The New Christy Minstrels - Today

[@michaellazzeri9439]

This song gets to me every time ---------& as I turn 75 y/o, it gets to me even more. RIP, to all members who have passed.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

Only 3 of the original group are left….how the time invisibility bye….one minute in 1965 you’re a college senior with the open road of life before you, then imperceptibly, you’re 80 yo and luckily in good health, but wondering where in the world 57 years went bye, in the blink of an eye….

[@두둥개]

😥

[@alixe_rene]

62 here. Just heard this for the first time in decades. It brought me to tears. They were a joy in my childhood.

[@allenjones3130]

A folk music classic.

[@Juliaflo]

RIP to the founder, Mr. Randy Sparks, Age 90.

[@hollybowen7428]

My mother sang this song to me when I was in her arms as a baby and as a child. I’m now holding my newborn and singing it to her with my mother beside me. What a timeless, beautiful and moving song. Tears every time.

[@derp8748]

And you just made me cry. Another great one A little more simplified but just as hard felt is the Ames song " my cup runneth over"...

[@neuro518]

If there are different heavens for different people, I hope the one I'm allowed to go to has music like this.

[@SaxonC]

I just heard this song and this group. I can’t believe I have never heard this in the 55 years on this planet?! It’s such a beautiful song that immediately touched my heart.

[@danielhagan921]

I guess i'm slightly older than you because I remember enjoying them on TV, although I don't recall just what songs. Somewhere in those years between us this genre of music disappeared from the screen. I think that everyone is poorer for it.

[@doncompton9453]

In the 1970's Randy Sparks had a small bar , nightclub in the small town of Linden,CA. It was so much fun to go there. It was called the Buffalo Bar and actually had a stuffed buffalo on the bar.

[@EverydayCreation]

I love this comment! I used it in the description for a tribute to Randy Sparks that will publish this week on the Everyday Creation channel.

[@luannezysling9077]

I always said Sinatra's "My Way" was my song but because of Kenny's death I just listened to "Today" by The New Christy Minstrels. It is now "my song". It is the story of my life. A beautiful memory at age 78.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

I share your romantic memory, as do many of my classmates from 1964...I wonder how many of these NCM ‘s in this video are still alive...that’s looking back over 56 beautiful years...

[@keithyoung2004]

❤

[@ellenconti7488]

Rest in peace Randy. Thanks for so many hours of beautiful music.

[@normanrappaport6683]

ONE OF THE MOST HEARTFELT SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD. A TRULY REMARKABLE SONG THAT MAKES YOU FEEL YOUNG AGAIN NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE. THIS SONG CAPTURES ETERNITY.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

The song is so beautiful. But, the words always move me. "A million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine today" How beautiful is this?

[@sydneyforte8457]

Had the thrill of my life when Randy Sparks (Did I get his name right?) pointed right at me in the Dallas audience of '60's to sing as he directed us, I think it was, to "The Drinkin' Gourd!"

[@ginacampbell8766]

The words move you because the song is beautiful

[@A2D4]

@@sydneyforte8457 LOVE the ‘Drinkin Gourd’!! I had a similar experience. Was at university attending “Forum and Devotional”, a weekly sort of assembly class that had guest speakers. You’d get 1/2 a credit for signing up. Anyway, on one occasion Pat Boone was the guest speaker. I was sitting in front (not planned) and he looked right at me and smiled. I was never a huge fan but it was pretty cool to be smiled at by the icon that he was/is…..😃

[@keithyoung2004]

YES, I DEFINITELY AGREE WITH YOU ! OUTSTANDINGLY BEAUTIFUL !!!!❤

[@paulkalff6408]

Sang this as my "audition" for A Capella Choir in college...I made it...still remember the lyrics...such a sweet tune.

[@jerrysanders6821]

In 1964, this was my new, and first girlfriend's favorite song. 58 years later and I have not forgotten either one.

[@PaulMcElveen]

Brillant Timeless Recording, Song and Video!

[@PaulMcElveen]

I was born in the late fall of 1978. This one of the most Beautiful Songs ever Recorded and Written! This Beautiful Song is one of my favorite songs of all time! Classic, Wonderful Video! I Love the singers and musicians The New Christy Minstrels!

