If folks think it's easy to be this captivating with just a guitar and your voice, just go ahead and try it. Magic like this is rare. This is just pure beauty and tribute.

@J0K3RJAKE

Жыл бұрын

Touché 😉

@camplethargic8

Жыл бұрын

No one thinks this is easy though. But thanks for pointing out the obvious.

@DaveDexterMusic

Жыл бұрын

I think it's easy if you're already able to sing and play. I can't sing, so it would be difficult. Was anyone actually here saying this was easy, or are you inventing people to be mad at?

@FlaschDJ

11 ай бұрын

@@DaveDexterMusic”inventing people to be mad at” - That’s funny. Weird as it seems, I think that happens.

@jonsunder183

11 ай бұрын

Enjoy the talent. Take compliments, even backhanded ones. Thank God musicians get on stage and get into the music like this. "Jokes on you"

Even Dylan never sang Jokerman in such a Dylan-esque way. This isn't a cover, it 's pure HOMAGE. Bravisimo!

@thewesleygoo

2 жыл бұрын

You nailed it!!! 👏🏼👏🏼

@babssams87

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant 🌸

@kanethompson708

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@tgguru9267

2 жыл бұрын

I highly agree 💯

@tgguru9267

2 жыл бұрын

I've always loved these lyrics. This artist did it in such a way. Moving... ☝️❤️

Still playing this cant leave it alone I have 9 grand children and 2 great children this is the best cover I have ever heard I will pass this amazing piece of music on to my beutiful grand children what did you started Dylan you are a one off and John you must have made him proud man you nailed it.

I didn't think anyone but Bob could do justice to this song. I was wrong. Excellent version!

@fefacolorado

Жыл бұрын

Please, listen to this version: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3WTmtmtd5mYdKw.html

@romersonclaudioguimaraesde2373

9 ай бұрын

Assista Caetano Veloso cantando Jokerman, tem no KZread, depois me diga se gostou!!!

It's an honor to call John my friend. His talent has no limits, and if you've never seen him live, you're missin out. Aloha,

@danyellerobinson5940

Жыл бұрын

What John can do with a simple acoustic guitar and his voice is pure magic. More important, he is a beautiful soul.

@randallf.4646

Жыл бұрын

I was just in Honolulu and always check to see if he's playing within the islands. ....no luck yet.

@danyellerobinson5940

Жыл бұрын

@@randallf.4646 ... the only time I heard him play live music he was playing bass in XIT. I heard he'll be touring on the mainland this summer. Visit his website.

@randallf.4646

Жыл бұрын

@@danyellerobinson5940 I will! Thank you!

@brandoncramer9012

Жыл бұрын

@@randallf.4646 he just played the M.A.C.C . Opened for Bonnie Raitt.

John I knew your dad Ernie, he was a friend. You sound and look like him. He would be proud.

@robertsnearly3823

3 жыл бұрын

The world is smaller than we can know. Yet, too big at times. It depends on what you're looking for. 😊

Thank god I am a human and can listen to this and appreciate it. I love life so much

@ryanowns5

3 жыл бұрын

Keep on lovin brother, dont let age take away your childhood. We're all children inside.

@dmcolemanmarc647

2 жыл бұрын

Combination of this amazing cover and your comment just ended me man, chopped onions everywhere. I LOVE LIFE TOO.

He sings it like it’s his. Quite unbelievable 👏👏

@carlhannen1769

4 жыл бұрын

It isn't easy to cover Dylan but you did it brilliantly :)

@myearsloveit

4 жыл бұрын

@@carlhannen1769 I concur

@daveowens

4 жыл бұрын

The form of a true artist - genuine interpretation.

@diegostinghel9794

4 жыл бұрын

Amazing cover ! thanks !😍😍 I think has been wrote for your voice ! good job !👍👍👍👍👍

@christyellis263

4 жыл бұрын

I love everything about the song , have played it 50 times . Incredible artist .

