I believe this is from our last all-stars show, two weeks before Bill died. What a friend, what a writer, what an entertainer - the list goes on. I loved these shows, we so looked forward to them. The love in the air during this song was palpable. I'm a lucky guy.
I count my lucky stars to have attended a couple of his concerts in Minnesota. He even mingled in the crowd during intermission at one of them and had no compunction about just chewing the fat with me.
You have my sincere condolences. I first met Bill back in '77, when I was first starting to play the circuit. He was always a kind, warm man who was a genuine human being. I was very fortunate to have been able to spend a good number of evenings together, over the years. Last saw him at the 2019 Old Songs Festival, in Altamont, NY. His music will be part of me until the end.
I just now learned of Bill's passing in 2021. I sing his songs all the time. I am so grateful for having seen him sing in person so many times and for the magnificent treasure he left for us in his music. I'm so sad that he is gone. God bless his family and close friends. Let's keep on singing his songs!
Over forty years I have worn the groves out on my Bill Stains Records. I use his songs when I write Novels and refer to him in the text. I sing his songs on the street wherever I go. I've sung him in Nursing homes over half the country. I did not know he had passed. I saw him live once at a church in Hopinton I think He look enough like me to be a blood relative. I waited over an hour for him to come out of hiding to shake his hand. He was reclusive, seemed shy. I would not have waited to bother him if I had known. His music lives in my voice wherever I go. Amen
Just listening to some Bill Staines songs this Saturday morning in Feb 2023. Found out he had passed over a year earlier. I enjoyed attending Bill's concerts in the Twin Cities area back in the late 80's thru about 2004. The Extemp (Coffeehouse Extempore) was one of my favorite places to hear Bill. Another was at the Hobgoblin music store and venue down in Red Wing, Minn. I will always love listening to Bill's home-spun and soothing songs!
I met the wonder of Bill Staines music in the late 60's. On one of the first dates with my now husband (of 50 years), Bill sang at a coffeehouse-style concert at Northeastern University. Our sons grew up with his music acting as our life's background melodies. Bill's CDs soothed our grandchildren in the magical way only well-formed music can. We last heard Bill in concert in Rochester, NY shortly before the pandemic. Immediately at home, humming and singing the familiar songs. A national treasure we had the distinct pleasure to follow for much of his career and our lives.
We were at Northeastern starting in 1969. My husband Ken Turcotte was the manager of Moon and Virgo for a few years. Bill Staines was the hit of the coffeehouse along with Livingston Taylor. We are now married 51 years. Last time we saw him was in New London CT. He was a treasure. Did you ever go the the after coffee house parties?
I was working full time, tutoring, and going to grad school full time. I counted it a blessing to find the time for a coffeehouse. Also married 51 years (to the second guy I followed Bill with.)
When I was going through a very difficult time in the early 1980s when I was in college and severely depressed, Bill's music helped me get through that time. And I remained a fan for the years after. A very talented and warm performer.
The people have only discovered a fraction of the great songs Bill Staines has written . In time, he will be recognised as the greatest singer-songwriter of them all. Some of the worst songs i ever heard sold millions and were instantly forgettable, and it is not a criterion for judging any record. . Even though" All Gods Critters " was Bills biggest hit , he has many, far better compositions that will be discovered in time. " The Streets Of Old Quebec " is a hauntingly beautiful song, and " Old Jack " is a nostalgic tribute to an old farm mule. " Music To Me " is also a classic combination of poetry and melody, and there are dozens more. Rest In Peace , Bill, you were a true genius.
Bill was a friend from when we lived in Boston in the 60’s . He was a wonderful man and I miss him greatly.
I believe this is from our last all-stars show, two weeks before Bill died. What a friend, what a writer, what an entertainer - the list goes on. I loved these shows, we so looked forward to them. The love in the air during this song was palpable. I'm a lucky guy.
I raised my kids to the music of Bill Staines, John Prine and David Mallett. Bill was a pro's pro. He will be missed-- one of a kind. RIP Bill.
Gosh, how I miss you, Dad. Thanks for teaching me the lasting importance of music, and what it means to be immortal through song.
😪
I count my lucky stars to have attended a couple of his concerts in Minnesota. He even mingled in the crowd during intermission at one of them and had no compunction about just chewing the fat with me.
You have my sincere condolences. I first met Bill back in '77, when I was first starting to play the circuit. He was always a kind, warm man who was a genuine human being. I was very fortunate to have been able to spend a good number of evenings together, over the years. Last saw him at the 2019 Old Songs Festival, in Altamont, NY. His music will be part of me until the end.
Bill was great in all ways. What a joy to have been able to work with him during his lifetime.
I just now learned of Bill's passing in 2021. I sing his songs all the time. I am so grateful for having seen him sing in person so many times and for the magnificent treasure he left for us in his music. I'm so sad that he is gone. God bless his family and close friends. Let's keep on singing his songs!
Over forty years I have worn the groves out on my Bill Stains Records. I use his songs when I write Novels and refer to him in the text. I sing his songs on the street wherever I go. I've sung him in Nursing homes over half the country. I did not know he had passed. I saw him live once at a church in Hopinton I think He look enough like me to be a blood relative. I waited over an hour for him to come out of hiding to shake his hand. He was reclusive, seemed shy. I would not have waited to bother him if I had known. His music lives in my voice wherever I go. Amen
Just listening to some Bill Staines songs this Saturday morning in Feb 2023. Found out he had passed over a year earlier. I enjoyed attending Bill's concerts in the Twin Cities area back in the late 80's thru about 2004. The Extemp (Coffeehouse Extempore) was one of my favorite places to hear Bill. Another was at the Hobgoblin music store and venue down in Red Wing, Minn. I will always love listening to Bill's home-spun and soothing songs!
I met the wonder of Bill Staines music in the late 60's. On one of the first dates with my now husband (of 50 years), Bill sang at a coffeehouse-style concert at Northeastern University. Our sons grew up with his music acting as our life's background melodies. Bill's CDs soothed our grandchildren in the magical way only well-formed music can. We last heard Bill in concert in Rochester, NY shortly before the pandemic. Immediately at home, humming and singing the familiar songs. A national treasure we had the distinct pleasure to follow for much of his career and our lives.
We were at Northeastern starting in 1969. My husband Ken Turcotte was the manager of Moon and Virgo for a few years. Bill Staines was the hit of the coffeehouse along with Livingston Taylor. We are now married 51 years. Last time we saw him was in New London CT. He was a treasure. Did you ever go the the after coffee house parties?
I was working full time, tutoring, and going to grad school full time. I counted it a blessing to find the time for a coffeehouse. Also married 51 years (to the second guy I followed Bill with.)
When I was going through a very difficult time in the early 1980s when I was in college and severely depressed, Bill's music helped me get through that time. And I remained a fan for the years after. A very talented and warm performer.
The people have only discovered a fraction of the great songs Bill Staines has written . In time, he will be recognised as the greatest singer-songwriter of them all. Some of the worst songs i ever heard sold millions and were instantly forgettable, and it is not a criterion for judging any record. . Even though" All Gods Critters " was Bills biggest hit , he has many, far better compositions that will be discovered in time. " The Streets Of Old Quebec " is a hauntingly beautiful song, and " Old Jack " is a nostalgic tribute to an old farm mule. " Music To Me " is also a classic combination of poetry and melody, and there are dozens more. Rest In Peace , Bill, you were a true genius.
Bill Staines was one of a kind. What a joy to have known him. ~ JJ