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Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009
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Subject: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:45 AM Friends, I'm very sad to have to report that Jackie Washington, the amazing jazz and blues musician from Hamilton, ON, passed away this afternoon. Jackie was one of a kind, a wonderful musician and a performer who was loved across Canada for his charming stage presence and his bottomless knowledge of old classic swing and jazz tunes. Here's the notice that was posted to Maplepost, the Canadian folk music listserv, tonight: To everyone, We regret to announce that our dear beloved friend and unstoppable musical spirit, Jackie Washington has passed away at the age of 89. Jackie was taken to hospital 2 weeks ago with a breathing problem and after suffering a heart attack and a series of related episodes, he died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at 1:22pm today. Thankfully, Jackie was able to attend a tribute to his life's work held at McMaster University on June 3, 2009. Jackie's archives will be housed in perpetuity in the McMaster University Library Archives, for all to see and enjoy. Jackie was also blessed to live to see his great grandson, Miles. Here is a picture of Jackie with Miles taken on June 3 at McMaster: You can see lots of pictures of Jack from this event here: Thanks to Ron Scheffler for the great photos. Other announcements will follow. On behalf of all of us, thanks for your support over the years. Sincerely, The Jackie Washington Committee Terry Bramhall, David Kidney, Mose Scarlett, Cathy Powell, Margaret Stowe, Jennie Struiksma. In the last weeks and days of his life, we, on the Jackie Washington Committee, were supported by an additional loving Circle of Friends: Ken Whiteley, Irene Manning, Patti Warden, Reg Denis, Tom and Marilyn Scott, James Strecker, Michelle Josef, Graham Rockingham, Albert De Vos and Glenna Green. Many others have given their support from afar. Cards-notes to: Jackie Washington 21 Alanson St Hamilton ON L8N 1W6 Feel free to send email to any of us OR For more info on the Jackie Washington Archives: tel: 905-525-9140 ext.22764 e-mail < |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:46 AM And here's a link to the Hamilton Spectator story: http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/590760 |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:48 AM And finally, here's what I posted to Maplepost tonight: I am so sad to hear Jackie is gone from us. He was one-of-a-kind. I remember meeting him as a teenager at Mariposa. I was babysitting for one of the performers that year, and when I brought this young toddler into the performer's area for lunch, there was Jackie, holding court in the corner. Jackie, of course, was like a magnet pulling her in, and he proceeded to give her a private concert, complete with stories and jokes, much to the delight of everyone around. Meanwhile, I was mesmerized by this guy who seemed to have an endless store of old classic swing and jazz songs that I wanted to know more about. I feel lucky to have been able to get to know him over the years, and to have heard him sing and play so often. If I was somewhere near where Jackie was playing, I wanted to be there. He never failed to entertain, and no matter how many times I saw him, inevitably there would be a song I'd never heard at some point in the set. Somewhere I have a cassette tape, that I made on a crappy handheld recorder, of an acoustic session that Jackie did in the middle of the forest at Eaglewood Folk Festival. Somehow I wanted to preserve what I was hearing. If I remember right, that's the first time I heard him sing "Triscadecaphobia." There was the year I was at Home County when the festival brought out a huge birthday cake for him, not realizing that the "Jackie Washington Birthday" segment they'd heard on CBC Morningside that week was a repeat from November (Ironically, Jackie knew everyone's birthday and could recite them all any time you wanted!). I also remember hearing his stories of growing up in in Hamilton in the 1920's, 30's, and 40's, meeting many of the jazz musicians passing through southern Ontario, working at the racetrack, being one of the first black broadcasters in Canada. Whenever I talked to Jackie, I felt like I was with someone I had a lot to learn from. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ken Whiteley for helping keep Jackie's music in the public eye and documenting his incredible legacy. It's because of Ken that we have those wonderful albums featuring Jackie, recordings that barely scratch the surface but have brought so much to us in Canada. And thanks to the Jackie Washington committee for all their hard work over the years. My heart goes out to all of his close friends and his family. Today, the song that keeps running through my head seems appropriate. RIP Jackie, we'll miss you. We'll Meet Again We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, But I know we'll meet again some sunny day. Keep smiling through, just like you always do 'Til the blue skies chase the dark clouds far away. So won't you please say "Hello" to the folks that I know Tell them I won't be very long, They'll be happy to know that when you saw me go I was singing this song. We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, But I know we'll meet again some sunny day. Eve |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,Peace Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:59 AM I'm sorry for your loss, Eve; and I am sorry for our loss. He was indeed wonderful. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 28 Jun 09 - 03:03 AM Here are blue clickies for the links in the first post above. There are some great pics: www.ronscheffler.com/mcmaster/20090603_library/images/page284.html www.ronscheffler.com/mcmaster/20090603_library/images/page193.html And also a link to a beautiful slide show tribute on the Hamilton Spectator site: http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/video2/jackiewashington/ |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 28 Jun 09 - 03:04 AM Thanks, Peace. I think he was universally loved by all the Canadian folk music fans who saw him over the years at festivals and concert series. You could not hear him sing and not feel better about the world. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Phil Cooper Date: 28 Jun 09 - 07:07 AM I met Jackie at Home County in 1986 and he was an amazing man. We met him again at Old Songs when he was there with Ken Whitley. Like you, Eve, Margaret and I were always captivated by his songs a stories. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: bankley Date: 28 Jun 09 - 09:26 AM He was an unforgettable man... I remeber when we first met, I said 'So you're Jackie Robinson ?" He laughed and said , "No, I'm not that famous or fast... pleased to meet you, I really like your guitar playing" I had the opportunity to spend some time with him 10 yrs ago at the Northern Lights Festival in Sudbury.. When the shows were over on the Sat. nite... several of us hung out in the cafeteria at the university where we were staying... Jackie got out his guitar and played for hours... I hated to leave but had to get up early for a long drive... Rest in peace |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Lizzie Cornish 1 Date: 28 Jun 09 - 09:39 AM Jackie Washington - 5 minute documentary clip on Youtube He seemed a very warm, kind person, Eve, as well as a great musician, one who was able to sing in harmony from the age of just 5 years old, having watched that clip.... A natural. Thank you for telling us about him in your beautiful words above. xx |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: pdq Date: 28 Jun 09 - 09:57 AM This is not the same Jackie Washington who worked in Greenwich Village with Happy Traum and Bob Dylan and others in the early 60s. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Jun 09 - 10:02 AM I remember hearing Jackie Washington perform several times at the Mariposa Festivals in the 1970's. He will be missed but he certainly left a legacy. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Little Hawk Date: 28 Jun 09 - 11:31 AM I've seen Jackie play at numerous folk festivals over the years, and he was great. I trust that his spirit goes on. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,iancarterb Date: 28 Jun 09 - 12:05 PM I was lucky enough to start hearing Jackie Washington late in his life but that was hard to tell on the radio. Stuart McLean had him on live shows of the Vinyl Cafe many times, and I envy all of you who heard him live and knew him personally. It always made me feel good to hear him. To sound so great into his eighties is instructive about living every day we get. RIP, Jackie. Carter B |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: meself Date: 28 Jun 09 - 12:07 PM I never saw Jackie, but I often heard him on CBC radio. I don't think you could hear him without having your spirits lifted. RIP. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Duke Date: 28 Jun 09 - 07:43 PM This is the saddest news I could possibly hear. Jackie and I have been friends for over 45 years. I talked to him a few months ago and had a great time remembering stories from the "old days" I was always sorry that circumstances prevented me from spending more time with him as the years went by. He is missed! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: C. Ham Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:12 AM Jackie was a wonderful performer and as gracious a person as I've ever met. Mike Regenstreif blogged about Jackie on Sunday. Mike's blog. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,Agnes Wilton Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:03 AM I was very saddened when my Grandson Michael informed me his YAYA was gone. ( I was so lucky to share a Grandson Michael and also my first Great Grandson Miles,with Jackie.Jackies son Michael and my Daughter Dawne are the parents of Michael Jr.) Jackie was one of a kind,I have known him for many many years and his smile and love of life has never changed. Rest In Peace my dear Friend Jackie. Agnes |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:20 AM Sad news. I was introduced to his music by Rick Fielding and then bought one of his CDs from Borealis. They'll be making some good music together up there I'm sure. RtS "another man done gone" |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: meself Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:49 AM I had CBC Radio One on much of yesterday - well, off and on - and I didn't hear any mention of this sad news. Which surprised me, considering ... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,Catherine Whyte Gallagher, Shanghai China Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:07 PM I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jackie Washington. I first met Jackie in 1971 while working on what was then known as 'It's Your Bag' Day in Hamilton. Through the old Elmar Hotel on Main and Caroline in Hamilton, the 'Loo' Hotel in Waterloo and whenever possible convincing Denise Donlon and those that followed her to book Jackie into the pubs at the University of Waterloo my respect and admiration for Jackie grew. He was always warm and gracious even when the dinner his rider called for turned out to be spaghetti at my house with a little 'vitamin C' thrown in for beverages and the transportation was my beat up Volkswagon Bug. When I last spoke with Jackie in 1995 just prior to leaving Canada, we spoke of old times while he played with my children. Jackie never seemed to forget anyone he had ever worked with and he always had a song to dedicate to them. Our country has lost one of its true gentleman and he will be missed. I hope 'we meet again'. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Go with the Gods and dance with the angels Jackie, Catherine |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: PHJim Date: 29 Jun 09 - 06:21 PM Very sad news indeed. I first saw Jackie circa 1960 in the basement of The Black Swan on Houston Street in Hamilton, Ontario. I had learned all three chords on the guitar and was on my way to being a folk singer. Jackie played a song that I had learned to play with 2 chords. He played two chords per bar. I ran down to Waddington's Music store the next day and bought Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar book and started trying to play like Jackie Washington. He has been my guitar hero for 49 years. A few years ago I got to spend some time with Jack. I drove from Hamilton to Cobourg and back with Jack riding shotgun. I'll always treasure that conversation. He asked me my birthday. My brother met him months later at a party in Hamilton and he not only remembered me, but he remembered my birthday. I've been told that he never forgets a birthday. The last time I saw Jackie was at Hugh's room on the night of his 88th birthday celebration. It was also the last time I saw Willie P. Bennett. I'll sure miss them both. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,Bill Date: 01 Jul 09 - 02:34 AM Lots of memories of Jackie from London Ont.The Home County Festival, Smales Place and a few of the bars that he would play in from time to time. I saw him play many times and he was always happy to be playing, telling stories and I think just being around and interacting with everyone. He had a wicked sense of humor and made people laugh on and off stage, and he always remembered you the next time you met. He put real love into the songs he sang - he truly gave - we're all so lucky. Sweet dreams dear Jackie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Eve Goldberg Date: 01 Jul 09 - 10:35 PM Hi all, I just thought I'd pass on information about two memorials happening for Jackie in Hamilton. Here's the information I received: ANNOUNCEMENT – 2 memorial events for Jackie Washington Both of these events can be found at the Jackie Washington Facebook fanpage. Check for details and possible carpools: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackie-Washington/90756978363?ref=ts#/pages/Jackie-Washington/90756978363 MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 The Jackie Washington Twilight Memorial and Gathering of the People. OPEN TO ALL When: Monday July 6, 2009 Time: 7:30-9pm Formalities: 7:45pm Bring your acoustic instrument, horn, tambourine, shaker or drum for a New Orleans style send-off! Come as you are. If you wish, bring a chair or blanket. Where: The Jackie Washington Rotary Park, Wellington St, north of Barton St. Hamilton ON Directions: From Burlington St. turn towards the Mountain on Wellington St. (one way south) From Barton St turn on to Victoria (one way north) towards the water and at Ferrie St turn left. One block over at Wellington is the parking lot. Out-of-towners: Check Jackie Washington fanpage on Facebook for directions and possible carpools or refer to Gold Book maps. WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 Washington Family Memorial Celebration of the life of Jack Washington OPEN TO ALL A celebration of the life of one of Hamilton's finest. Jack Washington was many things to many people and we would like to take the time to share, reminisce and laugh as we say goodbye to a wonderful family man, friend, and musician. Please join us and enjoy this celebration. When: Wednesday July 8 Time: 10:30 am Where: Stewart Memorial Church The church is located at 114 John St. N. in Hamilton. Out-of-towners: Check Jackie Washington fanpage on facebook for directions or refer to Gold Book or Google maps. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: Willie-O Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:26 PM Jackie was such a great guy and had such a full, rich life, that I can't even feel sad. His work is done, and what regrets could he possibly have had? 89 years on this earth, and he touched many thousands of people with his music and his beautiful spirit. He was the Man of a Thousand Songs, and a thousand chords as well. Bill |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: PHJim Date: 03 Jul 09 - 10:45 AM When Geoff Muldaur played at Hugh's Room, he introduced an old standard by saying,"There used to be a guy named Jackie Washington who the Kweskin Jug Band used to go and see when we were in Canada and who used to sing this song. Is he still around?" Several audience members told him that Jackie was still around and would be celebrating his 88th birthday in that very room. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: C. Ham Date: 13 Jul 09 - 02:45 PM Mike Regenstreif did a radio tribute to Jackie Washington last Thursday that is available as a podcast from Mike's blog. Mike's blog. Scroll down to the blog entries for Thursday July 9. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Jackie Washington, 1919 - 2009 From: GUEST,Valerie Dolan Date: 21 Nov 09 - 10:25 PM I've been out of the country and have just found out at this very late date that Jackie Washington passed away. I have such fond memories of him from the Knights II Coffee House and the Festival of Friends. He was a wonderful man. |
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