I'm 37 and I never heard of this guy until about five minutes ago.I never really went for the singer/songwriter types so that probably explains why. From what I've seen of him on you-tube so far, I'm shocked and stunned by his talent. I'm simply blown away.
One of the most soulful singer-songwriters of all time who influenced other great songwriters like Larry Gatlin and Kris Kristofferson. Mickey Newbury is one of those great talents who never achieved the superstardom that he deserved in his lifetime. I'm only 32 but I was exposed to Newbury's music as a teenager. My parents had a copy of his 1971 album "Frisco Mabel Joy", one of the most haunting and soulful albums ever made.
I first wondered who he was when I heard a line in a song about "Newbury's Train Songs" and I had to find out who Newbury was. So began my love affair with this man and his songs. I think it was 1976. Never had the honor of meeting him, but I am still a fan.
Why do the good pass on too early and the bad live longer than they should? Mickey Newbury could instantly make the sun shine through the darkest days.
I met Mickey Newberry back in the 70s and sat on this huge house boat with him and Jeannie Sealy and a few others and he sang this. He was one of a kind!
Mickey was one of the greatest talents that ever was. I was first introduced to him via Linda Ronstadt's recording of Are My Thoughts With You and her praises of him. Boy was she right. I have been a fan ever since...some 46 years now. RIP Mickey and may your music live forever and god bless Linda Ronstadt.
No version of An American Trilogy can equal Mickey Newbury's, either live, or on the album, Frisco Mabel Joy. In some artists hands, it can become overly dramatic and bombastic, but as recorded by Mickey, it is honest, beautiful and deeply moving.
It always gets so quiet when Mickey sings. All eyes are on him but he is not aware of the audience. He is in a special zone that the truly blessed go when they sing. Townes went there.
I first heard this in the early 80s. TV station, CH #3 in Shreveport was using it for their end of day sign off. Fantastic version. I had heard Elvis' first, but to me, this is done, just the way he wrote it and meant it to be done.
I have this on a vinyl LP from about 1971. That version is really great, with a full orchestra. He does a great job here also. One of the best ideas ever for a musical/vocal performance in United States history.
god bless mickey newbury - first heard his music in 1978 on mark cagney show on a second radio station that opened in ireland (- imagine that -) HIS DEPT OF FEELING AS A SINGER AND A SONGWRITER ARE EXCEPTIONAL. LISTEN TO HIS VERSION OF DANNY BOY = HMMM HMMM CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SIT BACK - THANKS FOR POSTING = RIP
rip - mickey newbury has been one of my fav singers/ songwriters - listen to his version of danny boy hmmmm, hmmmm - close your eyes and lie back - first heard his music on mark cagney's late night show on Irelands second radio station in 1978 - mable joy has such feeling and dept. Thanks for posting
Very nice voice and I didn't know the above info on the American Trilogy song that Elvis had used in his concerts and did so magnificently. The first song by this man I heard was today called, "Makes Me Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye" and I thought I'd heard the artist before and couldn't remember who it was. I looked it up here on YT and found it is this guy whom I've never heard of before but has a really nice voice.
The violinist, Marie Rhines, is "merely superb" as was Mickey Newbury - he was truly one of the best!!! Don Cordier Van Nuys Airport Van Nuys, California USA
@dewittmanley cont. also, listening to Dixie as Mickey sings it (and since he wrote it) I started to cry, because it is really a touching song and you realize it because he sings it with such tenderness. thanks again, it gives me hope since the world seems to be getting more insane by the moment.
Mickey created the arrangement and sang An American Trilogy long before Elvis came to it. That said, their versions of the song are so different that they do not bear comparison, and they are certainly not in competition. Many enjoy both versions, for different reasons. Mickey was no doubt appreciative of the royalties that Elvis' version generated. Mickey's original version was true to a time and place and need.
