The Forbidden Zone was very generous to me by initially hosting my song “Oh, George” on the web.  My deepest thanks to my friend, Roger Alford, webmaster and fellow Superman and George Reeves fan, for not only setting up the webpage for my song on his website but also for encouraging me to get my song produced.

I was truly honored when the premiere George Reeves website, Glass House Presents, placed a link to my song on their site.  My special thanks to Carl and Leslie Glass, proprietors (and two of the nicest people in the world!).

The Superman Homepage actually played my song towards the end of their Radio K.A.L. podcast, Show #19 on July 26, 2006.  This was a thrill for me.  My thanks to Steve Younis, Editor in Chief.

The Superman Super Site was kind enough to make my song their Featured Download starting in July through September 2006.  Thanks to Neil A. Cole, owner.

That was a very touching tribute.  You singing?  Very nice, very moving.  Like you, like many, as a boy learning that George Reeves has supposedly killed himself really stunned me.  He was, to so many a youngster,  "SUPERMAN."  I've always been reluctant to believe in conspiracy theories but the more I heard about his suicide the more I tended to question it.  Maybe he did, but there's certainly a few reasons to question it.  Does it make me feel better to believe it was a murder?  I'm not sure.  In any case, your tribute was lovely, heartfelt and touching.  Thank you so much for sharing.

I just finished listening to the song...3 times! I loved it. I've always been a big fan of the sound...Beach Boys, Moody Blues, ELO, etc. Loved the harmony vocals, too. Nice backgrounds.

I listened to your song again... and each time I do, I relive, with ever greater detail, that awful day back in 1959. I share your continued sorrow and thank you for giving us this song. I especially enjoy the ending lines which direct us back to George's life and all the good times he shared with us.

That was fantastic...thanks so much for sharing that.

Great site! Now more people can hear your wonderful song. Cheers.

I enjoyed your song. I liked how it had that oldies kind of tune to it. I could see how it really impacted you just by listening to the lyrics. The intro I thought was pretty neat as well. Very well done :)

My very special thanks to Jim Nolt and Lou Koza, former editor and current editor, respectively, of The Adventures Continue for placing a link to my song on their site.  Long before the internet came along, I collected every issue of the original Superman fanzine, The Adventures Continue, first published by Don Rhoden in 1988 and later by Jim Nolt.  I will never forget how delighted I was to discover the existence of this publication -- for it meant that I was not alone in being an adult who still loved George Reeves and the Adventures of Superman.

On September 28, 2006, I was interviewed about my song and George Reeves on the WSUI Iowa Public Radio program, “Talk of Iowa.”  To listen to the interview, go to:

On December 12, 2006, Kit Parker Films in conjunction with VCI Entertainment released a “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD, featuring two of George’s old films, “Thunder in the Pines” and “Jungle Goddess”.  My song was included as one of the extras on the DVD.  To learn more, go to:

Scroll down until you see the calendar for September and click on the 28th.  The interview starts about 24.5 minutes into the broadcast.  (You may need to install Real Player in order to hear the show.) 

You can see the ad for the DVD on our Special Offers page.

I actually have heard your song and enjoyed it and appreciated both the spirit of the song and the dedication you brought to it.

If I didn’t know already how much Superman meant to you, one listen to this would have told me.  You’re a good singer, too!

Don't even know how I came across your site but I'm glad I did!  What a great heartfelt song and memories too.

Your song reminds me of “A Day in the Life.”

It’s a masterpiece.

Thanks for adding to the legacy of George Reeves.

You’re part of history now. Be proud.

Gene and I listened to your NPR interview last month and REALLY enjoyed it.  You handled the questions as if you've done this all your life and the interview was very informative.  It was a thrill for us to have a friend, someone we've known for years, on NPR!  And the song of course is wonderful.  I applaud Rachel for her encouragement and you for your initiative in expressing yourself in such a creative way.  Isn't it fun to be growing at this age?  Congratulations!  We look forward to your next surprise.

Great song.  Love the tune.

