MANY RIVERS TO CROSS
This here has been one on my all-time favorite songs ever since I first heard Linda Ronstadt sing it in 1975. Back then I had no idea who Jimmy Cliff (writer of the song) was, or that a handful of other folks had already covered it.
Jimmy had written the song and included it in his 1969 album Jimmy Cliff, he also included it in the soundtrack album for the 1972 film "The Harder They Come", in which he also starred. It is one of the few tunes that Jimmy added organ to (giving a nice gospel feel), and Rolling Stone Magazine included the song in their Top 500 Songs of All Time (#317).
The song is loved by millions, and covered by nearly as many! Here is just a sample of artists who have recorded Many Rivers: Stanley Turrentine, 1974; Harry Nilsson, 1974; Martha Reeves, 1974; Lorraine Ellison, 1974; Linda Ronstadt, 1975; Chelsea, 1977; The Walker Brothers, 1977; Desmond Dekker, 1980; Joe Cocker, 1982; UB40, 1983; Elvis Costello, 1988; Toni Childs, 1989; Cher, 1993; Oleta Adams, 1994; Tom Tom Club, 1996; Bill Withers, 1998; Ian Moore, 1999; Heather Nova, 1999; The Blind Boys Of Alabama, 2002; Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, 2002; Jimmy Barnes, 2004; The Brand New Heavies, 2004; Soweto Gospel Choir, 2004
Below are a few versions of this wonderful tune for your enjoyment, plus Desmond (The Isrealites) Dekker covering Ob-La-Di,Ob-La-Da (he is THE Desmond in the song), and the Melodian's Rivers of Babylon (another song I learned by Ronstadt) off "The Harder The Come" (Deluxe edition)....if you like what you hear, go out and buy the CDs!
The Banana River & Indian River Photos
by Java John
JIMMY CLIFF
THE HARDER THEY COME
LINDA RONSTADT
JOE COCKER
HARRY NILSSON
DESMOND DEKKER
THE MELODIANS
