Uploaded January 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
It is with such incredible joy that I post this awesome recording from a live OLIVER concert from April 29, 1976. The opening performers were a duo called Jericho Harp (Jim Thomas and Tom Schmidt). The three had been touring several states and spent evenings doing what musicians do - jamming together. They visited friends along the way and when possible, set up camp and jammed around the campfire. This song was written by both Thomas and Schmidt, and Bill "Oliver" enjoyed playing and harmonizing so much that he invited the duo onstage during his performance time and they played, sang and delivered some lively conversation in the process. Bill is playing lead acoustic guitar and vocal accompaniment along with Jim Thomas playing rhythm acoustic and Tom Schmidt singing lead vocals. In this rare recording, you'll enjoy hearing Bill's gentle voice and thoughtful words about the song and his stagemates. I've also included a couple of never before seen pictures of Bill as well.
I hope you enjoy this very cherished recording and their performance.
This video is released as part of the celebration of life for William Oliver Swofford (2/22/1945 - 2/12/2000); It's being provided as a small gesture of my humble respect and love for this magnificent man taken from us too soon, yet he left these bits of evidence of his short but accomplished, admirable and humbled life. #BeLikeBill
It is with such incredible joy that I post this awesome recording from a live OLIVER concert from April 29, 1976. The opening performers were a duo called Jericho Harp (Jim Thomas and Tom Schmidt). The three had been touring several states and spent evenings doing what musicians do - jamming together. They visited friends along the way and when possible, set up camp and jammed around the campfire. This song was written by both Thomas and Schmidt, and Bill "Oliver" enjoyed playing and harmonizing so much that he invited the duo onstage during his performance time and they played, sang and delivered some lively conversation in the process. Bill is playing lead acoustic guitar and vocal accompaniment along with Jim Thomas playing rhythm acoustic and Tom Schmidt singing lead vocals. In this rare recording, you'll enjoy hearing Bill's gentle voice and thoughtful words about the song and his stagemates. I've also included a couple of never before seen pictures of Bill as well.
I hope you enjoy this very cherished recording and their performance.
This video is released as part of the celebration of life for William Oliver Swofford (2/22/1945 - 2/12/2000); It's being provided as a small gesture of my humble respect and love for this magnificent man taken from us too soon, yet he left these bits of evidence of his short but accomplished, admirable and humbled life. #BeLikeBill
