During the 2022 Will McLean Festival, five-year-old Emeline made her first major stage appearance singing the Will McLean song, “Cryin’ Bird.” It’s a song about Florida’s Limpkin, a bird that has disappeared from many areas of the state because of the loss of the apple snails that they depend on. Emeline has loved this song since she was an infant. She is joined on the Magnolia Stage by her Aunt Jessie Armstrong and a family friend Andy .
Two and a half year old Emeline Floyd joins her Aunt Jessie Armstrong and Uncle Lee Townsend to sing the late Will McLean’s Crying Bird
A favorite Will McLean song is “Cryin’ Bird” about the Florida Limpkin….a bird that has disappeared from many areas of the state because of the loss of the apple snails that they depend on. In this rendition of the song are Emeline Floyd, Jessie Armstrong and Lee Townsend who are helping to keep alive the music of the Father of Florida Folk, Will McLean.
The Florida Limpkin, also known as the “Cryin’ Bird” (Photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
Here are the lyrics to Will McLean’s Cryin’ Bird:
Cryin’ bird, your sad cry
in the night, is a cry of a lost child in fright
Cryin’ bird, are the apple snails gone
from the Wakulla River, from your home
You are sad, soon you’ll fly
far away, from the river you love
where you stay
Cryin’ Bird, as you go
fill the swamp,
with your sweet Limpkin song, Cryin’ Bird
Will McLean wrote hundreds of songs, poems and stories about Florida including, Hold Back the Waters, Seminole, Osceola, The Ballad of the Green Turtle (Conch Island), Tate’s Hell, and many others. Learn more about the Black Hat Troubadour at willmclean.com
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is best known for her novel The Yearling which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 and was made into a major motion picture. She penned many other books including Cross Creek, South Moon Under, Golden Apples, The Sojourner and Blood of My Blood. Rawlings died on December 14th, 1953 but her legacy lives on and continues to inspire writers around the world. The farm is now a Florida State Park where thousands of people continue to visit the farm and community that inspired Rawlings’ literary works. The community service organization, “Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm,” works to support the needs of the park. For more information on the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm go to MarjorieKinnanRawlings.org or follow the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMKR. You can view and listen to many of the organization’s activities below:
On December 12, 2021 The Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm sponsored the showing of the 1946 classic film, The Yearling, at the Marion Theatre in Ocala. It was the 75th anniversary of the premiere of the MGM award-winning film. Prior to the movie the audience was treated to an onstage interview with Claude Jarman, Jr. who played young “Jody” Baxter in the film.
Claude Jarman, Jr. interviewed by Donna Green-Townsend
On April 6th, 2021 documentary film producer Donna Green-Townsend talked with Claude Jarman, Jr. who played young “Jody” Baxter in the 1946 MGM film, The Yearling. The movie was based on Marjorie Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize winning book. Jarman was a special guest on December 11th and 12th, 2021 in Cross Creek and Ocala, Florida as the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm organization celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Premiere of The Yearling.
The Yearling movie told the story of a pioneer family in the Florida Scrub of Marion County, Florida and starred actors Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and young first-time actor, Claude Jarman, Jr.
The Yearling depicts the coming of age story of a young boy and his orphaned pet deer and the tough decisions his family had to make to survive. The movie received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, taking home Oscars for Best Cinematography and Art Direction. Young actor Claude Jarman, Jr. won an Academy Juvenile Award.
Friends of the MKR Farm featured on WUFT’s Greater Good program
On March 26th, 2021 the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Park was featured on WUFT-TV on the program, “Greater Good.” Here’s a link to the feature that aired.
