Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
From Oliver's 1971 PRISMS album comes a must-hear musical gem. In this track, Bill masterfully blends a timeless Appalachian folk song with his own rendition of Bob Dylan's Walkin' Down the Line, creating a fresh and lively take on both classics. With Oliver’s soaring vocals layered throughout, this arrangement showcases his remarkable range and undeniable talent. Sit back and enjoy this brilliantly crafted, one-of-a-kind performance!
Here's BILL'S NOTES on the album:
EVERY MOUNTAIN BOY (TRADITIONAL) AND WALKIN DOWN THE LINE (BOB DYLAN) I BEGAN SINGING PROFESSIONALLY IN A BLUEGRASS GROUP SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD BLUEGRASS MUSIC UNTIL NOW. BLUEGRASS IMPLIES THREE PART HARMONY. THESE NUMBERS ARE DONE WITH FOUR PARS BECAUSE OF MY EARLIER PARTICIPATION IN HYMN SINGING AND BARBERSHOP QUARTET MUSIC. AS A MATTER OF FACT, MY OLD BARBERSHOP GROUP USED TO SING "MOUNTAIN BOYS". I'VE REPLACED MY PARTNERS AND SING ALL FOUR PARTS ON THIS ONE. THIS THESE WERE THE MOST FUN CUTS TO DO ON THE ALBUM. PAUL PRESTOPINO PLAYS DOBRO, FRANK WAKEFIELD, FORMERLY OF THE GREENBRIAR BOYS PLAYS MANDOLIN, AND MIKE CROPP PLAYS BANJO.
This song will get your feet a-tappin'! It was a favorite in his live club shows and is one he also performed on the Ed Sullivan show in 1971. You can hear his awesome Carolina twang shining through which makes it even more VERY BILL...... Enjoy!
A special surprise is that the video opens with a picture of Bill Swofford at 3 years old, followed by one in which he is pictured at 14 years old in the lower right hand side of the picture along with his North Wilkesboro Barbershop Quartet. There is another picture of Bill playing guitar a at homecoming at Lowell University along with his Bandmates, The Good Earth. Those rare photos along with some beautiful musical instrument shots make this video one you must see through.
William Oliver Swofford - 2/22/1945 - 2/12/2000
This music is provided for historical purposes only.
You can follow more of Bill "Oliver" Swofford's life and career at facebook.com/William.Oliver.Swofford.Fans
From Oliver's 1971 PRISMS album comes a must-hear musical gem. In this track, Bill masterfully blends a timeless Appalachian folk song with his own rendition of Bob Dylan's Walkin' Down the Line, creating a fresh and lively take on both classics. With Oliver’s soaring vocals layered throughout, this arrangement showcases his remarkable range and undeniable talent. Sit back and enjoy this brilliantly crafted, one-of-a-kind performance!
Here's BILL'S NOTES on the album:
EVERY MOUNTAIN BOY (TRADITIONAL) AND WALKIN DOWN THE LINE (BOB DYLAN) I BEGAN SINGING PROFESSIONALLY IN A BLUEGRASS GROUP SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD BLUEGRASS MUSIC UNTIL NOW. BLUEGRASS IMPLIES THREE PART HARMONY. THESE NUMBERS ARE DONE WITH FOUR PARS BECAUSE OF MY EARLIER PARTICIPATION IN HYMN SINGING AND BARBERSHOP QUARTET MUSIC. AS A MATTER OF FACT, MY OLD BARBERSHOP GROUP USED TO SING "MOUNTAIN BOYS". I'VE REPLACED MY PARTNERS AND SING ALL FOUR PARTS ON THIS ONE. THIS THESE WERE THE MOST FUN CUTS TO DO ON THE ALBUM. PAUL PRESTOPINO PLAYS DOBRO, FRANK WAKEFIELD, FORMERLY OF THE GREENBRIAR BOYS PLAYS MANDOLIN, AND MIKE CROPP PLAYS BANJO.
This song will get your feet a-tappin'! It was a favorite in his live club shows and is one he also performed on the Ed Sullivan show in 1971. You can hear his awesome Carolina twang shining through which makes it even more VERY BILL...... Enjoy!
A special surprise is that the video opens with a picture of Bill Swofford at 3 years old, followed by one in which he is pictured at 14 years old in the lower right hand side of the picture along with his North Wilkesboro Barbershop Quartet. There is another picture of Bill playing guitar a at homecoming at Lowell University along with his Bandmates, The Good Earth. Those rare photos along with some beautiful musical instrument shots make this video one you must see through.
William Oliver Swofford - 2/22/1945 - 2/12/2000
This music is provided for historical purposes only.
You can follow more of Bill "Oliver" Swofford's life and career at facebook.com/William.Oliver.Swofford.Fans
