gibt es noch solch Musik, und solche Männer ...?" Leider nirgendwo, außer von Aufnahmen.

[@joycepiantes8383]

He had a beautiful voice. Loved his movies.

[@fannylablanche9952]

De belles photos de Harve PRESNELL !

[@lawrencewood289]

Beautiful!

[@TheeSeer]

Harve Presnll was a great singer with a deep and perfect voice.

[@chrisprose]

Oh, this is GORGEOUS. Already loved the song, doubly better with him singing it. Thank you for sharing this.

[@harrymcnicholas844]

This man had an amazing voice. Shenandoah and They call the wind Maria.

[@m.w.3266]

Diese Stimme ist so wunderbar. Wie Samt.Großartig.❤️

[@patrickryan1515]

Good Looking, Good actor; GREAT singer!

[@SandraDent-lf4xy]

Beautiful voice and song

[@teresamerklin4614]

What a beautiful voice!!

[@eottoe2001]

It's funny how we have to go back in time to hear real voices without a voice processor. Wow!

[@hvr66]

This is so beautiful. I fell for him in the unsinkable molly brown, but “They call the wind Maria(?) from “paint your wagon” is my favorite song from him!

[@pillowbabekathy]

exactly how i feel

[@mariannejanis7995]

I thought he was in the unsinkable Molly Brown-but wasn’t sure

[@Mikep487]

@@mariannejanis7995 Yes, he was in the unsinkable Molly Brown, at least the stage version, because I saw that years ago. He was a fine singer.

[@carlaaustin7223]

The name of the song is Mariah. He does sing beautifully.

[@lorrainemleczko1175]

@@carlaaustin7223 The song is "They Call the Wind Maria"- I have the original motion picture soundtrack. He had a remarkable voice.

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

Nice! Really nice! How much pleasure has this song given to humanity?

[@chriskinkead9045]

Left one wanting more what a voice. Superb have loved this song from younger years never tire of these beautiful songs we could really love and enjoy.so much.

[@elizabethali8090]

Such a great singer!His voice and this song brings tears to my eyes. Such a handsome man!

[@williamtell8253]

That's a very good interpretation of this classy western song. I like it.

[@TheBrownSpartan]

I have heard many versions and this one is by far the best rendition. A beautiful performance.

[@tulips3967]

Charles Cummings Sr Give a listen to Tennesse Ernie Ford’s version,,,,its outstanding! My personal FAVORITE ! Peace.

[@erictoub7660]

House of cards rendition is top

[@Austin-gz3ns]

Dad?

[@BullMuse]

I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that this is the same guy who played in Fargo and Saving Private Ryan.😯

[@steverooke3463]

Come across harve presnel in paint your wagon what a voice unbelievable

[@donschmidt8203]

Once again how was he was he not the biggest star on the planet?! Never have I heard a voice like his. I like the comment by Dolphy of his solo of O Holy Night. O Holy Night is the most gorgeous song ever penned by man and his solo is unapproachable! Of all the different performances of that master work not one even approaches it. The most beautiful performance of a single song I've ever heard. There are many good singers , a few great ones and then one like Harve Presnell. That was not a voice, it was an instrument of god.

[@rayhall5280]

That Hard luck Willie sure has an amazing voice! 👏

[@violet2048]

Gives me goosebumps. So sweet.

[@lauradavies5346]

What a beautiful voice amazing. And paint your wagon was an amazing film ❤

[@garyhiggins4315]

I have always loved Paint Your Wagon, because it was one of the very few times that my Dad took us to the cinema! We happened to be on holiday at the time, in Wales! I heard something not very usual, and looked up too see my Dad actually crying with laughter! Since then, every time I see it, I think of Dad! I only wish he had had the chance to see 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@karenryan78]

This is my first time hearing this and I've got GOOSEBUMPS 😍😍😍😍😍 Fell in love with him in 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' ( fantastic movie and Debbie always rocked 💖).... but Harve ? Ooooooh .... just saw Molly Brown recently and man , what a voice ! What presence! I'm so sorry time marched on and he's gone 😣...

[@jimscaggs2422]

a class act the likes of which we will never see again

[@robertmcgachen9081]

What a voice such expression

[@williamkterrell]

great singer love his work

[@jaidenmotes2257]

This is a piece my piano teacher wants me to learn, it sounds so beautiful.

[@MrMrneil1]

flawless

[@garyheaton4791]

Not every star is a recording star. Harve played Broadway for DECADES!! That IS a BIG STAR by anyone's measure!

[@pillowbabekathy]

i love his voice and did not realize this, thank you

[@mac26x98]

Gary, he was a high school friend, he played Daddy Warbucks in Annie for 10 years. He was a little late for Hollywood as they were just about finished making musicals.

[@violet2048]

Well said!

[@fulltimer56]

I love him and Howard Keel!!

[@Steelesome]

Magnificent!

[@NeilAngus-we2gh]

What a beautiful voice ❤❤❤❤❤

[@andresferrari5859]

I have always loved this man's voice, rich and expressive. He should have had a much grander career but movie musicals were not popular during most of his career. Still, he made a nice name for himself as a character actor and from time to time put his terrific voice on display to show that he still had it.

