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Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008)
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ron Davies Date: 09 May 08 - 10:31 PM It's true--I can't imagine anybody doing "The Gol-durn Wheel" better than he did. Maybe somebody else would not swoop around on the notes so much--but his approach fit the song perfectly. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Nancy King Date: 09 May 08 - 11:42 PM My personal favorite of Dick's songs was "Hang on the Bell, Nellie," which he always performed with great gusto. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Noreen Date: 10 May 08 - 06:11 AM Lovely to read all these memories of Dick. I remember him well from my two Ramblewood Getaways, as one of the many characters who made the gathering so special and memorable. Thanks Bill for the photo from the 2003 Getaway where Snuffy and I are intently watching Dick play his hurdy-gurdy... and wondering... :0~ He was a lovely man, friendly to strangers who shared his love of the music. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Fortunato Date: 10 May 08 - 09:02 AM After 30+ years of short, in-passing conversations I still knew little about Dick apart from folk music and the events we attended. I knew well his struggles to sing the many songs he knew so well. His determination to play the guitar and other instruments I see now after his passing as a kind of bravery, for he knew his limitations. All of us who have used our time and talents to express ourselves through the music must work through our limitations, and we hope for acceptance. In later years, and just last October at our pre-getaway party, I had come to accept Dick's expression through the music, and I saw, after many years of effort, improvement. I hope someone can say that about me after I have passed on. And I hope, having known Dick, I can turn a kinder, more accepting ear to those who strive to let the music play through them. Chance Shiver |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Charley Noble Date: 10 May 08 - 09:14 AM I think Dick would be very pleased to read what everyone has posted on this thread, warts and all! I only met him once at a Getaway, as a ballad workshop leader and, yes, he made a lasting impression on me as well. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 10 May 08 - 12:57 PM I completely agree, Charlie, Dick would be very pleased. I hope he's grinning and enjoying it somewhere.... and discovering that now, every note that he plays on his fiddle is just right. :-) ... But of course the first thing he would want to do, is go chew the fat with Jonathon Eberhart, Helen Schneyer and all the folks over there that he knew since Day 1 of the Folklore Society. Oh dear ... I'd better stop right there. I've posted two photos of Dick, taken by our son, Darriel: Dick at RenFest, with hurdy-gurdy Dick at the Getaway |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Pauline L Date: 11 May 08 - 02:16 AM As so many people have pointed out, Dick was an off-key singer and instrumentalist, but he was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that you had to admire him. He was also enthusiastic about other people. He seemed to like everyone and make them feel at home. His knowledge about songs often made me understand and like them better. I'm sorry I never saw him dance. Bob, thanks for starting this thread and telling us so much about him. I hadn't known that he did so much to support the cause of folk music many years ago. Many of us will miss him. That in itself shows what an unusually well liked and respected person he was. I haven't heard anything about a service for him. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Big Mick Date: 11 May 08 - 09:35 AM This is the way of it with good people. Dick is providing me with so many smiles as the tellin' goes on, and thus shall it ever be. As we trod the path, and head for our own reunions with Dick, each time the stories are told, folks will smile. His voice will alway be heard. It speaks well for him .......... and better for you. God be good to him. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bob Hitchcock Date: 11 May 08 - 05:15 PM What a shock, Dick was one of the first folkies I met when I moved to Washington in 1978 and always had a pleasant word and a smile. Yes, his playing and singing were not perfect but then very few of us are perfect, I know I'm not. I always said about his Fiddle playing that his fingers were like lightning as they never hit the same place twice. But I admired his drive and determination. He will surely be missed. Bob Hitchcock. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: kendall Date: 11 May 08 - 05:24 PM He may not have been a great musician, but he certainly had the number one requirement, a great love of our kind of music. And, I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. Rest easy, Mate. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,AndyT Date: 11 May 08 - 05:32 PM Tomorrow, Monday May 12, I intend to submit my draft of Dick Rodger's obituary to the Washington Post. Although I hope there will be a memorial service or Open Sing in his honor, so far I don't know of any concrete planning for that, so I intend to not mention it in the obituary. If you want to contact me for any reason, email me at AndrewTeter@aol.com or phone me at 301-565-9137. Here's my draft so far of the obituary for the W. Post: DICK RODGERS (Age 70). Of Laurel, MD, Dick Rodgers died of a heart attack on May 6 at Laurel Regional Hospital. He was born in Youngstown, OH. After finishing military service, he was a member of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington since it was founded in 1964, at times also serving in board positions. As a folk music enthusiast and participant, he sang, and played his hurdy gurdy, guitar, pipes, and fiddle. For more obituary information about him, and friends' comments, see www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,AndyT Date: 12 May 08 - 10:35 AM More about Dick Rodgers -- First, I became aware this morning that there is a difference between a "news obituary", which the Washington Post says is "a staff-written article that summarizes a person's life" based on information given to the W. Post, and is printed at no cost, and a "paid death notice", which the W. Post says costs $9.25 per line of text, minimum $131.75, which would cover up to 14 lines, plus a cost for any photo: $150 black and white; $185 color. I can easily pay or share in paying for the cost of a "paid death notice" and photo. Before I assume the important responsibility of providing info to the W. Post for a "news obituary", I want to give first chance to Charlie Baum or Dottie Hurley, and I've left messages on the voice mail of each, and I'm now waiting for either or both to contact me. Second, there may be a problem getting into the apartment where Dick lived, which I understand was rented, not owned, and I assume the next rent is due June 1. When Dick entered the hospital, apparently the only person whom he gave information about as a relative or friend to contact in an emergency turned out to be himself, so it's uncertain whether anyone other than the landlord has the right to enter his apartment. He had been estranged for several years from his only relative, his sister, so it's uncertain how to contact her or whether she is still living. Dick's remains will probably be cremated, and not sent to a funeral home, so his death can probably be verified only by calling the hospital where he died. Dick lived in Laurel, MD, where I met him in front to go with him to the Old Songs Festival in 2006, and more recently to drive him around to look for a used car to buy. Dick apparently didn't have much money, but I would think there is much in his apartment home of value related to folklore and folk music. I want to be helpful as possible, and you can contact me by email at AndrewTeter (at) aol.com, or by phone at 301-565-9137. Andrew Teter (Andy) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Chuck Moran Date: 12 May 08 - 09:40 PM Dick was probably the first person we met in FSGW when we attended a picnic in the late 60's or early 70's. Forever after, he became known to us and our then young kids, not as "Dick Rodgers," but as "Key of G," when he said, in response to our question, "What key should we play it in?"--"Key of G, the people's key!" |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 12 May 08 - 11:46 PM Many thanks to Andy Teter for all he is doing now, and for his thoughtful posts. A number of people are working to co-ordinate the various things that need to be done, since Dick had no family in the area. Dick and his hurdy-gurdy were "an institution" at the Washington Folk Festival, and if it can be worked out there will be a short remembrance of him there. If there isn't a formal one on the stages, there will certainly be an informal one in the picnic picking area! In addition we're thinking of a special memorial event for him (possibly at the Washington Ethical Society, our main venue for many years), with lots of group singing in his honor. We'll post information on this thread as events develop. Rita F |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,GUEST, Laura Sailer Date: 13 May 08 - 05:18 AM In 1971 when I went to one of my first Getaways, Dick was someone I already knew from open sings and tales my sister Janice regaled me with. I felt a bit out of place, as I was weaned on classical music and did not know the words to all the songs these people were singing, but I had brought a flute and Dick insisted I meet some friends of his who were going to play on the Saturday night concert. It was in the day when the Smothers Brothers were singing "...I can tell by your outfit that you are a cowboy..." Dick wanted to poke fun at Chance Shivers who was MCíng and I guess had sung "the original" that came from (Streets of Laredo) and Dick was going to sing the song that came from (Bard of Armaugh) or something like that. He led me to a cabin in A area (campsite #4 PW Forest) where he presented "the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony." Peter Sailer had a guitar, Dick had his fiddle, and Joann McLaughlin was trying to play her cello -- with gloves on! (That Getaway it was colder than a brass toilet seat). Dick had gotten this motley crew together (with a couple others who did not continue with the group) to play at the International Croquet Tournament. After the Getaway Dick wanted us to play at an open sing and Peter insisted we practice (apparently a foreign concept to Dick at the time). Frugal-to-a-fault Dick, always with a keen eye for an opportunity to freeload, insisted that rehearsals include a gourmet meal, which Peter dutifully supplied. And so the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony continued for about two decades. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,GUEST, Laura Sailer Date: 13 May 08 - 06:29 AM Following in Dick's tradition I make a short story long: Little did I know that night when I first met the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony that the guy with the guitar, to whom Dick had introduced me, would eventually become my (second) husband and the father of my two kids. At that time I was about the marry Dave Laning, who later said of Dick and the Cathedral Avenue Cacophony "When I first met Dick Rodgers, he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket... He has since found himself a bucket." He was always talking us into adding a new song to our repertoire. It was especially challenging when Dick would sing the song to me and expect me to learn it from hearing his rendition. I think part of Peter's record collection was purchased out of self defense for that learning curve. But one way or another we'd work up song after song. Dick, hurdy gurdy in hand, liked to refer to himself as "the ramrod of this organization." Another nick-name he earned at our rehearsals was "fourdammit!" It always amazed me with as many times as Dick had jitterbugged or waltzed me around a dance floor (or any horizontal space where he was able to stand -- including the Nicholses' living room at a crowded party before the enlarged their house) that his sense of rythm did not carry over into his singing or fiddling. I often wondered if he'd get the fourth beat if he danced while playing, but I guess that would be like chewing gum and walking at the same time; some folks just can't manage it. Several years later my sister Janice joined us to gain admission to the Rennaissance Festival (when it was in Columbia). Janice, who sings but doesn't play, would keep up a little patter during the dead time while we were all fussing with our instruments. "Most performers at this point begin telling tuning jokes... but we ARE a tuning joke." Peter and I had the Cacophony take part musically in our wedding and did not regret it. Dick was always broke and prided himself on making due with scavenged materials for instrument "repairs." Some friends of his (Bob Clayton? Don Nichols?) made him his first hurdy gurdy, which was actually a rather nice instrument when it started out, sufficient that someone stole it. Dick, while substituting in the Montg'y County Public Schools for some income, cobbed one together in wood shop; a little more sophisticated than a cigar box strung with rubber bands, but not much better sounding. Later in woodshop he attempted to make instrument he'd seen in Groves' Dictionary of Music called a Trombamarine (among other things) At the Rennaissance Festival the Lowde Consort walked by one afternoon and one of them exclaimed "my god, that's a trombamarine!" and then, after a second glance, "no, it's not." I hesitate to think what materials he might have used to maintain the violin he's had on loan from us since he had to hock his fiddle a decade or so ago, (or for that matter, if we'll ever see the instrument again,) but the thought of Dick Rodgers without a fiddle was almost as inconceiveable as FSGW without Dick. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Songster Bob Date: 13 May 08 - 02:09 PM Concerning Dick's possessions, etc., I asked Pete and Grace Kraemer, both folkies and lawyers, about it, and here's Pete's response: ---- The probate court will decide on the disposition of Dick's possessions and life insurance, etc. I suspect they will appoint a trustee, some sort of magistrate, I think, to be the person of record. In the meanwhile, his possessions may be in jeopardy. If he can, the landlord will take possession of the apartment since the lessee, Dick, is deceased. To do so in Montgomery County will require petitioning the court for repossession. Then what happens to the possessions I don't know: he can't put them out on the curb, like if someone abandoned the apartment since the articles there are in trust to the probate executor. (That's what I remember of the matter.) If people are concerned, and I think we really should be, we need to contact the probate court. I think someone would have to ask the court to let them represent unknown decedents or survivors (Dick's missing sister.) Then work with the probate executor to either find someone who does stand to inherit Dick's stuff, or have the county sheriff hold an auction of the stuff to pay for rent on the apartment that the landlord can't collect while this is in progress, the cost of the probate itself, including looking for the surviving sister, or her offspring. The sale/auction is where people who want stuff can make offers to buy it. Dick, like everyone had debts, bills on the dining table he was going to take care of, and that sort of thing. The probate court has to settle those affairs out of the sale, unless a surviving descendant is found. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Bill D Date: 13 May 08 - 02:26 PM It is being worked on...contact has been made with the apartment and with other authorities to let them know there are friends who have known him for a long time who will be glad to assist (in line with the laws, of course) It will take some time. We (several people) have offered to help even to putting stuff in storage until legal requirements are met) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bert Date: 13 May 08 - 02:49 PM Dick was a man with character and courage. Let us try to emulate that. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 13 May 08 - 03:52 PM I'm gathering information on the legal situation, and checking closely with Bob C and Charlie Baum as I go. We seem to have the full cooperation and goodwill of the landlord -- and their lawyers. The Office of the Register of Wills is closed due to flooding so it may take a few days. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Severn Date: 13 May 08 - 05:06 PM Songster Bob- You talked about Montgomery County regulations. His apartment in Laurel is in Prince Georges County, if that makes a difference. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Chuck Moran Date: 13 May 08 - 05:47 PM A photo poster would be a good idea for use in the trees at Glen Echo, during the Washington Folk Festival, as well as for use at Royal Mile Pub and Washington Ethical Society for memorial purposes. At Glen Echo, even people who don't know him would recognize the Hurdy-Gurdy man, and would be informed of our loss. Chuck Moran |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Maryrrf Date: 13 May 08 - 09:16 PM I remember him from the Getaways I attended. I actually enjoyed some of his songs even though he was out of tune - it was obvious he enjoyed singing them and that counted for a lot. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 13 May 08 - 11:21 PM Chuck, I also feel we really need a photo poster for the Washington Folk Festival. We probably have to give up the idea of having a short memorial at the WFF, simply because the shuttle buses stop running at 6pm which was the only time available. But we would like to put up a big photo poster with a notice of his death, a short biography, lots of photos, and a notice of the time and place of the memorial event. I don't know who will have time to put a poster together, or whether we will need someone to help with that. Charlie suggested maybe it should be laminated so it could go in the picnic grove if possible, rather than being somewhere less central. Also, Charlie suggested waiting on the newspaper notice until we have scheduled a memorial event. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: JedMarum Date: 13 May 08 - 11:48 PM Sad to see him go. Bless his memory. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Janie Date: 14 May 08 - 12:06 AM I've got one or two decent photos of Dick from the Getaways. If a poster is done, I expect you'll have plenty enough photos, but will be glad to e-mail mine to someone. Just pm me with an e-mail address. Janie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Charlie Baum Date: 14 May 08 - 04:19 PM Prelimiinary, since I just found out the hall is available and have tentatively reserved it--but-- FSGW will plan a memorial service and sing-around for Saturday evening, June 14th, at the Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th St. NW, Washington DC. We still need to figure out the starting hour, format, and such. --Charlie Baum |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,AndyT Date: 15 May 08 - 09:12 AM Charlie, I'm glad to hear of your success in getting a place and time for the memorial gathering and sing-around. You're the one who's running things. I, for one, would be willing to contribute up to $100 to help FSGW pay the $300 to use the space at WES. I agree with the idea of calling the memorial gathering for 6 PM if this allows enough time to set up, and I agree with the idea of including a potluck. I think this will be a memorable event. Andrew Teter (Andy) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Dan Schatz Date: 18 May 08 - 10:48 PM I had recalled a letter Dick wrote to Sing Out! back in the 90s. Sure enough, there it was, Vol. 35, # 2, in 1990. In his rejection of the term "Folk Nazi" bandied about at that time for the purists amongst us, I think Dick has written his own epitaph. Below is the letter in its entirety. -Dan Silver Spring, MD I totally reject the term "Folk Nazi." Curmudgeon? Yes, accepted. I'm also the Chief Grump of the FSGW's political process (my fellow founding fathers, Hickerson, Wallace and Eberhart, have abandoned that aspect). I attend some board meetings to blast the wheel-reinventors, and to let those currently entrusted with power know they're being watched. Contemporary performers do seem to lack historical connection and perspective. We aging folkies had Jack Elliot, Jean Redpath and, yes, the Clancy Brothers among the boomers to ease us into traditionalism along with good performance skills - Michael Cooney is an outstanding product of that "easement" and has become a true philosopher of folksong performance; he hits the head of every nail! Alas, I sense a fading of the breed. The teeth grinder of the folk boom was the young thing (a few _were_ sweet) who approached the microphone to say, "I don't know anything about this song." Although I never shouted it in a coffeehouse, I did editorialize (Washington Folk Strums, '64-'67) that they damned well _ought_ to know something about a song before singing it. (I seem to remember Baez doing that; maybe it wasn't her). Today's teeth grinders for me are the ones who don't know traditional songs