I listen to this at least once a week. Sometimes more. This is the greatest cover of one of my favorite songs of all time. He’s covering Dylan and he’s covering Knopfler and doing it his own way...AMAZING. John Cruz you are a STAR.

What a talent. A hidden gem of a musician...

Dylan would have to be proud to hear this

This man is amazing.

Sometimes the greatest music, is the purest. No big production, nor big orchestra...this is brilliant.

@andrezinhoblackalien

4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! !

@sharona4274

4 жыл бұрын

Especially this artists work. Agree

@1967MET

3 жыл бұрын

1 guitar, 10 fingers, 1 voice, big soul... What else?

@davorinflis3825

3 жыл бұрын

What can I say? Except that I fully agree with you!

@mst7155

3 жыл бұрын

To Mr Regan D :absolutely right!

This song is good. This song is hard to cover. John Cruz nails both the song and the essence making this a near perfect cover...and one of the best Dylan covers out there. Bravo.

@mathewgladstone1713

10 ай бұрын

THE best Dylan cover I have ever heard. Chris Whitley comes close.

For all Bob Dylan non fans, one listen of this will change your mind. A born poet

Mr Cruz owns this song.

May Bob Dylan feel some of the honor we feel hearing his song spoken so clearly into our souls

@markmarsh27

4 жыл бұрын

well said Sera. ... I think Jokerman is Dylan's greatest song.

@guidomf

4 жыл бұрын

Blind willie mctell is one of the best songs ever. It will be perfect for playing for change

@torvilasulvstle362

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, he does!!

This is absolutely incredible. It needed to be displayed alone for what is accomplished here is of no small feat. Those clamoring for global representation do not appreciate what this man has done. Very few can reproduce a Dylan tune. Those who have, have become legends in their own right. Much respect John.

@danielkokal8819

4 жыл бұрын

not many credible covers of Dylan songs.... The Byrds, Hendrix ... they both eclipsed the original, Dylan himself said "Watchtower" wasnt really a song til Hendrix covered it. Jokerman is poetic gold. He does a credible job here, but doesnt eclipse the original. well done tho.

@myearsloveit

4 жыл бұрын

Yup. Respect.

@myearsloveit

4 жыл бұрын

@@danielkokal8819 don't feel he was after an "eclipse" tho... Jus do'in HIS thing.

@danielkokal8819

4 жыл бұрын

@@myearsloveit agree.... just knockin one out. I do the same myself.

@_-en-truh-pee4964

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Kokal he has the one trait that is most important and can’t be taught. Believability

That was THE MOST emotionally expressive cover of one of MY favourite Dylan tracks - STUNNING MY FRIEND - THANK YOU!!

@shimidt77

4 жыл бұрын

Check this version performed by Brazilian artist Caetano Veloso kzread.info/dash/bejne/f2R6mM9qe8vfnJs.html Its mind blowing

@Gr8Layks

4 жыл бұрын

@@shimidt77 Blocked. But this one works: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ha2V0dxmp6_fj7w.html Definitely a different interpretation!

@fefacolorado

Жыл бұрын

Try this one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c3WTmtmtd5mYdKw.html

I've been gigging this song for more than 25 years. This is absolutely and undoubtedly the finest version that's ever entered my ears. 💙💙💙💙

@alexanderkartun-giles5961

4 жыл бұрын

John Phelan i like the way he says joker man. Like it means something different than intended.

@alexanderkartun-giles5961

4 жыл бұрын

The joker man is a woman in his life who isn’t responding emotionally, and he doesn’t know why. Which is sad because of all the complexity of the song, the problem is simple, which makes you think about all the sad complexity of life and it’s simple goals

As a lifelong Dylan fan I love the hell out of this, huge talent, Thank You

John Cruz is the best!

I am a 60 year old Brit, love it,,,

1000 times, and everytime directly in my heart ♥

All the times I walk past that spot in the park. I can't believe John Cruz was just out there playing. The funny thing is, I would have stopped to listen but not recognized him with short hair. Just another masterpiece for free on youtube. Great time to be alive! Mahalo John.

