Donny Gerrard - lead vocal || BJ Cook - back vocals || Carl Graves - back vocals || Alan Mix - guitar || David Foster - keyboards || Steve Pugsley - bass || Brian Hilton - drums
still here. This came out during my third year of university. Dating the first woman I ever really loved. More than 50 years later it's a beautiful song. A one hit wonder for David Foster's band, but an great contribution to the music of the day.
Hi.. I was there and can tell you exactly how Wildflower came to be. Dave was madly in love with his beautiful wife, and she was a nurse, when she would come home from a day or sickness and sadness, she would cry and tell him how hard it was and how helpless she felt at times. He wrote this poem for her, to lift her spirits and to let her know how much he appreciated her tireless dedication.. Dave brought the lyrics over to us at a band rehearsal.. and left them on the piano, when we took a break, I picked them up, read them and started bawling, I thought he had written them for, me! Which is why it's a killer song, everyone can relate, everyone takes it personally.. but the person who was really inspired was Doug Edwards, who wrote that incredible melody.. However, the Triple D Trio.. Donny, Doug, and Dave is why that song is timeless, not to mention the brilliant arrangement by David Foster.. Skylark, a one hit wonder, but what a band and what a song!
I just love the lines "Sleep is the only freedom she knows" and "She's always paying for a debt she never owed". As as a hospice volunteer I often share this with staff. Glad to get the back story here directly from you. Originally I thought it was about something totally different.
BJ, you are awesome! Thank you very much for this fantastic music. This song brings tears every time I hear this... so beautiful. Only a troll would thumb down this video.
Thanks for the story behind the song. It makes it even more beautiful. Its one my all time favorite songs. Man that kid could sing! And so effortlessly!
Sorry for your loss. I lost my dad in 2021. He was only parent when my mom gave up custody when they divorced. He sang this song to me all the time. So blessed to be his wildflower.
Dear I'm 54 years old and this is my all-time favorite song, my babysitter Cathy have me an orange transistor radio with a m. only and it was in 77 for my 13th birthday and this was the very first song I heard on it and has never left my ears darlin' it's just a perfect poem from a cop to his girlfriend !!! Awesome music back when we were young!!!!
I was born nowhere near the 70's when this song came out. I actually found out about this song from a drama airing this year as "Wildflower." I'm so glad that they're bringing back such good music from the 70's for youth like me to realize.
This song always reminds me of my. Mother. Since I was 17, now I'm 61. One Christmas I had it copied into a CD and gave it to hr. Later that night when she heard it, she called and said thank you and said that that was probably the most beautiful heart felt gift ever, and now she knows that I know her. She just died last Friday and I'm hoping to play it at her service
This piece stopped me in my tracks when I heard it first, it cut through my young soul - it was 1972 and I was 21, I felt so old and yet I knew I should I feel young. Now at 68, my old-young heart is still reaching for the understanding that these lyrics said was out there, somewhere. The lead voice - oh, my!
I am very proud that Wildflower has had over a million hits, which only proves that a good song is timeless. It's a beautiful song, song by Donny Gerrard and his amazingly distinctive sound, it was perfect.. and then add David Foster to the mix.. Donny is currently on the road with Mavis Staples. Congratulations to all the killer musicians who played with us in Skylark.. you will always be, my boys of summer!
Thank you for commenting BJ! I don't know if you folks realize this, but BJ is an original member of Skylark! What a treat for her to grace us with her presence!
Nicholas Jackson NIcholas, thanks for the kind words.. We did two songs when we didi the Midnight Special. Donny did Wildflower and I did Woodstock.. check it out..it's on youtube as well. I am 8 1/2 months preg with Amy.. who by the way, is a killer song writer, she has written all Michael Buble's hits.. Happy New Year..
Bj Cook I Love you skylark.All these years later and I still go numb when I hear Donny sing those beautiful words.A true standout that will always continue to blow me away.
I think back to when I was incarcerated in a California Prison. An Oldie night would be on. KJLH with Mr. Sandman. The fellas would gather an listen. The Silence that overcame us when this song was played was amazing. Everyone in their own Realm of Reminiscence. Eyes looking into what others couldn't. This Song always brings my Soul to Life within. True Classic.😎🇲🇽
Donny Gerrard continues to be one of my favourite singers.. a true Canadian treasure. Listening to that track, I think it's safe to use the word, timeless. The other wonderful thing about Skylark was that we sounded as good live, and on that record. No gimmicks just a good sound system and some really good players, making really good music! Unlike the Grammicks!