Your song is reminiscent of an early period of rock and roll, taking me back to the late 50's and early 60's before the Beatles rose.  It is very fitting for the George Reeves era of Superman.

Wow.  Nicely done...Your song has a great '50s feel, and the ending actually transcends your subject matter and is really inspiring and superb.  Congratulations!!!

I enjoyed your song very much.  George Reeves was just before my TV watching days, but I remember the confusion that his death caused.  Perhaps if he had heard your song before he took his life he would have reconsidered ...

Richard!  This is incredible!  The song, your voice ... everything!  I will love George Reeves until the day I die!  I grew up watching him everyday too!  You will have a special place in heaven for this precious tribute ...  God bless.

That’s great that you wrote a song about George Reeves.

Indeed I have heard your song, and I admire your work very much.  As soon as I heard about your song, I made it a priority to hear it.  I've always harbored a secret desire to be a songwriter ever since I saw "Yankee Doodle Dandy".  Only a lack of talent has stood in my way.  Film editing comes much easier.

I loved your song.  It really moved me.  What a wonderful addition to the tributes for George.

I just listened to “Oh, George”.  Very moving - I liked it.  It is clear there is a strong Moody Blues influence in your style, story and mood.  It is also apparent in the changing and building rhythm.

How lovely!  It is a very poignant and personal tribute.

I want to thank you for sharing your tribute song to George Reeves. What can I say but that was fantastic!! You do him & his memory honor. It's nice to know that there are fans out there keeping George's memory alive & will continue to do so. Again thank you and continued success.

We all do what we believe in. Superman/George Reeves was a hero to millions, me included.

kool sounds good...so were can i get a cd at?

I just listened to "Oh, George" and I really enjoyed it. I really like the sound of it, and it's a touching tribute.

Very cool...you should talk to the producers of the film about it...interesting.

The song was awesome. But as you may or may not be aware that the case of George Reeves death has been reopened and is being investigated as a homicide. I'm not sure what made them do that after so many years but I saw a special about it on A & E network about a year ago.

I also am a very big George Reeves fan, I grew up watching his Superman and I still love watching those old classic episodes. I checked out your page and I like it a lot, and for the record I have never come to believe that Mr. Reeves committed suicide.

Superman was MY hero as a child, also! I love your ode to George Reeves! You did a wonderful job and people that grew up in the late 50's & early 60's should appreciate it as much as I do!

I really like your song. Besides the fact that you have a great voice, and music. I really enjoyed the lyrics. I understand how you relate to George Reeves, because I related to Elvis Presley, like a father figure. It is kind of odd. I don’t know how it happened to me it just did. George Reeves has always fascinated me.

I visited your George Reeves site, listened to your tribute to him and came away feeling that you did him good. Like you, I'm a baby boomer (12-19-52) and remember feeling shocked at the time he took his own life. Though to be honest, I was quite young. I still remember the L.A. Times headline "Superman Shoots Self."

I loved George. He was so cool!!!  Love the song too!

I like it. You should edit a video to go along with it. George Reeves was a huge influence on me and the song is a fitting tribute.

I was taking my garbage can out to the curb and I realized I was humming a tune -- it was “Oh, George.”

Man, it’s catchy!

On January 2, 2007, DVD Talk published a review of the “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD written by Stuart Galbraith IV, in which “Oh, George” is described as a “heartfelt tribute”.  Now that’s more like it!

On January 2, 2007, the New York Times published a review of the “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD written by Dave Kehr.  Sadly, Mr. Kehr neglected to mention my song (a major oversight, as I’m sure you’ll agree), although he did mention Lou Koza’s article about Hollywoodland.

On January 10, 2007, “Oh, George” hit the big time!  My song was reviewed by David Menconi, music critic for the Raleigh News & Observer, in his column, “On the Beat.”  Menconi described my song as a “sentimental '50s-style ballad” and mentioned that it appears on the “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD and can also be heard at my MySpace page.

On December 19, 2006, TrianglePR.com issued a  press release about me and my song.  The press release was titled, “Local Software Developer and Avid Superman Fan Gets His Christmas Wish When His Tribute Song to George Reeves Soars on Amazon.com”.

