Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:55 PM

What a loss! Condolences to those who really knew Johnny. I met him once at Mystic and have certainly listened to many of his recordings but I hardly knew the man.

But it makes me think of how fragile we all are, and how we need good friends to watch out for us, and warn us when we might be over-extending ourselves. I remember well how a good friend of ours died shortly after a Mystic Sea Music Festival, a few years back, and he was also far too young to die, and was not obviously over weight or otherwise obviously endangered. But we all encouraged him to sing out to the fullest in the after hours sessions, and we share some of the guilt for that indulgence.

I certainly don't know if Johnny had medical issues that he or his friends were aware of. But I do urge folks to tell people who do seem fragile to get some much needed rest, and let the rest of the world roll on!

Of course most of us still believe we're immortal!

And that may be true. ;~)

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:42 PM

Sad news to hear that the "Peddlar of Songs" has gone.
The "Bog Sings" (community hymn singing) in the Olympiad at Chippenham can never be the same again.
The Heavenly Choir do not know what they have arriving!
Sincerest sympathies to Joyce and the family.
Colyn and Elizabeth.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Padre
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:32 PM

One of my fondest memories of Johhny Collins was during the Boarding Party's tour of UK in 1982. At Nettlebed, after the concert, we adjourned to the hotel bar and sang with Jim and Johnny until the bottle of Laphroaig was gone. Magic singing, from a true gentleman - a huge voice now stilled.

'Home is the sailor, home from the sea...'

Padre

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: lisa null
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 12:30 AM

As Program Chair, I booked Johnny Collins for the Folklore Society of Greater Washington in the early 1990s. It was an unforgettable evening that helped me understand that folk-singing is not, at heart, about the performer, or even the song, so much as it is about building a musical community. He was, of course, one of the great chorus leaders of our time, but even with a solo song he turned us into a community of listeners.

He was a warm, magical man who could cut to the chase of a song. I felt honored when he sang a song or two of mine because I knew that would never have happened unless they personally touched him enough to learn. That made me more confident about my own songwriting.

I did not know him as some of you have, but i carry my memory of that evening around like an ember within. It will never go out.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: scowie
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 01:24 AM

P.M. for George Papageris awaits.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:56 AM

> Johnny died 06 Jul 09 about 9:00 AM in Gdansk hospital.

As I mentioned in my post above, he popped unbidden into my mind yesterday morning while I was in the kitchen. That room was the last place I ever saw him, and - allowing for the hour's difference between Ireland and Poland - it was right about that time. No profound thoughts, certainly nothing spooky, just nice warm memories of Johnny sitting at the end of my old farmhouse table, brightening up the whole room with his chat and his booming laugh.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:06 AM

Thanks for the photos mn, and thanks for the link Kitty!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,George Henderson - Ireland
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:21 AM

So sorry to hear this news, He was guest at the Goilin singers club a few years ago and we also saw him in Cobh at the maritime festival where he appeared with Jim. A truoy great singer and so very friiendly with everyone. A nice man who will be sadly missed by so may. Love and condolenceses to family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: trayton
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:37 AM

Herga did a fine fine job of celebrating the joy of having known Johnny, it was a privilege to have been there.
malcolm

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Claire (Bedworth)
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:54 AM

I echo Malc, Sue and Dave's comments. The Voices at Bedworth will be missing one this year and the 'Chippenham Tea Party' will have an empty chair. I'll always remember fearing for the life of the strings on his guitar during 'Jim the Carter Lad'.

My condolences to Joyce & family and Jim.

Claire

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: vectis
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:00 AM

I heard the news when I got home from the song and ale I help run. To say I was shocked is a major understatement. I sincerely hope that the red tape involved in bringing Johnny back hope will be dealt with swiftly.
All my best wishes to Joyce at this terrible time.
Mary Barr and all at Seaford Folk Club

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Dave Burland
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:47 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Anni
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 06:29 AM

It has been hard to bring myself to add to this thread. What a lucky person I have been. He was the friend and singing partner of my first husband and then I was so lucky that he became such close friends with my second. He has been in my life so much for so long we were certainly "like family". He is on all our CDs, wouldn't contemplate making one without him.

You have all said some wonderful things, that helps the tears because it's good to share our loss.

