Steve Bartok’s Musical Legacy Lives On
As I continue my quest for great original music on YouTube I came across a wonderful song, “Fallen” which is a tribute to Steve Bartok who passed away at an early age. It was written by his nephew William Bartok Jr. (aka Bill Jr.; or BJ but he prefers to be named ‘B’) shortly after his death. According to B, his uncle Steve was an excellent musician and had a huge influence on his pursuit of music. “Seemed like any instrument he picked up he could play it.” B says.
Bill Sr. can recall a time back in ‘73 when he proudly played the Marines Hymn he had just learned on the harmonica for his brother Steve; then later as they were listening to Johnny Cash on the 8-Track Steve asked to use the harmonica and began playing along with the song.
“So, I told him to just keep the damn thing.”
B had written the lyrics to Fallen first, added the melody later, then he and his friend Joey Davis recorded the finished song at Joey’s home studio with some additional dubbing done later. The video is a collage of photos of Steve and I just love the lyrics and the soft rhythmic guitar.
B’s Dad Bill says, “I may be prejudiced but, I think he’s pretty good… and he has a lot more lyrics to put to music.” I agree with Bill and if B’s got more, I for one, want to hear more. Lots more. B has an incredible talent and deserves to get more airplay.
Steve’s son Bryant says, “My dad had a deep love and appreciation for all music.
Some of his biggest influences were Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Don Williams, John Prine, Woody Guthrie, Chet Atkins, Neil Young, Keith Whitley, and so many more.
He could play any instrument you put in front of him. He just had a natural talent for music and singing. He was capable of so much. It’s a crying shame we lost him at such an early age.”
More of Steve’s music can be found at: www.myspace.com/stevebartok
Ed Dennison responds:
Posted: February 19th, 2009 at 2:40 pm →
I am BJ’s father -in-law and I also play guitar and bass. I have a original song called Fantasy. It is performed by myself and my other son-in-law Eric ( Mindsave) Vaughn.
You missed one original by BJ. its called Drive Me Home. The video is produced by myself. Here is the link: youtube.com/watch?v=pexjIPhQAWERemoved by request of the songwriter, B Bartok.
AMPower responds:
Posted: February 19th, 2009 at 5:27 pm →
Thanks for that Ed,
I’ve added ‘Fantasy’ to the Original Songs of Artists Around the World playlist.
-A
Bryant Bartok responds:
Posted: February 21st, 2009 at 1:54 am →
Hey, hey… I want to take the time to thank you for doing your thing… Really nice, man. Since you have posted this, my dad’s Myspace profile has been getting more than 100 hits per day…Wow… Keep in touch and thanks again.
AMPower responds:
Posted: February 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am →
No problem Bryant,
My pleasure. Glad to hear it.
-A
AMPwerx Media on YouTube
Bryant Bartok responds:
Posted: February 23rd, 2009 at 11:59 pm →
I added a few new songs to the page on Friday ( Feb. 20) and I will continue to update the playlist regularly.
AMPower responds:
Posted: February 24th, 2009 at 1:12 am →
Yes, I saw that. He sounds great!
Keep up the good work!
-A
Pamela Beccue responds:
Posted: November 19th, 2010 at 3:22 am →
BJ you are so great! You know Im one of your biggest fans and always have been, and always will be! It was awesome to see the video of Steve and hear that beautiful song you wrote. You are such a great songwriter! I really miss Steve, we played alot of music together and he taught me alot of what I know! I still play those songs very often and always think of him. He was a great friend also and it was tragic to lose him, I really miss my friend. B you keep doing what you are doing you are AWESOME! Steve would be very proud and I am very proud of you. Love ya, take care!! One of your biggest fans and a friend-Pam.