Sister Golden Hair, America 1975

[Blackmore Fan]

"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley.
Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Golden Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented, "[Jackson Browne] has a knack, an ability to put words to music. I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, 'Sister Golden Hair'."

I dedicate this song to all our sisters with silver hair!!!
My hair is turning silver, and a lot of our family members are getting up there in age and wisdom.
Respect and love goes to our elderly and our loving family members who we tend to forget and take for granted!


Feedback is much appreciated.

By the way, you nailed that performance. That song suits you well!

 

[Good Iron]

Nice!

 

[StoneH]

 

[Stratocast]

"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley.
Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Golden Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented, "[Jackson Browne] has a knack, an ability to put words to music. I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, 'Sister Golden Hair'."

I dedicate this song to all our sisters with silver hair!!!
My hair is turning silver, and a lot of our family members are getting up there in age and wisdom.
Respect and love goes to our elderly and our loving family members who we tend to forget and take for granted!


Feedback is much appreciated.

I really loved America during their popular years. I have most of their albums. But sadly after watching live videos on YouTube. I don’t think they sound good live. Uneven volumes. Harmonies off when I hear a band do their stuff live. I want it to sound close to the version I remember from their recordings. This band doesn’t It’s almost as if they are trying to be a cover band doing their songs.

 

[busyangel1]

"Sister Golden Hair" is a song by the band America from their fifth album Hearts (1975), written by Gerry Beckley.
Beckley says "There was no actual Sister Golden Hair." The lyrics were largely inspired by the works of Jackson Browne. Beckley commented, "[Jackson Browne] has a knack, an ability to put words to music. I find Jackson can depress me a little bit, but only through his honesty; and it was that style of his which led to a song of mine, 'Sister Golden Hair'."

I dedicate this song to all our sisters with silver hair!!!
My hair is turning silver, and a lot of our family members are getting up there in age and wisdom.
Respect and love goes to our elderly and our loving family members who we tend to forget and take for granted!


Feedback is much appreciated.

Hey Dave , good job. Truthfully the first time I ever heard every word. If I may add some constructive points. You are just a little stiff while performing. Maybe you just learned it if so disregard that comment.
So try to just let the performance breath. Learn it well enough to make it feel comfortable to you even if you need to change or embellish a chord to make it flow easier. The exact thing goes for the vocals.
You have a nice voice and your Taylor is doing its job. Try tuning your guitar down a half or whole step if the key isn’t exactly comfortable. Keep playing the song , It’s a beautiful piece of lyrical poetry. Very much like a Jackson Brown composition. All in all you did great!
Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

Its my opinion that America is one of music's most under-appreciated bands. And that's a tall statement since they had at least a half dozen "hits". I've taken a deep dive with them recently, and they released some amazing material.

HI @Blackmore Fan ,
I am a true America fan, and I am truly impressed with all their songs!!!
I grew up with their songs, and have been singing their hits all my life!!!
Thanks for your great comments!!!
respectfully,
Rene

Fun song! Thanks Rene.
I had the opportunity to talk briefly with Gerry Beckley after a concert on the Oregon coast. He was very friendly and down to earth. Concert was amazing. I really hadn’t realized how many good songs they have. More than a half- dozen, for sure!
Sister Golden Hair was the second-to last song they sang, Beckley singing that one, obviously, before Dewey Bunnell sang lead on Horse With No Name. Really a fun concert.
Really nice singing and playing version, Rene!

Hi @drewg ,
I really want to be in one of America's concert!
I'm sure it would be great and amazing!
They have so many hits, and I love 'em all!!!
Thank you for your wonderful comments, drewg!!!
Warm regards,
Rene

 

[drewg]

I really loved America during their popular years. I have most of their albums. But sadly after watching live videos on YouTube. I don’t think they sound good live. Uneven volumes. Harmonies off when I hear a band do their stuff live. I want it to sound close to the version I remember from their recordings. This band doesn’t It’s almost as if they are trying to be a cover band doing their songs.

The sound being off is more likely to be a youtube issue or how it’s recorded. I saw two concerts and they sounded great, harmonies, too.

As a mattor fact, I wish I could hear a recording of Horse with No Name from the first concert again, the best version I ever heard, multiple rhythm guitars in some kind of ¿spontaneous? groove. In the second concert it was good too, but not like that.

Live recordings are rarely perfect, but in both concerts they were enjoying themselves and connecting with the audience, not going through the motions.

I hope you get to see them live sometime. I think one of them has a family member in Oregon somewhere, so they seem to head up the coast from California every once in a while. I think you might enjoy them live!

 

[dogmeat]

sounds very much Jackson Browne

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

Nice!

Thank you so much, @yegb!!!
You are so appreciated, my friend!
With love and respect,
Rene

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

Nice work Rene. Great so song. I clicked this one and my wife Liz guessed the tune in the first chord, remarkable!
She is still fighting the silver.

Hi @Riffraff12571 and Liz,
You guys are so appreciated!!!
Iam so grateful for Liz's musical ear, and definite love for America!
For her, to be able to guess the song on the first chord, is truly remarkable!!!
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, and the precious silver!!!
Huge compliments, indeed!!!
With love and respect,
Rene

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

I agree.

Well done Rene.

Carry on....

Hi @chulaivet1966 ,
I am so thankful for your response and great feedback!!!
I will try to get some more of the uptempo guitar songs.
You are so awesome, and so appreciated!
Stay well, and keep healthy!!!
Thank you!
Warm regards,
Rene

 

[Rene Asologuitar]

I like that song since the day I first heard it back in the 70`s

Hi @HaWE ,
I am, too, so in love with the songs of America.
And this classic is a personal favorite!!!
I was in my early teens when this song erupted, so awesome!!!
That you for the wonderful comment!!!
Respectfully,
Rene

 

[TF from MN]

Nice singing and playing, Rene A. I admire your skill!

May I ask, are you recording vocal and guitar through a single microphone, and is your guitar plugged in? I don't see a microphone. You achieve a very natural and pleasant tonal quality.

 

[HaWE]

Hi @HaWE ,
I am, too, so in love with the songs of America.
And this classic is a personal favorite!!!
I was in my early teens when this song erupted, so awesome!!!
That you for the wonderful comment!!!
Respectfully,
Rene

It was a great time for songs like this. I always liked (and still like) "You`re so vain" by Carly Simon, "Heart of gold" by Neil Young, "Doctor my eyes" by Jackson Browne etc.

 

[NWinther]

Wonderful tune