In December of 2020 the park wasn’t able to have the usual holiday open house because of the pandemic. Instead, park staff and volunteers offered a virtual tour of Marjorie’s home all decked out for the holidays, just as Marjorie would have done when she lived there.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Cross Creek Christmas 2020
Marjorie and Me: Ron Haase Discusses Cracker Architecture and His Inspiration From Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Ron Haase is Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida where he taught design and historic preservation. He is a specialist in the area of Florida vernacular architecture. Ron is also the author of the book, “Classic Cracker: Florida’s Wood-Frame Vernacular Architecture.” In this video he pays a visit to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park and shares his personal inspiration from Rawlings writings. He tours MKR’s barn and home with Park Manager Scott Spaulding and shares his knowledge of “Classic Cracker Architecture.”
On August 8th, 2020 The Friends of the MKR Farm decided to have a virtual birthday party for Marjorie because of the pandemic. Below is a special video presentation offered online about the friends and neighbors of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek. DVDs of the video are available to purchase for $15.00 plus $4.00 for postage and handling. All proceeds will benefit projects on the farm. Please make your check payable to Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm., and mail to PO Box 337, Micanopy, FL 32667-0337.
Life and Times in Cross Creek: Memories and Reflections
Celebrating MKR’s 123rd birthday (August, 2019)
The Pound Party Play
On May 4th, 2019 a variety of children participated in a play based on Chapter 4 of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ book, “Cross Creek.” The play was written by James M. Stephens. A variety of audience members took video of the play and this video is taken from what those audience members captured.
The event was sponsored by the Friends of the MKR Farm and the MKR Historic State Park in Cross Creek, FL. To learn about other future events check out the facebook page: The Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm. Cast members: Director- Scott Spaulding Cast Members: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings- Samantha Briscoe Samuel Townsend – Lee Townsend Leila Townsend- Donna Green-Townsend Dorsey Townsend – Ty Briscoe Ella May Townsend – Abby Briscoe Floyd Townsend – Jaylen Riley Glenwood Townsend – Carter Cutter Preston Townsend- Lucas Wunner Beatrice Townsend – Emeline Floyd Baby Christine Townsend – Emery Swilley
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Antiochers
Many of the Cross Creek, Florida friends Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote about in her book “Cross Creek” are buried in the Antioch Cemetery near Island Grove, FL just east of Cross Creek. James M. Stephens has written what he thinks many of those friends would say about themselves and their relationship with the late Pulitzer-Prize-winning author. He shares those narratives in this unique walking tour of the Antioch Cemetery.
The Artistic Ties Between MKR and Robert E. Carson
Robert E. Carson was a professor of Humanities at the University of Florida from 1946-1971. Professor Carson, or “Doc” as many called him, was a self-taught artist who began in watercolors at the age of 35. In 1966 author Gordon E. Bigelow asked Carson to provide sketches for his book, Frontier Eden, The Literary Career of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Following the publication of Bigelow’s book, the University of Florida asked Carson if he would be willing to provide tours of the late Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home in Cross Creek. From 1968 to 1970 Carson and his wife Estelle stayed at the historic MKR home on weekends and served as the first hosts. Sadly, he died following a car accident leaving Cross Creek in 1971. Carson’s daughter, Elaine Carson Spencer shares how she is keeping her father’s legacy alive in this video about the artistic ties between her father and MKR.
Celebrating Marjorie’s 122nd Birthday at the MKR Historic State Park in August of 2018
Visitors who attended the 122nd Birthday Celebration for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek, FL in August of 2018 were treated to recipes from her Cross Creek Cookery book, music and tours of the farm. Volunteers with the Friends of the MKR Farm and staff from the MKR Historic State Park served up watermelon sherbet, mango ice cream and black bottom pie as well as birthday cake. Music was provided by Eli Tragash and Virginia Carr.
MKR friend Carol Fiddia Laxton Tours Historic Cross Creek Home
On March 3, 2018 Carol Fiddia Laxton toured the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Home in Cross Creek, FL. She had last visited the home when she was 18 years old many decades before. Her father wanted her to talk to Marjorie about what she was going to do after high school. Marjorie encouraged Carol to go to college for at least two years.