Smith WilliamN Really? You don't like that vintage flower print? LOL Yes it's long gone.. however, I know for a fact that Donny Gerrard still has that entire outfit that he's wearing... I'm sure he doesn't wear it while out on the road with Mavis Staples, but it's tucked away in a safe place... LOL
As touching a song you will ever hear, anyone who feels it is reminded of someone close to them. My dedication is to my sister, who loved and lived this song in the 70's, I still get goose bumps. BJ Cook, it is certainly wonderful to see you still alive and kicking here with your comments. I read you were pregnant at this moment here, so everyone please stop "picking" on her dress (ha!) Speaking of clothes how about Carl Graves' outfit! BJ your backing vocals were splendid AND you are correct, one hit but still a beauty & timeless, thanks for the memories!
O.K. flowers for the song versus plaid. Those sleeves are what killed it for me. Looks like B.J. should be the dealer in Kenny Rogers the Gambler. Kind of 1880's saloon dealer look. Still love the vocals and emotion of the song. This is one you know from the start, who sings it as well as where you first heard it. Always puts back in a certain place in time.
Hey Fashion Police. it was 1973, I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, trust me for the time, we were 'cool' .. Of course we all laugh when we look at those pic now.. but hey, we were on the Midnight Special, so who gives a F*ck what we are wearing, we sounded amazing!
Whenever I hear this song, I start to cry. My daughter passed away last September and this song truly reminds me of her. Sleep was indeed the only freedom that she knew! Rest in peace my beautiful daughter ...Mom xxx
I do not have enough words to describe how bloody good this song is, from the words to the music. And to think this version here was recorded live. Bravo.
I still own my 45 record of this song…bought it as a young teen. So delicate and soulful. At the time, I had no idea how powerful these lyrics were. Now, as a mom and wife, I think it's more of a quiet anthem. And, now, reading about the backstory, I love it even more.
Thanks very much for this nice song, It reminds me of my wife Sofia, a sweet and dainty flower I had for a wife of a year and 76 days, taken by a very quick illness. She had some problems and a sweet way about her. I was so well blessed by Jesus to have known her.
I wasnt born yet but i thank my dad for embedding me with awesome music of this era. Im 36 and rather listen to good stories sung effortlessly than some of the stuff i hear today...this is a fave of mine !
+Tiger Bos There is nothing wrong with them. They might be randomly looking for any better rendition and it just so happened that they didn't like this one.
+Monica Bahaghari There's no better rendition..............the rest are just covers of this great classic. The guitar in this was totally ad libbed/improved and the recording engineer just happened to tape it at that time.
This is the first song that popped on the radio after my mom died at the age of 59. I cried almost constantly, but this song comforted me right away. It's like I can feel and touch my mom when I'm listening to Wildflower.
We considered having this song played at the ending of my mom's funeral service. We changed our mind at the last minute. It was a collective decision. Now I regret it. I sing this song at Karaoke and in my mind, it's devoted to her.
When I first heard as a child, I liked it instantly and now as an adult, I appreciate this fine song. The vocals are clear, the harmonizing is amazing and the instruments compliments the song. Excellent and great post.
😮. OMG! I thought Newbirth sang the original song! Wow! Learn something new everyday! It’s a wonderful song! Newbirth definitely did a marvelous job with it! ❤
I have heard other artist sing this song and so far they can't hold a candle to this group. I was in 21 when this song hit the charts and going through some pretty tough times and sleep was the only peace I had. I wasn't depressed I was just weary. This song also brought me peace And I can honestly say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And songs like this can pull you through. I thank God for the countless songs that have pulled me out of the darkness. : )
What a wildly successful song. Must have heard it many times in the 70s. I recently heard the song and was pleasantly reminded how good a song it was and still is.
It brings me back in time to the 60s and early 70s whenever I hear it. Music has just a amazing way of allowing one to go back in time and remember exactly where you were decades after hearing songs like this. Could you imagine a life without music?