[@richardconard3944]

The best folk ballad ever. Beautiful lyrics, wonderful voices and music arrangement. I still sing this song to myself all the time.

[@otiebrown9999]

Beautiful song of memories! What dreams I (you) had back then! If you are reading this - and remembering - you are very lucky.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

Thank you, and I’m looking forward to my next visit with beautiful Carol Lynn...

[@user-rq7nq5xe9z]

This beautiful song got me through my 27 yrs . Old son funeral I remember I could not even dress myself but I cried out to the lord and he heard me and send me this song in the atmosphere and I could hear the words in my mind. He my lord was right there with me in most painful day of my life.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

Yes I am very lucky, now over four score and in good health, I thank God every morning as I tumble to the bedroom carpet to begin my stretches before going on a run…been doing this ritual for over 40 years…what a truly lucky boy am I…

[@stchew49]

Today I'm 73 and this song with its beautiful wordings came to mind!

[@kathysquared]

This was our class song ! We graduated June 7, 1964 Saint Procopius HS, Chicago, 60 years ago.

[@fliegeroh]

I was 11 in 1964 when the Beatles hit the scene and changed popular music completely. Before that time however, there were wonderful acoustic instrument folk groups like the New Christy Minstrels that made beautiful music that still holds up today for its sheer wonderfulness. It was a much more innocent and happy time and if the music reflected it, then go back and listen to that music and enjoy a sentimental journey to the past.

[@otissumnerbrown]

Given the years that have gone by ... this truly brings back memories of when we were young ... Truly a great song.

[@stevehigh3560]

The beauty and profundity of this are such that it might have been written, well, today.

[@OmniaViridis]

My Grammy just asked me to sing this at her celebration of life and of course I obliged 💖 She is such an amazing woman! I'm so lucky to have her in my life and so lucky to have known her when she's gone.

[@jimmiemoore3394]

This song was so beautiful, it almost made a man cry when hearing it. Lovely is not enough to say how great it is.

[@edwatts9890]

I am sixty-seven years old, and this song still tugs at my heart -- sometimes harder that at others -- as I recall the young ladies of my callow youth. Would that I could make restitution for the hearts I broke along the way.

[@daveneily407]

What do you mean almost I just listen to it for the first time 😥

[@Darjeelingla]

Such a poignant memory I have of this song. As a teen in the 60’s, playing this song on the record player, repeatedly, mesmerized by the poetry of the lyrics, the beauty of the melody, the harmony of the voices.

[@johnbattles1002]

One of the most beautiful and poignant songs ever written.

[@haley9976]

This is such a beautiful song. Calms me when I'm feeling agitated or sad for no reason. I imagine it's a good lullaby. I'm 24 and hopefully someday I'll be able to use it as such ❤

[@marychan4625]

This was one of the songs that I learned how to play in my guiter lessons when I was a teenager many years ago. How time flies

[@PaulMcElveen]

Beautiful, Expressive, Rich Vocalizations and Orchestrations! Beautiful, Classic, Timeless Performances! Beautiful, Classic, Timeless Song! Beautiful, Classic, Timeless Video!

[@michaellazzeri2069]

SUMMER OF '64, I WAS HEADING TO 18 Y/O IN SEPTEMBER. FROM THE 1ST TIME I HEARD THIS MASTERPIECE, I WAS WISTFUL & SAD. THE SONG IS GORGEOUS, BUT IT EVOKES THE PASSING OF TIME. NOW, PUSHING TO 77 Y/O IN SEPTEMBER, I FEEL IT MORE THAN EVER. -------RIP, RANDY SPARKS, & ALL MEMBERS WHO HAVE PASSED. ----------------MJL, 76 Y/O

[@jackcain531]

Just one year behind you. Feel the same way. Jack Cain

[@GravityFair]

This is comparably the most important song within my family on my mother’s side. I’m not even sure why. We’ve always sang it; aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. My uncle sang it in choir when he was in college. I sat on his living room floor and he showed me the tape. He cried, because he missed his mom and I cried, too. He’s passed away now. They’ve all passed away now.

[@pastrami1945]

Love this group! They entertained us at Fort Hood, December 1967. Great bunch!

