In Memoriam: John Paine

Remembering John Paine

As The Brothers Four now prepare for a new season of touring, we are taking this time, these moments to remember and share thoughts of our original member John Paine who passed away peacefully in November of last year. He will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts. John leaves behind countless friends and world-wide fans who will always remember his kindness, puns, great stories, music and loving smile, along with his signature vocal performances like this, captured live on stage in Tokyo in 1996: John Paine /"Early Morning Rain": play_arrow pause

We proudly dedicate our 2025 "Greenfields Forever" global tour to founding member John Paine.

IN MEMORIAM

Bob Flick: "John was forever a keeper of the flame, a true entertainer and supporter of the gospel of wholesome sing-along fun. He was also the very best in-the-pocket rhythm guitar player in all of Folk Music! From that amazing 4th of July 1959 when we left Seattle for New York to record our first album, our world was forever changed. John's empathy and gentle kindness connected with folks everywhere. We traveled the globe, performing the music of the American Folk Revival from Beijing to Brussels, Tokyo to Toledo, Oslo to Orlando and every college campus in between, sharing tales of harmony, love, life, loss and adventure. Brothers by choice, friends forever — I will miss him forever, and I will always hear his voice in every song. R.I.P John."

Mark Pearson: "It is a challenging time, a sad time to say goodbye to someone I have known my whole adult life. John and I began to sing and travel the world together in January of 1969 when I was invited to join The Brothers Four. John and the other two guys in the group, Bob Flick and Dick Foley, have made unique and profound impacts on my life and career, creating many beautiful memories along the way. Each would become a special person and lifelong friend, an inspiration both in my professional and personal life. John would also become my neighbor for nearly a quarter of a century. Saying goodbye to a lifelong friend is certainly a journey through grief and a time of sorrow. The feelings of loss are profound. At the same time, a sense of joy and wonder is found along the way in such a lifelong connection. John's voice, his songs and his stories, continue to light a candle in memory for me personally, and for all who knew him through the songs he shared with the world."

Mike McCoy: "I knew about John for a number of years, belonging to the same fraternity, albeit a few years later, but only as a founding member of The Brothers Four. Looking back, John was an icon in the folk world along with Dick Foley, Mike Kirkland and Bob Flick. Mark Pearson, my singing partner in college, soon took Kirkland's place, and The Brothers Four had more meaning, but they were still acquaintances, except for Mark. I can't say John and I were close friends, but we knew each other as fraternity brothers and that we both shared a love of music. This changed in 2004 when John decided to retire and I was asked to join the group. I remember watching John perform his last concert with the group and wondering why I said yes. He took me under his wing and began to mold me into someone that belonged. I'm sure I tested his patience, but he could not have been kinder or more helpful, showing me his subtle chord tricks. John re-joined the group for a couple of performances when one of the group wasn't able to perform. There we were, standing side by side, singing songs together, something I'll never forget. To know John was to know compassion, kindness and love for those around him. I will never perform with The Brothers Four without thinking of John."

Karl Olsen: "I've only known John for a relatively short time, but I will miss his presence in our lives. When I joined The Brothers Four in 2008, I heard stories of John Paine, the guy McCoy had replaced five years before. The stories were almost always of this kind gentleman, with a few tales of adventures and misadventures from decades past. I wondered how true to the actual man all of this could all be, but after meeting and spending time with John and Gail, it became clear that John was the real deal — someone who cared about the people around him and the relationships that developed with each of them. It was a great honor to have the chance to perform with John a few times over the years, and hear stories of the old days in his own words. My wife Deb and I will certainly miss John and his gentle spirit, and look forward to re-connecting with Gail one of these days. Blessings and safe travels, John. Much love."

Son, Scott Paine: "My family and I appreciate all the love and support you've shown us. As one of the original members of The Brothers Four, my Dad lived a life that was filled with some unique moments and opportunities — He performed at JFK's Inaugural Ball and sang at The White House on multiple occasions. He sang at the Academy Awards. The Brothers Four were one of the few opening acts selected by Ed Sullivan when the Beatles performed at the Paramount Theater in New York City on September 20th 1964. He had what he described as "an interesting conversation" with Bob Dylan. He sat in on Barbra Streisand's very first recording session — And despite all these rather unique opportunities, John Paine was one of the most down-to-earth and real people you'd ever want to meet and we were blessed to have him as long as we did. We miss you and we love you Dad."

Son, John M. Paine: "On Saturday, my Dad passed away. I will forever be grateful for his wisdom, calm demeanor, bad puns and great stories. Mostly though, was the way he treated everyone he met with unconditional love and acceptance. He was the best example (of a father) for me, and a wonderful "Papa" to my girls. John Paine, we love you OCEANSFULL!"