Art, why don't you write some of this down?

Subject: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From:
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 06:04 AM

Every once in a while Art Thieme joins a thread with an interesting anecdote about rediscovered artists. There was one about Roscoe Holcomb in the recent thread of that name. I remember one or two about Big Joe Williams.

(I hope I haven't stuck my foot in my mouth by not knowing there is a well known book by Art on this very subject.) As the title of the thread says, Art. Why don't you gather it all together.

Murray

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 01:44 PM

I'll second that motion, Art. Get 'er done!

Sandy (resident folk fogey)

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 01:53 PM

Yeah, Art!

You certainly are a fount of information concerning the Chicago fold music scene and I don't think anyone has ever written about the life of a travelling folk singer. I think there is a market for this!!!

I third the motion! Should I order my copy now!

Think of the wonderful titles that are possible. Perhaps "Life Imitates Art" or "Folking Around" or... well I've already gotten into Catspaw territory, let me leave this to others.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Bert
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 01:58 PM

Art-e-Facts

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 02:08 PM

F'Art's Sake. The Art of the cond...oops!

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 03:23 PM

It's about Thieme?

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 03:39 PM

Alas, procrastination is my middle name!

When I sit down to try to do writing like that, the only thing that comes to mind are how many books I have piled up that I want to read. So I go and do that. And the book that'd be right at the top of that pile is the one Sandy Paton would write along these same lines. Yes,I have a hard time takin' anything I might spew out very seriously; a good title might be __Hairballs And Other Nocturnal Folkie Emissions__. And then I think of a thread I want to add something to---so I do that. Three hours later, after visiting just one more site, it's time for bed again. (Carol's been asleep for hours already.)

Thanks for the prodding people.

Art

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Dale Rose
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 04:15 PM

Sounds like Art-ful dodging to me.

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Lyle
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 09:29 PM

Well, how about just talking into a tape recorder and letting all the folks here at Mudcat do the typing for you? I'll volunteer, and won't even ask for credits! (Just a reduced price on the book!)

Lyle

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Dani
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 09:44 PM

Tape recorder, hell!

Come sit on our porch and I'll scribble as fast as I can!

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 10:37 PM

Hold it, I live only a little over 2 hours from The Great One. I got dibs on the recording of recollections from himself. Then we will edit it down with his assistance and he can market this thing. I am serious Art, I think this could be a very good source of income for you, done right. And i would record you for nothing more than the chance to buy the book when it comes out. I have seen your heart, my friend. And I like what I see. My guess is that with your involvement from the early 60's on, and some of the people you have known, that this could be a great way to "pass it on". Give it some thought.

Mick

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Craig
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 11:15 PM

Go for it Art. ArtArtArtArt.....

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: BK
Date: 28 Apr 99 - 11:47 PM

DO IT! (please) Ewan McV is working om a book abt childrean's songs; someone will make a book from Mudact threads.. someday; Art & Sandy should write abt their people & experiences.. They have a priceless resource of knowledge...

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 06:43 AM

So, the question is when do you start, Art? Big Mick can't wait and I'm pretty impatient myself. It ain't goin' to get any easier anytime soon. We all live just one day at a time and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Carpe Diem!!

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 03:00 PM

Good folks, first things first.

Sat. I'm headin' to Mayo again for some fine tuning. Will be in touch later...

Art

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 04:56 PM

Art has a great photograph of himself singing on a stage with a banner behind him about the "(something) of art," but the drape of the banner is such that only the "f" of "of" shows, and it runs right into the word "art," combining to spell, well, it's obvious. What a great cover it would make for the book!

As I think about all this book stuff, I realize that, while Art ought to write the book we're all urging him to write, another one should be written by John Cohen about his life in folk music (and photography). Think about it: performing with the New Lost City Ramblers from the start with Tom Paley, through the Tracy Schwarz years, etc., collecting and filming in Appalachia, helping to organize and promote some of the first festivals of the folk revival, his marriage to Penny Seeger, etc. And think of the illustrations! Just look at the photographs he has used in the booklet accompanying Mountain Music of Kentucky on Folkways. Anyone know how we can urge him to get to work on such a project?

Sandy

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 05:58 PM

Great idea Sandy, think he ever checks in on Mudcat?

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 08:54 PM

Sandy,

The photo you're talking about was one that ran in a newspaper here. It was me pickin' on EARTH DAY. That's what the sign behind me read---E A R T H D A Y !!

But I was blocking the bottom of the "E"--which left a huge ol' "F". And the "H" was left off of the photo. That left a HUMONGOUS F A R T. I loved it! Used a Xerox machine to blow it up and used it as a promo photo for a few years.

It was a gas!!! ;-)

Art

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 09:32 PM

Hey, Art: Luck at the Mayo. we'll be thinking aboutcha!

kat, who still goes to sleep with Art singing in her ear and to her heart, well, on tape at least!

