Christie: The history of Yellow River

[@AmadeusDeAmicis-e3v]

thank you for writing this song - born in 1969 this epic song belongs to my earliest music memories - this song is still helping people today with recovering from traumatic experiences - thank you

[@dbcruser3133]

I've been enjoying this song since 1969.

[@Knight-Of-Cydonia-v6f]

It’s just that all the songs here are good, and the music of that time was a healing property for many, we understand this today, listening to old works, different energy and different rhythms, melodies and beauty of sound.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

If you didn't live through it at the time, you don't have any idea how HUGE this song was.

[@JeffChristieMusic]

Hi Matthew. While this song has been regarded as a Vietnam War classic, I wrote it about a man returning from the US Civil War. But I am happy if it evoked good memories of the 70s for those who loved the song. Jeff

[@logictechman9119]

Hello Jeff---Yellow River is the most distinctive, clear, clean, and beautiful vocal that ever came along in the 70s. Though so many bands have tried to sing, no one match your vocal--the original. It is truly inspired.

[@chookvalve]

Jeff Christie this song is the only good song on our crumby radio station in Outback Australia. It was my first riff based song I liked which led to getting into slade and eventually zeppelin and sabbath.

[@geod3589]

I was in Vietnam in 1970 and this is one of the songs I remember most. When I hear it I go back to those long nights in VN.

[@11calman]

Hi mate, we sang your song all over Australia in the early days all over in a little place Called Kalgoorlie, , then Townsville/ Cairns,/ Melbourne, /Sydney/ New Zealand,, a great song still going strong Thankyou, You most probably never needed the royalties

[@lauranceemory4448]

I did charity mini concerts with Norwegian guy here in Thailand & we played this great tune. I had to correct him that yes, it was about American Civil War but popular with Vietnam soldiers (War is war, eh?). Really clever tune regarding chord changes. Still popular in SE Asia

[@istarky7959]

Jeff ! Thank you for the wonderful music!

[@oddshot60]

I enlisted into the US Army in 1970. The Vietnam war was raging and I was faced with being drafted, or trying to do my bit MY way. When this song hit ... it was SO uplifting to us in the Army at that time - somebody finished his tour and was going HOME! You have to remember, some 58,000 of us never knew the unimaginable JOY of going back to the world. I never knew until this morning about the Civil War connection, for me and the rest, it was ALL about Vietnam and it still is. Thank you so much for this song and the hope it gave us.

[@robinmessing530]

Without a doubt, this is one of the best hits of the 70's. Thanks for posting this.

[@dennisovahn518]

A great story about one of my favorite songs, thanks for that. Jeff's version is by far the best, I hope his life got incredibly better as a result because that song triggers so many fond memories of my adolescence, family and friends.

[@kmk2451]

I feel the same about this song. For some reason, it is a song that evokes very special memories of my youth.

[@casaMariaPT]

Hi Jeff, what a gem this little documentary is. So glad Found it. I was a member of a band a few years ago that covered your hit. It became very popular on the line dance circuit everywhere, and was always the most requested song of the night, wherever we played. I notice you were kind enough to include our version on your website. Of course it pales in comparison to your version, but we always had a lot of fun playing your song and will be forever grateful that you wrote it. Born in 1960 it is definitely on the soundtrack of my life.Cheers, Dave.

[@michaelbaker9330]

This song is still AWSOME in 2023!!

[@cricketbat09]

It is a classic pop song. Will always be played somewhere in the world.

[@akgypsy54]

Have always loved this song! Such great memories from back in the 70s!!♥️🎶 the Tremeloes song silence is golden is another song I loved!!👍

[@figgy7099]

this was the best song of the whole 70's. I know because I was there.

[@joannemiiller5409]

A true classic song and oh my haven’t you aged beautifully Jeff.

[@Flatcapnwippet70]

Good songs stand the test of time. This is still played on the radio today. I was born the year this was a hit and it's one if my favourites.