After touring Marjorie’s home, Carol Fiddia Laxton shared her memories of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Her talk was sponsored by the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm organization and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. Carol’s father and grandmother were good friends of Rawlings. The late author lived with the family for a time to gather information for the books she was writing, including, “South Moon Under” and “The Yearling.”
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of MKR’s Cross Creek and Cross Creek Cookery
Hotel Thomas Porch Party September 16th, 2017
Musicians, singers and dancers gathered at the Thomas Center in Gainesville, FL for the Hotel Thomas Porch Party on Saturday, September 16th, 2017. It was a part of the year-long 75th anniversary celebration of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings publications, “Cross Creek,” and “Cross Creek Cookery.” The family-friendly event treated guests to traditional music and dance—and some unconventional entertainment. Guests enjoyed music by Sam & Eden, as well as musical guests (and descendants of Cross Creek characters) Jessie & Lee Townsend, Andy Garfield and young performers from We the People Theatre, dancing, percussive dance demonstrations, crankie theatre, and an old-time music jam. And there were plenty of homemade pie by the Pie Gals.
Happy 121st Birthday Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: August 5, 2017 Fish Fry Birthday Celebration
Two versions of a video produced by Dorsey Lee Townsend III for a class project while in Santa Fe College:
Longer Version
MKR and the Invasion of Privacy Trial
The old Alachua County Courthouse in Gainesville, FL
The 1946 “Invasion of Privacy Trial” of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings vs. Zelma Cason has captivated lawyers and literary experts alike. On June 18th thru June 20th, 2015 the public got a flavor of the famous trial when the award-winning play by Larry Parr, “Invasion of Privacy,” took to the stage of the Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College.
It was after Marjorie Rawlings won the Pulitizer Prize for “The Yearling” that she continued her success with her book, “Cross Creek,” a book which captured what her life was like as well as her neighbors in the small fishing community. But one friend of Rawlings, Zelma Cason, didn’t take “too kindly” to the way Rawlings described her in her book and decided to sue the famous author. Click here to read more about this famous legal case.
Park Ranger Lee Townsend being interviewed on November 13th, 2009 at the MKR home about Marjorie’s life at the “Creek.”
A True “Mother’s Day” Story About Romance in Cross Creek by Shelley Fraser Mickle
I have a friend who lives at Cross Creek. She moved there over a decade ago from up North, and she would have left probably any number of times except that she fell in love with a man from the Creek. And that made all the difference. Apparently men at the Creek take the romancing of a woman very seriously.
For instance, a first date might be only a midnight fishing trip under a full moon on Orange Lake. It might be a frog gigging, or a beer shared out on a wooden bench near the Creek until it is dark and quiet, so that then you can listen to the alligators bellow in Lochloosa.
The first weekend in August of 1997 kicked off the first annual Cross Creek Summer, Arts and Culture in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Florida. Organizers hoped the week-long event would introduce people to the Florida Rawlings loved and attract those ecotourists looking for the real Florida. To hear the report produced by Donna Green-Townsend Click here
50th Anniversary of “The Yearling” Celebration on the MKR farm in Cross Creek in April of 1988
In 1988 the community of Cross Creek, FL came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pulitizer Prize Winning novel, “The Yearling,” by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Not only did the event bring out a diverse group of Creek folks, but also noted entertainers and storytellers such as Cousin Thelma Boltin, and Florida Artists Hall of Fame winners Will McLean and Gamble Rogers. The video was captured on a VHS recorder by volunteers at the festival.
The late singer-songwriter Ann Thomas captured just what a lost tourist might feel if he or she was heading for a typical vacation on a Florida beach, but ended up in Florida’s scrub land in her song, “A Lost Tourist’s Letter Home.” Ann was the other half of the famous couple Ann and Frank Thomaswho wrote numerous songs about Florida.
