The "Father of Florida Folk," the late Will McLean wrote hundreds of poems and songs. One of the most treasured songs is McLean's description of the Florida Sandhill Cranes. Donna Green-Townsend produced this video to go along with a live performance of McLean singing his song at a performance in 1985 in the historic Thomas Center in Gainesville. (song is used with permission). To see more of Donna Green-Townsend's portfolio of work go to donnagreentownsend.com

Will McLean, the first folk artist inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, has written hundreds of poems, stories and songs about Florida lore and legend. Many of his songs point out the importance of taking care of Florida's environment. McLean was a POW during WWII. It's been said that when he made it back to Florida he kissed the ground and said he would only write about Florida. One of his favorite songs must have come from that experience of being away from his home and then making it safely back---Florida Sand. McLean died in 1990.

Will McLean, the first folk artist inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, has written hundreds of poems, stories and songs about Florida lore and legend. Many of his songs point out the importance of taking care of Florida's environment as in his song "Lament." McLean died in 1990. 

The late Will McLean's most famous song is about the 1928 hurricane that swept Florida's Lake Okeechobee over its banks drowning some say between three to four thousand people. Many were buried in mass graves which made it difficult to get an accurate accounting of the number of dead. McLean was the first folk artist inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. He died in 1990 and his ashes were dispersed into the Ocklawaha River. He often camped beside the river at Gore's Landing. A marker was placed at that location. McLean penned hundreds of stories and songs. Every second weekend in March there's a festival held in his honor which includes a "Best New Florida Song Contest."