I am getting ready to turn 60 yrs old and can remember this to be the sign off and the sign on tv channels years before cable when you had to have an outside antenna or a set of rabbit ears to pickup 3 or 4 local channels that were still in black and white, the phone system still had party lihes...a simpler time and where you sat at a kitchen table for dinner... thank you to who ever keeps these and other iconic times alive 😊
My dad would wake me up late at night for me to watch this with him when I was 10...he really loved it a lot and so did I. Just glad I get to see this after 40 years!!! It really is awesome.
I wish they still played the star spangled banner then this and then all would be safe and quiet so we could All get some rest and peace. "SIGN-OFF William Conrad reading High Flight by John Gillespie Magee (1986)" ua-cam.com/video/eU7r2nBmLFw/v-deo.html _______________________________ This lowered my blood pressure and made me sleepy. How we have forgotten pre-digital especially with sound. It's like going back in time to grandma's house. lol "TV Sign Off Collection - 1956 to 1975" ua-cam.com/video/x-F-IlxafJE/v-deo.html _______________________________ "HIGH FLIGHT-1960'S original" ua-cam.com/video/IoL-KCFbIpA/v-deo.html
My father served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam. He grew up idolizing the WW2 flight crews. As a boy he memorized this poem. He would recite this to my sister and I. After a while we had also memorized it. I stumbled across this and as I listened to it, I found myself repeating it with the narrator. What a great post!!
I love this. Absolutely beautiful. My dad always had the poem posted above his desk at home. Retired Lt Col. Bombardier / Navigator B-17 and B-47. Retired 1964 after 20 yrs service.
this is the first time i've seen this version with a T-38. Back in 69 i was stationed at Laredo AFB where i was a crew chief on T-38s. i grew up watching the version with the F-104 Starfighter.
When I was a kid growing up in Albuquerque the CBS station would air this along with a poem by st Francis. Then the tv would go to snow and white noise and I could go to sleep usually around 2am. Loved this I’d be the only one up and it felt like I was experiencing it all alone and just for me. First time I saw this I was six years old.
This is the version that I remember waking up to on WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh) late night after dosing off in front of the TV. I'd hear the jet take off and the music start. Then, I'd listen to those riveting words and watch the jet dance among the clouds before dragging myself to bed. It was a nice way to end my night. Thnx for the post!
Wright Patterson Air Force Museum (Dayton, Ohio) has a recording of John Gillespie Magee's mother reading his poem. When I first heard it during station sign off in the 70's, it deeply affected me emotionally that I memorized it, so even forty years later, I still get teary-eyed.
Yes. that was my grandmother, Faith Magee. my uncle John wrote the poem " High Flight". Thank you all for your beautiful comments. With great appreciation and blessings from the Magee family.
Thanks for posting this. I remember WEYI-TV, Channel 25 in Saginaw, Michigan, would run this version when they used to sign off on late Saturday nights (early Sunday mornings) after "Solid Gold" from 1986 to about 1991 for technical maintenence (WEYI broadcast 24/7 the rest of the week), This bought back a precious few nice memories of my post-college days; I graduated from college in June 1986 and was then trying to become established in the work force.
Best version on UA-cam. The video is clear and bright, and the audio uses the original music, unlike some of the newer versions with their synthesized disco themes.
My Dad was a Hump pilot and flew the Berlin Airlift with the "candy bomber". Flew P39's to Moscow over Siberia for the lend lease act and ended up over "fail safe" points prior to his retirement. I also was one to stay awake just to see this. Had it printed on his funeral cards along with a plaque with it on it placed on his casket Thanks for reminding us why we are safe. Many sacrifices by those guys, love em all Larry Maj USAF Ret
I remember listening to this late at night at the end of local channel broadcasting before cable, streaming, etc. came out, depending on which channel. Sometimes they would play "You'll Never Walk Alone" by The Lettermen or just play the National Anthem. At that point then go to sleep😴 or watch screen snow😵💫
I remember seeing this on KAKE-TV 10 in Wichita back in the 70's and again on KTUL-TV 8 in Tulsa during the early 80's. It still sends chills up my spine, which unfortunately due to family heredity and an injury in my early 20's derailed my dream of becoming a pilot.
