Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)

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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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,Dave Burland
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:47 AM

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,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: 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,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: 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: 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: scowie
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 01:24 AM

P.M. for George Papageris awaits.

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: 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: 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: 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: Commander Crabbe
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:44 PM

When griping grief the heart doth wound,
and doleful dumps the mind opresses,
then music, with her silver sound,
with speedy help doth lend redress.

A sad loss

CC

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:32 PM

Good Lord Sev ! A whole post and not a pun in sight !!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Severn
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:25 PM

Alas, I never met him in person, though I own recordings and actually spoke with him on Joyce's phone for awhile while on a narrowboat trip with her.

I've heard his name mentioned often and never a bad word.

And my thoughts are going out To Joyce, a wonderful lady, and all others close to him.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: vectis
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:38 PM

I was very sorry to hear this news. I hope Joyce is coping and has family with her to help her during this sad time.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: mn
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:35 PM

Thanks, Herga Kitty. Only the last six pictures were made 5.07.2009. Previous were made during earlier Johnny's visits in Poland. This is polish shanty forum and a stream about Johnny.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:28 PM

Here's a blue clicky for mn's first link

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Stocksy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:24 PM

What more can we say, having just spent the last two hours or more reading all these lovely thoughts and tributes to such a wonderful friend. Our lasting memories will be of you, JC, singing in our "shed" in Chatham on November 1st last year on our joint birthday do for Joyce, Griff & myself.

Johnny & Joyce, you have given us many happy hours on "The Julia" - JC was Julias Cook on a number of occasions, most memorably on the 2004 Brest voyage, where JC made sure there was always a pot of hot chilli for the night watches. There were a number of special evenings on board, involving the Polish boys, Tom Lewis, John & Sue, Capstan Full Strength & many other friends - evenings to remember, indeed!

You leave us with the most wonerful memories of such good times - thanks JC

Love to Joyce & Jim

Ken & Marie xx

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: mn
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:23 PM

Johnny died 06 Jul 09 - about 9:00 AM in Gdansk hospital.
The day before he had a concert with Jim Mageean and Pat Sheridan.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: mn
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:20 PM

All shanty fans in Poland are very sad...
There you have some pictures - last day of Johnny's life...



http://forum.szantymaniak.pl/viewtopic.php?t=1512&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

picasaweb.google.com/jayinka/3KoncertNaSzafarni?authkey=Gv1sRgCMjloYivic_B8QE&feat=directlink#

http://picasaweb.google.com/jayinka/6Zejman?authkey=Gv1sRgCNHU3vTtm4Cv7AE&feat=directlink#

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,North/South Annie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:08 PM

Shocked to hear this sad news. Last saw Johnny at the wonderful evening he did at Lewes Arms on Dave Earls birthday bash. It was a brilliant night.
God Bless Johnny!
Joyce, am thinking of you at this sad time

Annie and the Ingham family

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:00 PM

I made a list of all the songs sung this evening, starting with Alan Bell's Pedlar of Songs and finishing with Dave Webber's Parting Song.....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Steve & Jean
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:59 PM

We have sung so many choruses with you over the years, and shared so many happy times, that the gap you leave will be immense. But we thank you for those good times, and the memory will live on as long as folk gather together and sing the songs. That will be your tribute, old friend.

Our thoughts are with Joyce, the family, and the very many friends united tonight.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Jock O' Dreams
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:54 PM

So sad to here that we have lost another of the great characters of the Folk World. Wonderful voice, wonderful man! My deapest condolences to Joyce and his familly. He will be sorely missed.

                               Jim McAdams

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:50 PM

A poignant night, as Kitty says, at Herga but through the tears and laughter we began to come to terms with losing 'our' JC. I know there'll be more to come, but at the club he came to every week, wherever he'd been, we mourned and remembered the man so loved by so many. Hard to believe we won't have more of the full-frontal hugs, that wicked grin and feeling our cores resonate to his wonderful voice. We thought you were invincible somehow. RIP JC.
Vanessa

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:50 PM

Indeed, an evening Johnny himself would have enjoyed, every song with a chorus, many from his own repertoire, little snippets and stories in between. I read out Scowie's wonderful poem too - JohnB, the poem WILL acquire a tune, several probably over the next few weeks; it's just too good not to.

I remember how Johnny used to lean towards me when the low notes came in a chorus, and how we used to "compete" (I never stood a chance). Tonight, when I did attempt a low finishing note, we just looked at each other with Nessie and both dissolved.

I also need to make a correction - Johnny died in the early morning hours, so it was today, Monday 6th July and not the 5th.

By the way, let me say it now: If anyone needs a bed for the night for the funeral, let Nessie and me know; we can put up at least 4 people and at a stretch more.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:40 PM

Some excellent singing at the First J C Wake at Herga !

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Shez The Aussie Sheila
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:36 PM

Darling Johnny - I enjoyed so much you, your wonderful voice, while working with you on The Widows Uniform all of, crikey, 14 years ago I think.
You will be greatly missed, and the English Folk scene will be poorer with your passing.
Sending a big Aussie hug to you on your journey beyond; and my thoughts are with Joyce and your family - your presence will be missed greatly by all.
xxxxx
Shez

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:22 PM

We sang a lot of chorus songs at the club this evening,
though with lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes. And a big hole in the bass harmony section.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:18 PM

Another good man gone. It's hard to imagine a voice like that ever being stilled.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:15 PM

I have been reading far too many obits these days and this one is very hard. I first met Johnny at the Mystic festival back in the early 80's and again during the Boarding Party tour of UK in 1982 and then ran into him on and off on both sides of the Atlantic over the years. What a wonderful man he was, a big voice with a big heart.

I missed the house concert here that BillD refered to (I think I had another gig) but I lent him one of my guitars for that tour, a 1979 Fylde Falstaff, I will think of Johnny every time I play it from now on.