[@JohnnyVideo06]

One of my all time favorites. I was 18 at the time.

[@miguell6862]

Mr Christie in Costa Rica the song sounded on the radio like no other in life!

[@glpilpi6209]

This song is like perpetual motion , it seems to have a life of it's own . I dare say in decade's to come it will still be covered by future music acts. Thanks for posting this documentary.

[@fastwalker2163]

Thank you so much for this great song, Jeff! I still listen it! And song it with you! Such a small acoustic piece of song: I remember the nights were cool I can still see the water pool And I remember the girl that I knew From Yellow river but how excellent it sounds!

[@conradveraguth642]

A Great Song that will live for a long long time the melody just stays with you along with that driving beat. I love this song.

[@wilsonalexandresthraller7405]

THE PACK OF CHRISTIE'S SONGS WILL NEVER DIE - These songs (Yellow River, San Bernadino, Got Be Free, Navajo, Iron Horse, If Only, and other songs) will make last forever generations after generations. Only Jeff Christie and his band got play this way! unforgetable!

[@tomt6040]

Yellow River may have been written about the US Civil War, but it applied to those of us who had survived our tour in Viet Nam. When I left in 1972 this was the theme-song for all of us as we got on the plane for home!

[@kb6kgx]

It definitely fits the Viet Nam experience, certainly.

[@jamesb.9155]

'So long boys! You can take my place. Got my papers, I got my pay. So pack my bags and I'll be on my way, to Yellow River!'

[@Jade447]

@@kb6kgx like Reflections of my life...Marmalade💕

[@joekavanagh7171]

Except for one line - the war is won. America lost the Vietnam War.

[@marilyncallan586]

One of my favorite songs, from my bittersweet year of life (1970). In July my very first boyfriend was tragically killed in a car wreck. In late August, I would meet the love of my life, with whom I was blessed with 45 years and 10 months of marriage. In my humble opinion, 1970 was the best year for rock and roll. The entire top 100 rock hits for the year 1970, are pretty much hard to beat.

[@motowngirl5891]

I agree

[@GaryChambers-p5m]

So sad about losing your first boyfriend. Not to worry, he went to Heaven, and to a much better life.

[@บุญธัญกรพันทะปิว]

I like this song very much. When I was 2-3 years I remember my brother turned on the radio.Yellow River is my favourite song.

[@jamesb.9155]

Love this song and the river boat video edition especially! The original Christie version is by far the best!

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

I had no idea this song was written about the American Civil War until watching this! But, it became an anthem for the American War in Vietnam. Song still moves me all these years later.

[@isukaman4092]

I thought it was about the Vietnam war. Go figure.

[@marcmoonrider]

The "cannon" reference gives it away. Cannons weren't being used anymore by the time of Veit Nam.

[@dkzlslx7690]

Richard dude, they did write about the northamerikan civil war!

[@Rieslingontheriver]

The Commander clearly was never in Vietnam. "Cannons" ain't what they used to be....

[@discedoce1827]

RichardFeynmanRules yup i thot so lol

[@LelandGarner]

Thanks Jeff for this great song! I was going home from my stint in the army overseas when this song was on the charts. It became the "going home song" for me and many others at the time. Especially then and even now this song means so very very much!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Great story and thank you for what you did for us. : ) Ted

[@radhasen2604]

This was my first 45 rpm record at age 14 in the early 70's...!! Im 62 now and still addicted to this song. Its a classic along with San Bernardino... And American pie too by Don Mclean.. Tie a yellow ribbon, knock 3 times.. My sweet Lord n other incredible unforgettable songs.❤️❤️❤️

[@lisaparsons8949]

Great group,Christie.I remember in 1970,was4.My brother Barry would play back then.Barry passed away,July 19,2019.I dedicate this song to Barry Parsons.