I remember this version - it used to air on OETA in the early to mid-90's when I was 11 or 12. The majesty of the music, the sonorous quality of the reader's voice, the thought of boldly flying free through the sky, and touching the face of God inspired awe and sense of thrill [of course, I couldn't have explained that feeling in that way back then]. I loved it.
This brings back memories. I love this one and the f-104 signoff from the 60s. After this one there was made a signoff that featured a f-16, but I think it was shot with video tape as opposed to actually film, and did not look near as good the 104 & 38 signoffs.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,-and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God
Their are several versions of "High Flight", some good and some not so good. But this is the one I remember growing up with and is my favorite. Too bad television stations , especially local stations, don't use it anymore. I guess they are afraid they are going to offend someone!
As a kid, growing up in San Antonio in the 1960's, I would often watch this sign-off on Friday and Saturday nights, when my parents would let me stay up late (Also, the same poem featuring the F-104 aircraft, depending on which station you were watching). However, before station sign-off in the 60's and 70's, there was also a rendition of a song titled "Never Walk Alone." I have found many versions of that song online (UA-cam, Google and iTunes), but not the version I remember. It sounded like it was sung by a young collegiate male quartet. Anyone know who the singing group might be?
Be nice if they did TV sign offs like this today somewhere - something about the 24/7 state and lack of such inspirational moments from today's TV that makes it seem like the modern generation is missing out on something special.
John Gillespie Magee was an American who, before the US was in WWII, went to Canada to join the RCAF. He went to England to help fight off the daily Nazi air assaults. One day while testing a new high altitude (for 1940) Spitfire, this poem came to him. He wrote it on paper as soon as he touched down, and sent it in a letter to his wife. In 1941, he was killed in an mid air collision with another RAF pilot.
Hi, my uncle John wrote this poem. He was 19 at the time and unmarried. He sent it to my grandmother and grandfather the Rev John G Magee in Washington DC where my grandfather was curate of Saint John's Episcopal - The President's Church. A couple of months later Uncle John died in a spitfire collision over England. The poem was published in the church bulletin the following Sunday along with the announcement John had lost his life in the war. As it so happens, in the congregation that Sunday was Archibald MacLeish, the Librarian of Congress. He was so taken with the poem he made sure the world came to know about it. Thank you so much for your comment. God bless you from the Mager Family.
If this does not give you a slight chill, or at least raise a few hairs, then have someone check your pulse, cause you haven't lived yet till you can at least appreciate what these words mean to a great many people, let alone the author. Thank You, And R.I.P: Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941 . May you always have the wind in your favor. . .
I would get up and sneak into the living room at 5am before school while everyone was asleep circa 83 or 84 and this would start the go straight into intro of robotech
Thank you for posting; this video brought back some great memories of my childhood. However, the end of this clip seems to be an anachronism; to my knowledge, Dr. Phil was not on the air during the 1970s or 80s.
When you flew a Spitfire R. C. A. F. Written by a Canadian fighter pilot ,1941 / 1942 . U . S. A. F. Uses this poem written by a Canadian in W W 2 , 1941 . Flying a Spit Mark V . Thank you .
Hello, " High Flight" it was written by my uncle John G. Magee Jr.. He was not Canadian although he flew in the war for the RCAF.Because he was half British he was able to enlist. Thank you so much for your comment and prayers and blessings from the Magee family.
In south Texas 1970s, I remember a TV sign-off with You'll Never Walk Alone sounding something like Eddy Arnold or Matt Monroe, sounding a reverent mood, video of blue sky and clouds.... what sign off was this and WHO sang it??? Any one know?