Jessie and Lee Townsend
Jessie and Lee Townsend along with musicians David McBrady, Chris Henry and Red Henry captured the spirit of this tongue-in-cheek song written more than 30 years ago in the video below. Produced by Donna Green-Townsend, the video captures scenes around North Central Florida, particularly Cross Creek. Portraying the lost tourist is Harriett Meyer.
Listen and Watch song samples from the new “Tribute” CD below: The newest video just added is, “Lost Tourist’s Letter Home.”
Jessie and Lee’s CD is the newest professional recording for this sister/brother duet.
(To order a CD, please send $15.00 to: Jessie Townsend, 13501 SE 171st Lane Hawthorne, FL 32640)
Jessie, Red and Chris Henry and David McBrady in the studio
Jessie and Lee Townsend recently went back into the studio to record six more songs to add to their CD Sampler. The CD will now have 12 songs and be titled, “Tribute” as it will have songs from several of Florida’s best songwriters past and present including Will McLean, Steve Blackwell, Jim Ballew, Dale Crider, Don Grooms and Ann Thomas to name a few.
Lee Townsend in the studio
Below you will find music videos of six of the songs included on the project followed by audio samples from all of the songs on the CD including “Lost Tourist’s Letter Home,” written by the late Ann Thomas about a tourist travelling by bus from Boston who was headed to Miami, but got off in the Florida scrub by mistake; “Crying Bird,” written by the late Will McLean about the potential demise of the Florida Limpkin; “Lonesome Wind Blues,” written by the late Wayne Raney and made popular by the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe; “When I Die” written by the late Jim Ballew; “Oh Kissimmee River” written by environmental troubadour Dale Crider from Windsor, FL and “Wild Birds” written by the late Don Grooms.
Jessie and Lee were joined in the studio for this CD by Chris Henry (guitar, mandolin and vocal harmony), Red Henry (fiddle, mandolin and vocal harmony), David McBrady (bass and vocal harmony), Jason Thomas (mandolin). Gabe Valla (rhythm guitar), Christian Ward (fiddle), Elisabeth Williamson (vocal harmony) and Lon Williamson (bass). The lost tourist in the first video, “Lost Tourist’s Letter Home,” is portrayed by Harriett Meyer.
Lost Tourist’s Letter Home
Crying Bird
Lonesome Wind Blues
When I Die
Wild Birds
Oh Kissimmee River
Song samples:
Jessie and Lee Townsend (all photos by Donna Green-Townsend)
Kentucky Borderline(written by Rhonda Vincent and Terry Herd) Performing on this fast-paced bluegrass tune that was the 2004 IBMA Song of the Year are Lee on banjo, Jessie singing the lead vocal, Jason Thomas on mandolin, Gabe Valla on rhythm guitar, Christian Ward on fiddle, David McBrady on bass and Elisabeth Williamson singing vocal harmony.
Bury Me Beneath The Willow This traditional bluegrass song features Jessie singing the lead vocal, Lee on guitar and David McBrady on bass and vocal harmony.
Nails In My Coffin(written by Gerald Irby) This song orginally written in 1946 features Lee on banjo and rhythm guitar, Jessie singing lead vocal, Elisabeth Williamson on vocal harmony, Christian Ward on fiddle and David McBrady on bass and vocal harmony.
If I Needed You(written by Townes Van Zandt) features Jessie singing the lead vocal, Lee on guitar, Christian Ward on fiddle, David McBrady on bass and Elisabeth Williamson and David McBrady on vocal harmony.
Lee and Jessie Townsend with David McBrady performing Macclenny Farewell at the Will McLean Festival in March, 2016
Macclenny Farewell(written by Will McLean) This love song written by the late Father of Florida Folk features Jessie on the lead vocal, Lee on guitar and David McBrady on bass.
The Line(written by Steve Blackwell) The line was written by the late Steve Blackwell from Punta Gorda who penned this beautiful song about someone reflecting on all of the family members who have gone on before. This rendition of the song features Jessie singing the lead vocal, Lee on guitar and Lon Williamson on bass.
