Here’s the great Bobby Bare in a 1964 live performance of the country-folk evergreen, “500 Miles.”
Too few seem to know of her today, but singer-songwriter Hedy West (1938-2005) was as essential to the 60s folk music movement as Joan Baez or Mary Travers—probably more so. A true child of American roots music, she learned her craft from her father, uncle, and grandparents, all country musicians. Musicologists say her most famous song, “500 miles,” is stitched together from a number of traditional lyrics and melodies as old as America itself.
The song has been covered by dozens of artists—most recently by Justin Timberlake in the Coen brothers film, Inside Llewyn Davis. However, Bobby Bare’s haunting 1963 version is probably the most familiar today. In the finest folk music tradition, the country performer added his own lyrics and a key change. It’s said that loneliness built the country recording industry, and there are few moments more lonesome than “500 Miles” in Bare’s clear, beautiful baritone—just listen. This performance was recorded live on a 1964 European tour.
WAAAHH, sniff, sniff, Thanks MCG for stirring up memories of me as a kid crying. I remember as a kid hearing this song and asking my mom, ” Is that guy gonna make it home, mom”? I still feel a little “verklempt”. And look at the audience, spellbound listening to him sing. I think everybody could feel for him, perhaps thinking of their own experiences, far from home. Love your “CarTunes”, thanks
Yes, this is the quintessential version although I do like Timberlake’s take also. Thanks for sharing.