He will be with us always, let me tell you his greatest fear, not that he would lose his life, but that he would lose the singing. He never lost it, not for one minute, and now he will stay singing in our hearts forever.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Joe Nicholson
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 07:02 AM

Maureen and I thought Johnny was the best we ever heard and a very nice kind and gentle man we shall miss him terribley Joe & Mo

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: banjoman
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 07:10 AM

Sad news - Johnny will be well remembered by those who met him and Joyce at the old Whitchurch Festival in the nineties, and the Red House Folk Club where he guested. Fondest memories are of the Bog Down Singaround and trying to pump up the flat tyer on his old car while he regaled us with a shanty.
I feel very fortunate to have met and enjoyed his company.
Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: alanww
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 07:20 AM

What an enormous loss! There are many touching tributes written above and its difficult to express ones feelings.
Johnny had such wonderful voice: rich and powerful but with the ability to join in with gentle deep, rounded harmonies. An all-round singer and a great man but one who also took time to encourage others.
I still remember with pride one little incident in his life. After a song I sang in a singaround at Lancaster Maritime Festival a few years back, he made a point of coming up to me and said: "Well sung mate!" He certainly inspired me to develop my singing ability.
I'll cherish my memories of you, Johhny. At least you have left us an enormous amount of discography to enjoy.
My sympathy is with Joyce, with whom I enjoyed many narrowboat trips and for whom I acted as "galley slave".
"... and pray for those in peril on the sea and all my shipmates gone before...!"
Alan Whitbread

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Sirman
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 07:57 AM

The news of Johnny's passing is so hard to take. I've had the pleasure of working with him at many festivals and greatly valued his friendship and encouragement. Johnny, you will so greatly missed. Our thoughts and love are with Joyce.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:19 AM

Only just found this thread and I am devastated by the news. Of all of us shanty singers he was the very foremost and a great inspiration. So sad to think he'll never bring the plaster down into my beer again.

Condolences to his family

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:20 AM

Johnny was 'the voice' in my early involvement at folk clubs in the Farnborough area. My key memory of him was his association with Jim Mageean. The memory plays tricks, but I can recall one session at the first Southwark folk festival in about 1976 with he and Jim holding court. It was so good, I missed out on Ashley Hutchings and Shirley Collins elsewhere in the building. Oh, and the beer tent at the Berkshire Midsummer Festival - phenomenal!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:27 AM

this is very sad news but we are all better for knowing him.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:43 AM

Just heard this very sad news. I'll treasure memories of Johnnie at Bromyard, Lancaster and Sharps. Another great singer gone.
Linda

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Murf
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 09:31 AM

As a young man I walked into Herga with little knowledge of the folk Arts. Johnny was very encouraging as I developed my career. He kept me fed as the singing chef at festivals I played at later and there was always there late night Johnny Collins special, hot Chocolate with a little something in it. I will not forget the role he played in my life and the friendship he showed me.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 09:37 AM

Very sad to hear of the passing of Johnny Collins, a man as grand and as wonderful as they come. An abiding memory is of an incredible Halloween night in Greenwich Village, New York City, when after a concert with Dave Webber, Johnny stood on the sidewalk in a crowd of wildly costumed parade goers and led us in singing the Bill Stains song, "Down the Road".

I do believe that there will be
Waiting for me somewhere down the road
Another song that's worth singing
Somewhere down the road.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 09:56 AM

Amid these many well deserved tributes let us spare a thought for Jim Mageean and the dreadful situation he found himself in on the night of Johnny's death.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:03 AM

Hi Burl - what situation was that then?

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Madam Gashee
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:08 AM

Hear! Hear!
It is omehow fitting that Jim was with him
on that final voyage.
I'm sure the task for Jim in bringing him home will help him through this very difficult time.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: SunrayFC
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:19 AM

As I have said before, here is the chorus to an excellent session song about such events...


"...and your song, is always sung."

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

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:23 AM

Hi Silas, Jim and Johnny had finished a singing gig in Gdansk, Poland. Johnny was taken ill some time later. Jim had to get Johnny to hospital,where he died. Doing that for a long time friend and colleague, and in a foreign country, must have been a traumatic situation for Jim. He desrves sympathy and best wishes from us all.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:39 AM

THanks for that Burl.

