42 Comments

You were in my thoughts this week, knowing you lost a dear friend. I started listening to Bill after hearing your version of Filled With Wonder. His album, Life Is People is a quiet balm for when my soul is feeling weary…which is a lot these days. “Be At Peace With Yourself” is a favorite and his version of Jesus Etc is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Sending love your way, Captain.

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Jeff, you're the reason I know of Bill Fay in the first place. Playing "Be not so fearful" in "I am trying to break your heart" set me on the path. It's been amazing to see the resurgence he's had. So thank you for that introduction and thank you for being his friend. So sorry for your loss.

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Such a beautiful tribute. We all need a little wonder. I can’t wait to listen to this song. It has been a tough week. Thanks!

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What a beautiful remembrance. Love to all who are hurting from this loss. Gentle human. Crashing loss. May your friend’s memory be a blessing to you, Jeff. May your memories of him help carry your heavy heart.

Thank you for this beautiful post.

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Thank you for this...beautiful. And thank you Bill Fay...Life is People!

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I sure do appreciate you, Captain ❤️

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Thank you for this tribute, and for introducing this amazing songwriter to the world. I discovered Bill Fay through the documentary about the making of YHF. You and Wilco members are shown sitting on a couch softly singing 'Be Not So Fearful'.

Your perspective on ego, humility, and artists wanting to know their reach, is interesting. I wonder why the desire to know someone 'gets' you, a desire we all have, can trigger a 'more, more, never enough' in many artists that achieve a following, which stigmatizes for all artists the very human desire to know if you're understood, or somehow not coming across.

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It’s preposterous to say any single story can sum up a person, but the ladybug story is so wonderful and makes me feel like I knew him and wish that I had.

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Both these versions have been on my playlist of songs to listen to when I need a bit of inspiration in life (as is Be Not So Fearful), and it's great to hear them today.

Aside from the the effect these songs on me, I'm full of wonder of how Fay pulled off what could've been the musical equivalent of "hang in there" posters or "live, laugh, love" decorative pillows, but instead are profound, moving works.

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Beautiful tribute for a tremendous songwriter

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Jeff, I’ve been anxiously awaiting your next update! So sorry for the loss of your friend. I love all 3 versions and will explore his stuff. Thank you, your posts are so meaningful.

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This song is in my playlist and never leaves! It is such a beautiful song.

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Strange to feel loss for someone I’ve never even met, but Bill Fay’s music creates an intimacy that feels personal. And it’s more than religion. It’s a longing, a tenderness, a sense of something more. Maybe it’s simply the possibility of something more amid life’s struggles. Somewhere in his music I find comfort & hope. Thanks for the remembrance.

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I am sorry for your loss. All three versions you posted here of “Filled with Wonder Once Again” (Bill’s version,

And your 2 versions) are so beautiful - I had never heard any of them before. I love how Bill’s version and your solo version have such a sad (feeling for me) and the version you did with Spencer in 2020, seems so upbeat. Funny how the same song can hit you in different ways! Thank you for sharing your words about Bill!

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Was really thinking of you when I heard the sad news. Was lucky enough to be at that show you invited Bill on to perform. From many many highlights you have provided me down th eyears watching Wilco or solo that has to be one of the shining and powerful ones. Importantly as well it really switched me on to Bill's music, what a hidden treasure from these isles that thankfully did have many more ears tuning into his quiet thoughtful brilliance. Lovely story about the Ladybird. Sorry for your loss but thank you as well for helping bringing the kindly soul that Bill clearly was to a much wider audience.

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I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I found your beautiful rendition of this song last year and added it to many a playlist, but never knew the backstory. Now it is even more poignant. Thank you!

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