Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: MBSLynne
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 12:01 PM

Oh no!! A corner post of the folk scene. I can hardly believe it.

My thoughts to Joyce and his family.

The throng in the other bar is getting more and more full of fantastic singers.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:54 AM

We first saw Johnny over 30 years ago, fine singer with a presence you could climb, so many occasions have we been entertained by him. Our thoughts go to his family and friends. Raggytash & Wombat

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: henryclem
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:51 AM

Real shock - what a loss! I have nothing but wonderful memories of Johnnie - at Chippenham late night in the Cause, or Banbury, so many festivals where his voice lifted everyone else's so joyously in song ...
and the warmth of his greeting - every time. I didn't know Johnnie well, but I knew of him a long time and he was always one of the true heroes for me.

Love and sympathy to Joyce and family, and all the many friends whose lives he so enriched.

Henry

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS 5 July 2009
From: Splott Man
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:51 AM

I don't know anyone who met Johnny who didn't love him.

This has left a huge hole in all our lives.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:48 AM

This is very sad news. I never met Johnny to talk to but saw him several times, always part of a 'Big Sing' at one festival or another. I first saw him at the Four Fools Festival in Reditch back in the 90's, singing with Jim Mageean, The Wilsons and Eddie Murphy, pure maJic. This is a big loss to the folk scene.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: RamblinStu
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:39 AM

Very sad news.

A great man with a great voice from a fine city

Condolences to Joyce and Johnny's family

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: fat B****rd
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:32 AM

Judging by the posts he was a lovely man. My condolences and respects to his family and friends. RIP Mr. Collins.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Norman FitzNicely
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:30 AM

I'm very sad to hear that Johnny has left us.
About 35 years ago, I first saw Johnny at the Angel FC in Bedford, and he showed me DADGAD tuning - the first I'd heard of it (I was a newbie then). I'm eternally grateful for that, Big Man.
As so many have said, you just expect him to be there.
My condolences to Joyce, and to all his friends and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: karen k
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:28 AM

I am saddened to hear this news. I saw him several times in 2005 in the UK and am so glad I did. My condolences to his family and friends. A loss for all.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:26 AM

What a wonderful thread this is.

And I bet Johnny is up there with a big smile in his soul right now, surrounded by other souls who love him, and aware of all the lovely things people are saying about him. My goodness but he had such a twinkle in his lovely eyes, and I bet that twinkle was there in the hospital too, as he joked with the nurses. What a lovely way to go, laughing and making others happy, with your longtime friend beside you. I never got to hear Johnny sing live, but I recall hearing him singing on Radio Britfolk I think it was, George, when they had that programme on Shanty Singers once, a long while back now....and I learned from you shortly afterwards that Johnny lived in Pinner too, after I mentioned Pinner Fair once.

It seems to me, from reading all these beautiful words about him, that Johnnie Collins got it right, not just as a singer, but as a person too, because he sure is loved by many people in here and I'm sure many others 'out there' too. I've no doubts at all that Johnnie will continue to be loved in so very many ways, and continue to be a huge inspiration to many singers and friends alike.

Johnnie will be twinkling his magic over you all for a very long time to come.

'Blow the Man Down'

With love to his family, who must be very proud to read so many loving words about him, through their tears.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,guest scowie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:11 AM

Johnny was one of my oldesr friends on the folk scene.
He was and always will be my "Gentleman of Song" and is utterly irreplaceable.
Every fibre of my being aches with sadness, for Joyce, for his family. and for us all, his friends without number.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Alio
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:10 AM

I first remember seeing Johnny at Fylde back in the early 80's. One artist had finished and I was waiting for the next one to come on the mainstage (Johnny). There suddenly came this massive voice from the side of the stage - using no mics, but with more sound coming out than the previous ones who had used the PA! I was just amazed, and I've been a fan ever since that evening concert!
Ali x

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Cats
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:05 AM

Johnny has always been there. Right from my first festival back in the 1970's to now. It will be a huge gap. The amount of posts here in such a short time just goes to show in what high regard he was held. my thoughts are with Joyce and his family and with Jim 'carrying Nelson home'.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: bubblyrat
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:04 AM

A great loss : I loved his singing and always thought of it (and his appearance !) as being archetypally nautical, even if he was in the Royal Army Medical Corps ! Never met him in Singapore,although I think we were there contemporaneously,but I did speak with him at Herga a while back ( George P CD launch)and was struck by his incredible friendliness and zest for life. The voyage is done,and the winds don't blow.....RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,William Pint & Felicia Dale
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:03 AM

Johnny Collins was such a tremendous singer all the way down to his very bones. We feel so privileged that we were able to know him and listen to him (and eat his curries) and honored to have sung with him.

We'll miss that amazing voice and the marvelous twinkle in his eye when he sang.

Our sympathy to Joyce and all the members of the music community for this sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 11:02 AM

With Sadness and sympathy. Best wishes from Hazel
(Hissyfit)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: DebC
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:58 AM

I didn't know Johnny as well as many of the folks here, but of course, his singing and music were known to me for many years. I had first met Johnny in 2004 when I was singing at the Lancaster Maritime Festival and in subsequent years it was always a pleasure to see him and Joyce, and of course hear him sing along with Graeme Knights.

