The best version by miles of this song. Lee Hayes was clearly ill but his beautiful bass voice rang like a bell and Ronnie sings like a bird. All great musicians and great people. They inspired me nearly 60 years ago. How the world could do with a group like the Weavers now.
Words cannot describe how many times I've seen this documentary. When I was in 5th grade we had to make a ABC book about some one and I chose Pete Seeger. Now 18, words cannot describe how lucky I was to grow up with this music. Rest in peace Pete, you gave me more than you will ever know.
I cared for Lee Hays in the 70's at Phelps Memorial Hospital. Pete Seeger came to visit, with his ever present guitar, and serenaded Lee for an afternoon. I considered Lee a friend. There will never be another group like this.
What a memory to cherish. We had concert here in Sydney to honour Pete on his 90th birthday. It was a show with plenty of sing-along opportunities. We practically blew the roof of the concert hall, such was our enthusiasm and admiration for this great man.
David Michael, if you ever take a look at the comments here, thank you for your service to Lee Hays. I have the deepest respect for caregivers, and there is something especially of the heart in supporting those elders who have given us so much in their lives. Deepest respect.
am mixed race and 38 my nana would singe this all time.......lifes real and that lovely woman that comforted me every day is in this song.....my NANA......RIP
I was born in 1942 in New Zealand and this song is a strong memory of around 1950 2when it really took off at the local radio station. I think most people in the little town I lived in were either singing or whistling it in the streets. Lovely to see this reunion and relive my memories of those years. Thanks so much!
"Goodnight Irene" was the biggest selling record of 1950! As a little boy of two years of age, I played it over and over on the record player in our big Admiral console AM-shortwave radio. To this day, "Goodnight Irene" brings tears and fond memories to this 76-year-old, mans eyes.
As I was watching this, I received a notification telling me that Peter died at the age of 94. A rare moment with God. Goodnight, Peter, I'll hear you in my dreams.
Pete Seeger exudes such nobility and kindness; he's clearly the leader of the group, but all he really wants to do his highlight and support the others, help them shine. And in the final holiday message, his enunciation of "we" is so powerful; it's not a "me, him, him and her" kind of "we" but "WE" as if only in their unity do they have a message. He is just so unbelievably generous.
I remember being introduced to the Weavers via a Public TV documentary led by Holly Near in 1984. I did not previously know of their existence or social activism until then and have been a major fan ever since then. Good night Irene was a song that my grandfather sang to his children during the 40s and 50s. My mother conveyed this to me about 5 years ago before her passing. I've learned the various verses and now sing it to future generations in my presence.
Pete would have turned 100 this month, May 2019. He and his wife Toshi were an integral part of our community here in Beacon, NY. Both gone now but the music lives forever...I sure miss seeing them around town. Lovely people.
“My job is to show folks there’s a lot of good music in this world, and if used right it may help to save the planet.” - Pete Seeger. RIP Pete....and Thank You! May we now all carry it on........
My grandfather was a romantic and would on occasion break out in song to my grandmother. This was one of his favorites to sing to her along with "You are my sunshine".
Good Night to All the Weavers...thank you for the music and the how you demonstrated through your careers how to be brave in the face of your opponents and to stay the course of your convictions. Lee, Pete, Ronnie and Fred, your legacy is your music and the path you blazed for others to follow.
I was sang this song all my life. Now at the age of 62 I still bring that song out of family and strangers alike. Not to many days go by that I don't hear this song. I love it and will always. Its been a big part of my life... Lol
Aww, anothe passing today with Ronnie at age 88 that completes the end of their musical circle and the end of another generation, another era of time.Reminds that we, too, are getting older. We also live in the best of times/the worst of times and with the technology today, we are able to enjoy these videos for a long, long time. Good night, Irene, and Good night to the Weavers.
Ya know, I'm 68 years old and my parents died when I was a boy. The Weavers have been my models for living and for aging. The "joyful poignancy", if I may juxtapose the two words, that they brought to their music and their lives has accompanied and sustained me all my life. Wish I could tell them. Hope they know. Especially Ole Pete. I love Ya Pete. Thanks.
I am only 14 years old and I love the weavers so much! I named my cat Irene because of this song and if I ever have a daughter I will name her that so I can sing this song. I wish I was alive when they did concerts I would’ve loved to watch them! 😢
As a charter member of the "Red River Acoustical Society" in North Texas, I can attest that "Good Night Irene" was the last song we sang at every meeting-concert. Thank you Hoody Leadbetter.