Oh Kissimmee River (written by Dale Crider) Oh Kissimmee River written by environmental troubadour from Windsor, FL, Dale Crider, brings attention to the disastrous environmental effects of trying to straighten the Kissimmee River. This version features Jessie singing the lead vocal, Lee on banjo, Chris Henry on guitar, Red Henry on mandolin and David McBrady on bass.
Withlacoochee River
When I Die (written by Jim Ballew) When I Die is one of the most beautiful songs ever written by the late Jim Ballew. It features Jessie on vocals, Lee on guitar, Chris Henry on mandolin, Red Henry on fiddle and David McBrady on bass.
A Florida Limpkin
Cryin’ Bird (written by Will McLean) Cryin’ Bird by Will McLean brings attention to the potential extinction of Florida’s Limpkin because of the lack of food resources the Limpkin eats in the Wakulla River. Jessie sings vocal, Lee plays guitar, Chris Henry plays mandolin, Red Henry is on the fiddle and David McBrady is on bass. Elisabeth Williamson adds vocal harmony.
Lonesome Wind Blues (written by Wayne Raney) Lonesome Wind Blues is a very traditional bluegrass song. It was originally recorded in 1947 by Wayne Raney and later made famous by the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe. In this version Jessie sings the vocals with harmony added by Chris and Red Henry. Lee plays banjo, Chris Henry plays guitar, Red Henry is on the mandolin and David McBrady is on the bass.
Wild Birds (written by Don Grooms) Wild Birds is a love song written by the late Don Grooms. Jessie sings the vocals, Lee is on guitar, Chris Henry is on mandolin, Red Henry is on fiddle and David McBrady is on bass.
Lost Tourist’s Letter Home (written by Ann Thomas) In this tongue-in-cheek song the late Ann Thomas pokes fun at what a lost tourist would write home about if he or she got off a tour bus in the middle of Florida. Jessie sings vocals, Lee plays banjo, Chris Henry is on guitar, Red Henry is on mandolin and David McBrady is on bass
Jessie and Lee have been performing for several years. Venues have included the Florida Folk Festival, the Will McLean Festival, the Alachua and Micanopy Festivals, bluegrass events in Waldo, the Christmas Candelight program at Disney World and a variety of other church services and community events.
To order a CD, please send $15.00 to:
Jessie Townsend 13501 SE 171st Lane
Hawthorne, FL 32640
To book Jessie and Lee for musical performances call 352-575-3042, or send an email to townsendjessie@gmail.com.
(from l to r) Lee Townsend, Jeanie Fitchen and Jessie Townsend (photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
What a memorable Florida Folk Festival for Jessie and Lee Townsend. Thanks to Jeanie Fitchen and Mark Smith for giving special stage time to them this year. There were some magic moments as this brother-sister duo performed “Dumbarton’s Drums” on the historic Old Marble Stage with Jeanie on her 50th year performing at the Florida Folk Festival. Of special note is the fact Jeanie received the first ever “Legacy Award” from the Florida Folk Festival organizers this year.
(from l to r) Andy Garfield, Lee Townsend, Jessie Townsend and David McBrady (photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
Another magic moment was having the opportunity to perform the late Jim Ballew’s beautiful song, “When I Die,” on the Ann Thomas River Gazebo Stage. Though Jim Ballew is best known for his incredible guitar picking, it’s been said that the last time he played on the Gazebo Stage he played “When I Die” on a banjo in honor of his music buddy and great banjo player, the late Paul Champion. It was especially memorable to Lee and the band to learn about that memory since Lee just happened to play banjo on the song that day. As they performed you could hear the audience singing along. It was a goosebump moment for sure. Jessie and Lee were joined by Andy Garfield on guitar and David McBrady on bass.