[@sharonsheehy3128]

Love this.......💚💚💚 love from,,,l New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@derp8748]

Fantastic song. Remember as a 5, 6 year old. Today, it speaks on my Beloved UP North Michigan Au Sable River and camping memories. And the River does have a yellow long in high afternoon the stones underneath. Thank you for writing it.

[@ninacabral2391]

I remember this song when I have 5 years old and live in southern brazil.... This song is a number one on my young ages soundtrack ♥ I always remember all my young friends, my first book, my Daddy's house and makes me feel happy again. Long time ago, but stills awesome♥ Thanks so much Mr. Jeff Christie! Cheers♥

[@2msvalkyrie529]

🤗 x

[@МаринаАхматова-л1и]

Моя любимая песня. В молодости танцевали, влюблялись под эти песни и были безумно счастливы и беззаботно.👋👍👍👍👍👍👍💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@olvinyldude]

To this day, one of my top songs..I play all the time, and thank you all for this..Belong in the archives for sure !~

[@JeffChristieMusic]

Everything you need to know is on the Christie website. Thanks for listening.

[@mollygraf3305]

Oh man... Always loved this song, so glad to see how it evolved! TY for the post!

[@bugder]

Thanks for the small biography, great song and it still has a touch to the heart and soul. Your a remarkable man Jeff Christie.

[@josandlin6609]

Love this song and love learning about its history, fascinating.

[@philbrown1474]

And in 2021 my Classic Rock band is covering this. Great timeless song.

[@picramide]

Wow, fascinating history of a song that has long been on my short list of all-time favorites. Thanks for posting this great video, and for writing such a great song!

[@joshron99]

Excellent and informative video. I spent 22 minutes very pleasantly engrossed in it. I might add, what a lot of talented, nice guys.

[@seanbo31]

Wow! Despite the fact that I have loved this song since I first heard it during my senior year of high school in Cleveland OH, I never knew any of the back story about the instrumental track by The Tremeloes (best remembered here in The States for Silence Is Golden and Here Comes My Baby), nor did I realize that you, Jeff, were "swapped out, then swapped back in" on the lead vocal. With the passage of 50 years since that time, as I approach my high school reunion, I look forward to being able to share this terrific tale with my classmates of five decades past. Additionally, I know that my brother, who served USMC in Vietnam '68-'69, will enjoy learning that the war you had actually been writing about preceded his service by almost 100 years, LOL! Thank you, Jeff, for such wonderful memories, as well as for this "learning opportunity" with the video here. Hope that you will keep bringing joy to others with your music wherever you may travel!! Brian Patrick Clarke, Orlando Florida

[@ViaOjo]

Still one of my favorite AM favorites. I remember the hair styles and fashion colors…..yes, I still sing along when it comes on the radio 😃

[@elbandoleroband7741]

back home where I used to in Iraq Baghdad Yellow River was number one song in every event and fest and wedding that. you can imagine and still I sing this song with my band and I lesting to it greating from Chicago USA

[@steveincork3669]

Loved this song since I was a Child. Your voice was perfect for this masterpiece of a song you wrote. No other version sounds as good. I didn't think it sounded like a Tremeloes tune but more like Credence Clear Water Revival. And !! San Bernadino is classic all on its own well done Jeff👍👍👍👍👍

[@adamelos]

There is something so bloody true about his voice, as if he's telling his own story, his own real-life story.

[@evanderer]

still have the single bought in South Africa where i lived at the time i was 13 years old thanks to you Christie

[@Karksoncat]

Another great contribution to the 70's classics.What a highly memorable tune it is too❤

[@andymusictv]

love this song , a source of beautiful memories for me.

[@tompillion4360]

In late 1970 my Navy aircraft squadron deployed to Iceland. On weekends a local cover band would play in the club, and they were extremely good. They were the first group I heard perform Yellow River and I thought it was their own song. The group pretty much just mimic'd US song lyrics with a slight accent. Some local Icelanders thought they were singing "Yellow Reefer." Ha! Later found out that Christie was the original artist, and bought the record...never knew about the Tremeloes part of the equation though. Still a favorite with many memories. Thanks for sharing!