ZAP....And you're back with Dr. Phil, in real america where you've got to be up in six hours and life is sh*t. "What would be wrong with saying, 'I'm smart, I'm healthy...I need to go to bed and not stay up until closedown, when the only people who appear to be awake are the US air force, and they get paid to be awake at this hour?"
@jupitr2 Do you remember what happened AFTER the poem was over and the the TV "signed off" for the night? Remember the Indian face plastered on the screen then a beeeeeeep soound? Also, do you know who wrote this, the young pilot killed in a training accident while serving over in England with the Royal Air Force--Francis McGee.
hello, this poem " High Flight" was written by my uncle, Pilot Officer John G Magee Jr. while flying for the RCAF a few months before he was killed in a Spitfire collusion over England where he is buried:
Any help reading the name on the pilots helmet - I can make out the first part - Scott - I remember watching this in the late 60's at my grandmothers house (black and white)
John Gillepsie MacGee Jr was only 20 yraers old I believe when he wrote this waiting for another call to fly his Spitfire during the Battle of Brittain. He didn't survive..... Was he not the only U.S. pilot lost? I may be wrong.
Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr was my uncle. he wrote this poem a few months before he died in a Spitfire collision over England where he is buried.
Actor William Conrad. Home was written by my uncle pilot officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr what's new for the RCAF and was killed in the war a few months after sending the poem to my grandparents in Washington DC
@@marthamagee2055Thanks. Very interesting. That actors voice sounds deeper to me as he was radio voice of The Lone Ranger and from TV series Cannon. Probably my first UA-cam comment so long ago. Thanks again.
Toxic SJW preachy ner-do-wells who love bad sci-fi shows on Twitter or social Media platforms are probably hate it but for me, the beautiful poem High Flight made my insecurities and impatience to be faded away and an Dr. Phil promo ruined it.
I am getting ready to turn 60 yrs old and can remember this to be the sign off and the sign on tv channels years before cable when you had to have an outside antenna or a set of rabbit ears to pickup 3 or 4 local channels that were still in black and white, the phone system still had party lihes...a simpler time and where you sat at a kitchen table for dinner... thank you to who ever keeps these and other iconic times alive 😊
Amen. Wish they bring this back
My dad would wake me up late at night for me to watch this with him when I was 10...he really loved it a lot and so did I. Just glad I get to see this after 40 years!!! It really is awesome.
I wish they still played the star spangled banner then this and then all would be safe and quiet so we could All get some rest and peace.
"SIGN-OFF William Conrad reading High Flight by John Gillespie Magee (1986)"
ua-cam.com/video/eU7r2nBmLFw/v-deo.html
_______________________________
This lowered my blood pressure and made me sleepy. How we have forgotten pre-digital especially with sound. It's like going back in time to grandma's house. lol
"TV Sign Off Collection - 1956 to 1975"
ua-cam.com/video/x-F-IlxafJE/v-deo.html
_______________________________
"HIGH FLIGHT-1960'S original"
ua-cam.com/video/IoL-KCFbIpA/v-deo.html
My father served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam. He grew up idolizing the WW2 flight crews. As a boy he memorized this poem. He would recite this to my sister and I. After a while we had also memorized it. I stumbled across this and as I listened to it, I found myself repeating it with the narrator. What a great post!!
High Flight has KABC
My uncle wrote this poem. Gid Bless You from the family of John Gillespie Magee Jr.
Children of today.....this is how we knew it was time to go to bed back in the day..............only the silent buzz of static and snow thereafter.
When I knew it was time to go to bed was when
Americas diamond came on KSAT at like 12 am
I love this. Absolutely beautiful. My dad always had the poem posted above his desk at home. Retired Lt Col. Bombardier / Navigator B-17 and B-47. Retired 1964 after 20 yrs service.
Wow....a salute to him, WWII and SAC !
this is the first time i've seen this version with a T-38. Back in 69 i was stationed at Laredo AFB where i was a crew chief on T-38s. i grew up watching the version with the F-104 Starfighter.