Jessie and Lee’s performance set at the River Gazebo Stage included a variety of songs that will soon be added to their latest CD project which they’re calling, “Tribute.” In all there will be 12 songs which pay tribute to some of Florida’s best songwriters past and present and more. Six songs have already been mastered and are available on their CD Sampler. In addition to “When I Die,” (the song above) the upcoming CD will feature a song originally written by environmental troubadour Dale Crider from Windsor, FL. Here are Jessie, Lee, Andy Garfield and David McBrady performing, “Oh Kissimmee River” which points out the environmental boondoggle of the government for trying to straighten Florida’s Kissimmee River.
(from l to r) Lee Townsend, Jessie Townsend and Mark Smith (photo by Donna Green-Townsend)
Gainesville Singer-Songwriter Mark Smith asked Jessie and Lee to join him on the River Gazebo Stage on the last day of the Florida Folk Festival to sing one of his songs, “Florida Lullabye.”
It’s a tradition to end the final set on the Gazebo Stage at the Florida Folk Festival with the performers and audience singing together on “Old Folks At Home.”
See the special video presentations of the tribute to Margaret Longhill below the text which were produced by Gail Carson and Paul Garfinkel
Margaret Longhill (all photos by Gail Carson)
The 27th annual Will McLean Music Festival at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Brooksville honored Margaret Longhill on March 12th. Longhill has been the gentle, guiding hand and inspiration for hundreds of musicians who have found their voices for Florida.
Since she first met Will McLean (1919-1990), the first folk artist inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, she has continued to keep the flame burning of Will’s desire to “Save Florida Through Music.”
“Music is a magical way to teach the value of our blessed, flowered land,” says Longhill.
Margaret making her entrance to the special Saturday night tribute on March 12th
Whether it’s her support for the young performers or the annual ‘Best New Florida Song Contest,’ Longhill, the Will McLean Foundation President Emeritus, possesses the ability to nourish and encourage songwriters across the state simply with her incredulous smile and engaging enthusiasm. As a result, the library of songs about this “Land of Flowers” continues to grow.
“I’d like to be known as a lover of Florida and promoter of music, especially about Florida. And I was a convert because I’m from Tennessee and I love Tennessee too, but you know, when you live in Florida you just adopt Florida,” says Longhill.
Margaret Longhill being interviewed by Donna Green-Townsend
The presentation on Saturday night, March 12th, included a live interview with Longhill on stage by Donna Green-Townsend interspersed with performances by three former “Best New Florida Song Contest” winners.
Ken and Leigh Skeens performing, “The Empty Chair”
Ken Skeen and Leigh Skeens performed the song that won the very first contest called, “The Empty Chair.” Ken not only won first place during the very first song contest in 1992, but also won second place and tied for third. He then worked for a number of years as the song contest coordinator.
(from left to right) Mike Jurgensen, Pete Price and Pete Hennings performing “Music Drifts Along This River”
Mike Jurgensen, accompanied by Pete Price and Pete Hennings on guitar and bass performed Mike’s winning song, “Music Drifts Along This River.” Mike has won the song contest three times and is now working as a judge for the annual competition.
Amy Carol Webb and Ron Litschauer perform, “Oh Margaret” during the special tribute to Margaret Longhill
Margaret recited Will McLean’s poem, “My Soul Is a Hawk,” accompanied by Wayne Martin on fiddle and Dennis Devine on guitar. Amy Carol Webb, a past song contest winner, then performed a special song she wrote for Margaret’s birthday a few years ago called, “Oh Margaret.” She was accompanied by Ron Litschauer on mandolin.
Lee and Jessie Townsend along with bass player David McBrady performing at the Margaret Longhill Tribute Presentation. (photo by Gail Carson)
The tribute also included a Will McLean song, Macclenny Farewell, performed by two young performers, Jessie and Lee Townsend, who represent Longhill’s passion for supporting the musical talent of youth at the festival. Jessie and Lee were accompanied by David McBrady on bass.