[@ivarmarkusson382]

i wonder if it was the band trúbrot.

[@MsMaria6363]

Always My Favorite! Thank You Christie! Good Memories*****

[@danielquagliata747]

Big hit here in Uruguay,like a classic song that transcended many generations

[@oasis.cosmique.2262]

J'adore ce groupe...cette chanson MAGNIFIQUE ma jeunesse perdue a tout JAMAIS disparue depuis des années a chaque fois quand même quand j'y pense.......pierre de France! .félicitations!

[@lalrinralte8299]

This song (San Bernadino also) brought me back to my youthful days. We used to dance a lot with this number. In a small corner of our country we remembered Christie so well because of this song.

[@MaryLopez-gk4zq]

I can't believe this only peaked at 23 in the states. I was 10 when this came out and it was played A LOT on Chicago radio. Amazing song, one of my favorites growing up. It's nice to know the story behind it. Thanks Jeff :)

[@mikeschager3267]

Only 23 in U.S.?! I had to look it up, and you're right. I was 20 in Pa. and recall hearing it on WLS, CKLW, WABC......

[@harrynelsonjr3921]

One of the first songs I learned to play at my guitar lessons and I still play it to this day I am 62 , I used to be in a rock band & we would play this song in Jr high . I remember when it first came out in 1970 . It was ment for the group CHRISTIE to record this song boy did the tremolos scew up !

[@johnpowers6224]

this song is truly wonderful thanks for making it!!!

[@ReverbMonkey]

Was only 4 when this came out in 1970 but we would sing it as kids in the playground. Brilliant song, well and truly stood the test of time. One word can sum this up Classic!!!!!!

[@indyguy1000]

Remember this song on WABC, brought back good memories! Thanks for posting.

[@PDHulme61]

Beautiful song and the best version by the writer Christie, have such fond memories of this song as my late father Peter loved this song and use to include it in his act around the social clubs of Birmingham back in the 70s ! ******PDH

[@jomiiller6297]

Love both Yellow River and San Bernardino Jeff you certainly have aged beautifully Thanks for the great music from Australia

[@xshuman]

Very interesting. I don't usually comment, but this was one great song. Loved it when I first heard it 1970.

[@definitedoll]

I remember "Yellow River" getting alot of air play on radio during the summer of 1970. It was in the Top 40 for some time, I had kept my Top 40 Radio flyers for many years. Sometimes so many years go by, you don't hear the song for so long, you think you dreamed it! Thank goodness for KZbin, because alot of radio stations ignore this music.I never knew Jeff Christie was English. Thought the group Christie was American. (The Tremeloes have also been a favorite group of mine since the 60's.)

[@thebluegreengoose]

Love this song. I graduated hight school in 1973. Flunked 1st grade, which kept me out of Vietnam. I was mostly in a fog, heard hits. Liked certain groups. I cannot recall hearing this song. We live in Dallas TX area. MY dad was an Engineer at NASA till 1975. I still have his 69 Camaro. I am good at recalling tunes. I can sing or hum one tune. Picture another in my mind, then on the fly create (hum) a translation or in between to the other, while apparently switching keys. I played Claironet in hs for 6 years. My wife shuts down all my activities because of money. I just discovered last week "Gaslighting". I was almost there playing the guitar until my wife shut it down. I still have an Airplane in a hanger. It gives me joy and started picking up my guitar again. I was almost there. I could go up and down scales. It won't take long to pick it up.

[@teresatorres3760]

Fantastic voice he still has it.

[@brentrau6792]

Well, if you're going to a one-hit wonder, make sure it's one that everyone will remember for decades to come. I can remember riding in my mom's '69 Impala and hearing it over CKLW, and being told to turn the volume down when this song came on. This was homecoming song for a lot of Vietnam veterans, as this was the time when we were winding down our involvement over there. Nowadays, my mom likes this song!