To read his review, click here.

You can read the full story here.

Better Late Than Never (?) Dept.: On March 20, 2007, Film Freak Central published a review of the “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD written by Alex Jackson.  Mr. Jackson did not care much for the films or the other material on the DVD, but he did say this: “The highlight of the disc is Richard C. Potter's ‘Oh, George,’ a tangy novelty song memorializing the actor's suicide; alas, it runs on for a ludicrously indulgent six minutes.”

Tangy?  Hey, in my opinion, it’s not just tangy, it’s finger-lickin’ delicious!

Oh well, I guess there’s no accounting for taste.  ;)

On March 24, 2007, Luke Periard from Alexandria, Ontario, Canada and his band the Solitaires performed “Oh, George” to a crowd of 300 people at his old high school, St. Joseph High School in Ottawa, Ontario.  While the band played the song, a slide show was projected on a big screen behind them onstage.  At the beginning of the song, the slide show presented the opening from the TV show of the galaxy, then the crowd of people looking

up in the sky, and then a shot of Superman.  When the song reached the point where the announcer says, “This is the news: Superman kills himself.  Details at 6 o’clock” there was a CBS news bulletin flashing on the screen.  When the song reached the line, ''Take me in your arms and fly me'', the screen displayed the scene of George flying Kathy over Metropolis from The Birthday Letter.   For the finale, the footage from The Birthday Letter of George going to the storeroom to change into Superman was played.  The band received a standing ovation and people in the audience were crying.

On March 31, 2007, Luke Periard and his band performed the song again, this time at an Alzheimer’s benefit.  They used the same slide show.  They were asked to perform an encore and once again people in the audience were in tears.

On April 20, 2007, the mysterious RogerRmjet released “Oh, George - the Video” on YouTube.  You can watch it here.  The response has been very favorable (for the most part).  Some folks have informed me that when they watch the ending and hear me sing, “Fly...” it makes them start to cry.  (I am assuming this is because they are deeply moved and not because my singing is too much to bear!  :)

Shortly after the “George Reeves Double Feature” DVD was released, I was contacted by the mysterious RogerRmjet, who has put together several clever videos which you can see on YouTube by clicking here.  Mr. Rmjet wanted to know if I’d be interested in his creating a video to accompany my song.  “Would I?” I replied, “You bet!!!!”

Based on my suggestions for scenes to use from the Adventures of Superman to coincide with various sections of the song, Mr. Rmjet took it from there and the result of his hard work was released on YouTube on April 20, 2007.  I am not the only one who thinks it’s a work of genius.  You can see it here on YouTube or watch it on this page of my website.

Thank you, RogerRmjet, whoever you are!

May-June 2007: The Superman Super Site made “Oh, George - the Video”

their featured download for the month and established a permanent link to this website.

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful feedback!

Several folks have emailed me their comments.  Here are some quotes:

Yes, sir, you know you’ve hit the big time when you’re listed in the IMDb -- of course, you have to click on the “Supplements” button to see “Oh, George” listed, but it’s there in the IMDb entry for “Jungle Goddess.”

I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.

I want to share this with you.  I will never forget that day in june 1959.  I was 8 and I remember my dad coming home with a newspaper.  I was dressed in my Superman costume that I was given for my birthday that April.  He came up tp me and told me, “Son, I got to tell you something.  Superman won't be playing on TV anymore.”  I said, “Why?”  He told me, “Superman died earlier today.  I'm sorry son.”

I cried for days, not eating or sleeping.  I couldn’t believe that my best friend and hero was gone.  The world seemed like a bad place without Superman in it.  The next day at school all the other kids were like zombies.  We were all in a trance.

Richard, have you ever seen that photo of a 7 year old holding a newspaper and wearing his Superman outfit?  That photo, and your song, tell the world how, as kids, we felt when our hero died.

This is a tribute straight from the heart.  It's a song that represents all of us young Superman fans.  Your song will go down in history as ''the song'' for all George Reeves fans.  God bless you for this unique and loving tribute.