The world is a poorer place without Johnny and his wonderful voice. I am sure that Herga will give him a right send off tonight.

My sympathies and thoughts are with Joyce and the Collins family.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,scowie guest
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:57 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Guest Ian (LocTup Together)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:55 AM

Since hearing this sad news early this morning, we have been reflecting on what to say..... and realise that there is just too much.
Johnny's effect on people was really brought home to me a short while ago, when a close friend from Poland rang absolutely devastated by what had happened.

Joyce you are in our thoughts

Ian & Chris (LocTup Together)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,mick
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:54 AM

A great loss. A good friend. A great singer. My thoughts are with Joyce and his family. They say theres nothing wrong with a grown man crying and at this time I have tears in my eyes. R.I.P. Johnny.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Nancy King
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:53 AM

What terribly sad and shocking news! Johnny was incredibly kind and incredibly talented. He was a great friend to The Boarding Party back when that group was performing, and taught them several songs, I think. I met him on several occasions, including the house concert Bill mentioned, as well as when Boarding Party toured in England, and the last time was when I went canal boating with Tom Lewis in 1997. I've always thought of him as the perfect example of what a folk singer -- and especially a shanty singer -- should be. A big man with a big voice and a big spirit. He will be very much missed.

My condolences to his family and to Jim, who will miss him even more than the rest of us will. I'll be thinking of you.

Nancy King

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:51 AM

Johnny was a friend as well as my inspiration to sing Shanties. I cant adequatly express my sorrow at his passing.

Champagne Carol and I send our thoughts to Joyce and family

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Emma B
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:45 AM

Just returned from Cleckheaton to this sad news of the loss of an old friend and 'boss' way back from the days of the Singing Chef

My deepest sympathy to Joyce and family

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:45 AM

very sad. A great loss to music
chris

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Greenacres
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:38 AM

As others have said above I always think of Johnny as a great, warm and welcoming man.
His singing and generosity were a great inspiration to me and my friends.
Thank you Johnny, may you rest in peace and harmony.
Felicity Greenland

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: nutty
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:36 AM

Despite the sadness of the news - what a wonderful thread to a wonderful man.

I have always believed that "life after death" referred to the memories that were left in people's hearts.

If this is true, then Johnny, and the others we have loved and lost, will live forever.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: cosmic kate folkie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:35 AM

johhny singing shanties up in heaven rest in peace

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,kate begley
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:29 AM

im in shock very sad my thoughts go out to his family and friends

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:28 AM

Johnny Collins was a legend, a man who was keen for all to sing chorus songs and an inspiration to very many, including Jim Mageean, Graham Knights and Rod Shearman

I remember him from Pointon Folk Festival and his curries and singing with Derek Gifford and Ian Woods and Charlie Yarwood

Didn't see him enough I have to say ~ last shook his hand at Whitby ff last year I think as he was on his way elsewhere

Hope there is a folk club up there if we all make it!

Cheers Johnny and keep em singing

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:17 AM

Such a sad day. My thoughts & condolences are with Joyce & family & all his close friends & colleagues.

He will be so much missed by us all & leaving a big empty space, A great entertainer with a wonderful personality & voice.

Rest in Peace Johnny & thank you for the legacy you've left us all to remember you by.

Rosie Stroud

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:05 AM

SO, Johnny has sung The Farewell Shanty to us all. We will miss him, his voice and his presence. Johnny and I go back a long time. The memories are great. Rest in Peace Old Pal. ROY

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Beverly
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:03 AM

When I first met Griff (my husband), there was one tape in the car. It was a continuous loop of 'Key Above the Door'. Johnny and Joyce's home has been my 'White House' refuge many times.

Joyce, Graeme, Jim, Dave, Anni - everyone. My heart is bleeding with yours. I wish I could be with you tonight at Herga.

Beverly

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Brian Peters
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:56 AM

Oh dear, this is a terrible blow. I've loved the sound of Johnny's voice since the first instant I heard him lend a bass line to Jim Mageean's lead - it never failed to send a shiver down my spine. Because he was such a great bass harmonist his skills as a singer sometimes got overlooked, I felt.

It was a rare pleasure to work on a stage with one of my early heores when we performed the 'Widow's Uniform' a few years back. Johnny was, as has been pointed out here already, big-hearted and generous - a real gentleman. I'd been looking forward to sharing a Scotch or two with him after my gig at Herga in October.

Simply irreplaceable. My love and sympathy to Joyce.
Brian

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: JohnB
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:56 AM

I am so glad that I recieved a phone call from Bev in Toronto this morning, it would have been really hard to have found out from Mudcat.
A truly great guy, best wishes from his friends in Orange Peel Morris over here in Canada .
Glad to hear he was singing till the end, way to go.
Hugs to Joyce from John and Tina.
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:45 AM

Oh Dear, another good one gone.