A very special thank you to all the folks behind the scenes who made the presentation possible including Ron and Bari Litschauer, Lynn Wodjenski and countless others who helped to set up the living room scene and lights and who made the presentation run smoothly.
Here are the videos of the special tribute to Margaret Longhill produced by Gail Carson and Paul Garfinkel. The first video was produced by Gail:
Paul Garfinkel’s six segments on the Tribute to Margaret Longhill from Saturday, March 12, 2016 show a wider perspective on the special evening:
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
Part Four:
Part Five:
Part Six:
Gail Carson also produced another video for Margaret to thank her for all she has done to promote and to preserve Florida Folk Music. The video demonstrates, through a number of voices, the unforgettable impact Margaret Longhill has had on so many songwriters and performers, especially young performers.
Lee performing on banjo at the 2018 Blueberry Festival in Island Grove, FL with band members Jessie (Townsend) Armstrong on vocals (far left), David McBrady on bass and Andy Garfield (far right) on guitar
Lee Townsend
(For bookings or to contact Lee send an email to dltownsend3@gmail.com or call 352-672-7574)
The following YouTube Videos are from some of Lee Townsend’s various bluegrass performances around North Central Florida. (Read about Lee’s musical story and see pictures of Lee below the You Tube videos)
Jessie and Lee Townsend
Lee and Jessie Townsend’s CD Sampler is ready. Click here to listen to highlights.
On Friday, April 29th, 2016 Red and Chris Henry along with David McBrady joined Jessie and Lee at Gatorbone Studios to begin recording six additional songs for their new CD called, “Tribute.” Here’s a sample of one of the recordings, “Oh Kissimmee River,” written by environmental troubadour Dale Crider from Windsor, FL. The song points out the folly of the government’s effort to straighten Florida’s Kissimmee River.
Lee and Jessie recently performed at the 27th Annual Will McLean Music Festival. Here’s one example of the songs they performed, the late Jim Ballew’s “When I Die”
Here’s Lee and Andy Garfield performing “Up 18 North” on the Azalea Stage.
To see more highlights from Jessie and Lee’s performances at the Will McLean Festival click here:
To see highlights from Jessie and Lee’s performances at the Florida Folk Festival click here:
Homecoming Service at the New Cross Creek Baptist Church
On April 26, 2015 Jessie and Lee Townsend performed “What Wondrous Love Is This” at the Homecoming Services of the New Cross Creek Baptist Church on April 26, 2015
2015 Will McLean Festival
On March 15th, 2015 Lee and his sister Jessie performed Will McLean’s “Macclenny Farewell” during the Hour of Power on the Main Stage accompanied by David McBrady on bass.
Lee and Jessie also made great harmony on the Azalea Stage at the 2015 Will McLean Festival performing Townes Van Zandt’s, “If I Needed You” with help on the bass and harmony by David McBrady.
The trio even got in some bluegrass with “Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin.”
Lee playing banjo on Wild Hog by Will McLean performed by Whitey Markle and the Swamprooters at the Will McLean Festival 2015
Blue Linewalkers at the 2013 Florida Folk Festival
“Cold Sheets of Rain” with Erik Alvar on bass, Andy Garfield on acoustic guitar and vocals, Lee Townsend on banjo, Amanda Anderson on fiddle and vocals and Christian Ward on fiddle
“The Lucky One”
“Little Boy of Mine in Tennessee”
“Ookpik Waltz”
“Bury Me Beneath the Willow”
Lee Townsend and Amanda Anderson
“Down In The River To Pray” and “A Living Prayer” presented at the New Cross Creek Baptist Church, January, 2012
Orange and Bluegrass Band Performing in Waldo, 2013
“Little Boy of Mine in Tennessee”
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
“Nine Pound Hammer”
“Soldier’s Joy”
Jamming at Lis and Lon Williamson’s Porch in 2013
“Groundspeed”
Tumblin’ Creek Bluegrass Band On The Main Stage At Florida Folk Festival, 2013
Performing “Landslide” at the P.K. Yonge High School Graduation in 2011
“Foggy Mountain Breakdown”– Jamming at the Hippodrome
Lee at around three years old
Lee Townsend loves to play music, especially bluegrass. Even at the young age of 3 he wanted to play the guitar.