[@julianmarsh1378]

Don't forget his Broadway career....

[@itsjustrenee1320]

That voice, that song ...that's why I'm weeping.

[@violet2048]

@@jacha97392 it happens every time I hear it. But I play it several times in a row. It's cleansing to the soul.

[@LisaS1]

This song popped into my head here recently. And this cowboy really knows how to sing this wonderful old song!

[@rubenjames7345]

Amazing voice. Just amazing.

[@jolyndaj]

Beautiful voice!!

[@reneerobinson6812]

I love this music ,he is handsome ❤

[@peterx727]

I've heard many renditions of this song. This is one of the best. Nice pics., too. Thanks for posting.

[@ItsJustFranko]

Nope the best was definitely Tennessee Ernie Ford

[@georgiawessling7987]

@@ItsJustFranko How about Pernell Roberts?

[@mrlaw711]

A very powerful version is sung by Earl Wrightson - but hard to find.

[@leemccomish1923]

Maybe not a big star, but he was the highlight of Paint Your Wagon with 'They Call The Wind Maria.'

[@RB-it5zm]

Wow! That is so true!!

[@alanhunter2360]

Lee McComish They Call The Wind Maria?

[@corsch70]

I love his voice so beautiful

[@faye33ful]

@@alanhunter2360 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrUiniwqsyfm6c

[@01baia]

@@alanhunter2360 Yes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrUiniwqsyfm6c

[@peterbeickert2767]

Excellent version. Great voice

[@phenowebb391]

Yes Hsrve did a great job. I remember Von Monroe singing " they call the wind Mariah." That stuck with me over 60 years. ;*) Bonnie

[@johnjurkewicz9925]

So, So, So, beautiful to listening to and I love it

[@glennwolverton2558]

Incredible voice

[@laurietrlak5230]

What a voice! I would have loved to sing with him.

[@MarilynKellner]

I got to see him and Debbie Reynold at the Elitch Gardens before it movie. A really great time, and loved all the songs!!!! Both are truly missed

[@dmhogan4239]

Thank you for making this available, it was lovely to hear.

[@rudolphkopp9902]

Many forget that Presnell was also a fine actor. He appeared as General George Marshall in Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan".

[@Oldgustav]

I just saw him in Fargo!

[@mariellereilly361]

Wow thank you for the info!🙏😊

[@stevepennington4771]

Incredible voice!

[@carolep4855]

Lovely. . .

[@jjwatcher]

A fine rendition of this folk ballad.

[@wvob6752]

Beautiful voice.

[@carlaaustin7223]

First time I heard him sing was in 7 brides for 7 brothers. He's blessed with an amazing voice.

[@janeiwasduncan8463]

Howard Keel was in the movie! Did you see a stage production??

[@maniclady]

Carla Austin Harve Presnell was not in Seven Brides....that was Howard Keel.

[@danielocallaghan2249]

@@maniclady Mr. Keel another extraordinary voice. Where the hell are such talent's today? Mr.Keel and Mr. Presnell very rare and gifted artists.

[@kristinehatkinson7323]

Meant, "Paint Your Wagon" ?

[@carlaaustin7223]

@@maniclady thank you. They both have fabulous voices. Don't they both resemble somewhat? Keel had brownish red hair in 7 brides.

[@LaurenceDay-d2p]

Superb voice singing a beautiful classic song. I wonder why he never became a major star.

[@kenchristie9214]

Have you heard Sissel Kyrkjebo's version of Shenandoah. If you do, make sure it's the version with Paddy Maloney (from The Chieftans) & Kaille Moraeus.

[@cobratecobrate7682]

thank you very much, to put credits and song lyrics^^ love from France :)

[@garyharris3159]

Shanndoah I love Your Daughger

[@katrinacash6393]

Later in life Harve Presnell would star in Saving Private Ryan as General George C. Marshall who quoted Abraham Lincoln's letter to a mother of 5 soldiers lost in battle during the Civil War and told the other officers to get Ryan home. He also was William H. Macy's father-in-law in the movie "Fargo" whose daughter was kidnapped. His beautiful voice I remember from the 1960's in Paint Your Wagon and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

[@davidhoulihan8534]

timeless song

[@shirleyfortablet7958]

Wow love his beautiful voice,so haunting, fills your soul , thank you Shirley h Darlington England

[@shtcare]

I heard this song when I was knee high to a grass hopper in 1966, just before I migrated to the other side of the globe, Down Under where I ended up. and still I hear this song, reminds me of the misery I suffered in Europe after the war. Now, it's just a song of my youth that is cherished. Not the youth, the song that is.

[@janetjohnson7279]

I love this song!!

[@peggyconlon4411]

Oh my God I love this song!

[@Nastyfinger1444]

Love to hear beautifully performed musical pieces, particularly during these sad times. Humans have had many wonderful opportunities to promote beauty and love. Unfortunately, Homo sapiens has decided to delve into darkness.

[@DanKetchum007]

No, we do this too. Counts for something

[@allanpotts6765]

Very cool; Robt Horton, who played the scout on Wagon Train and then on the short lived Shenandoah tv series; he sings a good rendition as well