Well it's the best memorial tribute I could ever have imagined for George ... truly ... you are a wonderful singer and writer ... and I am sure George is smiling on you right now.

Thank you so much for sending us your original song, "Oh, George."  It captures the intense feelings you must have felt as a child learning about your hero's untimely death.  Fred and I were very touched by it.  You not only captured the feelings you must have felt, but the 1950's era.  You are quite a talented man ... very creative with a beautiful voice!

If it is any consolation to you, we strongly feel that George did NOT commit suicide.  He was not the type, nor did he have the mindset for it.

Very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful voice.

I ... have heard your song and enjoyed it and appreciated both the spirit of the song and the dedication you brought to it.

“ Ludicrously indulgent,” eh?

And here is my personal favorite:

I was sitting at my computer this morning and lucked upon your web-site and your song, "Oh, George".  While it may not be the best song in the world, it has something that the lyrics of today don't --- love, honesty, compassion, tenderness.  It is the words and the music of an adult who loved and lost his hero and if the gist of songs can't be written about things like that -- well, songs will never be written ever again.

No one will ever know the real circumstances behind the death of George Reeves.  But it is a safe assumption that it is really unimportant how George Reeves died June 16, 1959.  What is important is how he lived and even though he never really knew the impact he had on the Baby Boomer population, I'm hoping that he knows now.

When my father died, the words on his foot stone read:

            "AS LONG AS LOVE REMEMBERS, I AM ALWAYS NEAR"

That is very true.  For as long as there are people/composers/lyricists/writers such as yourself, the memory of George Reeves will stay alive for as long as we do.  George's body of work, his charitable conscious, his humor and his love of life and its varied inhabitants --- these endeavors will remain viable and alive forever.

Further Reaction to “Oh, George - the Video”

If I wore a hat, I'd take it off to you Sir!

I want to convey to you my appreciation as well as the enjoyment I received from experiencing this, very nice job indeed!

I've written a good amount of poetry but I don't believe I could have done a better job concerning George.  The images you brought to life really speak to me. And your heartfelt feelings about George [and especially the pain we all feel in the manner in which he died] sum it up beautifully and poignantly.  This is a testimony to your genius. Thanx so very much for expressing it all in song.

God Bless you.

Awesome! Very well done! Richard, you are such a talent. Roger, you, too, are quite a talent and your video is very professionally done. Thank you!

Richard and Roger: Fantastic! I've looked at many of the Superman video's and this is by far the best. Very professional. I can't wait to see what you do next.

One of the best songs ever!

The Best Short Video I’ve ever seen !! I love the theme song!

SUPER video, thanks for sharing!

This video is truly a work of love from one of George's fans. Absolutely wonderful!

Richard & Roger: I can play and listen to your music video all day and each time find something new and enlightening. Keep the great super stuff coming.

Further Reaction to the George Reeves Forever website

I want to express my utmost appreciation for the magnificent dedication you so lovingly created in memory of my very own childhood hero, George Reeves, more like a love letter than anything else, one of the most beautiful, touching tributes I have ever seen.

You and I are identical in age, I'm 53, so I'm sure you know very well all that George Reeves meant to me growing up in the 1950's. You covered every single conceivable angle, perspective, historical annotation in a manner that brought joy to my heart, the visually astounding, flying sequence alone, an unimaginable thrill.

Thank you once again for all the things you have given me with the creation in loving memory of George Reeves.

You’re a star, baby!

Reaction to “Oh, George - The Video”

In October 2006, the Superman Homepage listed “Oh, George” in the “Special Mention” section on their “Superman in Songs” page and established a permanent link back to my song at CD Baby.

Reaction to the George Reeves Forever website

In 2007, the Glass House Presents and The Adventures Continue websites established  permanent links to this website on their respective homepages.

In December 2007, the Superman Homepage created a permanent link to this website in the “Superman 1950s TV Fan Sites” section of their Other Fan Sites page.

In November 2007, the Superman Super Site created a permanent link to this website in the “George Reeves Sites” section of their Official Links page.

You just gotta love that “Oh, George” video!