[@javiergilvidal1558]

+brent rau "We were winding down our involvement over there" or, translated into plain English: "we were shamefully defeated and fled home with our big, fat, lardy asses torn to pieces"!!! Yanks are PATHETIC!!!

[@markess489]

Were you over there fighting ? no Were you in Iraq fighting ? no Were you in any war fighting ? no YOU ARE A COWARD !!!

[@juanbbien]

They were more than a one hit wonder the other hit being San Bernardino , a great recording

[@Druidist]

@@juanbbien I'm a Vietnam Vet and, though it tugs at my heart, it was written about a Confederate soldier and not Vietnam. ☺

[@29brendus]

Well done and it brings back memories. Its appeal is the rythym and bass with playable chords, capped with a good memorable chourus into "Yellow River". And that's it.

[@peterellul3458]

i always loved this song and its was good to know its history THANKS

[@raymondanthony8651]

Great song, loved it then, still love it today, brings back good memories...Thanx.

[@楊吉蒂]

Is timeless great memory song bring so many energy to our world

[@geki9063]

Somehow, I think because of the "cannon fire" lyric, I imagined a Civil War setting for the song. Loved it, and still do. Once, when I left an unpleasant job, this song was going through my head. It felt like I was leaving a war. Thanks for this song, Jeff.

[@Sunfried1]

Hey Jeff, back in 2017 my wife and I were touring northern Thailand, and I was walking past a pub and there was a Thai band playing Yellow River. I smiled and gave them a big thumbs up. That was in the town of Mae Hong Son, not far from the Myanmar border. Cheers Jeff!

[@marciachillemi]

I remembered the old wonderful times listening and singing this music. Handsome Christie.

[@MildaGoesWild]

I love Christie's voice. Such drive behind it, so nuanced yet so natural and raw.

[@nikolayburbaki1356]

The greatest song for all times.

[@johnnyriggs1024]

Spotted the debut album at a store earlier today. Going to go back tomorrow and pick it up. Been looking for it for ages. Great video, this.

[@juanbaez1264]

WELL WRITTEN LYRICS AND PERFORMED. GREAT HIT OF EARLY 70"S

[@juanbaez1264]

TREMELOES GREAT !!!

[@tangarden9750]

Great driving song with the top down on a beautiful day. Transported mentally to that special place of joy.

[@michelguendler2982]

Hi Mr. Christie, how are you? I discovered your song when I was 11 years old, searching my dad’s grand collection of LPs and cassetes. This was back in 2005. Yellow River is still my favorite song, together with Del Shannon’s Runaway. In my home country, Yellow River was number one, and it is still remembered as one of Rock n’ Roll’s best! Anyways, I’d love to get a reply from you. It would really make my day. (PS: I also love many of your other songs, such as Iron Horse, and my wife’s favorite, Everything’s Gonna be Alright).

[@JeffChristieMusic]

Jeff Christie wrote, sang and recorded the original Yellow River, but with the Tremeloes as the backing band. The Tremeloes were offered the song but they declined to record it themselves. After YR became a success, they released it in Spanish. YR came out in 1970. No Comprendes was after that. All this and more can be found on the Christie website and Jeff Christie's Facenook page.

[@alecyoungman2123]

Jeff Christie great song

[@jacks7461]

Such a great song. Made the radio an amazin place in the 70's. Sound of my childhood.Thank you.x

[@PDH17]

Great song beautiful voice ...my late father Peter loved this song & use to sing it in his act back in the 70's so I thank you sir ! * ..PDH.

[@jorgelopezguzman6024]

Gracias, desconocía que existiera una versión en español, Thanks a lot

[@mcirek]

It was the first real western LP I saw and heard as a boy in my life. It was officialy pressed behind the iron curtain, in Poland - a miracle (I was not aware of at all)! How come?! I loved the whole album. I still do play it from time to time. Thanks for the music, Jeff!!

