Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009) From: breezy Date: 09 Sep 09 - 04:30 AM May I also add my thanks to George Papavgeris for placing ''Johnny Collins 'Singing out'' on here. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009) From: Pistachio Date: 08 Sep 09 - 05:32 PM George - thank you for the linked recording. I finally found the right time to listen and was lifted by the glorious sound of an unrehearsed choir - magnificent and magical. H.x |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: chrisgl Date: 19 Aug 09 - 03:24 PM Ah ha! Some names at last. Thanks George. Whilst I've not said anywhere, so far, anything about what'd have to happen 'in the background' before anything can be made public, I am aware of some of these 'hurdles' (and quite understandable they are too!) I'd certainly be talking to Joyce and it's good to know that Dave is involved too. It's a huge Cart with a hundred or horses milling around it. Exactly which comes first is an interesting thing in the Chinese sense of interesting. chris :-) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Richard Atkins Date: 18 Aug 09 - 11:18 PM Chris I gave Joyce and Jim a DVD of Johnny and Jim at Bromyerd 2004 at Warwick saying put away for later at this sad time. Your recordings to Dawe Webber then. I sang The Leaf and lost the tune a bit the Guru said! , |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: George Papavgeris Date: 18 Aug 09 - 03:13 PM IMPORTANT MESSAGE concerning recordings Actually, Chris, I would like to backtrack on my last message, as I spoke way too soon. For a start, some of the performances by the professional artists that were there may not be up to their own required standards, and publication of the recording would only devalue them. Certainly later during the evening there have been drink-influenced renditions, I am told - we should be careful with those. But even more important than that is the consideration of what Johnny himself would have wanted, and what the current guardians of his legacy would want. That is David Webber as Johnny's producer and (I believe) official custodian of Johnny's legacy (both the music and the name), and of course Joyce, who knew Johnny better than any of us. I know that Johnny, whenever he was asked whether a recording might be made for one of his own performances, he would invariably reply "yes, but only for personal use". He certainly would not have condoned a commercial use of either his performances or others' performances in his name (and that would include the funeral service and the wake), even for charitable purposes, without his own (and now Dave's & Joyce's) permission. I would urge anyone thinking of putting such performqances on CD for distribution to talk with Dave & Joyce before proceeding any further, therefore. Bob, that would cover the Sunray recording too, I believe. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: My guru always said Date: 18 Aug 09 - 07:13 AM Yes, well done Chris!! You must have had a very stiff arm after the seven hours *grin* Thanks, George, for the service recording, I listened again last night! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: George Papavgeris Date: 18 Aug 09 - 04:08 AM Chris, I cannot imagine anyone refusing. For my part, go ahead anyway. Well done recording all seven hours of singing! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: chrisgl Date: 17 Aug 09 - 04:26 PM The (what does one call it?) celebration afterwards was also recorded but as it's some seven hours of material I am not in a position to make it public yet. I'd be very grateful if anyone here abouts who sang that afternoon or evening could contact me and let me know whether I can include their piece. Working with Tim Frost, we are contemplating putting a CD (!) together to benefit Johnny's two charities. chris :-) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: double stopping Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:38 PM Thank you so much or the recording George - I turned up the volume and sang along. I really wanted to be there but it simply wasn't possible. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Merek'n'Dary Date: 17 Aug 09 - 11:04 AM Thanks George for posting JC Singing-out. We were sorry not to have been there but this really helps share in what must have been an incredible day! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: SunrayFC Date: 16 Aug 09 - 01:41 PM I assume you are related (?) to Faith and will soon have your CD. I just know you will enjoy it. I especially like the interview...Johnny being Johnny. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,Keith Myers Date: 16 Aug 09 - 12:52 PM Just glad I could go to the funeral and say goodbye to an old friend. He was given an unforgetable send-off. The singing was amazing not exactly suprising considering the people there. We won't see a man like him again for a long long time. A great singer and a real gentleman. Keith |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Mick Pearce (MCP) Date: 16 Aug 09 - 09:08 AM When you read some of the threads on Mudcat (have a look at the current Folk Against Fascism thread for example), it's easy to forget the joy and fellowship that goes with singing. This was something that Johnny exemplified and you could tell it at the crematorium and the wake afterwards last Thursday. While it was Johnny's singing that made us all aware of him I'd like to think that it was his infectious joy of life and song that took us all there last week to see him off. It was a fitting send off for someone who put so much into the folk scene here and elsewhere. I've put my own personal tribute song, which Kitty referred to above, on my myspace page (Mick's Myspace Page) if anyone wants to hear it. I have no title, so it appears just as JC on the song list. (It's a bit croaky - I'm on the edge of a cold at the moment - but you'll get the idea). Mick |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Tyke Date: 15 Aug 09 - 11:43 PM Thank you George P for all you efforts, keeping us all informed of the details of JC Singing-out on the Mudcat and for the recording of the service that you have posted the link too. I am listening to it as I write this and I can't help but think of all the Big Mans many friends all over the world who will be able to share in the celebration of Johnny's life when they down load and then listen to this file. Well done! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Mick Tems Date: 15 Aug 09 - 12:55 PM Johnny's funeral turned into a rip-roaring celebration on Thursday, with friends from far and wide squeezing into the packed crematorium - it was standing room only. When Graeme Knights launched into Amazing Grace, when Dave and Anni sang, when Jim delivered The Farewell Shanty, when all four polished their voices to When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder, the folk family roared back ALL the songs in perfect harmony. Someone said that the undertakers, who are quite used to a thousand funerals, had never heard of a sending-off like this. When the service was over, when many famous singers (and some not so famous) had queued up in the Pinner Green Workingmen's Club to pay tribute to Johnny, I drove back to South Wales really inspired and elated by all the respect and perfect love that they had bestowed on him. I drove all the way from Llantrisant with Jim Bartlett riding shotgun. Just before we left, stentorian singer-songwriter Jim sang a shanty he wrote after hearing of Johnny's death, Johnny's Gone Away, and I joined in on the choruses with him. Joyce had a smile on her face. Some funerals make you sad, this one gave you the determination to emulate Johnny and give you his love of singing, his very great knowledge of shanties and the sea and his boundless affection of the folk scene in general. Here's to you, Big Man. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Mrs.Duck Date: 15 Aug 09 - 11:23 AM Thanks for that, George. Sung along and it wasn't only your card that filled up! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,old git Date: 15 Aug 09 - 07:31 AM Thanks for that ,George. For those of us who couldn't make it ,it was the next best thing to being there. geoff turner |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: George Papavgeris Date: 15 Aug 09 - 06:55 AM Oh bugger... here it is: http://www.folk4all.net/JC-singing-out.mp3 |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: George Papavgeris Date: 15 Aug 09 - 06:53 AM What a sendoff for the Big Man... You can listen to a recording of the tributes and the songs from the chapel a href="http://www.folk4all.net/JC-singing-out.mp3">here. Unfortunately my "card" filled up before the end, but I only missed Mike Sparks' last 30 seconds (and his "God bless you, Johnny") and the last hymn. Two moments caused me to well up: Seeing the Singing Cheff-ers turn out wearing their aprons; and the last moments of Graeme;s singing Amazing Grace - the way he turned back time and again to look at the coffin as he was finishing the song. I was right in your heart right then, Grae... Scowie, Maureen, Geoff, "Uncle" George, it was great spending the night before together and reminiscing (and doing some serious damage to that whiskey too). The trout was honoured appropriately on Friday... Natasha sends her best also. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: BB Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:38 AM A wonderful celebration of everything that was Johnny, and the chance to share the experience it with so many others who loved him. Our thanks to all those who put it together, and especially to Dave and Anni who had their own reasons for finding it particularly difficult. I don't think I've EVER heard singing anything like that which took place there. Broadstairs was by no means deserted, as the same 'order of service' was taking place in Pete Collins' and Mike Nicholson's session at the same time, and by all accounts was also very beautiful. Sorry we had to leave early, but had to get back to Broadstairs to work that evening. Barbara & Tom |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: SunrayFC Date: 14 Aug 09 - 01:51 AM Yes I thought the whole day was a wonderful experience, and how Johnny would have liked it. The singing in the chapel was amazing, from start to finish. A unique experience. Nice to catch up with some people too...faces to names. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: scowie Date: 13 Aug 09 - 11:39 PM It was a suitable and altogether splendid send off for the great man we all knew and loved.Thanks to all involved in its production, thanks also to Terri for her help and support throughout it. As I suspected I found it all intensly moving, and very emotional, especially Mike Sparks Valediction, Well done old Bright Spark! Thanks to George P. and the lovely Vannessa (Natasha) for making the visit possible, from myself, Geoff, and George, sorry we missed the club sing, but it was a long way home, made a little easier with the memories it had left us with. This Folk World of ours truly is an unbreakable family, and to see it unite again, to salute the passing of one of our Heros was stiring indeed. My thanks and best wishes to you all, Scowie. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: greensue Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:46 PM Just arrived home from saying goodbye to johnny. Many thanks to Terry and Sheila and everyone else who helped me today. Also for the lift home from Dave and Jan. There could not be a better sendoff for anyone than Johnny had today. I am sure he must have been with us in spirit, the singing was glorious. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: double stopping Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:35 PM Thank you very much. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Herga Kitty Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:33 PM The first tribute was from John Heydon, the second from Johnny's son-in-law, and the third from Mike Sparks. Kitty |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Emma B Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:23 PM 'order of service' Amazing Grace - Graeme Knights Tribute Contentment - Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman Tribute Its time to go now - Jim Mageean Tribute When the roll is called up yonder - raising the roof! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Herga Kitty Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:18 PM We started singing the moment we got into the chapel and joined in with the recording of Johnny singing Agammemnon - it was like being back in the cellar at Bracknell,tremendous wall of song. The singing at the Greenwood Hall went on until late in the evening - it was 10.20pm when I left and it wasn't finished yet. Thanks especially to Mick Pearce and Anne Reader for the songs they wrote specifically to commemorate Johnny and his singing, and to Joyce and family for a wonderful celebration of Johnny's life and contribution to all our lives. Kitty |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: double stopping Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:13 PM Would someone who was there please tell us the "order of service" - who sung/said what. