Stan Rogers sings "Northwest Passage (Excerpt from One Warm Line)

[@ericlecours4208]

Discovering Stan Rogers in 2024 because someone turned a clip from this documentary into an Instagram meme. Amazing music.

[@colinjohnson4747]

Same

[@JoshBransonPhoto]

Same 2

[@Jazzinthecountry]

If I've had a few drinks, it's impossible to watch this without tears.

[@murrayannandale]

Me too brother

[@beverlycoyle3238]

Even without a few drinks!

[@owenmills3517]

Just reminds me of my dad, I’m in the same boat. This song just brings sadness

[@oldsarj]

I cry perfectly sober! And I am delighted to see that the ballad is considered Canada's alternate national anthem. I've thought that for years. Speaking as a southern neighbor, good on yer, Canada!

[@vodnikdubs1724]

Stan was the king of drinking songs, for the good and bad times. You can always cheer yourself up with the Mary Allen Carter too :)

[@garywhitt98]

The difference is Garnet Rogers doing that glorious high harmony.

[@sveltebarry]

Precisely

[@pauljohnson2473]

It's not just the harmony it's the family ties you can't duplicate.

[@James-ol8lu]

Stan proves that nature wins over nurture every time. Hamilton didn’t breed this exceptional snapshot of maritime folk perfection, but yet Stan was the most remarkable musician

[@garywhitt98]

@@James-ol8lu Not sure what you meant with your comment. Stan and his family were born in Hamilton, Ontario. Would you mind explaining?

[@SignatureStampsFan]

That tenor is so beautiful

[@MacHamish]

IMHO this should be our Canadian Anthem.

[@Kensingtontv-inc]

It's a great opinion you have!

[@greghanson869]

Even as an American, I FULLY support this. Might even become Canadian for it.

[@jrayproductions7790]

@@greghanson869 Stan already makes me wish I were Canadian

[@bullypopful]

@@jrayproductions7790 @Greg Hanson Being Canadian is a mindset, we accept any and all, so welcome to the fold, Canadians!

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

@@greghanson869 please don't. Stay home

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

The anger in Stan’s voice when singing the word “Savage” is something else.

[@trouper1127]

In my opinion, to this day, Stan remains one of the greatest Canadian artists to live. I've never heard a voice so unmistakable and unique. He has a very special ability to embed his stories right into your heart as soon as you hear them. Every song of his is beautifully written, beautifully performed and composed. In his tragically short life, he produced more truly incredible art than most do in a lifetime twice as long. His name should be much more well known today. Thanks for the video.

[@ant-1382]

I agree!

[@jacobsheets2540]

I think anybody that has ever seriously listened to Stan’s music would wholeheartedly agree with you on that. However, I believe that Stan is the greatest songwriter to ever grace the face of our miserable planet. The passion and care he put into every song was immeasurable.

[@mightymrmousempls]

One of the greatest song writers of all time, not just Canadian. Truly a magician in a league of his own. The greatest geniuses are those who can never be imitated without their name, and no one will ever do what Stan did.

[@seansky2721]

In my opinion your statement could be just as true if you left out the word "Canadian" . Dear Old Stan was a National treasure akin to the Bluenose. His talents stir my American heart in a way I never expected. Much respect from your southern neighbors!

[@mightymrmousempls]

@@seansky2721 well said. Although my father is Nova Scotian, I was born in the States myself. The Atlantic always calls to me though, the salt is in my blood. Cheers!

[@Tommy1977777]

There will NEVER be another Stan Rogers. Ever.

[@davidhumphreys1422]

Wow, I've never even been to Canada but I recognise the intensity of this song. Why do I cry?

[@carolv8450]

What's a Faustian soul?

[@DMTrojan]

Beyond the tragedies, before our wars and wasteful mistakes, humanity has always sought what lies beyond the horizon. Beneath it all, every human soul knows the key this song, and all like it, hold to our hearts. More longing and loss belong to the waves than any other part of our world, and more pain and promise have led to more foolhardy journey across it than any other frontier. Salt water and iron burn in our veins. The sun and the sea will be bound up with human history till the last of us draws our final breath.

