This is the original recording of Oliver's top hit "Jean" recorded in 1969. This song was released on his premiere album along with "Good Morning Starshine" and created a double smash hit for the young Bill Swofford and made many beautiful memories for so many people.

The song was the theme to the 1969 film adaptation of Dame Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which starred noted British film actress Maggie Smith. Smith won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the lead character in the film, Jean Brodie. The song was performed by songwriter McKuen, who was nominated for an Academy Award in the category Best Original Song. Although released as a single in the summer of 1969, McKuen's version of the song failed to reach the American music charts." [and that] " . . . "Jean" was also recorded by the American singer Oliver. Earlier in 1969, Oliver had reached #3 on the Billboard pop and easy listening charts with his version of "Good Morning Starshine," a song from the musical Hair.

While working on an album with producer Bob Crewe (which would also be called Good Morning Starshine), "Jean" was selected as a song for the record and subsequently chosen as the followup single. It became another hit for the singer, reaching #2 on the pop chart, where Sugar, Sugar by The Archies kept it from #1.[2] "Jean" spent four weeks at #1 on the adult contemporary chart. Oliver would later describe his cover version of the song: "We had no idea it would be a single. It was a 3/4 ballad in the psychedelic era...it was a beautiful arrangement."[3]

(thanks to Mark B for adding more detail to the review)

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


William Oliver Swofford Feb 22, 1945 Feb 12, 2000

If you would like to read more about Bill's life and career, please visit us at www.facebook.com/William.Oliver.Swofford.Fans

I do not own the rights to the audio file on this video. If this video must be removed I will do so.