One of Dylan's most under appreciated masterpieces played with true talent. I think this new generation needs more Dylan exposior.

Bob Dylan songs are rough diamonds. So much beauty that so many artists can discover.

A Dylan classic done very well.

I've lost count of the number of times I've returned to listen to this masterpiece, simply superb, Thank You John and hope you are keeping well

I love this version. It is so damned emotional. It's perfect

I'll never tire of listening to this

No words other than......magnificent 👏

Wonderful cover of this great Bob Dylan song

@TheSamoht67

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Susan, came back to hear this wonderful cover and saw your name, have a great weekend 😎

@susanflanagan9159

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheSamoht67 Hi Tom

Bob should hear this version...

@TheFinnmacool

3 жыл бұрын

Bob hears everything silly goose.

This is quite possibly the best cover of any song ever done.... even Bob would agree it bests his

@michaelhehir8116

Ай бұрын

Excellent version but nobody does Dylan like Dylan.

Look Bob...He did it!!❤

This is really special

How the way you play n sing this song is a blessing to people who have hear u sing. Your punches in Dylan's caustic wordings hit so hard to the heart n soul. U didn't nailed brother, its yours, thanks.

FLAWLESS VICTORY !

This is the best of KZread , wonderful.

When I put this on I didn't expect to have tears in my eyes by the end. Simply incredible.

@michaelhehir8116

Ай бұрын

That’s odd. You may be prone to over sensitivity.

Play every day still tha coolest man

This is what it was like for us in the early 60s during the Folk Music boom. Simple.. straight forward.. and cutting right to the heart.

This runs from the heart.

John Cruz, I believe you every word and tune you sing. I love it.

Just beautiful. Thank you John Cruz and Playing for Change. You do music right.

...and the trees in the background...what can I say...wonderful

I can listen to this guy for hours

"Jokerman" is one of Bob Dylan's least known, most beautiful, best written, and most difficult songs to sing. John Cruz’s version is positively superb. Thank you! PS - John looks like the embodiment of Hawaiian tikis.

@danielcrescenzo354

4 жыл бұрын

Like Lono, but a little Ku when the brow furrows.

@luatala8008

4 жыл бұрын

completely false, "...one of Bob Dylan's least known"...if anything its one of his most well known songs especially among non-Dylan fans or listeners... I like John's voice a lot but don't like this version...seem hes just singing the words as the tempo seems a tad too fast.

@littlehorhey5285

4 жыл бұрын

Baba Yaga c’mon, this version is serene!

@yugennationlove

4 жыл бұрын

I agree awsome!

@subg8858

4 жыл бұрын

If you don't keep the song propelling forward it can drag. That is precisely why this a great performance

Mr. John Cruz, Thank You so very much for Your magical interpatation of this Dylan tune. I have watched and listened to Your performance and have yet to figure out exactly what you have up Your sleeve. Beyond Magicical. Regardless what life may be throwing at me I but this on and nothing else exists. I am so excited to hear more. Again Thank You Sir.

Wow and again wow.. Brilliant absolutely brilliant Brilliant absolutely beautiful Blew me away.

Utterly beautiful. Bobby must love it.

Very very beatiful. It goes deep in me. Thank you John Cruz! And thank you Bob Dylan too. This cover is superb

Truth and beauty. The tears see my eyes but they flow from my soul. None done better, John Cruz!

Thank you, John Cruz. Thank you so much!

Dylan tunes inspire and bring out the best in musicians.

Cruz does such justice to the lyrics of this incredible song. Dylan is a dream twister.

Cruz understands and feels more than just the music in this cover. Well done.

The Power of Music... 💚💚💚

Quelle tres belle version de Jokerman What a beautiful version of Jokerman

@PlayingForChange

4 ай бұрын

Check out more of our recent videos here: www.playingforchange.com/videos

What a sublime rendition of great song. So much soul in the performance. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Wow watched this so many times played from the soul you are a credit to anyone that has ever picked up a guitar thank you man for your wonderful music.