This love song is one of those few timeless classics that speaks to our hearts on a much deeper level. We don't hear too often about a relationship in song that shows empathy to a soul who is really hurting and wanting to soothe their suffering. G&R's 'Sweet Child O' Mine' or Hootie's 'Let Her Cry' render these tender feelings about a lover whose life has seen suffering, addiction etc and you're incapable of helping. We should all learn to feel such self sacrificing love for someone. Thank you Skylark.
if anyone recognizes the name David Foster, the famous Canadian musical genius/producer,singer/songwriter/musical mentor to some of the world's biggest stars, then this is him in his very first band. just a bit of musical history for you.....
To me, perhaps the greatest song ever written. It’s just so beautiful, and the melody is like being in a beautiful trance and takes you away with it the whole song. I could never be without it….😌
ive never heard of this song before i heard my dad bust it out on karaoke many years ago. i heard the song again while my father in law was playing it last month and all i could hear was my dad's voice singing it. i didn't realize how tight my dad had this song on lockdown until i heard the original voice for the first time just last month. i miss my dad so much. he just passed away earlier this year. RIP dad
Sorry for the loss of your Dad. You have this wonderful memory of your Dad singing this song. This song is rich and deep with so much meaning--much like I imagine your Dad might have been like?
Well, .... just this moment I read though the comments and I am devastated to learn of Donnys death. I'm sitting here, with a coffee, like a stunned mullet. I remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard this song. As has been said, it is the soundtrack of many lives. Since I found this on RU-vid a long time ago, it has been on my daily playlist and I never will tire from listening to this song. I wish the very best to all those who have taken the time to indulge in this timeless piece of music. I also give thanks to Donny for his contribution through his music to so many lives he touched throughout the world.
I listened to this song thousands of times because like many of you, you have a gentle flower. I lost my flower 10/02/10 to scleroderma. Daylene, Brandon and I miss you so much. Please stay in our dreams. Lov ya
I am so inlove with Donny Gerrard and his timeless WILDFLOWER song that I listen and watch on you tube at least 5 x a day, if not not more....I just don't get tired of listening to Donny. BJ Cook your voice was amazing too in Woodstock. I wish to see Donny & BJ on Daryl's House RU-vid shows someday.
It has taken me days to figure out who sang this song 1st. I love the song and the group. I also love Blake Shelton's version. Great song, David Foster. You are iconic now in every way. So happy this was a starting point for you!!!
My wife and I was going through tough times, then this song came to me and taught me how I should treat a lady... Thanks for uploading this amazing song... I will always be grateful and this song helped me!!!
i agree with all thats been said here, one fabulous song, and the guys a great singer, couldn't have been sung any better, i so do miss the songs of yesteryear,
Terrific song. Great lyrics and melody. Donny has a beautiful voice and sings this song with alot of passion. I love BJ Cook's background singing. I really dig this song. It''s one of my all time favorites
Touches my heart that’s why I could never get this song out of my head plays over and over and over again. This song is created a time when music was music today I believe the music did just finish got songs that aren’t even music.
I was 16 years old on this song ! We party a lot in Philippines 🇵🇭 I love this song because you can dance the lady hand to hand ✋ Beautiful music to reckon .
My God how this Song MOVES ME ........Just like it did back then as STILL DOES TODAY! Their voices are Straight from the Angels, and Mama- MIA the backing Vocals.........SUBLIME!!! Does anyone know who wrote this MASTERPIECE? Anyways I really needed to hear this, My Everlasting Love and Thanks to ALL OF THE BAND........Simply FLAWLESS...........🎸❤
What an absolutely beautiful song and so sad about a young woman who has survived very difficult times and she was able to grow without external help. Timeless song. Rip donny Gerrard
The sound of a beautiful song I love it I've always loved it from a child after till now and I'm 43 years old and I'm still in love with it it's my anthem!
One of my all-time favorite songs. I love both the recorded and this live performance by Skylark. I saw the 1970s R&B group New Birth perform Wildflower and other songs in 1985. They sang with passion. It was a memorable body chilling experience.
I AGREE. THEY PRETEND AS IF IT WAS MADE BY NEW BIRTH, THE SINGER OF NEW BITH DISSED SKYLARK AS NON SINGERS AS IF THEY MADE THE SONG. NEW BIRTH WASNT THAT GREAT AND DIDNT DO THIS SONG ANY JUSTICE. IMO
They do! That is how I heard New Birth's version first. I love theirs! But this is the original, and it gets my respect because it is a beautiful love song!
Sorry for your loss Nancy. My brother who died used to play this song all the time. Not easy for me to hear this beautiful song, but life goes on ! Best song ever !