in traditional versions, or even Burl Ives' versions! I can understand how some of them might believe that ballad singing began with Steeleye Span, but I don't have to tolerate it. Furthermore, they can research so much more easily than we could in the late fifties and early sixties, I find their sloth incredible. I find very few new Ian Robbs and Michael Cooneys out there. There are some fine young instrumentalists (Mick Moloney has a gift for finding them) but I have reservations (or suspicions) about their commitments other than fingers-for-hire. It's a bit difficult for me to be concerned about today's performers exploiting "folk music" - Judy Collins broke my heart twenty years ago. - Dick Rodgers |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 19 May 08 - 06:59 PM Kathie Mack has written a really nice news obituary to submit to the Washington Post. We'll post it here once we get permission from a few people who are quoted in the article. I'll send PM's to the relevant people. (I'm not sure we need permission, but we do want it so that no one will be made uncomfortable by having their words published -- or at least attributed to them -- without their knowledge. And, Dan, that last post is wonderful. Pure Dick Rodgers. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Fortunato Date: 23 May 08 - 08:03 AM I have emailed a photo of Dick at the last PreGetaway Singaround to Ferrara, but perhaps someone else is collecting these, please let me know by PM and I'll send it there. chance |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 24 May 08 - 11:17 PM The Washington Post will publish a notice about Dick's death on Sunday, May 25 (tomorrow). It includes an announcement about the memorial supper and sing. It will also be in their "legacy" section on line. Can anyone add a link? Fortunato, Vince is making up a photo board of his photos for the WFF. I'll e-mail your photo to him, and if time permits I will also make one from the various photos Bill and Darriel have taken, and include yours as well as one from Janie Endres from the Getaway. Rita F |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: SINSULL Date: 25 May 08 - 10:08 AM Just had a wonderful vision of Dick running into Utah Phillips and cranking his hurdy-gurdy to the "Goodnight Loving Trail". We'll leave it to Rick Fielding to sort them all out. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Bill D Date: 25 May 08 - 11:32 AM It's not easy finding the listing in the Post, but here it is
Published in The Washington Post on 5/25/2008. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Dani Date: 25 May 08 - 09:29 PM Very nice. Thanks for the link. Dani |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: dick greenhaus Date: 26 May 08 - 01:01 AM Dick Rodgers "...Loved, but unrespected." RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 26 May 08 - 03:11 PM You know, Dick managed his recent years very well if you think about what his priorities were. He had some income from Social Security and some from his job, and in spite of constant car troubles, etc, he managed to attend as many musical activities as he could squeeze in, including the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival, the Royal Mile shantey sings, Old Songs, of course the Getaway, and i-dont-know-how-many other events. In recent years he had access to a computer at his apartment complex; prior to that, he would phone Bill and ask him to get details on upcoming festivals. His musical abilities deteriorated -- yes, they did -- due to deafness, and he was maddening because he wouldn't accept or acknowledge his limitations. But his singing improved after he got a decent hearing aid, which is why, I guess, I felt he was getting better -- sometimes -- at the Open Sings. A few times at Open Sings, usually after a ballad, Dick would tell me I had done a very good job on a song. I felt like I that was high praise indeed. (Rare praise, too.... Encouraging comments weren't Dick's style for the most part, he was likelier to offer a boisterous comment on your song's history or lack of authenticity or some such thing as soon as the last note sounded.) RF |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: GUEST,Marianne Oaks Date: 28 May 08 - 04:37 PM I was Dick's first cousin. I haven't seen him in around fifty years. I remember him as someone with great enthusiasm, but a little short on the practical side of living. I am very happy to see that he had so many friends who enjoyed being with him. Rest in peace, Dick. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Wincing Devil Date: 28 May 08 - 09:02 PM I've set up a website in Dick's Memory with pix from The Royal Mile Chantey Sings and a few Getaways: Clickez Vous Ici Kathie Mack and I just finished up the Photo Boards for his memorial service. I'm getting far to experienced at putting pictures on foam board. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Ferrara Date: 29 May 08 - 10:48 PM Marianne, we are very glad to hear from his family. We didn't know how to locate anyone until one of his cousins e-mailed the president of the Folklore Society, Charlie Baum. Rita Ferrara |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Joe Offer Date: 29 May 08 - 11:24 PM What was Dick's car? - a Dodge Dart, or something similar, I think, from the 1970's. Am I right? -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Lonesome EJ Date: 30 May 08 - 12:06 AM Sad news indeed. Dick was one of those people who, as the relative newcomer to the Getaway that I am, just stood out. Tall, lanky, angular, and with a habit of peering myopically at you that enhanced the impression of a rather friendly old stork. I enjoyed very much the comical old tunes that I heard him perform, tunes that started out with his audience looking on rather uncomfortably until the song resolved itself into something that was both warm and funny, at which everyone laughed while Dick sang and sawed away at his instrument. I asked Dick about the hurdy-gurdy, and he was delighted to describe its function to me, pointing out all of the key parts, many of which appeared to be various objects of household hardware, bent, taped, and harnessed to Dick's musical will. In a world where so many folks are happy to fly under the radar, I had the impression that Dick had no appetite for that sort of anonymity. I'm certainly glad that, even if it was just the last act, I caught part of the show. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Wincing Devil Date: 30 May 08 - 09:34 AM Dick's Dodge Dart fell apart, like the cop car the Blues Brothers stole. KER-FLUUMP. AndyT drove him around to get a "new" one. };-( |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Wincing Devil Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:21 AM An obituary news article about Dick Rodgers appears in today's (Monday June 2) issue of the Washington Post. It can also be found on the Washington Post web page |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: GUEST,Bill Jenkins Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:51 AM I met Dick when I worked at the House of Musical Traditions in 1982 and was living above the store. He became my realtor (And was a good one)due to our interest in obscure musical instruments(we didn't think they were obscure), and when Takoma Park became evidently out of reach financially even then for a musician, he suggested Mt. Rainier, where he found a house that I've been in since. We exchanged knowing glances when I was onstage or he was wandering at festivals. I am very sorry to be out of town for his celebration.I would make some rude noises in his honor. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Fortunato Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:12 AM The Obituary in the Washington Post this morning was without a doubt the first time I've found wit and humor in an obit. It recalled the man and his pursuits quite vividly, and replaced the usual maudlin prose with clarity and respectful honesty. Well done. chance |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Dan Schatz Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:16 AM I was a little surprised to see elements from this thread quoted in it - including something he said to me at a private party. Does the Washington Post read Mudcat? I was wondering if perhaps one of their reporters saw the display at the Washington Folk Festival and decided to make an article out of it. Dan |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Nancy King Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:48 PM Dan, I believe Kathie Mack actually wrote it, obviously drawing from some of the posts on this thread, and submitted it to the Post, which then may have done some editing. The obit and picture were quite prominently placed -- I think Dick would have felt it a bit of vindication for all the teasing we gave him over the years. It was really quite odd not to have him at the Washington Folk Festival. I kept expecting to run into him around every corner. The Festival was great, as usual, but there was something missing... Nancy |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008) From: Ferrara Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:28 PM Many, many thanks to Andrew Teter, for suggesting that the Post might print a news obituary; to Kathie Mack for researching Dick's life, writing the draft article, and interesting the Post in publishing it; and to all of Dick's friends, including Dottie Hurley, Andy Teter, Charlie Baum, Vince (Wincing Devil), Jennifer Woods & Bob Clayton, Peter and Laura Sailer, Bob Hitchcock, Bill D who supplied the photograph, and many others who contributed biographical facts and suggestions for the obituary. The Post did a fair amount of editing, but it is Kathie's wit that shines through. We tried to contact anyone on the thread who was quoted directly but I guess we missed a couple.... Anyway this article was a labor of love on the part of many, many people. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Dick Rodgers, FSGW Institution (May 2008 From: Janie Date: 02 Jun 08 - 08:57 PM Thank you to Vince for posting the link to that article, to Kathy for writing it, and to all the rest of you who knew him so much better than many of us for sharing your affection, stories, a bit of history and lore regarding Dick. From my very first Getaway, I have always valued and appreciated the obvious valuing of "folks" reflected by FSGW members. You have not lost sight of who folk music, regardless of how it is defined, represents. That is well reflected in posts to this thread. Thank all of you for sharing your memories and reflections. and thank you Dick, for being so memorable. Janie |
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