I couldn't agree more. Towards the end of his long career, most of Elvis' songs and concerts have been over orchestrated and over produced. Sometimes, you can barely hear him sing through the din of the orchestra and the back up singers. I'm just glad we can still hear all of his old records where his voice is the dominant sound. But this performance with just a fiddle and a guitar surely proves that old axiom that less is more. It disappeared for a while on YT but I'm glad it's back.
howdy,i heard j.d. sumner say they was backing E up at Notre Dame Univ. & a row of students stood up, "while E was singing" with a sign that said Elvis is king.he said E stopped & said,"no Jesus Christ is king". he said when E started sing again the students all left..no one has or ever will have a voice like God gave this man,have a gr8 Christmas.
It's a Gibson, Chet Atkins model. It was a prototype made for Chet with an early midi pickup. Mickey borrowed it from him, fell in love, and twisted Chet's arm until they came to an "arrangement."
It was during a period of racial and political tension - Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, invasion of Cambodia, Kent State, national student strike, integration in schools in the South, etc - that Mickey first combined the three songs in a live performance at the Bitter End West in 1970. The owner, Paul Colby, fearing a riot, begged him not to do it - an indication that combining Dixie and Battle Hymn was viewed as a very uncommon and controversial act at the time.
Someone asked what year this performance is from. The performances on the DVD with Jack Williams are from 1994, but am not sure what year this performance with Marie Rhines is from. I'd say it's closer to the time of the release of In A New Age, sometime in the 1980s.
I agree with Paul.I first heard Mickey do it via my Dad wearing it out on the Frisco Mable Joy album which is unbeiliable in and of itself.Always reminded me of the OLD south.I'm from Louisiana residing in Texas.VERY Haunting. I think this is one of the very few songs that somebody sang better than Elvis. But looking at the big picture Elvis will always be THE KING.Listen to Elvis' "You'll Never Walk Alone" on you tube. As far as Baez and Odetta aren't those towns in west Texas?
"Dixie's Land" was the original title...according to many sources, Pres. Lincoln's favorite song. Combining Dixie and Battle Hymn is commonly done, (I've done it for 30 years myself) but the third is genius, and this is an amazing version of them.
I was taught in London (too) that It was fought over slavery. I thank G-d that I went to my school and not yours. Agree with your assessment of the song.
![Tom Jones - An American Trilogy [HD1080p]](/img/n.gif)
I'm 37 and I never heard of this guy until about five minutes ago.I never really went for the singer/songwriter types so that probably explains why. From what I've seen of him on you-tube so far, I'm shocked and stunned by his talent. I'm simply blown away.
One of the most soulful singer-songwriters of all time who influenced other great songwriters like Larry Gatlin and Kris Kristofferson. Mickey Newbury is one of those great talents who never achieved the superstardom that he deserved in his lifetime.
I'm only 32 but I was exposed to Newbury's music as a teenager. My parents had a copy of his 1971 album "Frisco Mabel Joy", one of the most haunting and soulful albums ever made.
This was Played at my grandad's funeral so I can't listen to it without breaking down
I first wondered who he was when I heard a line in a song about "Newbury's Train Songs" and I had to find out who Newbury was. So began my love affair with this man and his songs. I think it was 1976. Never had the honor of meeting him, but I am still a fan.
A two-piece orchestra and a heavenly choir. Nothing else needs to be said.
Why do the good pass on too early and the bad live longer than they should? Mickey Newbury could instantly make the sun shine through the darkest days.
He is brillant, what a voice! A wonderful song writer superb.
BEAUTIFUL, If this doen't touch your soul you simple don't have one~
Thank you for sharing...
I met Mickey Newberry back in the 70s and sat on this huge house boat with him and Jeannie Sealy and a few others and he sang this. He was one of a kind!
Mickey was one of the greatest talents that ever was. I was first introduced to him via Linda Ronstadt's recording of Are My Thoughts With You and her praises of him. Boy was she right. I have been a fan ever since...some 46 years now. RIP Mickey and may your music live forever and god bless Linda Ronstadt.
This was always my favorite version. He's just so sincere when he sings, it's heart-breakingly good.
No version of An American Trilogy can equal Mickey Newbury's, either live, or on the album, Frisco Mabel Joy. In some artists hands, it can become overly dramatic and bombastic, but as recorded by Mickey, it is honest, beautiful and deeply moving.
best version I have ever heard
It always gets so quiet when Mickey sings. All eyes are on him but he is not aware of the audience. He is in a special zone that the truly blessed go when they sing. Townes went there.
