Although Stephen Foster wrote this song in 1851, it wasn't published until 1860 a few years after the actual Glendy Burk steamboat sank near Cairo, Illinois. The boat was named after a mayor in New Orleans, Glendy Burke.
Though not his hardest song to find, putting the bounce and feel to the song, and not singing opera, really does the song proud. I've said so many times that you put Mark Twain into Stephen Foster.
Great job Tom! This looks a lot like the kind of videos I make, the only difference was your fantastic use of real life footage that you masterfully mixed in. Perhaps we can collaborate sometime.
This song is totally new to me, never even heard the title, so a nice treat! Delightfully catchy, containing the old Foster magic. Great visuals, too. Ah, those were the days, weren't they?
I recall a scene in the TV miniseries, "North and South" back in the mid-1980's where the Yankee soldiers were singing this in their camp. This song was in our 3rd or 4th grade music books when I was in elementary school. The year was either 1958 or 1959.
What a great version Tom. Always enjoy listening to your renditions and have recommended you a few times on my own channel when Stephen Foster comes into a discussion.
Tom, Do you have or have you seen any actual photo of the Glendy Burke? I was friends with John Hartford for many years but never asked him. He would probably have known if any exist. I asked Bob Carlin, but he was unable to dig any up. Thanks!