Yes this song is a tribute to so much. Certainly Ledbelly who never got recognition in his lifetime. But also to the Weavers, and their pure talent unmatched by any current pops performers, which was undone by the paranoid conspiracy theorists of the McCarthy era-- and their descendants still lurking. Thanks for saving some of the reality of what incredible talent they could hav brought to all of us.
Why anyone would ever dislike this video I do not know. This is an awesome awesome group and I am sure the vast majority of us truly do appreciate their works!
Over 70 years ago, I was a small boy listening to this song by Autry, the Weavers, Eddie Arnold and dozens of others. Now as an old man, I say Goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams.
Mitica ballata, eseguita da quasi tutti i grandi, da Eric Clapton a Tom Waits,a Seeger,a Jerry Lee e via dicendo, ma questo complesso,la esegue in maniera superba: da vedere quando erano giovani,ed ora al loro tramonto...un'autentica perla da piangere dalla bellezza !!!! Antonio Cesrae
Wonderful. And their voices like the ones of young people!!!!! I'm almost 60 and I vould like that my voice stays so beautiful like the one of the lady!
This golden song was the lullaby which papa sung to me as a baby. perhaps because my name is Irene... the name sake of his mama, my mamalola. Never mind the lyrics but, i like its melody. Thank you to The Weavers!
its great to hear this old time music.it brings back a lot of old but sweet memories of a very happy and memorable childhood,and friends.they used to play this at the city swimming pool ln adel ga.1951.thanks again for the memory.AAAAhhhhhh.
What a wonderful moment in music history. They put shame on the 'singers' of today. This is beautiful. It was Jim Reeves that I grew up listening to singing this song. The yodelling in the background just adds to the atmosphere. Fantastic!....
In Bristol, England this theme tune is the tune for Bristol Rovers Football Club. It has been for over 50 years. (The club is over 100 years old) At the end of April a friend of ours, a Gashead, Julian Dyer died. Gasheads are what Bristol Rovers supporters are called. The new football season starts beginning August 2017 - please include Julian in your prayers.
How sad that I was not at that final reunion concert---at that time I was young enough to be there, and I had the resources. But things don't always work out the way you'd like...
Gotta be about the classiest musical farewell I’m aware of. Every note conveys a sense of all they’ve been through together, and the love and respect they have not only for each other, but for the audience. I love how Pete Seeger (and with such a majestic presence) strums his banjo as if this is not their final song together, but the final notes of a single song that’s been their entire journey together, and though all things must end, you do it with a smile and gladness; and that ultra-classy holiday wish at the end, affirming that it’s all ultimately about the audience, and simply wishing good for them.
This is a song my grandfather sang when we where milking it brings good memories of a time when life was filled with simple pleasures new horns in the spring the changing of seasons as leafs fall the gentle kiss of winters first snow fall the calm and clean of January’s freeze. I guess I made it I do spend time looking back
I grew up listening to the Weavers when I was in High School....I did not know this video existed...I found it here...It brought tears to my eyes.....Thank you for posting it.
There is a Clearwater benefit concert coming up May 3 at Madison Square Garden. It is both to benefit the Clearwater sloop program and to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Wish I could go!
Go on fellows making that music! It´s wunderfull. Your voices are wery well reproduced.The instruments are a little thin.Wonderfull that people like you enjoy the hearts of listeners with these beautifull songs. A happy new year alltogether!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The highlight of my concert going life, definitely this one. I attended one of what I think were two performances. Late Nov or Dec '80. The response was so intense, I think our balcony shook.
I remember looking all over to find the album of this concert for my cousin when it first came out because she had the title incorrect. The film is called 'Wasn't that a Time' but the album is called 'Together Again'. Only the now defunct legendary Colony Records on Broadway knew what I was talking about. This concert and song always makes me think of her. I despised their politics but because of my cousin I got to like the music.
Thank you Weavers
You will live on forever 02-08 -24 ❤
I was there all these years ago. And this still brings me tears. What a group. What individuals. RIP all 4:40
I love the Weavers. The way they sing this song makes me cry. I was actually at this concert, and believe me, it was one of the highlights of my life.
Named my cat Irene so I could sing to her.
The Weavers made a huge contribution to music and the folk scene. Much more than they are gone.
Funny you mentioned them making you cry. The waterworks are pouring out of my eyes now and I thought I was the only one reacting that way.
@@carolynking1625 I am the same way :)
Me too.
My father was born in 1928 and this was his favorite song ever! He passed at 91 years old in 2019. "Goodnight, Irene (Dad), I'll see you in my dreams!
I've loved the Weavers since I first heard them in the 1950s. I'd like to have someone upload their version of "Go Tell it on the Mountain"!