Fond memories of Johnny at the old Bromyard site when we used to sing around the bonfire drinking cheap cider till the small houirs - happy days.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Moses
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:36 AM

I've known Johnny since around 1994 when I rejoined Herga folk club. It was always a pleasure to hear him sing and to be in the presence of this lovely man.

We've been so lucky to have him at Herga virtually every week and to hear his wonderful voice singing those great songs.

I'm sure everyone will have their own special memories - his 70th Birthday party was one of mine - what a night! And of course recently when he opened Eric Bogle's 'Waltzing Matilda no more' Watford concert - a magic evening.

We'll be meeting tonight to share a parting glass and hopefully sing a few songs for him if we can manage it between the tears.

But mostly we'll be remembering the great, warm and welcoming man.

Past quotes from Johnny - On how to master harmony -"just wobble about a bit until it sounds pretty" and on his voice - "I don't care how low you pitch it, I'll get beneath it"

Its a sad day.

Christine

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Girl Friday
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:33 AM

Sad to say, I didn't know Jonny as well as all of you, though I did meet him and have him sing at my Club several years ago. The Folk World has lost a great talent. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Sue Tuckey Orpington Friday Folk

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Bill Wilkes
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:31 AM

I was deeply saddened to hear of Johnny's passing. He was a true gent and an example to us all. I shall miss his friendship, encouragement and most of all, standing next to him listening to and feeling the resonance of those wonderful bass harmonies. I am sat writing this in a thunder storm - I swear I can hear Johnny's voice on the wind.

Rest in Peace mate from everyone and the Grand Union FC and GU4

Our sympathy and thoughts go out to Joyce and family and Jim.

Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:31 AM

What unfortunate news. He had been at the top of my list of people I'd like to meet. Though I never met him, his music has been a source of pleasure for me. RIP

Gibb

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Micca
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:29 AM

I am lost for words at this news,
I have been aware of Johnny for more than 25 years and known him for (maybe) 15 years, To me what shone was his sincere love of the genre and his wonderful voice both in Shanties and more orthodox Folk song, also his gentle sense of humour and humanity, I have an abiding memory of Towersey the year we caught the tail end of a hurricane and tents were being blown down and ripped up and blown across the field all night. Where was Johnny? he kept his Food stall open all night making tea and hot drinks for the "lost" and perishing! what a man!!

My condolences to Joyce and to his family, and his many friends who will also feel this great loss.
I can hear him ,in my head, singing "Jutland"
" where is the Black Prince gone now..."

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Morti at work
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:24 AM

So, so sad to hear this. Johnny was a huge influence on me and really fostered my love of folk and of shanties. My love and condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:18 AM

Such sad news.

Thinking of his family

Khatt and Paul

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:18 AM

Sincere condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:10 AM

Sad sad sad, it's been expected but nonetheless, it still shocks.
RIP Johnny,
At least I still have some lovely photo's of the great man

John

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Dan McKinnon in Nova Scotia
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:01 AM

I'm still in shock...

I'll never forget the first time I met Johnny and Joyce, at the Redditch Festival about 14 years ago. We had just met when the festival was nearing its end. And as we were talking, I mentioned that I was heading back to Canada in a couple of days. They then 'told me' I was staying with them. I was bundled off after the festival, with guitar and pack in hand, and showed the sights and sounds of their home and Herga, (for the first time). Wow! Two days later they got me to the airport, on time.

It was nice to be in their company this year once again, where they got me to Heathrow, on time, when I headed for home after this past tour.

There is a hole in my heart where that big voice still resides. Sending heartfelt thoughts to Joyce and Johnny's family from Nancy and me here in Nova Scotia.

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:47 AM

Baggyrinkle are greatly saddened by the news of Johnny's passing.

We have many happy memories of our associations with Johnny at various festivals at home and abroad.
He along with Jim Mageean did the shanty sessions at Pontardawe Festival for a number of years in the early days, and he graced the stage at Swansea Maritime Festival on several occasions.

He became an honorary member of the Baggies with their trip around The Baltic in 2007.

"Let union be in all our hearts;
Let all our hearts be joined as one...."

We send our heartfelt sympathy to Joyce and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:38 AM

I'm stunned. Johnny was such a presence that it is hard to believe that he is gone. I saw him last year at Sharps and so enjoyed that.

At least he went fast. That probably isn't any consolation to his family and friends right now, but he went out doing what he loved. Sincere condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:29 AM

Never was fortunate enough to meet him or see him in person, but have enjoyed his singing for years.

Condolences to his family and friends. "What you've once held in your hearts is never gone" and his voice will still be heard.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,barnacle
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:23 AM

"Full and bye, we'll cross the bar, now
forego every kind of sorrow"

Farewell friend.

We will miss you so much and treasure the good times for ever.

Love to Joyce and Johnny's family here in Norfolk.

John and Sue Griffiths

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: bavis
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:18 AM

I've been sitting here looking at this blank message box and remembering the ways Johnny enriched the lives of myself and my children who remember him with fondness. All I can say Johnny is thank God for lilo's, yours gave me the chance to become friends with one of the worlds true Gentlemen.

Love and thoughts go to you and your family Joyce.
Sarah