Pat & Dorsey Lee Townsend, Sr.
His love for music isn’t a total surprise. His grandpa Dorsey Lee Townsend was a great guitar player who played with his brother Jesse Townsend around the Cross Creek area in the 1930s through the 1970s. His other grandpa, Sterling Green from Missouri, also played the guitar and had a family band.
Lee’s mom and her siblings singing in a talent show accompanied by members of Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry
Lee learned his first music chords from his mom (Donna Green-Townsend) and dad (Dorsey Lee Townsend, Jr.)
Lee jamming with his dad in Cross Creek, FL
Lee with his mom Donna Green-Townsend
Lee and his first guitar teacher David Cook
Singer-Songwriter Jon Semmes from Dunnellon
David Cook gave Lee his first professional guitar lessons. His parents along with musician and singer songwriter Jon Semmes from Dunnellon helped purchase his first “real” guitar. It wasn’t long before he decided he also wanted to try out playing the banjo. His Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim Johnson provided his first one.
Randy Hollinger and bluegrass band members playing for runners in a Gainesville marathon
At P.K. Yonge High School Lee had the opportunity to take Mr. Randy Hollinger’s instrumental ensemble class. The class included not only a bluegrass band, but a rock band, blues band and a girl’s punk rock band.
Finale of one of the P.K. Yonge Instrumental Ensemble concerts.
The bands put on a big show every May on the school’s performing arts center stage. But the bluegrass band had a life of its own and soon the Tumblin’ Creek Bluegrass Band began performing at a variety of venues, including the Will McLean Folk Festival, the Florida Folk Festival, United Downtown in Gainesville, the Micanopy Fall Festival, and the Alachua Downtown Festival among others.
Members of the Tumblin’ Creek Bluegrass Band
The Tumblin’ Creek Bluegrass Band performing in 2013 at the Will McLean Folk Festival
Not surprisingly, when Lee went on to college he joined a bluegrass club and a band soon formed called Orange and Bluegrass.
First gathering of the Gator Bluegrass Club
Orange and Bluegrass Band performing at a Waldo bluegrass festival
As with many acoustic bands, there’s always a mix and match of performers at various festivals. On Memorial Weekend of 2013 one of those mix and match groups became the Blue Linewalkers who performed on the Main Stage of the Florida Folk Festival. Performers included Erik Alvar on bass, Andy Garfield on vocals and guitar, Lee Townsend on banjo, Amanda Anderson on Fiddle and vocals and Christian Ward on fiddle.
The Sno Rogers Band performing for a Sunday Sampler in Dunnellon
The Sno Rogers Band has gone through a few changes. At the time this feature was produced the members were David McBrady on Banjo, Terry Miller on guitar and Barbara Johnson on bass. The band was known for its high energy!
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During the 2015 Will McLean Music Festival at the Sertoma Youth Ranch near Dade City two of the former members of the Sno Rogers Band, David McBrady (bass) and Terry Miller (guitar) jammed together along with Lee Townsend on banjo and Jordan Cherkinsky on mandolin for old times sake. It was one of those memorable festival campground moments.
A True “Mother’s Day” Story About Romance in Cross Creek by Shelley Fraser Mickle
The Line (written by Steve Blackwell) The line was written by the late Steve Blackwell from Punta Gorda who penned this beautiful song about someone reflecting on all of the family members who have gone on before. This rendition of the song features Jessie singing the lead vocal, Lee on guitar and Lon Williamson on bass.