Good that he had an old friend with him - glad they were back together really, although Johnny has been at just about every festival I've been to, I understood that there had been something of a rift between Jim and Johnny, nice to think they were together at the end, even though it can't, as you say, have been easy fro Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Ian Fyvie
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:40 AM

Saw Johnny at Dave Earl's Bus Pass Party last year. I was impressed with the way he sat in the audience and joined in with all the floor singers' choruses, when there are those elsewhere in the scene (Organisers, Residents and Guest Singers) who can't wait get to the bar when floor spots start.

Also - Hangleton Manor Folk Club - many years ago when Johnny was the guest.

The pub had double booked the Club Room, The Folk Cub could cancel - or sing in the bar. Johnny happily sang to the folkies and the ordinary regular drinkers - a brilliant time was had by all. How many other Guests would do that?


Ian Fyvie

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Paul Slater, Derby Gaol Folk Club
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 11:02 AM

A really devastating piece of news! Jim and Johnny have been my folk heroes for years. I returned to the folk scene in the mid eighties and was quite depressed with the way folk had changed since the sixties. I was ready to seek pleasures in pastures new until one night Jim and Johnny appeared at Peasmouldia Club, Station Inn, Derby.
They did it for me! Every song, every shanty a gem. Bought all the LP's and went to as many festivals as possible where they appeared knowing it would be a 'good un'.
To be in a shanty session led by John was the closest I'll ever get to heaven on this earth. Wherever he is now I hope I can go there when my time comes and once again hear him 'Make The Rafters Roar'
Sincere condolences to Joyce and Jim.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 11:14 AM

Like many others we have so many memories of Johnny over so many years. Prominent of these is the time in the early days of Chippenham Festival when he was leading a late night sing 'under the arches' of the old style Neeld Hall (outside the 'acoustic bogs'). The ceilidh director had to go and ask Johnny to stop the singing because he and his followers were drowning out the ceilidh band who were onstage in the main hall - the band had amplification, Johnny didn't!

Our most recent memory of him was as he led the singing of the 'Farewell Shanty' at the funeral of another folkie in January this year. He'd travelled quite some distance just to pay his respects. Little did we know that it would be the last time we would be privileged to hear him sing in person.

Blessings to Joyce and all who held him dear.

Pauline and Jack

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,jennifer woods the knitter
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 11:26 AM

I am so saddened (shocked, but not overly, I knew he had a heart condition back in the 1980s) by the news of Johnny's death. I had the great privilege of being his hostess on THREE trips through the Washington DC area. I was at all three house concerts, and hosted the last one in the early 90s -- which TOM LEWIS also came to! What glorious sounds and fun we had with those to BIG voices and wonderful songs!
We took him to a fancy kitchen store (William Sonoma) because he like my pasta pot so much he had to have one of his own! We had always hoped to see him again -- especially on his side of pond. I'm sitting at work with him singing on the ipod speakers!
What a dear wonderful man he was! My condolences to Joyce and his family, and Dave and Anni and Jim -- those who will truly miss him daily!
What a folk chorus must be going on in heaven these days!

jennifer (and bob)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Les Sullivan
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 11:35 AM

We shook hands and said 'Goodbye' as he went off for his plane
How could I have known then that I would never hear again
'Just one more chorus Johnny' that familiar refrain

Johnny Collins was a huge talent, a gentleman and a true friend. I will miss him always.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: SunrayFC
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 11:54 AM

and from a couple of the audience of the SUNRAY FOLK CLUB who were only recently introduced to Johnny....

"Sorry to hear about Johnny..."

"That night was our first encounter with Johnny Collins and we thought he was fantastic! We thank God for his wonderful music and personality and the opportunity given us to share time with him."

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: JudeL
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 12:25 PM

He was a big man, big heart , big voice , big hugs & he will leave a very big hole. Our thoughts & hearts go out to Joyce. We will miss him.

Jude & John

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Wendy
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 12:39 PM

We saw Johnny at Braunston historic working boat festival a week ago last Saturday. I bought his cd 'The Best Of The Early Years' which he kindly autographed for me as I mentioned I loved to sing track 2, Unto My Love. He said it was a very beautiful song and last night at our local folk club, Forest Folk, Boarhunt, Tom Lewis turned up and brought us this sad news. He sang Johnny's songs in tribute to him and I sang Unto My Love.

