Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 29 minutes ago
Check out this demo recorded in 1966 from the UNC Chapel Hill trio, The Virginians. The group was formed by three 21 year old college classmates, Dan Sheppard from Goldsboro, NC, Bob Hinkle of Asheville, NC, and the lead singer, Bill Swofford, from North Wilkesboro, NC. Bill went on to sing in another folk group called The Good Earth. They were "discovered" singing at a coffee house in Bethesda, MD by Bob Crewe, of Crewe Records, who also had discovered The Four Seasons, Leslie Gore, and other 60's up and comers. The Good Earth broke up shortly after releasing their first album and Bill signed on solo with Crewe Records. Bob was sincerely impressed with Bill's vocal talents and sought new material like "Good Morning Starshine" from the hit play Hair, and Rod McKuen's song Jean. Within a few months, Bill was now OLIVER, and had two gold records to his credit.
Learn more about his life and career at facebook.com/william.oliver.swofford.fans
William Oliver Swofford 2/22/45 - 2/12/00
This video produced by Cindy Barbarino; All rights reserved
Check out this demo recorded in 1966 from the UNC Chapel Hill trio, The Virginians. The group was formed by three 21 year old college classmates, Dan Sheppard from Goldsboro, NC, Bob Hinkle of Asheville, NC, and the lead singer, Bill Swofford, from North Wilkesboro, NC. Bill went on to sing in another folk group called The Good Earth. They were "discovered" singing at a coffee house in Bethesda, MD by Bob Crewe, of Crewe Records, who also had discovered The Four Seasons, Leslie Gore, and other 60's up and comers. The Good Earth broke up shortly after releasing their first album and Bill signed on solo with Crewe Records. Bob was sincerely impressed with Bill's vocal talents and sought new material like "Good Morning Starshine" from the hit play Hair, and Rod McKuen's song Jean. Within a few months, Bill was now OLIVER, and had two gold records to his credit.
Learn more about his life and career at facebook.com/william.oliver.swofford.fans
William Oliver Swofford 2/22/45 - 2/12/00
This video produced by Cindy Barbarino; All rights reserved