My condolences to Joyce and everyone who knew him.

Bob Hitchcock.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Janet Elizabeth
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:11 PM

Johnny's enjoyment of folk songs, sea-songs and shanties was always evident in his twinkling eyes and his smiling voice - yes, you could always hear his smile even if you couldn't see him.

He will also surely be remembered by everyone who met him for his loving kindness; I remember his ready, warm words of encouragement when running singarounds, especially for newbies or nervous singers. He seemed to put himself in other people's shoes so easily, and offer just the right few words they needed. Whether he was on stage addressing many or chatting one-to-one ... while cooking pancakes for everyone at Whittlebury, for example, Johnny's love of songs and of people shone through.

A lovely man has gone from us.

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

Oh my goodness. Marilyn, Anne, and I just met Johnny at Herga this past October. He was a fine singer and a really great guy. This is terrible news indeed.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Banana Boat
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 06:02 PM

Absurdity. We cannot find a place for ourselves. We have booked a studio for Johnny and Jim for November/December. We were to record an album together. We planned on a sailing trip, in which Johnny was supposed to do all the cooking. We were supposed to, we planned to, we wanted to...

there is never enough time to tell our friends we are friends. We always postpone it for later. there may be NO LATER.

Love,

Banana Boat

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: rumanci
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:58 PM

"PS Rumanci - Walt Tingle's still going pretty strong down here!"

My apologies to Sir Tingle then and to the thread and pleased to hear that bit of news. Mis-information received by both of us at that time. I should have checked for myself.
rum

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Sue (Bedworth)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:42 PM

So many memories - the wrong fuel in the car on the way to Bedworth, driving all around the Warwick area to find a replacement Gaz bottle that would fit the caravan, being put on the spot to play fiddle for some songs ........ and of course his amazing voice and wonderful singing!

A lovely man with such a wealth of songs and stories to share. I shall put one of his CDs on in the car on my way to work in the morning, turn it up loud and sing along.

I can't believe that there will be no big welcome hug at Bedworth this year.

Thoughts and prayers with Joyce, Jim, family and friends.

Sue

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: GUEST,Webby (GUEST) Bedworth
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:40 PM

Terrible news We will miss his voice and friendliness Bedworth festival and Folk club wont be the same again Condolences to Joyce and family So aad

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Xicon
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:31 PM

This silly computer thinks I am someone else!
I firat met Johnny in the mid 70's at Poynton folk festival and before long my husband, Nick was helping out in the kitchen, (which he never did at home)and I was blasting out the choruses in the crowd, safe in the knowledge that I could not be heard, but Johnny always was. After a while we became the northern contingent of the Singing Chef, our children acting as runners to begin with, then taking on more resposible roles.
Johnny's hugs were memorable but no-one has mentioned the kisses, always accompanied by a deep growl as he hugged you to his deaf side so he could not hear the protest - the noisiest kiss I have ever experienced!
When Nick died, Johnny came up and sang at his funeral, to North L,ancashire from Pinner,impressing many locals.
I last saw Johnny last November, when Joyce and Johnny kindly put us up, even though they were not going to be there.
Johnny, you were my best and longest friend in the folk world and I will miss you desperately. Sleep peacefully now.
Love
Gillian Turner

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Billy Suggers
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:28 PM

What can we add .... it's all been said. Another harmony added to the Choir Celestial. Deepest sympathies and condolences to Joyce and the family.


PS Rumanci - Walt Tingle's still going pretty strong down here!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Tyke
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 05:17 PM

Captain Ken Stocks has just rung me with the sad news we are all sadden. I had some great weekends on the Julia with Johnny and Joyce and some of his many friends. My Sympathies and best wishes to Joyce and JC's Family. Ken and Marie are like me shocked and devastated with this sad news.
George Clarke

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:49 PM

Packie rang me a couple of hours ago with the news, and we are both devastated. Strangely, Johnny popped into my mind this morning for no clear reason as I stood in the kitchen. The last time I saw him was when he and Joyce were staying here, and a happy final memory it is, too. I'm so glad I got to hear him once more, doing what he loved best - singing (at a gig in Cobh), not just shantys but all sorts of music. It was a wonderful visit, and I was always so sure there'd be another, a Next Time just around the corner.

He was a champion singer, a champion cuddler, a champion laugher, and a champion friend. Goodbye big fella. We'll sure miss you. You and Matt keep the bass line going in the Heavenly choir, ya hear?

Packie & Bonnie

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: rumanci
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 04:48 PM

This is such a shock to me too. I have so many vivid memories from long ago and musical times shared with friends. Apart from everything he achieved solo and supporting others, I will forever hear the Teesside Fettlers live choruses enhanced by Johnny's voice - pure gold on diamond gems. Memories of a wonderful lightning dash from Loughborough Festival just to sing and dance with them at a ceilidh in London and then back to Loughborough again because that's what friends did then! A hilarious lesson in rapper sword dancing at Chippenham once. So many moments of smiles and joy in singing and listening. Some things will live forever in the memory banks of those of us privileged to have been there.   Such wonderful sleeve notes on his albums acknowledging completely his sources and influences. The delight on old Sussex singer George Belton's face to hear Johnny "do" HIS song live and on record. Too many moments to capture while the tears are so new.

I hadn't seen JC in nearly thirty years until I went to Herga folk club a couple of years ago and it was as though the same conversations were continuing without a break and the same feed lines - "Hey ... who was that guy with the lads years ago who had such an individual style of calling square dances"....well it was Walt Tingle we remembered then and you're both in another place now and hopefully chewing the fat about those precious times for real.

My heart bleeds at the loss of such presence for Joyce, his family and friends and fellow singers and musicians.   A true gentleman.

rum