Early Morning Rain (Cover) - Gordon Lightfoot by Foxes & Fossils 

Thank You all for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed this one. Although I grew up a Southern Rock influenced guitarist (besides Beatles, and Classic,Symphonic Rock, of course) I think I am just a Balladeer at heart. That is where I am very comfortable. Here's to a better, healthy and safe 2021. Thanks for listening to us, F and F, and everything inbetween!

Darwin is a dear friend and colleague, and he just nails this.. And not to take anything away from him, but take a moment and notice Johnny playing bass, with kick and hats going at the same time. And Tim nailing the rhythm backing and harmonies perfectly. This band is full of such amazing musicianship.

As I revisit this RU-vid page and performance, I want to reiterate my appreciation for all of the kind words and comments re: 'Early Mornin' Rain'. As I previously mentioned, a lifetime of Music, mostly in the Southern Rock genre, has led me to the awareness and knowledge that as I've aged, so has my style changed.(in a positive way, and I hope you all agree) These days I'm more of a Wandering ('Wondering') Minstrel. And I'm ok with that and hope you all are too. THANKS VERY MUCH!

Let's give a shout out to Tim for how outstanding the sound quality and mixing are on the F&F videos.

Today we lost Gordon Lightfoot, may he rest in peace while his music lives on. Thanks F & F for this tribute to Gordon.

This is the first time I've heard Darwin sing solo. He is always a part of the back up singers doing harmony. Darwin you have a beautiful voice. You guys are amazing...the Foxes too.

I would pay money to sit and listen to these guys even if the foxes aren’t there. So much more talent than that new age crap! Cheers.

As a young Second Lieutenant, I sat in the waiting room at the airport at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, one cold, dark morning in February 1971, and watched a long line of even younger soldiers slowly working their way out the door toward the aircraft waiting to take them to Viet Nam. This song and also "Leavin' On A Jet Plane" both played at one point or another. The expressions on their faces were so sad that It was almost more than I could bear to see. I was on my way to Germany. Lucky me. Damned lucky. 24 months later, I got to come home alive and in one piece. I still wonder how many of those young men I watched that day didn't.

Rest in peace to the late great Gordon Lightfoot. A Canadian treasure that you guys so beautifully honoured in this unbelievably beautiful rendition.

Frickin' Pros make it look so easy, don't they?? Absolutely... First Rate.

The thing that gets me? Most the folks watching this group, and the girls when they on stage, don't realize the greatness they are watching.

R.I.P Gordon Lightfoot. I've tried to find performances that pay the best kind of tribute to him, but I just keep coing back to this one.

The Foxes all have voices of angels but the guys are damn good also, that is what makes their harmonies so fantastic. Huge fan

That man can sing!!! love that voice. And I am blown away by his guitar playing!!!!!!!!

I'm closing in on 70yrs old and I wanted to tell you guys I simply can't get enough! I sit on the couch with my tablet and headphones and play your music over and over. Im fortunate to have stumbled on your work! Thank you!

Gordon Lightfoot would be proud....lovely version.

What a beautiful voice, I could listen to him forever ...

A quartet of three. One of the best covers of this Lightfoot classic.

I’m Canadian too and have seen Gordon Lightfoot in concert a few times. I think Gordon would definitely approve of this version of his song. Well done gentlemen.👍👍

Darwin does such a beautiful job. The feeling he puts into this song sounds like he’s actually sitting in the early morning rain with a dollar in his hand.

I very much enjoy listening to you sing, Darwin. I'm 68 and somehow this just suits me. Thank you.

Let’s hear it for the Fossils! Great job guys.

I almost feel guilty for adding my two cents here, but I was one of the lucky group that got to witness this event in person. I had just gotten out of the hospital from major surgery , and to say the evening of pure joy and great music was a gift would be a gross under statement. Sorry most of you only get to hear this short excerpt from a wonderful experience, It was just what an old man needed. A great big thanks to all the F&F. (Including the pretty ones)

This brings sunshine to my Scottish ears...Perfection!