This version is so unpretentious and down to earth. It's near perfect.
I first heard this in the early 80s. TV station, CH #3 in Shreveport was using it for their end of day sign off. Fantastic version. I had heard Elvis' first, but to me, this is done, just the way he wrote it and meant it to be done.
Love love love love me some mickey newbury, what an exceptional musician and storyteller
Mickey;s Albums were all wonderful.
I treasure them to this day.
I have this on a vinyl LP from about 1971. That version is really great, with a full orchestra. He does a great job here also. One of the best ideas ever for a musical/vocal performance in United States history.
Daniel Decatur Emmett would be astonished at this cover of his song ("Dixie"). It is, in my opinion, the best version of Dixie that exists.
depending on my mood, I like both Elvis and Mickey's version. Both are beautiful.
god bless mickey newbury - first heard his music in 1978 on mark cagney show on a second radio station that opened in ireland (- imagine that -) HIS DEPT OF FEELING AS A SINGER AND A SONGWRITER ARE EXCEPTIONAL. LISTEN TO HIS VERSION OF DANNY BOY = HMMM HMMM CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SIT BACK - THANKS FOR POSTING = RIP
rip - mickey newbury has been one of my fav singers/ songwriters - listen to his version of danny boy hmmmm, hmmmm - close your eyes and lie back - first heard his music on mark cagney's late night show on Irelands second radio station in 1978 - mable joy has such feeling and dept. Thanks for posting
Superb! Best version ever, no doubt.
Putting it all together like that is a talent within it's self. What a great player and voice. I wish his older albums were still available.
Thank you so very much for this beautiful video.
Makes me want to cry...
@Paxobo i'm a big fan of Elvis and he's great artist but the rendition of Mickey Newbury was amazing.
Both Elvis and Mickey did this song very good, but this version is, and will always be, the best.
My god what a voice !
Always thought Elvis's version was a bit overwrought. I did enjoy it, though, until I heard Mickey Newbury's original version.
Elvis couldn't make a room full of people cry...but Newbury did, many times. Outstanding writer and performer.
Thank you for sharing this clip. My Dad and I love Mickey very much. A wonderful writer of songs and singer was Mr. Newbury. Thank you.
glad i'm not the only one. superb albums.
Great performance, transcendent.
What a voice ,magic
Simply..........OUTSTANDING!
Also very beautiful ... Nice to hear the original version ...
Excellent little gem.
I actually went to high school for a year with his daughter. She has a voice that's just as incredible as his.
I enjoyed this tremendously....thanks for sharing
I love this, I love Elvis' version, I love this version. Equal but very different. This is amazing.
the very best version without doubt in my opinion and to think he did this arrangement only gives song this more credit
Still the best version. Leaves Elvis for DEAD
For me this is THE version
Wow. I cried.
Very nice voice and I didn't know the above info on the American Trilogy song that Elvis had used in his concerts and did so magnificently. The first song by this man I heard was today called, "Makes Me Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye" and I thought I'd heard the artist before and couldn't remember who it was. I looked it up here on YT and found it is this guy whom I've never heard of before but has a really nice voice.
The violinist, Marie Rhines, is "merely superb" as was Mickey Newbury - he was truly one of the best!!!
Don Cordier
Van Nuys Airport
Van Nuys, California USA
Oh God, what more can I say about this man... he's the greatest !!!!! I LOVE HIS VERSION OF AMER. TRILOGY AND LOVE ELVIS'S ALSO.. EACH ARE SPECIAL..
Beautifully done!
known mickey for years love him i know everything hes done god bless
The music is great .... You can feel the meaning.
@dewittmanley cont. also, listening to Dixie as Mickey sings it (and since he wrote it) I started to cry, because it is really a touching song and you realize it because he sings it with such tenderness. thanks again, it gives me hope since the world seems to be getting more insane by the moment.
Mickey created the arrangement and sang An American Trilogy long before Elvis came to it. That said, their versions of the song are so different that they do not bear comparison, and they are certainly not in competition. Many enjoy both versions, for different reasons. Mickey was no doubt appreciative of the royalties that Elvis' version generated. Mickey's original version was true to a time and place and need.