When I was a kid growing up in Albuquerque the CBS station would air this along with a poem by st Francis. Then the tv would go to snow and white noise and I could go to sleep usually around 2am.
Loved this I’d be the only one up and it felt like I was experiencing it all alone and just for me.
First time I saw this I was six years old.
Thank you. This was used on one of the TV stations from Cleveland, Ohio. This is my favorite version of this poem.
This is the version that I remember waking up to on WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh) late night after dosing off in front of the TV. I'd hear the jet take off and the music start. Then, I'd listen to those riveting words and watch the jet dance among the clouds before dragging myself to bed. It was a nice way to end my night. Thnx for the post!
Wright Patterson Air Force Museum (Dayton, Ohio) has a recording of John Gillespie Magee's mother reading his poem.
When I first heard it during station sign off in the 70's, it deeply affected me emotionally that I memorized it, so even forty years later, I still get teary-eyed.
wow..you've got it..you're an American
still brings a tear or two when I hear it. I remember those days, fondly.
7
X
Yes. that was my grandmother, Faith Magee. my uncle John wrote the poem " High Flight". Thank you all for your beautiful comments. With great appreciation and blessings from the Magee family.
Thanks for posting this.
I remember WEYI-TV, Channel 25 in Saginaw, Michigan, would run this version when they used to sign off on late Saturday nights (early Sunday mornings) after "Solid Gold" from 1986 to about 1991 for technical maintenence (WEYI broadcast 24/7 the rest of the week),
This bought back a precious few nice memories of my post-college days; I graduated from college in June 1986 and was then trying to become established in the work force.
Best version on UA-cam. The video is clear and bright, and the audio uses the original music, unlike some of the newer versions with their synthesized disco themes.
My Dad was a Hump pilot and flew the Berlin Airlift with the "candy bomber". Flew P39's to Moscow over Siberia for the lend lease act and ended up over "fail safe" points prior to his retirement.
I also was one to stay awake just to see this.
Had it printed on his funeral cards along with a plaque with it on it placed on his casket
Thanks for reminding us why we are safe. Many sacrifices by those guys, love em all
Larry
Maj USAF Ret
I remember listening to this late at night at the end of local channel broadcasting before cable, streaming, etc. came out, depending on which channel. Sometimes they would play "You'll Never Walk Alone" by The Lettermen or just play the National Anthem. At that point then go to sleep😴 or watch screen snow😵💫
I remember seeing this on KAKE-TV 10 in Wichita back in the 70's and again on KTUL-TV 8 in Tulsa during the early 80's. It still sends chills up my spine, which unfortunately due to family heredity and an injury in my early 20's derailed my dream of becoming a pilot.
I also remember this as a child when channel 8 out of Tulsa used this to sign off at night. I loved it then, and it has become my favorite poem.
Awww geee I was waiting for the snow at the end of the poem... Or the beep of the test pattern... That would have made it 100%
Or some mention of KSAT.
WOW..That brings back memories. My father was aircraft maintenance superintendent for the 3250 FTS from 67-69. Thanks for posting. /djg
I remember this version - it used to air on OETA in the early to mid-90's when I was 11 or 12. The majesty of the music, the sonorous quality of the reader's voice, the thought of boldly flying free through the sky, and touching the face of God inspired awe and sense of thrill [of course, I couldn't have explained that feeling in that way back then]. I loved it.
Love this poem!!! What a tribute, what a video!
This brings back memories. I love this one and the f-104 signoff from the 60s. After this one there was made a signoff that featured a f-16, but I think it was shot with video tape as opposed to actually film, and did not look near as good the 104 & 38 signoffs.
I'm another person who used to stay up late to see this. Thanks for posting.
I never tire of this...magnificent!
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds,-and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark nor ever eagle flew-
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God
Thanx for that I've always wanted to know the poem so there it is. Great! Love it I knew tv was signing off
That was nice.....I wish our aircraft still had U.S. Air Force prominently displayed like this T-38. Former USAF F-4C crew chief
You are correct; this also aired back in the day on WBFF-TV 45 in Baltimore, and WDVM-TV 9 in Washington, DC (now WUSA) among others.