FYI, that brick building in the background is where Tim and Darwin went to high school. At that time it was Hapeville High School. It's an elementary school now. Tim quarterbacked the football team and he and Darwin were playing together back then as well. Annnnddddd a very special thank you to Darwin for serving as my best man last Saturday when I married my new wifey Heidi!

Tim's almost constant smile during this song says a lot about his love for his old friend, Darwin, and his love for what he is doing. This is what makes a great performance- musicians who love each other and what they are doing.

Best rendition I’ve ever heard

Darwin .. stands in the background for 20 years .. and He can sing like Willie!!! Plays like anyone !!! Like the Best! Sings the Same! Salute Dar!!! L U !!

I don't think I've ever seen anyone playing drums with their feet while playing a bass with their hands. Way to go, Johnny!

What a beautiful rendition of Early Morning Rain, well done Darwin, Thank you to all you fossils, nice work..

simply takes this Gordon Lightfoot classic to another level.... MY WORD !!

I so love Darwin's voice , not to mention his superb guitar work.

Grew up right down Stewart Ave. from Y'all. Went to St. Johns Church and graduated From Sylvan HS in 66. Ate at Bill's, Old Hickory and of course the Dwarf House. A great song bringing back lots of memories. Well done by all!

Darwin is a cross between smooth voiced Glen Campbell and Willy Nelson. The best of both

The talent bench strength of this group astounds.

This song never gets old. The talent on that stage is amazing!!!!

On November 7, 1989 I became sober. And on that day I listened to Gordon Lightfoot's rendition of this song for the entire day... from waking up to going to sleep. I set the CD player to repeat and hung on for dear life. It did the job. There but for the grace of God, that would have been me in the early morning rain.

Holy moly... These "Fossils Only" tunes are outstanding! Darwin's singing and vocal tone are just beautiful and so gentle and comforting, and then he picks a lead guitar part that is just spectacular. What talent. Not even mentioning Johnny playing bass and drums simultaneously. Once again, great job guys!

I first commented 7 months ago on this cover of Gordon Lightfoots’ song. I have never posted a second comment ever. I have been a F&F fan for many years. I have to admit there is something special about this cover song. Maybe it’s the way Darwin, Tim and Johnny just blend their talents so seamlessly. I find I keep revisiting this video because I so enjoy Darwin’s version, even better than the original. Those ladies are mighty sweet and sing like angels, but when I hear this song I say get those talented fossils in more of these type songs out there on video.

Excellent. I would like to hear a Fossil rendition of Lightfoot's "Sun Down" - might include the Foxes 😊

In Army Special Forces training 40 years ago, one of our NCOs turned this into a marching cadence. For 10 minutes I was 19 again.

This performance is my absolute favorite cover of this song, past and present!

I don't think I've come across such a brilliant and versatile group of musicians since the Eagles. Just like the Eagles the musical chemistry works sublimely too.

Sammie , so nice to see you , you're beautiful as ever , so you getting ready to go back to campus to finish your Master Degree. Sammie be safe if you do, love ya girl💜💋🤗. Tim the 3 of you guys sound fantastic as per usual, can't wait to hear more , the best independent group I have listened to, Foxes and Fossils, completely the best. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💜🎸🎙🎼👍👍👍☮😎👏👏👏

I had the immense pleasure of watching Gordon sing this on a BBC radio programme called 'Folk on Friday'...probably on the same show as Julie Felix. Magnificent!

And once again Darwin demonstrates why its well worth keeping him around. Great voice and wonderful guitar work as usual, and always a special treat to listen to one of those Darwin solos. Had no idea Johnny plays bass - AND plays drums at the same time!

Playing the drums and a bass at the same time.

Ahhhh, this is like my 5 time watching/listening to this over the last few months and I only just realized the bass player is simultaneously the drummer! Awesome!

Fabulous song! Darwin has the perfect voice and the guitar licks to cover this song beautifully.