I met Mike Seeger at Parkersburg Community College WV . He was so generous with his talent and memories of his Dad and the Weavers.
The best version by miles of this song. Lee Hayes was clearly ill but his beautiful bass voice rang like a bell and Ronnie sings like a bird. All great musicians and great people. They inspired me nearly 60 years ago. How the world could do with a group like the Weavers now.
the maytals done the best version back in 1964...its super fast played on the ska beat and the sax solo would knock your sox off
Words cannot describe how many times I've seen this documentary. When I was in 5th grade we had to make a ABC book about some one and I chose Pete Seeger. Now 18, words cannot describe how lucky I was to grow up with this music. Rest in peace Pete, you gave me more than you will ever know.
I cared for Lee Hays in the 70's at Phelps Memorial Hospital. Pete Seeger came to visit, with his ever present guitar, and serenaded Lee for an afternoon. I considered Lee a friend. There will never be another group like this.
David Michael Phelps Kentucky
What a memory to cherish. We had concert here in Sydney to honour Pete on his 90th birthday. It was a show with plenty of sing-along opportunities. We practically blew the roof of the concert hall, such was our enthusiasm and admiration for this great man.
David Michael, if you ever take a look at the comments here, thank you for your service to Lee Hays.
I have the deepest respect for caregivers, and there is something especially of the heart in supporting those elders who have given us so much in their lives. Deepest respect.
Thank you for sharing.
am mixed race and 38 my nana would singe this all time.......lifes real and that lovely woman that comforted me every day is in this song.....my NANA......RIP
I was born in 1942 in New Zealand and this song is a strong memory of around 1950 2when it really took off at the local radio station. I think most people in the little town I lived in were either singing or whistling it in the streets. Lovely to see this reunion and relive my memories of those years. Thanks so much!
"Goodnight Irene" was the biggest selling record of 1950! As a little boy of two years of age, I played it over and over on the record player in our big Admiral console AM-shortwave radio. To this day, "Goodnight Irene" brings tears and fond memories to this 76-year-old, mans eyes.
As I was watching this, I received a notification telling me that Peter died at the age of 94. A rare moment with God. Goodnight, Peter, I'll hear you in my dreams.
Joe Schueller Rest In Peace Peter
F
F
Wow! What are the odds of that happening! RIP Weavers!
Without question the best folk group of all time. RIP Lee, live forever Pete, Fred and Ronnie.
I'm so grateful that we can still enjoy these lovely songs that reminds us of the lovely past.
le disque que me faisait écouter lorsque j'étais enfant j'aurais 69 ans le mois prochain Merci à vous!
Pete Seeger exudes such nobility and kindness; he's clearly the leader of the group, but all he really wants to do his highlight and support the others, help them shine. And in the final holiday message, his enunciation of "we" is so powerful; it's not a "me, him, him and her" kind of "we" but "WE" as if only in their unity do they have a message. He is just so unbelievably generous.
I remember being introduced to the Weavers via a Public TV documentary led by Holly Near in 1984. I did not previously know of their existence or social activism until then and have been a major fan ever since then. Good night Irene was a song that my grandfather sang to his children during the 40s and 50s. My mother conveyed this to me about 5 years ago before her passing. I've learned the various verses and now sing it to future generations in my presence.
Pete would have turned 100 this month, May 2019. He and his wife Toshi were an integral part of our community here in Beacon, NY. Both gone now but the music lives forever...I sure miss seeing them around town. Lovely people.
Hello Mary, How are you doing?
This tune makes me tear up...knowing that 3 of them have passed, BUT, their music will live forever!
Actually, they're all gone. Fred died last September, unfortunately.
I AM A CHILD OF THESIXTIES, I CRY EACH TIME I HEAR THIS TUNE.
This song is memorable for me my late sister was called IRENE ❤
RIP Ronnie Gilbert. We will never see the likes of these folk giants again.
Ronnie Gilbert just got better with age. That was fantastic. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.
“My job is to show folks there’s a lot of good music in this world, and if used right it may help to save the planet.” - Pete Seeger. RIP Pete....and Thank You! May we now all carry it on........
I wish I had a dollar every time my dad sang this tune. Now I'm in my 60's and playing guitar. I joined a group and we close the evening with this.
My grandfather was a romantic and would on occasion break out in song to my grandmother. This was one of his favorites to sing to her along with "You are my sunshine".