God bless you Johnny

Our condolences to your family and close friends

Wendy, Hampshire

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 02:46 PM

I am bereft,speechless, It can not be so.
Johnny touched all of us deeply. He sang with all of himself.
My best memory is of taking my elderly mother to see him. Having previously only countenanced classical music she finally understood my love of folk.
Joyce our thoughts are with you
Ann and Dave Reader

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: skipy
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 02:54 PM

So sorry to hear of this.
Condolences to Joyce and Johnny's family.
There will be one hell of a sent off!
RIP Mate.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: lady penelope
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 02:57 PM

I too am shocked to hear such awful news. The man was sheer joy to listen to, whether singing, telling stories, jokes or anecdotes.

My deepest sympathies to his family.

Penny.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Hanging Johnny
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:35 PM

We are all distraught at the loss of Johnny. It was always great to sing with him, little did anyone know that Chippenham 09 would be our last shanty with him.

Condolences to Joyce and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,John Lee & Peter Lister
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:46 PM

We were saddened to hear of this great loss to the folk world.
We first met Johnny in the seventies at the Poynton Festival and well remember the curries he made in his capacity as the Singing Chef.
We have enjoyed his superb singing at many festivals over the years. We offer our sincere condolences to Joyce and his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: ConcertinaChap
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:47 PM

That feels like a low blow. I cannot claim friendship with him but we were on first name terms and I have known him for exactly as long as I have sung - I sang in public for the first time at the 2nd Wadebridge folk festival (bullied into it by another giant of the scene, also greatly missed, Mervin Vincent) and that's where I met Johnny for the first time back in about 1974. I remember even today how he made "Four and twenty Ponies" THE song of the festival that year. I learned it as soon as I got home.

I will miss his singing and I will miss him.

Chris

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Tim Edwards
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 03:54 PM

Like Anni above I have hesitated about adding to this thread as it is so difficult to express my feelings and so many people have already said what I would try and say about this lovely man.

However here goes. Johnny was a friend, an inspiration and a central part of many of the best experiences of my life. His voice, his warmth and his genuine love for all the really important things made him special to be with. When I lived near London I saw him every week but since I moved north, sadly just a few times a year, but every one was great.

I last saw him at a party in February and thought when I heard the news yesterday that that was a really happy occasion to remember him by -- but then I thought again -- all occasions when I met Johnny were special. He just lifted life for all who met him and although I'll miss him dreadfully I am privileged to have known him.
We have all lost a very special person but my thoughts go especially to Joyce, to his family, and to Jim, who introduced us and was there at the end.

Tim Edwards

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Partridge
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:10 PM

so sad........

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Mike A Concertinas
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:28 PM

A big man with a giant of a voice and a heart to match. We're so glad to have seen him and sung with him so recently at Braunston.

The world is poorer for his passing.

Love and sympathy to Joyce and the family, and all who treasured Johnny.

Mike and Niki Acott.
Capstan Full Strength

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Barbara
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:31 PM

What a loss, such an amazing singer with such wonderful friends. He clearly was a gift to us all for too short a time.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Charmain
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:13 PM

I met Johnny and heard him sing many times at The Lancaster Festival. He was a lovely man and a great singer - it is a very sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Jayin / Poland
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:58 PM

We meet him personaly at this "last day" in Gdansk. We singin` together in sailors club at this evening. Few hours later - he was gone. It was schock for us :(

Condolences to Joyce and Johnny's family.

It is terribly news... Johnny Collins was a great man, great voice and we`ll never forget him.

My photos of his last day:

Tall Ships` Races 2009 - on board of "Lew".
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayinka/4Galeon?authkey=Gv1sRgCOKotrGp6tKtTg&feat=directlink#

Last concert in sailors club "Zejman" in Gdansk.
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayinka/6Zejman?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHU3vTtm4Cv7AE&feat=directlink#

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: JHW
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:58 PM

A man always so alive. Always well met. A cornerstone.
Just had an email so looked here and I've read the whole thread but would repeat:-

When my sailing's over
Haul away for Heaven
Haul away for Heaven
God be by my side