The Father of Florida Folk, Will McLean, penned hundreds of songs about Florida. McLean, who was the first folk artist inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame loved to watch sandhill cranes. In Florida there are migratory sandhill cranes and cranes that stay in the state all year long. Below is a video produced by Donna Green-Townsend of migratory cranes incorporating one of Will McLean’s most popular songs, “Courtship Dance of the Florida Sandhill Crane.” Accompanying Will McLean are Kayt Kennedy on bowed psaltry and David Beede on hammered dulcimer. The music was recorded at McLean’s concert in November, 1985 at the Thomas Center in Gainesville, FL, just five years before his death.
Archival video from the January 24th, 1990 Memorial Service for Will McLean
The Will McLean Music Festival Presents "A Tribute to Margaret Longhill"
Will with Cousin Thelma Boltin and Gamble Rogers while they were in
Cross Creek in the spring of 1988 at the 50th anniversary of "The Yearling" Festival.
Will McLean singing Hold Back The Waters
late 70s or early 80s
Will McLean and Lais performing Lament
Will singing Florida Sand with dance interpretation by Lais
Don Grooms, Tim DeMass and
Will McLean performing Vitachuko
New CD
"Soul of the Hawk: Finalists of
the Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest, 2006-2010" This is the first in a series presenting finalists in the annual contest. $15.
The Songs and Stories of Will McLean
Three books of Will McLean, now out of print, are here reprinted, plus lyrics and guitar chords of the songs on the double CD: "Will McLean, Florida's Black Hat Troubadour." $25.
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Friends of Florida Folk was created to: 
Identify, protect, preserve, encourage, and protect folk arts, crafts, dance and music;
Advise and assist government agencies, public and private organizations, schools and institutions in matters pertaining to the protection, preservation and performance of folk traditions;
Educate the public in folk tradition by encouraging, publicizing, sponsoring and producing newsletters, film, tapes, records, festivals, and other events.
Will McLean was involved from the beginning of FOFF,
encouraging others to write and sing about his beloved Florida. Friends of Florida Folk has a large membership of folk artists and enthusiasts and lists all the major folk-related festivals in Florida.
Visit the FOFF website to find out more about Florida music and festivals in your area.
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Mail Check or Money Order to: The Will McLean Foundation |
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ORDER INFORMATION Questions? Send email to ingrid.schaper34607@gmail.com |
