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Wasn't sure where to post this-- But-

Just ran across a modern version of Preacher and the Bear, sung last year by Ray Stevens. Stevens has been around for decades and sings mostly comedic songs.. I enjoy his sense of humor (look for "Squirrel Revival")

Anyway- Here 'tis his modern rendition-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Udygtineyg

Brad Abell

Thanks for sharing that Brad! Who doesn't like Ray Stevens? He's a great entertainer!

Still a catchy favorite 110 years later. Thanks for sharing.

Andreas

Swingy, rhythmic, sensational! Thanks!

I still have the Jerry Reed version on 45. (Amos Moses was the A side)Early 70's I would guess [YouTube]https://youtu.be/CFD34aUpeyM[/YouTube] I didn't know it was a remake until I came across and Edison Diamond Disk quite a few years ago.

I found one more-- The Jubalaires in 1945--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNzKZ7lJRUc

Preacher and the Bear got a lot of mileage over the years. Does anyone know who was the first to write/sing the song? Did anyone get an royalties from all of the knock-offs??

Brad Abell

Answering my own question- at least if Wikipedia is accurate ?? I knew Arthur Collins had it on cylinder-- Just didn't know who wrote it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Preacher_and_the_Bear

Brad Abell

In my opinion the best rendition is the original done by Arthur Collins where the bear laughs. The other renditions by Phil Harris and Ray Stevens are okay but nothing beats the original!

In my opinion the best rendition is the original done by Arthur Collins where the bear laughs. The other renditions by Phil Harris and Ray Stevens are okay but nothing beats the original!

Here you go, on 2min. Indestructible:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfJ37wO ... anyArchive

edisonclassm wrote: Tue Feb 09, 2021 10:18 am In my opinion the best rendition is the original done by Arthur Collins where the bear laughs. The other renditions by Phil Harris and Ray Stevens are okay but nothing beats the original!

Absolutely!!!

Iowa Dale