[@keithyoung2004]

Thank You for your Service in the U.S. Armed Forces !! I'll bet "Just Listening to them playing this song for you - FIRED YOU UP, WITH EMOTION" !!!!

[@jonathonspiers8397]

I remember this beautiful song from our senior college year 1965....I was so in love with a gorgeous raven haired classmate, Carol Lynn Huber (Baker) who had a premature whisper of grey in her hair, which I found so ...so much so, that we felt it

[@PaulMcElveen]

I was born in the late fall of 1978. Today, While the Blossoms Still Cling to the Vine by the New Christy Minstrels is very dear to my heart. It is one of the most Beautiful, Classic, Timeless Songs Ever Composed, Written and Recorded! I also sang it when I auditioned for a part in one of my high school plays and my freshman year in college for the Indiana University Pop Singers! I got a part with a solo in my high school play and was accepted as a member singing tenor in the Indiana University Pop Singers my first semester of my Freshman Year and remained in the Indiana University Pop Singers for three consecutive years!

[@williammarshal303]

I was 13 when I first heard this great song. Loved it then and love it today. Miss this kind of music. So happy to have lived through those times.

[@PaulMcElveen]

Wonderful song and Wonderful Video!

[@PaulMcElveen]

This classic performance of this beautiful song is fantastic! Best version of this classic song is the New Christy Minstrels version! Thank you for posting and sharing this classic performance!

[@BennyMcNeely]

Just a great song Loved slow dancing to this song What great memories

[@mariamartin4702]

We sang this for a recital at my Catholic school. I sang it to my son when he was little putting him to sleep at night 17 years ago. Now when he is here and I sing it, he falls right to sleep...lol

[@jeanniebyrd3245]

Maria, this is the song I always sang to all 3 of my children when they were little. I love that I wasn't the only one who thought it was a good lullabye.

[@mariamartin4702]

Jeannie Byrd , great minds think alike!!

[@marthamersman6581]

May Randy Sparks rest in peace. Beautiful song.

[@SACLynnFabia]

A classic. Listen to how the music makes you feel. This raises one's vibration. Thnk you for posting.

[@danthompson5040]

I found my first puppy love with a particularly cute young lady my age in 1964 listening to this song in Myrtle Beach, SC while camping with the Boy Scouts.

[@erenyeagerist7681]

I love this song. I have listened to this song a while ago on the radio and I have the urge to search this song because it's amazingly beautiful & heartwarming and the voices of the singers are purely beautiful and soothing to the ears. This song is a perfect lullaby to sleep. This song is gold and precious 💛

[@robertakennedy1479]

Always loved this song and this group

[@yhwe100]

The lyrics are so meaningful. It goes to tell us that that the joys and pleasures that we have now shall eventually move on. All the pleasures we have now shall eventually become history. Just like the group of singers who are now either grown old or have departed.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

This beautiful song is a timeless classic. Thank you. George Vreeland Hill

[@bcgrittner]

Oh, boy. That brings back memories. The NCM had such a great sound. But, things happen. Let’s enjoy what we have today.

[@monkeytennis7477]

Without naming names, this song reminds me of someone I was engaged to in 1988, long since gone. Goodbye RGMA. I hope you forgot me.

[@Patsiblisk]

Definitely the best song, and the best version of it, EVER. It takes me back to my days on the streets, the dangerous people, the beautiful girls, (women), the coming and going. As a sociopath I don't really "feel" but I get teary every time I hear it.

[@duanearcher7576]

I am still charmed by the lovely brunette lass to the left of the lead singer...

[@PaulMcElveen]

Beautiful!

[@MarthaStout0202]

We sang this at my summer camp when I was a young girl. I always thought it was so beautiful. Thanks for uploading this!

[@MarthaStout0202]

Best version I've found. Thank you for uploading!

[@suzannefleischauer4379]

Yes, better than the recorded version, which is overproduced. John Denver’s version is good but lacks the harmony.

[@alixe_rene]

@@suzannefleischauer4379 Agreed! ♥

[@johng4250]

this was alway my favorite style of music.... but then so was Jimmy Buffett, John Stewart, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Waits, and the list goes on.

