Joe Nichols performs a cover of Merle Haggard's "If I Could Only Fly" at the Country 97.1 HANK FM studios in downtown Indianapolis for a special group of listeners!
I don't listen to much country music and have never heard this singer, but John Prine said some good things about the songwriter, Blaze Foley, and this song, so here I am, listening to this. The very first syllable he sang got me right in the gut with its beauty and resonance. A voice like that is a gift from God, Joe Nichols -- use it well and may the world hear you.
Blaze Foley is worth checking out - songs like If I could Only Fly and Clay Pigeons are classics, and when John prime says he wished he'd written them you just know they're good!
This is actually Blaze Foley's song, but Merle made it famous. Joe N. is one of those few country singers, as well as Merle, that can make you feel the words. Thanks for sharing this video!
Why do the Karen’s always have to show what they know we all know that this is a blaze song, but Merle Haggard sing it and made it great you don’t have to tell people what they already know
You got to admit, a great voice. He's got talent as well as looks. Todays country isn't country, it's marketable crap. Joe can sing and he makes it soulful. Well done.
It’s sad that songs like this, with a simple arrangement, will never see the light of day on today’s country radio. The stuff I hear now I call “ bubble gum” country.
I agree on that 100%. Joe Nichols is so damn good, one of the best country singers ever imo and sadly forgotten. And as you said, man the guitars are so beautiful and the one guitarist is laying down some beautiful background vocals
Nice job on the Blaze song by Joe, a very accomplished singer. Please notice the kaypo position on the two guitars. Those two fellows are playing this beautiful music cross-corded. Thats why it is so beautiful. Every time i listen brings tears. An absolutely beautiful rendition.
I sure can relate to what you said about your wife. My husband passed away in February this year. We listened to this song many times. God I miss him more everyday. Do the tears ever stop?? This is a very good cover. I think Hag would agree.
Joe Nichols has one of, if not the best voice in country music today. Unfortunately most of his album cuts are produced to appeal to country radio and really don't do his talent justice
Lost my little brother to brain cancer when he was 37 12 years ago and I have been a very lonely person since I lost him he was my best and brother love and miss you GARY More anybody could every image
He'sa wonderful Country singers and one of the best got the voice is so gorgeous to sing should be singing some more beautiful songs got the voice.hope he never give up singing.
A true natural God given talent. He can write as well as he sings. And he has the most powerful heart felt song's of any other artist no matter what the genre. Love him, his heart, his music.
This is the best version of a fabulous song. It has been covered by numerous artists but this is quite brilliant. Blaze will be smiling in his place of rest. Gerry Farry
Beautiful job! I was lucky enough to see him in an intimate little venue in Charlotte County Florida with a couple of other performers. Out of all the huge concerts I've attended in my (long) life, it was the best. He is special and they were hilarious together on that little stage. Also, very easy on the eyes!! 😁 Thank you Joe for a great and intimate concert under the stars!!
If I Could Only Fly is the fiftieth studio album by American country singer Merle Haggard, released in 2000. The title song was written by Texas songwriter Blaze Foley. It reached number 26 on the Billboard Country albums chart.[1] Merle did a nice job - but, rest his soul, Blaze Foley wrote this beautiful song
I watched a video of Merle, claiming that he wrote the song. No matter who wrote it, it is beautiful and both of them (Merle and Joe) have done awesome jobs with the delivery of such a heartfelt song and perfect melody. Truly an American treasure of great talent by all who put it all together.
A very nice version of the Blaze Foley song. Joe Nichols has Merle Haggard like timbre for sure. I never get tired of listening to this song no matter who is doing it. Willie Nelson does it great as well on Seashores of Old Mexico album.
i was NOT exepecting to like this cover, im a huge merle haggard fan, he did a great job with this. stayed really true to how merle sings, good job makin me feel the lyrics almost like merle does.
Good Lord !!! That’s an amazing song and an amazing voice singing it and two amazing guitarists playing and the harmony is just right!!!! Blaze and Merle are both very proud of you guys !! What a simple but perfect performance!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Lyric’s :I almost felt you touching me just now I wish I knew which way to turn and go I feel so good, and then then I feel so bad I wonder what I ought to do If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye, to come and be with you But I can hardly stand, and I got no where to run Another sinking sun, and one more lonely night The wind keeps blowing somewhere everyday Tell me things get better, somewhere, up the way Just dismal thiking on a dismal day Sad songs for us to bare If I could only fly If we could only fly If we could only fly There'd be no more lonely nights You know sometimes I write happy songs Then some little thing goes wrong I wish they all could make you smile Coming home soon and I wanna stay Maybe we can somehow get away I wish you could come with me when I go again If I could only fly, if I could only fly I'd bid this place goodbye, to come and be with you But I can hardly stand, and I got no where to run Another sinking sun, and one more lonely night
What a great talent and has a great voice that comes with his personality second to none and keep his mind in it from start to finish Think how hard this is to do!!!!!!
Joe is one to fill big shoes I saw him in yuma ariz in 2005 and it was hot that night in yuma and very muggy now if you have been fishing in 119 degrees it's hot when he came here he couldn't hit his high notes because of the heat but he is one of the best singers I've ever heard among all the rest of them god bless joe Nichols
Yes, I know Blaze wrote this, but the fact is, I cried like a little girl thinking about my wife who passed away last November, and as long as the performer can evoke some emotion from you, they have succeeded in the songs light..