Channel 9 Had this followed by Meditation then the Star Spangled Banner.
This is a great version, but the original will never be duplicated.
great flight/sign-off, a fine tribute to our airmen. :-)
I'd forgotten about this video. This was my father's favorite poem: thank you.
Their are several versions of "High Flight", some good and some not so good. But this is the one I remember growing up with and is my favorite. Too bad television stations , especially local stations, don't use it anymore. I guess they are afraid they are going to offend someone!
I think that the reason is that TV stations simply don’t “sign off” anymore. They’re on 24 hours a day.
(I have cable. Broadcast may be different).
Man, this takes me back.
As a kid, growing up in San Antonio in the 1960's, I would often watch this sign-off on Friday and Saturday nights, when my parents would let me stay up late (Also, the same poem featuring the F-104 aircraft, depending on which station you were watching). However, before station sign-off in the 60's and 70's, there was also a rendition of a song titled "Never Walk Alone." I have found many versions of that song online (UA-cam, Google and iTunes), but not the version I remember. It sounded like it was sung by a young collegiate male quartet. Anyone know who the singing group might be?
William Conrad was the voice.
That next to last line..... an excellent assembly of words.
Be nice if they did TV sign offs like this today somewhere - something about the 24/7 state and lack of such inspirational moments from today's TV that makes it seem like the modern generation is missing out on something special.
vox1138
that is the one I used to listen to late nights in san antonio in the 70s
John Gillespie Magee was an American who, before the US was in WWII, went to Canada to join the RCAF. He went to England to help fight off the daily Nazi air assaults. One day while testing a new high altitude (for 1940) Spitfire, this poem came to him. He wrote it on paper as soon as he touched down, and sent it in a letter to his wife. In 1941, he was killed in an mid air collision with another RAF pilot.
Hi,
my uncle John wrote this poem. He was 19 at the time and unmarried. He sent it to my grandmother and grandfather the Rev John G Magee in Washington DC where my grandfather was curate of Saint John's Episcopal - The President's Church. A couple of months later Uncle John died in a spitfire collision over England. The poem was published in the church bulletin the following Sunday along with the announcement John had lost his life in the war. As it so happens, in the congregation that Sunday was Archibald MacLeish, the Librarian of Congress. He was so taken with the poem he made sure the world came to know about it. Thank you so much for your comment. God bless you from the Mager Family.
Thanks for the memories!
This old Gator Squid pays all respect to our USAF Brothers and Sisters. :)
Does it get more American than this..just wondered...????
Elizabeth Barnette k
AMEN!!!!!
Awsome poem!
They used this sign off at one of the TV stationed in Tulsa.
This was the one that I would on occasion see in Columbus, OH.
This appears to be the exact same variation of "High Flight" that was used by KABC-TV in Los Angeles during the 1970's and '80's.
And OETA From the Oklahoma
YES IT IS. The poem was written by my uncle John G McGee Jr with actor William Conrad doing the narration.
If this does not give you a slight chill, or at least raise a few hairs, then have someone check your pulse, cause you haven't lived yet till you can at least appreciate what these words mean to a great many people, let alone the author.
Thank You, And R.I.P:
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941
.
May you always have the wind in your favor.
.
.
Love this
When we were strong. We will be again.
My childhood! I've found you!
I would get up and sneak into the living room at 5am before school while everyone was asleep circa 83 or 84 and this would start the go straight into intro of robotech
I remember this as a young girl
Thank you for posting; this video brought back some great memories of my childhood.
However, the end of this clip seems to be an anachronism; to my knowledge, Dr. Phil was not on the air during the 1970s or 80s.