[@jacobsheets2540]

DMTrojan This was the most beautiful thing I have read in a long time. Excellently said, my friend.

[@Odqvist89]

@@DMTrojan Amen to that, brother. Amen to that...

[@hildeaty]

@@DMTrojan that was beautiful, I had to screenshot it because it speaks to me in a way so few things do. Thank you

[@make-me-laugh]

I was 18 when Stan Rogers passed away. I remember that I was sitting on the arm of the sofa in our rec room waiting for the news to end so I could watch... something. It suddenly didn't matter. The last news item was about a plane fire and the death of "22 businessmen and Canadian folk singer Stan Rogers" Then the news lady said good night and smiled. I sat there in numb disbelief thinking I must have heard her wrong. I'll never forget that moment and I still cry when I think about it.

[@danielgautreau161]

I remember that too, although I had not yet heard of him. The accident resulted in mandatory changes to airplane design and to emergency procedures,

[@bfols11]

Just remember, Stan only died because he went back in to pull more people out. He lived a hero's life, and sang the hero's songs

[@seanrobertrusted8134]

i am english and this is the best folk music i have ever heard

[@upyoursdotcom]

The Canadian maritime provinces generally make great folk music, mostly because the majority of the population are descendents from the UK and Ireland

[@garywhitt98]

Yes but y’all have Kate Rusby.

[@digginestdog5824]

Unleash The Archers brought me here. I’m an aging metal head; this rocks. What a gifted, passionate man. Thanks.

[@dougmphilly]

same

[@Roll-Penut]

It's so sad his life had to be cut short at only 33

[@johnlenz6322]

Love UTA's version of this, too!

[@DerLetzteTag23]

same

[@murrayannandale]

I happened upon this song today. I have been listening to this for the past 5 hours on repeat... It sings of a hard, hard, hard time of hope and glory. Then I found out this man passed at 33...the age I am now. I am in awe and shocked...

[@TheCowardStrikesBack]

I Love Stan Rogers and his brother Garnet too.

[@michaelp.5469]

I'm American and recently discovered The Dreadnaughts which landed me here after hearing Dear Old Stan. I've now listened to every song of his I could find on Spotify. He's simply amazing. By far the best folk artist I've ever heard. The world was lucky to have him for the short time it did. The Northwest Passage makes me wish I were Canadian sometimes. Such a powerful song...

[@warrenhuff7349]

I live in Cincinnati, and I was here the day Stan died at our local airport. We lost the best of the best.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

As an American, I absolutely LOVE this song. It takes me to the NW passage in my mind. I have watched documentaries on the Franklin expedition. This song is just awesome. It is so very very sad the way Stan died.

[@maryrafuse3851]

Yes an old Air Canada DC 9 killed him. Old clunkers, I know as I've flown on them.

[@joeyrogerson83]

I'd never heard of Stan until today (I'm not Canadian though lived 20 miles from the border for about 20 years) and what shame that is. This just brought me to tears. What a beautiful voice, what a beautiful song.

[@johndoe-ow2ns]

Stan Rogers has been in my life now for nearly 30 years. Each day at least one of his songs in on my lips. After all these years I still can't listen to his music with indifference. My eyes can't help but tear up when I listen to one of his great songs like this one or the Jeannie C, or Make and Break Harbour. These are treasures we will have forever...

[@Odqvist89]

Rarely one hears the voice of a true poet layin a song and a story down with such smoothness and true passion.

