Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: MARINER
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:39 PM

God, this is a shock .I have admired him and his singing for many years but only got to meet him in Cobh over the past four or five years. He was a gentleman and my sympathies go out to Joyce and all of his family ,also to his longtime singing partner Jim.Such a fine duo will never be seen or heard again.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: DStrick
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:38 PM

Such sad news. He'll be sorely missed by many people here in Toronto, Canada and surrounding area. It was a privilege to be part of evenings at Griff and Bev's for great food, stories and, of course, great singing. He made so many friends at the Cambridge Mill Race Festival. What a dear dear man.
Dianne and Jim

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: greensue
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:24 PM

I have only known Johnny and Joyce for about 20 years but they were a lovely couple. I was always amazed at Johnnys capacity to eat raw chillies.
Lots of love to you Joyce at this time.
Sue (chippenham)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Karen - GU4
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:13 PM

Johnny - who will make the fab pancakes for us now?

Sympathy and hugs to Joyce.

We have lost a gentle man and a wonderful voice - harmony and peace Johnny.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Moose (Capstan Full Strength)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:08 PM

I can't think of anything to say that would do JC justice. So glad we were together only nine days ago and so sad that we won't be again.

A true legend who became a true friend.

Joyce - I'm so sorry for you and the family.

Johnny - thanks, a million times, thank you.

Moose

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: 8_Pints
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:57 PM

We first met him at the Poynton Festival in the mid 70's where he used to make the room above the bar reverberate with his fantastic chorus songs. (The room with the coracle hanging on the wall)

He always had time to encourage newcomers, and instill respect for the songs and the song carriers.

A true gentleman....

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:57 PM

Johnny was one of life's true gentle men and pleasure to be with, the consummate performer.
It has been an honour be able to call him a friend. He has and will always be my hero and inspiration in the folk world.
Mandy always said he gave the best bear hug ever and she will miss him, as will we both.
Thank you Johnny for you friendship and company.
Our love and thought's are with Joyce and her family and friends at this very very sad time.

Have as safe voyage to the other side, god bless

Kerry and Mandy.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Merek'n'Dary
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:52 PM

Too big to comprehend! A very special man, well deserving of all these tributes. An inspiration to us all and his songs and booming voice will reverberate down the years whenever we remember him.

Our condolences to Joyce and his family and all his great friends who have had the pleasure and privilege to sing alongside him.

From Derek and Mary and all at the Ride a Cock Horse Folk Club and Banbury Folk Festival.

Singing with the angels ...... All God's people have a place in the choir!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:51 PM

A huge loss to so many.My thoughts are with Joyce family and Jim

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: RogerTCB
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:50 PM

What a terrible loss.

He was an inspiration to me since I first began attending Herga Folk Club in 1976 and I've much enjoyed his singing ever since, both at the club and at countless festivals. And none of us who were there could forget working with him and enjoying his cooking in "The Singing Chef" in the 90s.

I last saw him, heard him sing & talked with him just last week at the Braunston Traditional Narrow Boat Festival where he was in fine voice & spirit, belting them out on the bar stage.

He'll be missed very much.

My thoughts are with Joyce, Jim and his family.

Roger The Cabin Boy

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,LanciPressgangSeamanGrub
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:50 PM

Tis a big loss; a great voice and great heart. A fave of mine and of many.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: 8_Pints
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:49 PM

We first met him at the Poynton Festival in the mid 70's where he used to make the room above the bar reverberate with his fantastic chorus song

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Carol
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:49 PM

So sorry to hear the news.
Fond memories of Johnny as the Singing Chef at Warwick 0ver 20 years ago. Our condolences to Joyce and family.

Carol and Chris (Southwell)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Ken Wilson
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:47 PM

This is very sad news. Johnny along with Jim were a big influence on the family when we began singing back in the 70's, and have been good friends ever since. We shared many enjoyable singing sessions in the company of Johnny over the years and we will miss him greatly.

Our thoughts are with Joyce at this sad time.   

Ken Wilson
(The Wilson Family)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Doxy and Trim
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:47 PM

We only knew Johnny for a few years.

He was the only man I knew whose voice could blend in with the base end of my melodeon close enough in pitch that you could feel the vibration of it in your hands. The twinkle in his eye as he bent to kiss your hand before giving you a big squidge. His kindness and encouragement and most of all the quality and infectiousness of his singing.

We were only with him eight days ago how can he be gone?

Joyce our thoughts are with you

Julia and Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: JohnB
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:40 PM

Well Scowie, that's Killer.
I hope I never hear a tune for it, I can't even read it without breaking up, so I know I could never even get past the first line trying to sing it.
John B. (we met in 2004 at Lancaster and again in the Black Nag in Limbrick)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:38 PM

Very sad news and my condolences to Joyce. more memories over more than 2 decades of maritime festivals than I could ever recall, but a regular was comparing the journeys up to Lancaster on thursday evenings.