[@5656jthorn]

Joan Baez, Brothers Four, Beatles, Kingston Trio, Harry Belafonte., eyc

[@michaelmarullo3207]

No one mentions that Kenny Rogers also came out of this legendary group!

[@MEH50caribe]

Beautiful combination of words, melody and voices. Thank you for sharing this.

[@brandongreen4880]

Oddly (or maybe not) this song reminds me once again that there is so little time in life.Whether it's studying,training at the gym,working or in the midst of a love affair. That's why whatever i am doing i try to do it with all my might because the time is short. The future i don't know and the past is gone. The power of TODAY is key

[@lyleschnabel1411]

Brandon Green the world I use to know

[@mikepugh6483]

I had this album as a kid in the 70s and this song was my favorite. I am now a big Genesis fan but still love this song.

[@henningandersen9027]

I thought I would see them as they are today. They were great.

[@oldzzzyzx]

Thanks. I talked with Randy Sparks of the New Christie Minstrels and he told me how to locate that on the "Bits and Pieces" segment.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

I remember this beautiful song from our senior year in college (1965), when I was so much in love with a gorgeous raven haired classmate, Carol Lynn Huber (Baker)...so much did we love the song, that we chose it to be played at our wedding, under a white laced arbor reflecting the summer sunshine in her smile....unfortunately the war intervened, and I was not able to see her until 37 years later, when I attended her father’s funeral. As I waited in the line of friends expressing condolences, I felt the 37 years disappear, and once again we were holding hands as we would walk to the tree shaded library to study...then it was my turn to give her an embracing hug and express my sympathy over her loss, but something deep within, had me whisper in her ear my name and say that “I had waited 37 years to hold her in my arms again”....her eyes were full of wonder, and her smile could “light up the night”, just as it did 37 years before...after she regained her composure, she was left prorating the word “surreal “ as she introduced me to her Mother, sister and brother...when I inquired about her husband Bob, I was told sadly that he had died some years before....I visited her briefly in Scootdale and got to meet her grown children

[@floydfarless8448]

How touching thatafter all those years you were able to give comfort. You will be blessed.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

Thank you for the kindness and memory…sadly now only three of the original ten are still alive…

[@lunaracial]

I never get bored of this. I have been listening to this since I was a kid. Well, I'm still a kid, just 10 years older. Never how short this 10 years is 'till it is 10 years lol.

[@wooliz4me51]

Advance To The Rear was my favorite score...Today, Tis A Company of Cowards, This Ole Riverboat....you ALLmade GREAT MUSIC!!

[@kitty3863]

Brings back lot of peaceful memories...this is true music!!!

[@UnaWorld]

I love this song, and love, love, love seeing it live. Thanks John

[@earltrombley7646]

Beautiful song

[@mully18]

Memories. This was one of the few songs I learned to play on guitar way back when.

[@49rockon]

Always loved this song. and The New Christy Minstrels. Thank you for posting

[@SueWille]

Reminds me of my college days at Ball State University. Went to see The New Christy Minstrels at a concert on campus!

[@bradkennett5759]

I'll never forget The New Christy Minstrels. My favorite song about the Sea Captain his name was Stormy. Thanks for posting these.

[@benjaminperez1149]

My parents had this record. I was 12. I can still all sing the words.

[@NancyHanson3472]

I was a Girl Scout in the 1960's, and we used to sing it around the campfire on camping trips. I still remember all the words, too. Wonderful memories. 🌎 💙

[@rodneyjohnson4530]

This Song by This Group will always be in My Top 10 of All-Time along with True Love Ways by Buddy Holly, Elusive Butterfly by Bob Lind and Here, There and Everywhere by the “ Fab 4 “. The Melody and Lyrics are Timeless - today’s music sucks - the 43 thumbs down people must be tone deaf or without class.

[@luv2fly352]

I'm 76 and remember them so well.

[@GereDJ2]

I played this in 1964 at KEZY AM 1190 radio in Anaheim, CA. Although great live, the studio version perfects it and makes it magic, classic time travel. In a word, evocative. The song was also featured in the 1964 movie "Advance to the Rear" starring Glen Ford and Jim Backus (voice of Mr. MaGoo). The movie, set during the Civil War was sort of an over-the-top comedy about trying to stay out of battle. The song is much more well known than the movie, and deservedly so. 1964s "Today" now resides as sort of a cultural, period time machine, like many others. The 2016 Kodak Black Rap song of the same title, is about as opposite as could be imagined. However, they both give a beginning bell-curve perspective of the decline of mankind starting about 1974 with at a pace moving toward the exponential.