[@MrHunter6]

My father now nearing 70 finally decided that at 36 I would appreciate Stan Rogers. I can say his music is powerful, passionate, and takes me back to a time when things were not so complicated. Being from the U.S. I had never listened or heard of Stan Rogers. I'm now hooked, I feel he was a musical genius and the world is a lesser place without him. Sadly his passing was when I was 3 years old and only took me 34 years to find a singer I truly appreciate and who's music Is enjoyable, emotional, and moving. I would be proud to be Canadian...if I was from Canada that is. I think his music speaks to all working-class people, if you appreciate his music I think somehow we all become enveloped in his stories and maybe wish we were there...for me, I think I could imagine myself on a ship behind a 4lb cannon.

[@niemi5858]

Wonderful comment MrHunter6. Stan's music hits on all of the things that deep down make us North Americans. The frontier spirit and call to explore the west are but 2. I truly believe that this should be our Canadian anthem. Another artist that seems to do this is Gordon Lightfoot with the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. They both seem to have a talent that allows us to see the images they paint with their music and lyrics.

[@davidralphs4]

Things were very complicated in the 1960s and 70s.

[@stellarsjay1773]

The fierce harmony with his brother Garnet (tenor) is like shards of ice slicing you open. Blood flowed when they sang this together: unforgettable.

[@fiends8908]

4:51 His head is smoking because of how fire that performance was.

[@markmcvicar7430]

Nathan Rogers, Stans son is a spitting image and has the voice. Great music!

[@RaymondTaylor-yw5zr]

Stan Seems like a real nice person who had a lot to give,I was saddened by his passing as I was watching Air Disasters on Smithson.He will live on forever in peoples hearts, through his music.😊

[@asunagilfoyle]

Sea shanties are powerful because they were designed to be "unifying" songs to get people into routines; they had to be simple by design. What draws me to Stan Rogers (and this song in particular) is how easy it is to sing, no complicated wording, just beautiful storytelling. Stan Rogers may have died physically but I know for sure he will continue to live on in spirit.

[@richardclayton5877]

The song is so superbly crafted and sung so beautifully that it takes a minute or so to realize that there is no musical accompaniment. Truly a work of genius.

[@poisonknees]

i need about a hundred more thumbs to do this justice.

[@dixiecyrus8136]

Heard this on DUE SOUTH, the last 2 episodes, wow!!

[@Gilroben]

I love a Canadian Metal Band called Unleash the Archers and listen sometimes to Sea Shanties. This band made a very cool version of this song and I loved it. Now I'm here learning that this song is so loved by Canadians that some are saying it's like a National Anthem. There's nothing more beautiful than cultures being spread and touching human souls far away from its origin country.

[@upyoursdotcom]

The full video of that live performance has to exist. Why can't we see it? It's absolutely incredible.

[@darthrevan-]

I want to see it too

[@1959kashik]

I had ,by chance, purchased this film vhs video in 1990's , and a few month later , I gave it to a young English instructor from Canada, only to cheer him up . I remember, after saveral days , he said he got a Great Homesick by watching this.

[@mr.musicmusetear7049]

Watched Mayday this morning and learned of Stan. Another musical tragedy. What a life!

[@mattstuckwisch5791]

I'm an american and have never been to Canada but Stan has got to be one of my favorites of all time. I think this shows that it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, there's a song for you from Stan.

[@jeremiah2012]

WOW.... his live stuff is what dreams are made of. He was Amazing (American fan)

[@Kensingtontv-inc]

Great comment. Cheers from the north!

[@jaybirddogtraining]

Best song I've ever heard. Brings me to tears.

[@billschwalb9486]

Stan rogers reminds me of John Prine. Chris Kristofferson said he thought Prine was an aged man and wrote with such wisdom at 24. Stan rogers only made it to 33 or 34.

[@laydbakk1]

I fell in love with this powerful song the first time I ever heard it driving down the road listening to NPR radio... It was mesmerizing and, I couldn't wait to get home and, research it... I don't know how because I love a lot of Americana and, other foreign types of folk music like Gypsy and, Austrian but, I'd never heard of Stan Rogers... The guy was genius and, while not your classic folk singer or, power vocalist even, he was in a category all his own and, damned good at it... Before I'd even heard his songs themselves, I read his lyrics and, realized the guy was a super talented story teller... I once though noone could top writers like Bob Dylan, John Prine, or maybe Steve Goodman and, a few others for telling a good story in song but, Stan Rogers now sets firmly atop that throne for me...

