For over 50 years, Jay Stielstra wrote songs, plays, prose and poetry about the beauty of Michigan’s rivers and north woods, of love and friendship, peace and war, and the passage of time.

All profits from sales of Jay's work are donated to charitable causes he supported.

NEWS

Jay's legacy honored at Memorial Celebration

Jay passed away peacefully at home on March 1st, 2024. In his 90 years, he had a positive impact on the lives of so many people: as a teacher, a coach, a performer, or carpenter; a friend or neighbor; a father, brother or husband; a defender of civil rights; as a fellow lover of Michigan's north land; on a basketball court, the next barstool, or on a stream or in the woods up north.

At his memorial, some of those people shared something they learned from knowing Jay - a lesson they've used to enrich their own lives, or those of others. Many shared one of his songs.

Watch the memorial celebration

Quotes

“I’m singing, I’m singing ‘bout this old State of mine
Closest thing to heaven that I will ever find
Her Great Lakes and her rivers are flowing sweet as wine
And an old empty beer can can buy a man a dime.”

- I’m Singing

“So hand me down my flyrod and hand me down my gun
Dress me in my waders when my days on earth are done
Dump me in some corner in northern Michigan
Wrap my stiffened fingers ‘round a Pabst Blue Ribbon can.”

- Heaven for Me

“I love two rivers and only one woman
They mean more than life to me
I’ll never tell you the name of the woman
The rivers are the Fox and the Manistee.”

- I Love Two Rivers

“When my pictures are all long gone from the wall
And I’m just a name from the past
Might there still be a part way back in your heart
That remembers the times that we had.”

- Times that We Had

“I’d like to take a moment if you can spare the time
Let me tell you something about this life of mine
Oh, I’ve had my troubles and yes, I got my friends
Not the least of either is the bottle in my hand.”

- The Old Brown Bottle

“Now I am an old man, I dream an old man’s dreams
No longer hunt the low land or fish the brushy streams
My body’s but a costume now, well-weathered you can see
Still here inside this disguise, hey buddy, it’s still me.”

- Hey Buddy, It’s Still Me

AVAILABLE NOW

North Country Opera: Recorded Live at The Ark

2023, DVD or Streaming
NEW!

North Country Opera, Jay’s most popular musical play, played to sold-out crowds in a a 2022 tour of northern Michigan, attracting a new generation of fans to this 40-year old classic.

The final performance of the tour was recorded at The Ark in Ann Arbor, and is now available on DVD or to stream for all that were unable to see it live.

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FEATURED WORKS

Meet Me at the River

2022, Paperback novel

Like North Country Opera and many of Jay’s other works, Meet Me at the River vividly describes the beauty of northern Michigan, along with time spent fly-fishing, nights in the tavern, and falling in love.


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Heaven for Me

2019, Hardcover songbook

This beautiful full-color book contains lyrics and musical scores to over 50 songs as well as a biography and profiles.


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Heaven For Me

2017, CD

A collection of original music featuring classic songs including the title track, Never Been to Dixie, Are You Comin’ or Are You Goin’, and more.


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