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:27 PM

We'll all be expecting a report from you, Art, as soon as you get home. We're with you, old friend.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From:
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 09:34 PM

Good luck at the Mayo, Art. That only gets you out of writing the book for a week or so.

How about making the format an interview with Art done by somebody who is prominent in the field (like Sandy). Nowadays the interview can even take place vie email.

I'll buy the book! I'll also buy Cohen's book, Sandy.

Murray

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Apr 99 - 10:46 PM

Oh.....I get........I'm not prominent enough for you, eh, Murray??????......Apparently you have never seen me............HHHHMMMMPPPPPHHHHH, sez he with his hands on his hips like Alison when she is indignant!!!!!!! LOL, hahahahahahahahahahaha.

All kidding aside, I think that is a brilliant idea. Give 'er some thought guys. But i still get to hang out and listen while the interview is going on.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From:
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:44 AM

Well Mick, if you really are big, I certainly didn't mean any offence (cowers, pointing to his glasses.) I didn't read your posting carefully enough to appreciate what you are offering. Do it Mick!

A lot of us would like to "listen in" on the interview. The trouble is, if it is a thread, it would have to be a "restricted access" one to prevent chaos, and I don't like to start that kind of precedent. Perhaps the interviewer could publish the interview as a question and answer interview on Mudcat. (That will make Max happy.)

For the final book, I didn't have in mind a sequence of questions and answers. I was thinking of something like the Autobiography of Billie Holiday, "The Lady Sings the Blues." A journalist collaborated with her and I suspect asked the right questions to get her talking about herself. Then he organized it into a book.

I do think the interviewer should be familiar with Art's history.

I am not an expert on publishing or folk music, but I am pretty good with a keyboard and text editor and I would certainly volunteer to help in a minor (menial?) way.

Murray

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: karen k
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:47 PM

A book by Art would be a great idea. But since someone else has already brought up the subject I'd really like to say that a book by Sandy would become a contribution to our folk world as valuable as all the Folk-Legacy recordings already are. I've known Sandy and Caroline for at least 30 years and they're like family to me. I have heard many stories that I can't even begin to remember. My God, how I wish I could. To be able to have them in writing so I could read them whenever I wanted would be fantastic. Sometime last winter I had a conversation with Sandy about this very thing but he brushed it off. I hope he doesn't get upset with me for saying this on the 'Cat, but one of his comments was, "Who'd want to read it?" I'm sure lots of 'Catters would. I hope we can use this thread to encourage Sandy and Art to pursue these most valuable projects. I've offered to do the work for Sandy's and the offer still stands. Sandy, I hope the comments in this thread already written and the ones yet to come will get you to rethink the opportunity you have to make a valuable contribution to the Legacy of the Folk and the music that is so deeply a part of who we all are.

Come on folks, let's convince them both!

karen k

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 May 99 - 03:15 PM

Sandy,

PULLLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEE. I would read it, and I am of the opinion that it would be invaluable documentation for historical purposes of our times and our music. This would be a marvelous work. Face it, my dear friend. You have lived and worked through some momentous times in the musical history of Folk. You have known and performed with so many important artists. In fact, you have been on the cusp between two great era's. You would have made a tremendous contribution to our art. You, Carolyn and Art could preserve and pass on an awful lot of tradition. I know you and your wife to be some of the nicest people I have never met. Your humanity shines through in the threads. But you two, as well as Art,are also a reknowned figures in folk music. Don't chortle, my friend, it is true and you know it. And with that, goes the need to preserve and pass on what we know. I hope you will consider doing this. I would help in any way that you think I could. Your call.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 02 May 99 - 11:06 PM

Saying "I'm flattered" sounds trivial, and I don't mean it to be, but I really haven't known all that many well-known folk very well, and I have absolutely no profound observations to offer. If I thought I did, I'd offer 'em.

My brother-in-law keeps telling me to write down a sort of oral history of my wanderings and shenanigans, something that my grandchildren might read after I'm long gone. I've actually thought about taking a crack at that. But that would be just a family thing, and, truly, I think that's all I have in me.

Art, on the other hand, has known and performed with many known folkies who have passed through Chicago. He must have some great stories to tell. And John Cohen has known them all, and has his field collecting experiences to share as well. Let's keep after those guys!

But thanks for asking. As I say, I'm flattered.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 02 May 99 - 11:57 PM

SAndy (et al) Y'all must be psychic. Last time I spoke to John Cohen, he was working on just such a book. (Erik Darling was working on on, too, and Mr. Von Schmidt is reputed to be in the process.)

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From:
Date: 03 May 99 - 07:46 AM

Perhaps the year 2000 will be the year of the folk-autobiographies. I look forward to all these books!

Maybe one of your grandchildren will publish the memiors some day, Sandy, despite your modesty ;-} Murray

Subject: RE: Art, why don't you write some of this down?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 May 99 - 02:21 PM

I dunno, Sandy, I think your way of telling a story and your varied experiences would make one heck of a read! I second, third and fourth the motion about a book consisting of a Thieme/Paton conversation! Future generations need to know!
Allison