Back in the 1980s, when I owned Wood & Strings Music Center outside Boston, we regularly presented what I called House Concerts—not in homes, but in churches and other intimate venues. Bill lived in neighboring New Hampshire, and whenever his touring schedule brought him through New England, we'd invite him to perform. On a couple of occasions, he also taught songwriting workshops for us.
Bill was a true traveling troubadour in the Woody Guthrie tradition. While he was a beloved fixture of the New England folk scene for decades, he rarely stayed in one place for long. Twice every year, he'd leave New Hampshire and zigzag his way across America, performing in coffeehouses, churches, clubs, concert halls, festivals, and community venues. When he reached the West Coast, he'd continue north into Alaska—a place he dearly loved—then work his way back east across Canada before finally returning home.
One evening, after finishing a concert for us, Bill handed me a copy of his new book, The First Million Miles. Looking at the title, I shook my head and said, "Wow! You've traveled a million miles sharing your music?"
He smiled. "Yes, Rick. I sure have."
"What kind of truck are you driving?" I gently teased him.
With that unmistakable Bill Staines grin, he replied, "It wasn't in a single truck!"
Fast forward about twenty-five years.
Lynn and I had moved to Sedona, Arizona, where I was performing for tourists and we had been hired to run a concert series in a wonderful little 100-seat black box theater called Studio Live. We brought many outstanding performers to Sedona, and one day I called Bill.
"Bill, have you ever performed in Sedona?"
"You know, Rick," he said, "I've played Arizona many times, but I've never played Sedona."
"Would you like to?"
His answer was immediate. "Sure!"
Bill came out, played to a packed house, and was every bit the wonderful performer I'd remembered from all those years before. After the concert, he spent the night with Lynn and me at our little creekside home.
The next morning, as he was loading his truck to leave, he suddenly stopped, walked back into the cottage, and said, "I almost forgot."
He reached into his bag and handed me another book.
This one was titled The Second Million Miles.
Two million miles.
Two million miles of traveling the highways of America and Canada, sharing songs, stories, laughter, and kindness with appreciative audiences, large and small. It's hard to imagine how many lives Bill touched over those countless miles.
Bill passed away a few years ago, but his legacy lives on through the beautifully crafted songs he left behind and the joy and goodwill he spread wherever his travels took him.
I've always had a special fondness for one of Bill's songs, "Roseville Fair". A few years ago, I created my own arrangement featuring fingerstyle guitar, Lynn's beautiful flute harmonies and counterpoint, and my vocals. It has become one of our favorite songs to perform at the senior living communities where we play, and it always seems to touch our audiences.
I like to think Bill would have enjoyed our interpretation.
Love you, Bill. Thank you for your friendship, your wonderful songs, and for spending two million miles making this world a kinder, happier place.
~ With deep respect and admiration,
Rick
Continue the Journey
If you enjoyed this story, here are a few places I'd love to take you next. I think you'll enjoy them.
🎵 Listen to "Roseville Fair" performed by Nanci Griffith.
🎻 Explore the Lost & Found Folk playlist - over 100 overlooked gems by remarkable songwriters.
📺 Watch a Few of My Performances showcasing other exciting singer/songwriters.
Or perhaps you'd like to read more...