When you flew a Spitfire R. C. A. F. Written by a Canadian fighter pilot ,1941 / 1942 . U . S. A. F. Uses this poem written by a Canadian in W W 2 , 1941 . Flying a Spit Mark V . Thank you .
Hello,
" High Flight" it was written by my uncle John G. Magee Jr.. He was not Canadian although he flew in the war for the RCAF.Because he was half British he was able to enlist. Thank you so much for your comment and prayers and blessings from the Magee family.
Did anyone archive a high-quality print of this film? Something other than a copy of a copy of a copy.
In south Texas 1970s, I remember a TV sign-off with You'll Never Walk Alone sounding something like Eddy Arnold or Matt Monroe, sounding a reverent mood, video of blue sky and clouds.... what sign off was this and WHO sang it??? Any one know?
I wonder if KSAT, in addition to High Flight, also played The Star Spangled Banner?
0:59 OETA/Freeform/News Nation High Flight Sign Off
(1978-Present) (1988-Present)
ZAP....And you're back with Dr. Phil, in real america where you've got to be up in six hours and life is sh*t.
"What would be wrong with saying, 'I'm smart, I'm healthy...I need to go to bed and not stay up until closedown, when the only people who appear to be awake are the US air force, and they get paid to be awake at this hour?"
No way, they had Dr. Phil in the 70s! (sarcasm)
Wasn't there something similar to this that had a song, "Who can touch the sky ..." or is that completely different or am I crazy?
Still wanting to know who narrated this; NOT William Conrad, who'd done a version of it.
Believe it was newscaster Chet Huntley of NBC.
@@mike89128 definitely not.
@jupitr2 Do you remember what happened AFTER the poem was over and the the TV "signed off" for the night? Remember the Indian face plastered on the screen then a beeeeeeep soound? Also, do you know who wrote this, the young pilot killed in a training accident while serving over in England with the Royal Air Force--Francis McGee.
hello, this poem " High Flight" was written by my uncle, Pilot Officer John G Magee Jr. while flying for the RCAF a few months before he was killed in a Spitfire collusion over England where he is buried:
@Pippin76 I am a Canadian and I thought this was a great way to end a night on TV.
Victory at sea
Check out the version where William Conrad recites this.
This was William Conrad!
Any help reading the name on the pilots helmet - I can make out the first part - Scott - I remember watching this in the late 60's at my grandmothers house (black and white)
John Gillepsie MacGee Jr was only 20 yraers old I believe when he wrote this waiting for another call to fly his Spitfire during the Battle of Brittain. He didn't survive..... Was he not the only U.S. pilot lost? I may be wrong.
He was killed in action in 1941.
Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr was my uncle. he wrote this poem a few months before he died in a Spitfire collision over England where he is buried.
This is my favoright version of the high Flight sign off segments. Who is the narrator?
Actor William Conrad. Home was written by my uncle pilot officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr what's new for the RCAF and was killed in the war a few months after sending the poem to my grandparents in Washington DC
@@marthamagee2055Thanks. Very interesting. That actors voice sounds deeper to me as he was radio voice of The Lone Ranger and from TV series Cannon. Probably my first UA-cam comment so long ago. Thanks again.
ET, Call Home, nice Joke.🎨🖥️.
It's a Northrup T-38 Talon trainer
What is the make and model of this airplane ??
The T-38 Talon, a flight trainer the USAF used and still uses even now. I refueled hundreds of them ( it seemed) between 1980-1983. Great airplane.
Any idea who actually recited the poem here?
KennBurch I've wanted to know the same thing, for decades!
And what is the music? It's the same as the 1960 version.
Chet Huntley of NBC
When I was rug rat I would see this on the boob.
Out @#$%&standing!! Your memoir was better than the sign off...
Toxic SJW preachy ner-do-wells who love bad sci-fi shows on Twitter or social Media platforms are probably hate it but for me, the beautiful poem High Flight made my insecurities and impatience to be faded away and an Dr. Phil promo ruined it.
Tho.
@Pippin76 yOU ARE A MUSLUM?