“Cool “”Cool Memories “ those were the days ....beloved 20th century of Real Talent Raw Untainted by tech junk
Simply Beautiful Real my eyes 💧
Good Night to All the Weavers...thank you for the music and the how you demonstrated through your careers how to be brave in the face of your opponents and to stay the course of your convictions. Lee, Pete, Ronnie and Fred, your legacy is your music and the path you blazed for others to follow.
"The music is gonna go on, because it always has."
Well said.
Hear, hear!
I was sang this song all my life.
Now at the age of 62 I still bring that song out of family and strangers alike. Not to many days go by that I don't hear this song.
I love it and will always. Its been a big part of my life... Lol
Hello Irene, How are you doing?
listen to the maytals version,it will make you dance...irene goodnight/the maytals
The Weavers sang the sole of the USA, the Seekers of Australia. R.I.P Ronnie and Judith, you sang us to the dreamtime ladies.
Reaching for a tissue. Thank you beautiful Weavers.
amen
Aww, anothe passing today with Ronnie at age 88 that completes the end of their musical circle and the end of another generation, another era of time.Reminds that we, too, are getting older. We also live in the best of times/the worst of times and with the technology today, we are able to enjoy these videos for a long, long time. Good night, Irene, and Good night to the Weavers.
Fred is still alive
Ya know, I'm 68 years old and my parents died when I was a boy. The Weavers have been my models for living and for aging. The "joyful poignancy", if I may juxtapose the two words, that they brought to their music and their lives has accompanied and sustained me all my life. Wish I could tell them. Hope they know. Especially Ole Pete. I love Ya Pete. Thanks.
Not anymore, unfortunately.
I am only 14 years old and I love the weavers so much! I named my cat Irene because of this song and if I ever have a daughter I will name her that so I can sing this song. I wish I was alive when they did concerts I would’ve loved to watch them! 😢
That, folks, is just a wonderful video and you can see the caring each of those musicians had for each other.
How lucky we were to have the Weavers! How, I miss them in the "times that try men's souls."
This song reminds me of my father (1914-1995), and it may be because I have heard him sing it. Blessings on you, Dad.
What great harmony -- and that lady has one mondo voice!
Ronnie Gilbert. She also sang w Holly Near, decades later. You might find them on UA-cam.
LEGENDS that started our path to the magic of acoustic music!
As a charter member of the "Red River Acoustical Society" in North Texas, I can attest that "Good Night Irene" was the last song we sang at every meeting-concert. Thank you Hoody Leadbetter.
Miss you all and the times we spent backstage in this very theatre... god bless you for a past filled with music and love...
Hello Aloka, How are you doing?
It reminds me of my childhood. My dad passed away last week. This song is part of me 😥
Yes this song is a tribute to so much. Certainly Ledbelly who never got recognition in his lifetime. But also to the Weavers, and their pure talent unmatched by any current pops performers, which was undone by the paranoid conspiracy theorists of the McCarthy era-- and their descendants still lurking. Thanks for saving some of the reality of what incredible talent they could hav brought to all of us.
Why anyone would ever dislike this video I do not know. This is an awesome awesome group and I am sure the vast majority of us truly do appreciate their works!
Over 70 years ago, I was a small boy listening to this song by Autry, the Weavers, Eddie Arnold and dozens of others. Now as an old man, I say Goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams.
Mitica ballata, eseguita da quasi tutti i grandi, da Eric Clapton a Tom Waits,a Seeger,a Jerry Lee e via dicendo, ma questo complesso,la esegue in maniera superba: da vedere quando erano giovani,ed ora al loro tramonto...un'autentica
perla da piangere dalla bellezza !!!! Antonio Cesrae
I cry every single time I watch and hear this.
I'm crying - again.....the music will go on..
Wonderful. And their voices like the ones of young people!!!!! I'm almost 60 and I vould like that my voice stays so beautiful like the one of the lady!
This golden song was the lullaby which papa sung to me as a baby. perhaps because my name is Irene... the name sake of his mama, my mamalola. Never mind the lyrics but, i like its melody. Thank you to The Weavers!
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.
GOD--They were so,so great.
I love musical reunions. It is fascinating to see how groups grow over time.
Damn it, why are the tears streaming down this old mans face? Oh, how I love the Weavers.
its great to hear this old time music.it brings back a lot of old but sweet memories of a very happy and memorable childhood,and friends.they used to play this at the city swimming pool ln adel ga.1951.thanks again for the memory.AAAAhhhhhh.
Wonderful role models.
What a wonderful moment in music history. They put shame on the 'singers' of today. This is beautiful. It was Jim Reeves that I grew up listening to singing this song. The yodelling in the background just adds to the atmosphere. Fantastic!....