He wrote it..he sings it best! Thank you so much.
fantastic voice !
What a treasure this man was and still is!
I agree with you, Im a singer of songs. ps. Mickey does a great job on the song.
I was somewhat familiar with how great a songwriter Mickey Newbury was but I had no idea he could sing like this. Amazing and very powerful
I couldn't agree more. Towards the end of his long career, most of Elvis' songs and concerts have been over orchestrated and over produced. Sometimes, you can barely hear him sing through the din of the orchestra and the back up singers. I'm just glad we can still hear all of his old records where his voice is the dominant sound. But this performance with just a fiddle and a guitar surely proves that old axiom that less is more. It disappeared for a while on YT but I'm glad it's back.
Brilliant , just love it.
Next to Elvis, this is my favorite version of this song. Nicely done. Great voice. Sung with passion.
Mickey Newbury ... such a gorgeous ... such gorgeous songs he gave us.
this was at the Roxey 1988 We had 13 people from the l.a. times there.including hilburn
sublime
Talk about emotion! 5 stars
howdy,i heard j.d. sumner say they was backing E up at Notre Dame Univ. & a row of students stood up, "while E was singing" with a sign that said Elvis is king.he said E stopped & said,"no Jesus Christ is king". he said when E started sing again the students all left..no one has or ever will have a voice like God gave this man,have a gr8 Christmas.
Speechless!
This is the best version ever.
BREATHTAKING......
It was a better place when you were here.
Chelsea2011allison
You must feel mighty proud!! I loved your grandpa just like a million others I say!!
I'm fifteen and I like this. :)
this is the original and how it should be sung. Wonderful.
@darlincommitme Battle Hymn of the Republic was written by William Steffe of South Carolina in 1856. Julia Ward Howe put words to it in 1861.
Incredible, Just Incredible
Wow !
My god, this is so beautiful.
Wonderful
It's a Gibson, Chet Atkins model. It was a prototype made for Chet with an early midi pickup. Mickey borrowed it from him, fell in love, and twisted Chet's arm until they came to an "arrangement."
It was during a period of racial and political tension - Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, invasion of Cambodia, Kent State, national student strike, integration in schools in the South, etc - that Mickey first combined the three songs in a live performance at the Bitter End West in 1970. The owner, Paul Colby, fearing a riot, begged him not to do it - an indication that combining Dixie and Battle Hymn was viewed as a very uncommon and controversial act at the time.
The King may be my favourite but Micky singing this is almost god-like. End of!
Newbury train songs.... and AAT..... 10 - 4, and thanks, Mickey
Thumbs up als je hoor door Johan Derksen komt!
Someone asked what year this performance is from. The performances on the DVD with Jack Williams are from 1994, but am not sure what year this performance with Marie Rhines is from. I'd say it's closer to the time of the release of In A New Age, sometime in the 1980s.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
I agree with Paul.I first heard Mickey do it via my Dad wearing it out on the Frisco Mable Joy album which is unbeiliable in and of itself.Always reminded me of the OLD south.I'm from Louisiana residing in Texas.VERY Haunting. I think this is one of the very few songs that somebody sang better than Elvis. But looking at the big picture Elvis will always be THE KING.Listen to Elvis' "You'll Never Walk Alone" on you tube. As far as Baez and Odetta aren't those towns in west Texas?
"Dixie's Land" was the original title...according to many sources, Pres. Lincoln's favorite song. Combining Dixie and Battle Hymn is commonly done, (I've done it for 30 years myself) but the third is genius, and this is an amazing version of them.
mijn favoriet, geweldig
Sheer class.
He should own it. He wrote it.
great!
Exquisite
The actual credits on the sheet music read 'Trad..arr. by Mickey Newbury'. It was good enough to win him 'song of the year'.
That is true.
Me gusta,Pero la version de Elvis Presley es sin duda la mejor.
bravissimi!!
I was taught in London (too) that It was fought over slavery. I thank G-d that I went to my school and not yours.
Agree with your assessment of the song.
No disrespect to Elvis fans, but he made this song sound like a jingle. Mickey sang from the heart. Superb!
We all have our opinions...