So, I tracked down Judy Kellersberger, or rather she tracked me down, after yesterday’s blog post about Hudson River-themed music.

She wrote “Tribute to the Hudson River,” a song being used at many of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebrations, including the Knickerbocker Ice Festival at Rockland Lake in January. (Find out more about the Quadricentennial at exploreny400.com)

Judy explained, via email, that she first wrote the poem, and then people kept saying how befitting it was for the Quad, and encouraged her to come up with a melody.

You can hear a sampling at richflanders.com, and click on the “new single” promo at the right.

Why did she write the song in the first place? Judy Kellersberger says:

My reasons for writing this song are very simple.  I live near the
Hudson River and it has been a part of my life for almost 40
years.  It has been the backdrop of my life, and I wanted to honor
something that I love so much.

TRIBUTE TO THE HUDSON RIVER lyrics/music by Judy Kellersberger

Mighty Hudson River flows from valley to the sea.
Man has left his mark upon your shore.
Days will pass and time will write a story of its own – the river flows, though man may be no more.

Thunder rumbles down your valley.  Lightning flashes bright,
City standing stark against the sky.
Everything is waiting on a stifling summer night – waiting for the storm to pass it by.

Oh river flow, your waters keep on turning.
Oh river flow, your tides keep on churning.
And late at night when city folk lie dreaming – your waters gleam with moonlight as they sleep.

Summer turns to autumn and the leaves begin to fall.
Brilliant shades of gold and red blow free.
Golden leaves rise skyward as the wind begins to stir.
The river gently takes them to the sea.

Dark and troubled Hudson flowing sluggish on its way.
Sheets of ice now choke your frozen shore.
Ships and tugs and sailing boats are from a season past,
but still you know that spring will come once more.

Oh river flow, your waters keep on turning.
Oh river flow, your tides keep on churning.
And late at night when city folk lie dreaming – your waters gleam with moonlight as they sleep.

Hudson River cascades from the mountains to the land,
makes its stately way down to the sea.
Man must dream his dreams and plan his glories while he can.
The Hudson River flows on timelessly.
c J. Kellersberger, 2007.