RIP - I am sure that next time I hear thunder it will be Johnny raising the roof up above.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Hawker
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 03:31 PM

George P phoned me this morning for Mike O'Connors phone number, he sounded strange, not the happy, cheery George I know and love so dearly, I was bothered by this, he never mentioned why or what had happened. I now realise, and was utterly shocked to hear the news. I didnt know him well, but like has been said, once met, his twinkle of eye and wicked humour won every heart. His singing was a gift shared by only a few, and will be a great loss to the folk world, but the way he bore the talent and shared it is an example to us all, and his legacy - to those of us he left behind will live forever.
My sincerest condolences to His famiily and those who held him dearest, especially Jim, who has the most thankless and unenviable task, but who better to do the job?
God Bless, and thank you, Johnny x

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Snuffy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:57 PM

It still hasn't really sunk in that we'll not see him again. A big man with a big heart: he will leave a big gap in all our lives.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:57 PM

May you rest in peace Johnny

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins
From: GUEST,orcathecat
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:55 PM

I'm so sad to hear of Johnny's passing, I am lucky enough to have shared a stage with him a few times, his wonderful warmth, sense of humour and rich low harmonies astonishing. I had lunch with him at Bedworth last year, and he was warming his voice up for the concert in the evening, he had so much power down low even 12"away from the mic....He will be sadly missed. No more putting diesel in a petrol car for him!

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins
From: TF2
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:23 PM

it was a shock to hear of j c passing may his voice ring load in heaven as it did on earth r.i.p mate

Subject: Obit: Johnny Collins
From: Abuwood
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:19 PM

So sad to hear of the passing of this truly great man who will be much missed. RIP . love ali

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Bob TB
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:12 PM

Very sad news. Johnny was a good friend for many years and will be greatly missed. No more songs, no more chefing. So many memories...

My thoughts are with Joyce and his family.

Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 02:02 PM

You'd be very welcome Richard - and anyone else who wants to. As I said above, nothing organised, but I think we need to meet tonight, to help us get our heads around this dreadful event.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:57 PM

I've just found this thread.

As others have already said, John was a great singer and a lovely chap. I first knew him in Reading about 1969, then was delighted when, a few years later, he moved to Watford and became a regular at the Herga. Latterly I've seen him less often, but there was always that wonderfully friendly greeting.

As one or two have already mentioned, he did have some pretty serious health scares some years ago. And we all have to go sooner or later. So perhaps we shouldn't be surprised, but I'm certainly very sorry and I add my condolences.

I MAY make it to Herga tonight to pay my respects.

Richard

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:55 PM

So sad to hear this news. Johnny was one of my earliest folk heroes.

We shall miss him

Condolences to his family
Don & Winnie Thompson

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: julian morbihan
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:50 PM

And he looked so well at Chippenham...

Our hearts go out to Joyce.

Such a loss.

All our love

Enid & Julian

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,elmo 1
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:33 PM

very sad news the folk scene is losing people at an alarming rate
condolences to joyce and his many friends a great voice sadly missed

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: SunrayFC
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:33 PM

The chorus of a song appropriate at such times.......for such a great singer



YouTube">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrWgsFmp0ls">YouTube

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:29 PM

Good one Scowie, I can hear you reciting that one as I read it!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Kees
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:24 PM

Every October for about 30 years Johnny & Jim came to Workum (Friesland)where they sang shanties on the Saturday evening and other fine songs on the Sunday morning. Most of the times I was there and enjoyed great weekends. It will be different the next time, without Johnny the festival will not be the same. We will miss him as a person and as an excellent singer.

My condolences to Joyce, Johnny's family and Jim.

Kees (Nelson's Blood)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Acorn4
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:20 PM

We ran across Johnny relatively lately compared to most of those who've paid tributes here, but have enormously enjoyed his singing at the last two Bedworth Festivals. Easy to see why so many people have taken him to their hearts over they years. A truly great artist and communicator!

RIP

Dave and Julia

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:17 PM

Very sad news. RIP JC.
My thoughts & prayers are with him, his family & friends.
- Duncan McF

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: ClaireBear
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:17 PM

Wishing Johnny a breeze and a good rolling sea.

I was privileged to hear him only once, about a decade ago, paired with Dave Webber at a coffeehouse concert in San Jose, California.

It was an amazing evening whose memory has never dimmed, and we are the sadder for knowing its like will not come again -- at least, not on charted seas.

Claire

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Malc Bedworth
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:12 PM

The words posted here are a fine tribute, to a fine fella and great mate!
I first met Johnny over 30 years ago and since then he has appeared at all but two Bedworth Folk Festivals, ALWAYS the first name on my guest list!
Over the years he became a great friend both inside and beyond folk music, and latterly myself and Brenda had arranged annual holiday trips with Johnny & Joyce - and had some really great times.
As everyone says he will be sadly missed - and as Bill said I'm sure Johnny's voice is somewhere in that thunder outside!
All our thoughts are for Joyce (especially for her bravery in phoning me, and many others, this morning to break the news) and the family, and to Jim handling things at the Poland end.