[@elviamendez736]

Hola desde Puebla México. Desde hace 50 años yo los he escuchado desde los tremelos .me encantan muy guapos todos ellos . desde siempre los amo.

[@at90percent]

This song to me is a statement that the English & Americans still have a kindred spirit. I would never have thought this totally American song was written and performed by an Englishman.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Also : two other great Vietnam songs : Reflections Of my Life by Marmalade. And; He Ain't Heavy ( the Hollies )

[@helciomazzuco4422]

A huge hit here in Brazil...1970, the best year for good pop music, ever!

[@carolynevers7924]

Christie---An old soul. He recognized the era of the Civil War, even though he was not OF that era....but still, he recognized it and wrote this incredible song.

[@BOLOJAB]

+Carolyn Evers :I'm not disagreeing with you - but here's a different take on the song. --- Even tho Christie says the song was about a Civil War Confederate soldier - the parallels to the Vietnam War GI are very real. #1 "So long boy you can take my place" -, ( GI's were rotated from Nam when their year was up- usually replaced by someone.) #2 "Got my papers and got my pay." - (Papers = military orders for stateside.) #3 " Put my gun down the war is won." ( can't figure that one out . As neither Vietnam War was won by US. nor the Civil war was won by the Confederates.?) ----- #4 Timeframe of the song was during the latter stages of the US Vietnam War ( " put my gun down ..." ; " Cannon fire lingers in my mind...") A lot of Nam GI's can definitely relate to this song.

[@sonnylim2179]

Great memory, great song. Love the driving rolling beat! Thank you for this, Jeff Christie.

[@nukevolt6020]

Шикарная песня моего детства!!! Спасибо дружище!!!!

[@prout3452]

Cпасибо ребятам за работу, песня на все времена. Как услышу, так в молодость провалюсь. Evergreen

[@jerryhayes2351]

USA here. I didn't realize this was covered by so many, in so many countries!

[@GaryChambers-p5m]

Wow, never knew the history of this song. So Glad Jeff recorded it. I still listen to the song today. God bless...✝☮💖💛

[@diehardhushfan]

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that I have always loved Yellow River. It's one of my all time favorites Thank you for writing it. Thank God the Tremeloes didnt release it as then we would not have the Christie version. Here in Australia it was covered by a band called Autumn, I think both version's charted here at the same time. But I liked your version better and still listen and sing along to it to this day.Thanks mate

[@California6567]

A true 70s CLASSIC pop song. I loved it here in 1970. Still love it today.

[@keithjones2396]

I love that song ,Still play it regularly and loudly

[@altoncrane9714]

Fantastic song, a legendary number.

[@kerrypartridge5161]

I love this song. Our australian band Autumn did a great version of your song. Love it still all these years later

[@Katsem]

I enjoyed this very much. And I love your song. You sing it best. What an interesting story.

[@larryrosenthal4650]

i was just a kid when this came out 14 or so but how strong my feelings are to re-hear it. i remember all the feelings of sadness and grief related to the Vietnam war. Such a time of great sadness and regret which the song seemed to encapsulate. thank you for such an amazing work of art . Can never forget how perfectly it summarized the feelings of our generation and what they were called upon to sacrifice

[@jameswest6410]

This was the very first song I learned in my first band when I was in grade 7. I still love this song!

[@susanleitch8649]

I never knew that one of my favourite songs was an English song! I thought it was American!! For decades! Stunned! And chuffed 😊

[@frankalegria5041]

all vets no matter from what war you were in it still relates to a soldier going home

[@CarolinaMarchesano]

GOOD MEMORIES FROM THE PAST.... THANK YOU CHRISTIE!!

[@paulcolucci.jcolucci2360]

the song was very underrated for what it is trancends the times well done lads

[@benitoherrero3895]

I listen this song in the earliest 70 in my neighborhood billiards in Madrid, I was 12 then.