[@tundrawomansays694]

2:15 He’s special to Americans as well as so many others throughout the world. Stan really touched the soul in all of us. @Jazzinthecountry you sure aren’t the only one shedding a tear!

[@FLAPJACKSMOM1]

Incredibly touching tribute to Sir John Franklin and his men. They will not be forgotten. RIP.

[@nicodemus-dean7020]

It’s exactly right that the first time I discovered Stan Rogers. I was in love with everything he did. Just blown away absolutely love his music.

[@kevindonohue2912]

Stan Rogers is one of a very, very few artists who could pull something so perfectly formed from some deep channel of human experience that it is almost impossible to remember a time before his songs existed - they feel as if they have always been with us.

[@raykloetstra8501]

I've visited this post many times. Every time my spirit soars to the harmonies. I'm always captivated by their acapella singing -- so clean, so pure, so powerful!! This song and everything about it causes my eyes to well up!!

[@douglasvonfreund8945]

Such a great song ! Being from land locked Indianapolis I have always been fascinated by the Franklin Expedition . Stans Song makes it so special for me .I wish he was still with us .

[@terrysmith5396]

The road back home again!

[@brancofuncic5519]

I listen to his music everyday. Simply amazing

[@apeanders]

More than uniquely Canadian, Ariel - Stan's songs resonate just as deeply with people all over the world. This is the lakes of Norway checking in. We fuckin love him.

[@sailingyemaya9781]

So much passion and talent

[@bigjoeguy]

I've heard a few renditions of northwest passage and not many bad ones but God damn that high harmony in this one is heavenly.

[@jonhandel8159]

My God, why have I never heard this until now? This is incredible. There is no one alive singing like this today.

[@garywhitt98]

Check out his son Nathan...

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

Growing up, I listened to most genres of music... But, I find that my heritage speaks to me the loudest under the realm of music. I loved Irish folk (The Dubliners, The Irish Rovers, etc.), but also as a Canadian, Stan Rogers proved to be the most influential musical talent in my life. I will never forget his namesake, as his staying power is unbeatable and evermore undying, just like brave Kelso, who traversed the North with his burning passion for discovery and wanderlust. I would like to thank you, KensingtonTV, for making this... Awe-inspiring work to help eternize an important part of Canada's history. Godspeed, and best of luck to all!

[@make-me-laugh]

Actually, Kelso was an error on Stan's part. The man's name was Kelsey, Henry Kelsey of the Hudson Bay Company. I came here to see if Stan corrected this in live versions of the song.

[@martinmcclean7713]

This is really brilliant. Right enough. Absolutely Class

[@TheBergonzi237]

Well, Stan certainly was/is a Canadian legend. I can see why so many people would like to have this as their National Anthem. It 'strikes a chord' with how Canada came into existance and can be sung with 'feeling' and 'meaning'!

[@bluebaconjake405]

What an amazing singer :'0)

[@paulhardin9731]

This will be played at my funeral. It's one of those songs I've grown up with and has served as a touchstone throughout my life. I don't know if Stan wrote this or it's a traditional, but it's so profound and soul-stirring.

[@LastHCompany]

Stan wrote it, half as a historic yarn, and the other reflecting as a traveller of Canada and North America, going coast to coast as his touring schedule dictates. He sees himself only as the youngest of these grand travellers, but never the last.

[@domainofthesun4400]

This brings a tear. Seeing him perform this song ... till now I'd never seen it, only heard it. I remember the shock of his untimely death very clearly, all these years later.

[@DOGakaDefenderOfGems]

unbelievably canadian eh...chills listening to it...how very sad that he had to leave us so early in his life...tragic indeed

[@Jo.885]

It really upsets me to have found this man through a very sad documentary about an airplane disaster. Such an extraordinary talent. I'd like to have known him, I think.