The memories will live on .... "The singer has left his song on the air"


Malc and Brenda (and all connected with Bedworth Festival)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Gervase
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 01:08 PM

You can hear 'When all Men Sing", "Jutland" and other songs on Johnny's MySpace page. Turn the volume up and shake the plaster from the walls!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Mick Tems
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:59 PM

I first met Johnny in the early 1970s, and I've always looked forward to and admired his booming, deep voice, his knowedge and love of folk music and his culinary skills! I was organiser of Llantrisant Folk Club, and Jim and Johnny came down and gave us a broadside of rip-roaring shanties and a capella songs - the club rocked to roars of approval and deafening shouts of "More!" Later, Johnny revisited us in a solo capacity, and showed us solid proof of why we keep coming to folk clubs in the first place, to celebrate our love of song and music.

I've lost count of the number of times when he and I had been booked at folk and maritime festivals, home and abroad, large or intimate, but I would gladly go to see Johnny again and again. At the folk club on Wednesday, I'll pay tribute to him by singing the Cornish Farewell Shanty. Condolences to Joyce, Jim and Johnny's family - Johnny's been called to the other bar.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Broadside Man
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:57 PM

Heard the news at lunchtime today via Alan White.

When Johnny and Jim came to the Antelope Folk club in Wareham years ago they certainly inspired me to sing shanties and songs of the sea.

We'll all miss you down in Dorset Johnny, there are so many fond memories.

My thoughts go out to Joyce and familly.

Geoff Payne.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: The Admiral
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:55 PM

This is just sinking in.... What an awful year! I've known Johnny for as long as I've been in Folk Music (ie: 1960's) and he was an inspiration to me and hundreds of other would be singers. We last saw him at Chippenham when we had the honour of sharing the stage for the Late Night Shanties when he was in good voice although he had been saying that he had been having problems... He was particularly looking forward to a narrowboat trip a couple of weeks after...
Our thoughts are with Joyce and the family.
Tony and Pearl

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Keith(Pegleg Ferret)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:54 PM

We've known Johnny since the 70's when we all used to congregate around the stairwells and corridors of many a festival. We helped out him and Jim on 'Make the rafters roar' and on one of his solo albums...the name escapes me at this time. Anyway he was one of natures gentlemen, a fine singer and a good friend. we'll miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Paul M
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:50 PM

So i spent me whole life entertaining, ive lived by the stage door routine, ive had many chances but missed quite a few , i aint yearning for what might have been, Ive hade many a long night behind me , and i hope theres a few still to come, As i stand on the stage with the house lights turned down , and the audieance sings my song.

God Speed Johnny, you were always the Peddlar of Songs

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:48 PM

Wonderful, simply wonderful Scowie... Johnny to a T.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: nutty
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:45 PM

That's a fine tribute Scowie. All it needs is a tune - or does it already have one?

For those who may not know - Scowie is our well renowned folk poet, Keith Scowcroft, known around the world for the words to WHEN ALL MEN SING,

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,guest scowie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:40 PM

Please forgive this indulgence, but this has never been more appropriate, now the tears have dried a little I can type it, I wrote it in 1999.
            The Gentleman of Song
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i've a smile for all I meet,
I've a pair of lusty bellows, and a pair of well shod feet,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i'm rambling along,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, the Gentleman of Song,

No Squire in his mansion, no Vicar in his Manse,
Is happier than Johnny, what'er my circumstance,
When I arrive bone weary, i'm washed and then i'm fed,
And when i'm tired of singing, folk find for me a bed,

I've wandered Britains highways, I Started as a lad,
I've wandered Britains highways, and the only load i've had,
To keep me in my pleasure, and the life that I have led,
Are the Ballads, songs and stories, i've carried in my head,

They know me in Australia, and in far Americay,
And all around the Lowlands, i've sung to earn my pay,
I ask for very little, folk give me so much more,
For there's a smile to greet me, when I land at their door,

The years they treat me kindly, yet I can feel their pound,
But if the Good Lord spares me, i'll sing the seasons round,
And when St. Peter calls me, I'll answer with a song,
And join the Heavenly Chorus, the Angels all among,

Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i've a smile for all I meet,
I've a pair of lusty bellows, and a pair of well shod feet,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i'm rambling along,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, the Gentleman of Song.
                                                   Scowie.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:27 PM

I dreamed a dream of Sailortown, a foolish dream and vain,of ships and men departed, of old days come again
and an old song in Sailortown,an old song to sing when shipmate meets with shipmate, in the evening.
thanks, Johnny,for your music and your company.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:22 PM

There's nothing left to be said - I'll only be repeating the lovely things others have said.

I think my fondest memory of him was when he named our boat "Mingulay". It was a wonderful party and Johnny's voice boomed along with the rest.

Long live the memory of his singing, songs and generous personality.

Jim Mageean and I used to joke that we only saw each other at funerals ... I think this will be the hardest one, Jim.

Love and peace to Joyce and the family.

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Mark Powell
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:15 PM

I was shocked and saddened to read of Johnny´s passing.

We were honoured to be invited to play at his birthday celebration last year. He was one of the nicest, humblest men you could be please to meet.

Our condolences to Joyce and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:07 PM

So very sad to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:02 PM

First Matt, & now Johnnie, both taken away far too soon.
I've known Johnnie for 30+ years, and a nicer bloke you'd be hard to find. My thoughts & prayers are with Joyce.