Fossils turning back time with some Gordon Lightfoot! Wonderful performance, and it sounded amazing!👏👏🙏🎶

Legend has it that Gordon Lightfoot wrote this song in Goose Bay Labrador , a military town in the north of my home province. This, I think, is my favourite version outside of the original recording by Mr. Lightfoot himself. Well done gentlemen

I'm Canadian, so I've listened to a fair bit of Gordon Lightfoot, attended his concerts over decades, heard many of my contemporaries cover him. This rendition is as faithful to the spirit of the song as any I've heard. Nice job on the vocal, Darwin, and the lead was simply outstanding. And Johnny Pike, the one-man rhythm section, really kept the feel of the song in a nice pocket. This is really fun to listen to.

Best version of Early Morning Rain I have ever heard including Peter Paul & Mary and Elvis. Fantastic job! Thank You.

Best rendition of Early Morning Rain on RU-vid! I just noticed the drummer playing an electric guitar while keeping time. As a drummer, I admire his talent!

Darwin, You should be Awarded a Grammy for this Performance! Phenomenal!

Darwin has a great voice!! Have him do some more lead singing/solos!! Yee haw!! Great band!!!!

I have always loved Gordon Lightfoot's story songs, like "Song for a Winter's Night" or "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." I am happy to hear that Darwin and F&F love Gordon too, and have produced a terrific new version. I have enjoyed F&F music so much lately(especially "the Waiting"), that it is time to hit the tip jar so they can keep making great music!

Ironic to play a Canadian icon's song for your July 4th ... As a Canadian , I approve!!

Not much music gives me chills and/or brings me to tears...but yours? Exquisite!

Thank your for the great gift of a talented singer with a well selected song.

Good God Almighty, that was great. One on my favorite songs, mainly because my father played it a million times on our old cheap stereo. Darwin did a great job on that on vocals and guitar. Tim's background singing game it depth. If the "crisii," ever ends I'm coming to Hapeville or where ever to see yall. That's a great deal of talent on that stage. Everybody be well and be safe.

Beautiful performance. I'm really impressed with Johnny playing bass and drums at the same time! So crazy much talent in this group.

Love this song, I used to sing it with my brother, he left me to sing it in a different Plain of existence, I know he still sings and writes. Hello Hapeville Ga , live up in Gainesville most of my young adulthood. Enjoyed this very much, brought tears and memories.

I like this rendition the best of any other rendition of this song. Darwin, Johnny and Tim did a marvelous job of a great classic song.

Tim is an awesome multi-talented architect of F&F but also a band member/leader of the Mustangs and is the production genius of video/audio .. Darwin has always had focus on music but also had a day job career too .. this video makes it clear what leads the F&F Band and it's stunning to watch them give selflessly the front credit to each of the foxes in their own way .. they're family without ego dividing them .. and a musical group that are beyond pro .. they are a unique production factory of music industry masters that are not controlled by the music industry .. thanks to all of them

The great elderly gentleman who sings in Early Morning Rain is a wonderful guitar player and sings so great. He has a wonderful vloice and plays so well. He is really wonderful singing this great song. Thank you so much for your effort here kind gent. Ray C. Florida

Been lovin Foxes and Fossils for awhile now........never thought I could like something without any of the foxes on board.. but boy was I wrong.... Darwin did the best version of this song I have ever heard...goosebumbs for a 70+ guy....... just a totally enjoyable song to relax and listen to.... :))) Thank YOu!

Absolutely sublime. They are always on rhythm, tight as a stretched rubber band. Their cover brings an extra bounce to a Lightfoot classic. Just as good, or maybe better, than the original. Perfect guitar work as always, and they bring a special touch to a song that's been covered God knows how many times. And you deserve a bigger audience, for crying out loud! I live near the Wolftrap Park for the Performing Arts. They should book you - a perfect venue. We need to get past this pandemic, unfortunately.

Love seeing johnny "help me help me" pike playing bass and drums at the same time - always keeping the beat and rythym going!

Darwin is absolutely awesome with vocals and musicianship!

Dude plays like Gordon Lightfoot and sings a little like Willie Nelson.. Loved it! ..great job!