John cruz is a good singer! Bravo mr. Cruz 👏👍

But.........if i could press that like button a million times...i would...TRUTH MAHALO John ..you are my sunshine lately..Charisma gallore of love.....and Playing for change, Merci beaucoup...Marc Johnson, you are a love genius

One of my favorites..often covered...rarely mastered, even by Bob. My hats off to you John!

I’ve played guitar for 35 years. This song has been one of my favourite to sing whether I’m on my own or entertaining in small parties ... this is a jewel of a cover.

Yes, bravo John Cruz!

I am so glad I clicked on this.

This video will last for centuries; it’s so real and genuinely beautiful

Performed with a steely-confidence. Powerful, clear vocals. Just fantastic.

Wow!!!!! Bob should hear this!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Gooooooooooood........

This song on it's own shows why Bob won the Nobel prize in literature.

Wonderful version of a forgotten classic. Thank you 👏👏👏👏👏

I heard this 15 minutes after it posted. Oh man what a treat! I too, have a crooked smile, and I too am hawaiian, lastly I too, have that tangible sorrow in my eyes....I play this every morning-then I suit up and walk it off like a man does-thank you Mr. Cruz....

Reading the lines of his face, such emotive expression and sound, this kid will go far.

Goosebumps.....that's all I got.

Inspiring. Like the artist thats being covered here.

This is a superb rendition, did not think it was possible. Thankyou.

..probably the best ever cover of a top Bob song.

WONDERFUL!... Soul... simply as it is...

this is the greatest thing I've seen / heard on youtube this year!!!!

I tip my hat to this performer. He just lived the story and shared it with us.

Oh boy... got to love this voice, this sould, this music...

This is an outstanding work in and of itself. Dylan created it but John brings it to life. I listen to this so often I have lost count. Mahalo John Cruz.

One of Bob's best on an 80s over produced album and song. The acoustic version does the song justice. Great job!

First time I heard this guy was Playing For Change, The Weight, I like him.

I had never heard of John Cruz 'til I watched Playing For Change's "The Weight". He does a helluva job here.

This is so beautifully done. Thank you so much for sharing! 🤍🤍🤍

Wow! Love Bob Dylan, love this version. Beautiful!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️🎵🎶✌🏻

To me, this is probably the strongest lyrics Bob has ever written. This is a fantastic cover of Jokerman. You know, John Cruz reminds me of one of my all time greatest heroes, Rick Danko. He is as soulful as Rick, was.. That's the best compliment I can give a person,I think.. . .

@billypilgrim7838

4 жыл бұрын

Vidar Larsen it's alright ma

@holboroman

4 жыл бұрын

@Jasper Newcomb No limit....

@SportyOtterPop

4 жыл бұрын

But Danko also had such an endearing puppy-like quality, many live moments. Pure joy showing at what he was doing

@26dspoffleandspit67

4 жыл бұрын

His catalog is a gallery of masterpieces. I could never compare songs.

Pure Class !!!

This guy has a simple soul..great talent.

Thank you John Cruz.

The production quality is incredible on this...……..that's one quiet park

Wow. Just wow!

Speaks to the soul

The finest song Bob Dylan wrote in the 1980s decade and one of his greatest ever. A crackling version by John Cruz here - already among my all-time favourite Dylan covers. This is why Dylan got the Lit Nobel; no one before him (and not many after him) took or have taken syncopated words to this kind of a place before, in terms of feeling, not meaning.

@dianesorensen2549

4 жыл бұрын

Jaideep Varma well said.

@linjicakonikon7666

3 жыл бұрын

Not the best. Every Grain of Sand and Blind Willie McTell I rate above this fine song.

I've lost count of the number of times I've come back to hear this masterpiece, hope you're keeping well John in these difficult times, greetings from Ireland.

JOHN IS REAL TALENT.. HOW COULD ANY PERSON GIVE THIS A THUMBS DOWN ?????................. .....................JEALOUSY, THAT'S HOW

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!