[@lenwenzel7440]

Stan Rogers puts everything he has in that song, his passion is remarkable. I met his brother Garnet when he was performing at Hugh's Room in Toronto. I remember watching Stan perform on tv when I was very young, and thinking to myself I have to hear more of his music.

[@DiogenesOfDelaware]

Where could one find that rendition of 'Northwest Passage" in its entirety. This version and the octave, harmony is perfection.

[@48956l]

Both can be found on youtube. The first clip here is the standard studio recording you'll find by searching it, the final live clip can be found by searching northwest passage live-- though without the video sadly.

[@DiogenesOfDelaware]

@@48956l i am not sure but do not think this live version performed is the same as the other live version available with no video just the album cover. Same song ofc, but different performances. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4KaoIOGirJ9kLs After listening to both throughly, I am more confident they are not the same performances.

[@Famdoc1000]

I really enjoyed "One Warm Line" when I first watched it a year or so again. Stan was one of my favorite artists, having been lucky enough to see him and the band play Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver Folk Festivals in the late 70s/early 80s. Several of these songs remain on my playlist to this day. Like many, I remember the moment I heard of his death...where I was, what I was doing, how I felt. Great job, Kensington, in keeping Stan's legacy alive!

[@Kensingtontv-inc]

Thanks for the awesome comment. It's great to hear that you got to see Stan perform a couple of times before he passed and that he still lives in your playlists!

[@barbaradavis393]

I'm from the US, but Stan makes me cry every time I hear this.

[@hawkinatorgamer9725]

God bless Canada, as an American I am glad you are our allies. Love from the South, I am glad we are friends.

[@TechnoMulen]

i really like that extra high song tone he uses sometimes. it makes this song very special

[@hummingnectarbird]

He was the original. I first heard him sing it over 30 years ago. It’s so sad that voice was lost when he died rescuing passengers from a plane crash. He had survived, but went back in to help others and lost his life. His brother does him honor though. His voice is different but no less wonderful.

[@Dragonx0562]

I remember hearing this on a NOVA episode about franklin. this was the first time I've heard it again in nearly 25 years, and never knew where it came from.

[@wesmatron]

Sends chills. I love it.

[@dr.spectre9697]

I am American, & I stand with my Anglo-Saxon brothers & sisters.....this should be the Canadian anthem! Long live Canada! America stands with you sisters & brothers!

[@dolsonpa056]

May God bless our American brothers and sisters until the end of time. 🇨🇦🤝🇱🇷

[@jakebullet4157]

Such a powerful personality exploding through that song

[@whitemakesright2177]

I'm a Texan, but I love this song. I think it speaks to the exploration and settlement of North America in general, and the experience of being North American in general. This was the first of Stan's songs that I heard (just about a year ago), and I did exactly as the woman said, and went and listened to a lot of his other songs, as well.

[@emilywhittle1420]

Him, his music, his talent, and the savage loss of him at such a young age in such a way is so powerful. I hope that he’s somewhere knowing his music is still listened to and enjoyed to this day, and that it still makes Canadians think of their own history as a people. Also, he looks older in this video then he was. He went bald very young from what I understand. He was in no way old when he died on that fateful Air Canada flight.

[@bengarrido638]

This is the song that my 9 year old and I sing on our road trips together. He loves the Chorus

[@cursedwhatnots3952]

I love this song

[@annosborne4893]

Perfection. Such a pure voice, harmony, everything. Essence of life stuff.

[@melindalemmon2149]

PLEASE. WE IN THE STATES CANNOT ACCESS THIS FINE DOCUMENTARY ON THIS, YOUR FAVORITE SON. PLEASE! PLEASE POST IT! WE ARE HUGE FANS HERE!

[@AlabastaJones18]

Wish there was a full video of this performance

[@thedarksideoftel3862]

Most incredible song EVER. A dark time for Franklin.

