Obit: Johnny Collins (6 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Barb'ry
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:29 AM

So sorry to hear the news. Johnny was a very special man. Much love to Joyce, family and all who treasured him.
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:30 AM

Met him only once, he came into a sing around we usee to hold in the Bricklayers Arms in Leicester. It was a strictly 'round the room, no stars, no preferential treatment'affair. Johnny was entirely happy with that and took his turn. We couldn't resist asking him to sing us out though!

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Wuzzle
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:30 AM

Those Angels are in for a real treat,
He will be sadly missed by so many.
we are so privileged to have met him and heard him sing,
We send our love to you Joyce and his family.
Gilly & Tony

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: cloudstreet
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:36 AM

A great voice, a wonderful man. A true carrier of the flame. A sad day. Our love to Joyce and all of his family.

John and Nicole

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:38 AM

I was fortunate to see Johnnie & Jim at a small house concert here in the USA about 20+ years ago, and to talk with them.....and save them, for one night, from having to drink bad American beer. Johnnie was gracious and grateful, and I'm SURE sang even better with my Sam Smith's ale in him....

He was a great talent and an amazing 'presence', and I learned a number of songs from the LPs I acquired as soon as possible after realizing how they should be done!

My deepest condolences to his family and to those who knew him as a friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:38 AM

I first met Johnny back in the early 70s (at Redcar Festival) and then spent 25 or so years with him at Herga. We played together in the ambitiously names Johnny Collins Big Band (there were 4 of us in total!), I played guitar for him on a couple of his CDs and he graciously sang harmony for Kitty and me on our CD. We've spent countless hours talking, drinking, eating and playing together and I shall miss him greatly.

He had an enormous repertoire of songs, not just the shanties for which he was perhaps most famous, and had that great ability to get people singing - he only had to open his mouth and you wanted to join in. He was the most affable of men, with a memory for hundreds of people's faces and names, and always had time to stop and talk - if he wasn't singing at a festival he was inevitably chatting away with someone. He had an enormous love of life and an infectious grin (when Herga put on The Transports at the National in the 80s, Johnny was meant to be a convict, singing Norwich Gaol. My abiding memory is of his face appearing from the gap in the curtains, with what must have been the biggest grin any convict about to be transported ever had).

I haven't seen him a lot since I left London, but it's hard to think that I won't see him again at festivals, won't enjoy his company again. It's a great loss.

My love and sympathy to Joyce.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:41 AM

Oh, I was so shocked to read George's email just now and so very sad to hear that Johnny has left us. The chorus of those who have gone before grows steadily and we must treasure the good memories of these good Folks. Sing well at Herga tonight!

Sincere condolences to Joyce and his family and all the good friends he has left behind.

Candle lit for Johnny, love & hugs to Joyce.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Alio
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:42 AM

Such sad news - I guess like many of you I thought he and his wonderful voice would go on forever. Lots of love to Joyce - there are lots of us thinking about you at this time.

Ali xx
Saddleworth

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,blowz at work
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:43 AM

Alan Hardy just rang me and passed on the sad sad news. So shocked and saddened. Johnny has been a friend for nigh on 20 years - stayed at my house once, and we talked through the night, nearly.

I knew that opportunities for seeing him were going to be fewer, since the demise of Lancaster ... but to think that I'll not see him again is, at the moment, beyond comprehension.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Kitty at work
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:44 AM

Helen A rang me at work when she got George's e-mail. I still haven't taken it in properly, and will miss Johnny very much. A huge hole in all our lives, and especially in Joyce's and the family's.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Gillie
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:48 AM

What a great loss for the folk world! Johnny was a tremendous man with a huge gravelly voice and a very big heart. I will miss seeing the twinkle that he always had in his eyes.

Love to Joyce and family and to Jim.

A candle will be it.

Gillie

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Peter K
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:56 AM

I have just been informed that he felt unwell during the concert last night; Jim took him to the hospital afterwards. He was his normal self at the hospital talking and joking with the staff when the hart suddenly let out. The staff tried to revive him but were unable to do so.

He was a very gentle and genuine man. I remember him not as a shanty man, but as a bar singer at which he naturally excelled. A good friend to many, he will be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,flyingcat (moira)
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:56 AM

malc just emailed me at work with the news. I just don't know what to say! He was aways so encouraging and his joy of the music spread to everyone around him. I'm so sorry he's gone. Much love to Joyce and the family. Moira and Malc

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:57 AM

**Playing Johnnie & Jim's "Coming of Age" album as I read the tributes of others.**

That voice will always be part of my memories of good times.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 07:57 AM

He was one of the most respected singers that I have had the good fortune to know. So often the term "respected" is used in this sort of circumstances but here I think that I use it in it's most intense measure. I counted him as a friend although only seeing him once or twice a year for a few minutes at a time, and so I expect did many others. He was most encouraging to me when I started out in the folk world.

I can only say that we have been blessed to have him for so long in view of his earlier heart attack some years ago when I was shocked at the possibility that his perfoming was at an end, but he returned to us, however we wish it could have been for longer.

My sympathy to Joyce and all the family.

Robin Madge

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:00 AM

I know what you mean. Many are respected for past achievements, and rightly so. But Johnny earned more respect every day of his life, to the end.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Ron Davies
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:02 AM

This is just so devastating. I am so, so sorry. I always meant to see him, but never got the chance--I don't see how the house concert Bill D mentions could have slipped by me.

Just from his CD's you can tell what a wonderful warmth and richness of soul emanated from him.   His singing "When All Men Sing" with the whole room joining in always seems to embody the timeless best of British folk.

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: GUEST,Fleggy
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:14 AM

sad loss to all who knew him; Johnny was not just a great performer but a great listener, always seemed to enjoy the moment and had great enthusiasm for life;
much missed
Chris and Jane

Subject: RE: Obit: JOHNNY COLLINS
From: Joe G
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 08:16 AM

Very sad news indeed - condolences to Johnny's family & friends. Another giant of the folk scene has left us. In whatever way we can, let us help keep music live in his memory.

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Dave Roberts
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 09:18 AM

Sincere condolences.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: GUEST,chris
Date: 06 Jul 09 - 10:45 AM

very sad. A great loss to music
chris

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: 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: 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: 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.