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Emma B Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:12 PM Just arrived home, my sincere thanks to my hosts for their generous hospitality Such a magnificent heartlifting celebration of the life of a friend who touched so many hearts. '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.' From 'The Gentleman of Song' Written for Johnny Collins by Scowie in 1999 |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: My guru always said Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:59 PM Johnny was sung out well today and his voice was with us in our memories. Many thanks to Joyce and Johnny's family for sharing this day with us all. Thanks too to Graeme and Jim and all those who worked so hard to make the day run smoothly. Hil |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,flyingcat(moira) Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:00 PM I so wish we could have been there to say goodbye. I expect a good few songs will be sung in his memory at grove over the weekend. I'll never forget late nite singing and midnight specials at the singing chef in pre grove days at Stamford in the vale. Wonderful times. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Houston_Diamond Date: 13 Aug 09 - 04:49 PM I was crying really badly outside the crematorium, Graeme started singing Amazing Grace... before the end of the first line the whole place lit up in chorus and I found myself singing instead of crying!!! Going back to Herga's new home after and hearing all the voices that filled the Royal Oak so well in the 80's, pure nostalgia. It was great to see everyone again, I feel so privileged to have known Johnny and to know most of the friends that came today. Herga wont be the same but I will still go to belt noise when I can and I will hopefully hear Johnny's harmony in my head. Thanks for being a great friend and sharing your knowledge, voice, music, culinary skills, friendship. I will miss you. Houston |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Richard Atkins Date: 13 Aug 09 - 04:18 PM Hearing the undertaker say "We've not had one like this before" after the Sing and Tributes to Johnny says it all. A day and a special man who will allways be remembered by so many. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: skipy Date: 13 Aug 09 - 03:56 PM A wonderful send off & a who's who of the folk world present at it. You touched us all in so many ways & are not forgotton, nor will you be. Skipy |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: gnu Date: 13 Aug 09 - 03:38 PM Terry... my sincerest condolences to you and all peeps who feel this loss so deeply. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Leadfingers Date: 13 Aug 09 - 02:42 PM A Sitable Send Off for Johnny I think , with songs and singers from Holland and Poland , as well as all over UK ! I am glad I wasnt at Broastairs , as a LOT of Broadstairs artists were there today !! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Mingulay Date: 13 Aug 09 - 02:28 PM It was a fitting send off to a good man, standing room only at the service and I'm sure that the roof will now need fixing down. It was obvious that those who sang and paid tribute to Johny's life were very moved by the experience as were those who listened intently to every word. Afterwards at the Social Club the roof once again was in danger as wave upon wave of choruses swept around the room, the only thing missing was that deep bass voice propping up the rest of us "ordinary" singers. Even the weather played its part. A strange day in that it was sad and moving and joyous all at the same time, a moving mix of old traddies and foreign cultures, shanties sung as love songs, unspoken thoughts and abiding memories. Rest in peace Johnny, you more than deserve it. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: jojofolkagogo Date: 13 Aug 09 - 01:55 PM Goodbye, friendly big man |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST Date: 13 Aug 09 - 01:50 PM I to was there in spirit and a candle was lit. Farewell Big Man. Gillie |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 13 Aug 09 - 11:33 AM I too could not be at the funeral, but I was therre in spirit remembering many good times with a good friend. RIP John. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Sailor Ron Date: 13 Aug 09 - 08:18 AM Angulus said & candle lit for Johnnie. So sory I can't be there to say farewell. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,old git Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:42 AM I just sang the Farewell Shanty to join with everyone at the funeral in remembering Johnny. "It's your time to go now Haul away your anchor...." geoff turner |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Mrs.Duck Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:34 AM Just paused for a few quiet moments to join with everyone down at the funeral in remembering Johnny. Jane and Geoff |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,Broadside Man Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:25 AM Can't be there today but thinking about Johnny and some wonderful memories. Geoff |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:14 AM Bidding a long-distance farewell to the big man, from the south coast of Ireland. I'll be there in spirit. Rest in peace, old friend. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 From: double stopping Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:13 AM Sadly I can't be there for the funeral but I'm thinking about everyone and remembering all the good times. I'm sure that it will be a very special occasion. Hopefully someone will post on here to tell us all about it. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: nutty Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:40 AM Sadly I can't be there for the funeral but Johnny and everyone there will be in my thoughts. I'm sure the send off will do him justice. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: Cats Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:34 AM Last night I sang the Farewell Shanty for Johnny at the Barley Sheaf folk club in Liskeard and today it will be sung on the headland overlooking the sea. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: GUEST,Pistachio, in Karlsruhe, Germany. Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:30 AM I'm thinking of you all across the miles. "Whatever the road that we travel Whatever the journey we take day by day It's not our destination but the people we love along the way" David Swann. Hazel.x |
Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)-funeral 13 Aug From: skipy Date: 12 Aug 09 - 06:37 PM Refresh |
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