This Singin' Thing

Untold Tales of a Traveling Troubadour, Including Stories of Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Peter, Paul and Mary

De: John Winn

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

A Troubadour’s Tale: Music, Mountains, and Memories from the Greenwich Village Folk Scene

Step into the extraordinary life of John Winn—a troubadour whose story begins in Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and winds through the heart of America's folk revival, the peaks of the Maine mountains, and the timeless world of poetry and song.

Now in his 80s, John looks back on a life steeped in adventure and artistic passion. From his early days as an operatic tenor to his immersion in the raw, rising energy of Greenwich Village in the late 1950s and early 1960s, he offers a rare, first-hand account of the folk music scene that shaped a generation. Along the way, he shared songs, stages, and friendships with icons like Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Mary Travers, and Dave Van Ronk.

This memoir captures the spirit of an era through unforgettable stories—some never told until now. You’ll read about:

• Singing at Carnegie Hall

• Recording underground with Abbie Hoffman while he was on the run from the FBI

• Witnessing Bob Dylan's rise from the smoky coffeehouses of the Village

• Seventeen years of skiing and songwriting in the wilds of northern Maine

But this isn’t just a story you read—it’s a story you experience. With embedded links to original songs, rare recordings, and videos of John’s live performances (including his signature ski-themed tunes filmed on the slopes), A Troubadour’s Tale becomes a multimedia journey through music, mountains, and memory.

Whether you're a folk music fan, ski enthusiast, or seeker of untold stories from a bygone era, this soulful memoir offers a glimpse into a life fully lived—and artfully remembered.

Heartfelt Journey Through Song and Snow

In his engaging memoir, "This Singin' Thing: Untold Tales of a Traveling Troubadour," John Winn takes readers on a captivating 60-year journey, expertly threading his passions for music, skiing, and life itself. This is not the story of a globally famous star, but of a locally beloved musician whose personal history offers a unique and well-written, personal perspective on the folk music scene of the 1950s and '60s Greenwich Village.

Winn's narrative is an easy and engaging read, filled with funny stories and genuine emotion. He provides a firsthand look at the era, dropping in delightful anecdotes about contemporaries like Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Peter, Paul & Mary. But the book is more than just a musical history; it’s a love letter to the activities that have given his life meaning. He shares a bit about the history of his early days on wooden skis to the technological advancements of modern equipment. Winn traces his journey as a skiing enthusiast from learning the bunny hill, to racing and a heart-stopping story about an 80 foot drop into waist deep powder on a mountain. He was also a tennis instructor, and a poet. His story moves across landscapes, from beginnings in Colorado, to the vibrant streets of New York, then the quiet beauty of Northern Maine and finally back to the majestic mountains of Colorado.

What makes this book truly special are the personal touches. Winn's descriptions of how life events came together to meld his joys are both touching and inspirational. He includes original paintings and sketches from friends, and the links to his songs and videos are a wonderful bonus, allowing readers to experience his music directly. One of my favorites is the story of the wild mountain goats appearing at a funeral where he was singing, a surreal and spiritual moment. Another highlight is the poem about being mistaken for "Abe," a moment that is both laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly human. I love the video of him singing his song "Dancing Down the Mountains" while skiing with his guitar. It is the perfect encapsulation of a life lived with passion.

"This Singin' Thing" is a fascinating and heartfelt memoir. It's a testament to a life well-lived, filled with joy, connection, and the simple beauty of a song. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good story, a little folk music history, and the power of finding your own unique rhythm in the world. I am so happy he shared these parts of his life. This was a great listen!