Darwin does a wonderful job of Gordon's song. His fingerpicking style fits the song nicely. His voice compliments the lyrics perfect. Great job! Like to hear more stuff like this from him.😊

I'm not new to F&F. I've always been intrigued by the talent - both from the Foxes and the Fossils. But I keep coming back to this song, and the more I listen to it, the more I realize that Darwin is the unsung hero in this band. He has a special quality in his voice, and his guitars have always been magic. I agree with some others... his voice needs to be heard more. But, the combined talent of these three gents is unbelievably hard to beat. Thanks for another great one.... and such a beautiful song.

What a stunning voice.Its a brilliant cover.

I want every single ounce of your music, every song, every note, every voice, player and instrument. My greatest find of the decade... sad it took me so long!!!! Love each one of you fir the joy your music brings every single time!!!!!

The sound quality sends shivers down the spine. An exceptional cover of this Lightfoot standard. Thanks Fossils!

performed with such depth and graciousness....he makes it his own

Loved it! Excellent rendition and the guitar solo at the bridge was superb. The relentless driving beat of the drum and the bass were fantastic as well. It is rare when I find a cover of a Lightfoot song to be better than his own version, but this is one of those.

Sitting on my porch in Stanwood Washington listening to the Fossils and content as can be. Thanks guys.

When I listen to this I feel I’m walking down a quiet road, misty rain falling, reflecting on how nice this song sounds.

Dogs couple of old guys like me.. Got back from Vietnam, sat at pub in Aggieville in Manhattan Ks. Drinking 3.2 beer listening to this song... Tears running my face.... Still touches my spirit..

I listen to this song two or three times a week, just love it!!!

Darwin's picking is nonpareil, and his voice on this is smooth and sad and fits perfectly.

Just found this one today. I am a long time Lightfoot fan. Excellent version.

Tim's smile is still infectious, Darwin's singing and picking is uplifting and Johnny's basses keep the beat going long after the song. Thanks Guys I need this kind of fix these days but I still miss the foxes, they made me feel young again and I can hear how they'd harmonize in the back ground.

Wow, he's an amazing singer and that guitar playing! Wow! What a beautiful cover. These men are so talented.

Great cover.. amazing talent. Extra Kudos to bass player managing kick drum & cymbals

The big man is crazily talented!!

Darwin makes a valuable contribution in all the F&F performances but he really shines in this one, as he does in SJBE.

First heard this working at a Med-Evac unit in 1969, and every time I hear it my mind goes back to the great folks I worked with and the wounded that we tried to take good care of- God Bless them All

i’ve turned to youtube rather than news. and now sports too. although i’ve listened to new and very old music, i come back to these guys every night. every night. they’re talented, humble and i am saving my airline miles to fly wherever they next perform. thank you!!

To all Vets that have made comments on here... God Bless You. Thanks especially to the Viet Nam Vets that did what no one... absolutely no one wanted to do. The crap you put up with after you came home we still should be apologizing for. I've heard the stories from everyone from a private to a Brig General and the stories are all the same... one of if the not the saddest days of our country when you men came home and to get treated like xxxx. Please remember that many many of us sincerely appreciate what you all have done to serve our country. If it wasn't for what many of you did, I wouldn't get to do what I do... it's that simple. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Foxes & Fossils once again did another great job. Have become a great fan and always enjoy the overwhelming talent. Keep it up... and again thank you Vets. God Bless Ya.

I was born in Detroit, and lived nearby until 12. My father was a part-time musician and played Lightfoot all the time in bars and conferences. I started playing this song when I was 10. Such an impression; I actually could play every song on his first three records. Still play "Oh Linda" which he didn't write but did a haunting version of. When I play it in public they go, :"that was cool, WTF did that come from?". Exactly.

I listen to this track at least once a week (alternating with Don’t Worry Baby). Darwin just kills it! Great voice and amazing guitar chops. Please don’t stop.

I like this version better than the original. Great job.

Pure excellence is all I can say and that from a musco that's been gigging nearly 50 years.

I keep returning to this performance. Soooo good!

Can we have more of him? Darwin’s beautiful voice just soothes my heart.

Can't help hearing the sweet sound of Willy Nelson himself come thru at times. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing this, guys!

Hope for better days for humanity. Love from 🇨🇦 Canada ❤️