[@DeborahBaker-c2p]

Powerful. Moving. Inspiring.

[@Cashcrop54]

I've listened to this many times and today I was watching the show "Mayday: Air Disaster" and it was about a plane that had a fire and I heard the name Stan Roger's and knew right away.

[@LetsGoGetThem]

Greetings from Norway.

[@shawncavanagh401]

CAT DURGS , Great to see you like Stan in Norway, My Dad volunteered for the Norway Navy for a few months before his Canadian ship was build in 1940.

[@DaveMoth]

Roald Amundsen a Norwegian was the first to fully navigate the Northwest passage

[@davidjarm]

This should be the national anthem. It resonates with the soul of our people. And Canada has so many great musical artists. I could name dozens without even trying, including Stan of course. Are you f-ing telling me that friggin O Canada is the best we could come up with?

[@tipptoggy]

Wonderful song, I love the way he blends in the search for the North West passage with the migration Westwards of people from the Maritimesl . One of my all time favourite albums and one of the finest folk singers in the English speaking world.

[@cameronsmith3047]

im american, i wasn't alive till years after this man died , and i only heard his music for the first time 2 weeks ago, nevertheless he makes me feel like a proud Canadian.

Forever inspiring. ❤

[@tristinkirby]

Stan sings Northwest passage the best

[@EC2019]

Reminds me overwhelmingly of Luke Kelly (Irish folk singer cut from a very similar cloth).

[@melindalemmon2149]

SO RIGHT!!!

[@coastdweller]

I make my living on the Sea, a lot of Sea shanties songs are played up "pirate life" songs. His music is beautiful.

[@waynegatehouse3998]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@ZhaoRenWang]

Stan hurts my soul in the best way possible.

[@curtism7472]

If there’s one musician Canada can proudly offer the world, it’s Stan

[@Tommy1977777]

dont be fooled, As an American, Stan Rogers speaks deeply to myself as well. Stan stirs something deep in the soul and spirit. IT encourages the bravery in men and women to be better than they are, to be rugged individualists.

[@ericlecours4208]

Any good covers of this? My favorite part is the dude hitting the high notes at the end of each line. Stan’s brother I think.

[@sgtcrab2569]

The ship film is from Shackleton!

[@panr3175]

yes, Frank Hurley's footage of Endurance, beset and sinking. Good eye.

[@seppok8326]

This is undoubtedly iconic but the change of rythm is constant and it makes this feel like a folksong that no one can really sing correctly.

[@harrietgate]

Brilliant song. I love the high F sharp harmony on the words passage and savage in the chorus. Does anyone know if it is his brother that sings that part?

[@jencro7421]

I believe it is his brother, Garnet. Such a distinctive and perfect harmony line.

[@mrchuckmorris]

I find it annoying that the high harmony comes out way too loud, honestly.

[@garywhitt98]

Yes, it’s his brother, Garnet. His harmony makes this song the emotional atom bomb it is.

[@garywhitt98]

For me, Garnet’s high harmony cries are the perfect counterpoints to Stan’s rich baritones. Stan obviously agreed.

[@carolv8450]

Mrchuckmorris - it is supposed to b like that.

[@mobilechief]

Me and I Grandmother love his miusic m Va southerners,

[@johannasandkuhl7881]

Love Stan Rogers' writing and vocals. It's interesting that the ship being crushed by the ice in this video looks a lot like Shackleton's ship Endurance as it went down in Antarctica.

[@harryfurphy1491]

Stan Rogers is Canada's equivalent to Ireland's Luke Kelly. There is no doubt in my mind that they are both drinking merrily and singing together in heaven.

[@johnbest4513]

Genius.

[@chucksneed6440]

I'm not canadian but a canadian anon introduced me to this song a while back and I was hooked instantly. Very beautiful music. Canadians typically piss me off but julian, ricky, bubbles and stan rogers get a pass.

[@maryrafuse3851]

Love the comparison of Stan Rogers to William Shakespeare. Could not agree more.