[@howardlane2514]

Note that Gene Clark (The Byrds) is in the second row, far left. He was 19-years old at the time. Really nice guy. I knew him at that time.

[@calico1947]

Sorry Howard, that is not Gene Clark. It is singer-songwriter Bob Buchanan. Bob co-wrote "Hickory Wind" with Gram Parsons.

[@catharinethomas5797]

This song is such a prayer.

[@terrymacy8183]

Heard the group sing this song (among others) last night at "The KATE" in Old Saybrook, CT. Still a GREAT group (Randy Sparks is now 81 - but you'd never guess it!) with 3 of the original performers. They put on a really fun show (including jokes about their age), plus profits from their CD sales all go to funding free shows for school children.

[@jonathonspiers8397]

How many of the original New Christy Minstrels are still alive? The 1st time I saw them was on Jack Linkletters show on TV called “Hootnanny”!

[@jonathonspiers8397]

How do very fortunate you are , to have seen and heard the sole surviving members of the original 10…Randy is a year older than me, but whenever I listen to their beautiful lilting voices, it brings tears that are the messengers of unlimited love….

[@stananderson5075]

one of the top 3 songs ever sung of all time..priceless

[@John1948NineD]

It's a good son but what's best is determined by taste. I much prefer rockabilly and doo-wop to folk so this is not in MY top 3.

[@guycmcd]

my girlfriend in 1964, Claudia, and I would drive along from spot to spot in Houston, TX, singing this song. we even had solo parts! we never thought it was dumb or square. some of my absolutely fondest memories before I left for Wichita, Kansas at the end of the summer.

[@alex56video]

My Elementary school was Loma Verde. Our 6th Grade teacher, Mrs. Morgan, brought this Chirsty Minstrels Album to our class. She then taught us to sing this song "Today"

[@zonoverde9546]

I remember this song when i was young whenever our neighbors had birthdays we sung this infront of their house at dawn, we serenade them.

[@dalemorris7014]

Simply beautiful.

[@ls-kk4pq]

I forgot about this song. How beautiful!!

[@Torchriver67]

Susan Brammell...........you'll never know the love I had for you then ...and still do! 1967....

[@gailsass1905]

Loved this song.

[@davidhopkins1786]

Probably the best group to come out of that "folk" era.

[@cf1934]

+David Hopkins Brothers four is my favorite!

[@brucepowell9252]

And this is the song I like most of theirs.

[@mshelnutt275]

our 8th grade graduation class (1981) sang this song. I was 13 at the time.

[@CaroleDi_Salvo]

I worked for& traveled w" Ran" an incredible man, singer, songwriter and a very dear friend. Love & miss u, The creole I, I

[@anniefischer362]

still so beautiful, simple and sincere,,, love

[@oldzzzyzx]

Shadepuppy, thanks so much for the info. I've listened several times and it's as good as it was when it was new.

[@irenecheung512]

wonderful I love it

[@John1948NineD]

Thanks. I didn't know this group very well so your input is very helpful to me.

[@ashleydonovan8424]

They just had this today on pbs john sebastian presents:folk rewind.

[@njva17420]

I was in college when the NCM came on the scene. "Serious" or not they were favorites in my crowd and could really deliver a lovely and beautiful song. Maybe not hard edged, but suitable for a time in turmoil.

[@victorhoe2321]

1963 while attending college in Oregon.

[@markflorio7522]

Wonderful.Group.And.Song

[@Dan-vt3nk]

Awesome!

[@KazuoHatakoshi-s9s]

My best song in the world

[@samthesham2923]

Still sounds relevant after all these years

[@jszoradi8650]

True folk song! 🌻

[@ed4262]

Happy new year Colleen, Jim, Bob, Dan and Dave.

[@caroltenge5147]

Such a beautiful song.. sung so well. Thank you, Carol

[@AFM864]

Nice write-up. Well done.

[@RexOveson-br4uu]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️