A friend of mine said of my job ----well they can prop u up and you can still do that! Thank you Weavers!!!!!!!
And she still had her beautiful voice and strong energy and joy!
Can't get his song out of my head since they started talking about this hurricane.
In Bristol, England this theme tune is the tune for Bristol Rovers Football Club. It has been for over 50 years. (The club is over 100 years old) At the end of April a friend of ours, a Gashead, Julian Dyer died. Gasheads are what Bristol Rovers supporters are called. The new football season starts beginning August 2017 - please include Julian in your prayers.
¡Que recuerdo! Que buenos que son
How sad that I was not at that final reunion concert---at that time I was young enough to be there, and I had the resources. But things don't always work out the way you'd like...
Thank you beautiful Weavers.
Gotta be about the classiest musical farewell I’m aware of.
Every note conveys a sense of all they’ve been through together, and the love and respect they have not only for each other, but for the audience. I love how Pete Seeger (and with such a majestic presence) strums his banjo as if this is not their final song together, but the final notes of a single song that’s been their entire journey together, and though all things must end, you do it with a smile and gladness; and that ultra-classy holiday wish at the end, affirming that it’s all ultimately about the audience, and simply wishing good for them.
Goosebumps
This is a song my grandfather sang when we where milking it brings good memories of a time when life was filled with simple pleasures new horns in the spring the changing of seasons as leafs fall the gentle kiss of winters first snow fall the calm and clean of January’s freeze. I guess I made it I do spend time looking back
I grew up listening to the Weavers when I was in High School....I did not know this video existed...I found it here...It brought tears to my eyes.....Thank you for posting it.
Goodnight, Mama (Irene) I hope you are resting peacefully with Daddy. We all miss you both so very much.
This has to be the reunion concert at Carnegi Hall in late Nov/Dec 1980 as Lee died in early 1981. What a concert.
Is it incredible that after all these years, I still cry when I hear them. Glad there is another person who has the same reaction that I do!
What a great tune!! Never tire of hearing it no matter the single or group. Weavers.....Miss all of you very much. NH
Best bar closing song ever.
Thank you Pete, Lee, Ronnie and Fred - you give us hope. The struggle continues.
Last song always played at wedding dances when I was young. Will never forget!
God bless the Weavers who were brave enough to lead with social quality
This is incredibly moving! They broke the mold after The Weavers.
Una gran sort i tot un privilegi haver conegut en Pete Seeger. Tan de bo hagués pogut assistir a un concert!
THAT she does! She is phenomenal!
A 15-year-old would love this
I grew up hearing these voices. Absolutely timeless. Brings tears to my eyes. How beautiful!
Great film . I saw them at Carnegie Hall. 1965.
There is a Clearwater benefit concert coming up May 3 at Madison Square Garden. It is both to benefit the Clearwater sloop program and to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Wish I could go!
Beautiful. Love those harmonies.
Wonderful!
Hello Sue, How are you doing?
My Dad used to sing this song to us three children.
Can't get no better
I can only wish Lee Hays was blessed with better health so that the Weavers would have still been here, at least 'til 11 months ago.
Lovely song
I cried this whole movie and I didnt know who they were before it came out. Highly recommended!
Go on fellows making that music! It´s wunderfull. Your voices are wery well reproduced.The instruments are a little thin.Wonderfull that people like you enjoy the hearts of listeners with these beautifull songs.
A happy new year alltogether!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had not heard of the Carnegie Hall reunion concert---if I had, I would have been there.
The highlight of my concert going life, definitely this one. I attended one of what I think were two performances. Late Nov or Dec '80. The response was so intense, I think our balcony shook.
My husband use to sing me this song every night for years...
I remember looking all over to find the album of this concert for my cousin when it first came out because she had the title incorrect. The film is called 'Wasn't that a Time' but the album is called 'Together Again'. Only the now defunct legendary Colony Records on Broadway knew what I was talking about. This concert and song always makes me think of her. I despised their politics but because of my cousin I got to like the music.
what a set of pipes Ronnie had! Thank you for your music Weavers
I first heard this song when I was six years old or there about. We had a neighbor, Irene Maccallahan. Whenever I hear this I think of her.
@GranpaGrammy I just love your words of encouragement.
Ronnie your voice is still sweet...:)
This video makes me cry every time it's such a great song :') thanks for posting this
Hello Charlotte, How are you doing?
snow out side--listing stuff on ebay in another window and enjoying this fine music---3;24 on feb 14th 2014---ho-rah
Thanks Joe - from over the water.
One of the best movies ever produced
if you are a Weavers person, you will love this