Obit: Charles O'Hegarty (1937-2010)

Subject: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: adventure
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 08:52 PM

Anyone know whatever happened to Charles O'Hagerty from Starboard List with Peter Marston and David Jones? Sea songs and chanteys in sixties/seventies out of Gloucester or thereabouts.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:07 PM

David Jones posted earlier today. You mean 'O'Hegarty', no?

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:11 PM

I Googled and found numerous references to his music and writing, but nothing indicating where he might be now.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: GUEST,Guest. David Jones
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 09:38 PM

Charles O'Hegerty returned to London many years ago after a motor cycle gang took over the mens rooming house where he was living. It was quite brutal, all the old guys living there were chased out and the authorities were no help. I saw him in London several times as did Dan Milner, he was living in Hackney. Last time I was in London I looked for him but he was gone. He may have gone to Cambodia where his daughter was living. His Ex wife Anna, who always looked out for Charlie, had a restaurant in London but has now retired, I plan on writing to the restaurant and ask them to forward a letter to Anna to ask about Charles whereabouts.
David

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 12:31 AM

And Peter is alive & well, living & singing when we're lucky, in the Glouchester (USA) area in between trips to China. Doryman can give more details if anyones interested & you just heard from David.

Barry

Subject: RE: Charles Hegarty
From: GUEST,Mark Seymour
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 01:11 PM

Starboard List mates:

It's been many many moons since Charlie and I used to galivant around Nantucket.
If anyone gets word of his whereabouts, I'd appreciate knowing.
Thanks.

Mark

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 10:08 PM

David has spoken with Charlie relatively recently, i.e. since this thread has started. Charlie is at home in London and doesn't get out much. David can fill you in.

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: Anglo
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:06 PM

On Feb 7 2010, an unidentified guest posted "Charles O'Hegarty died last Friday." That was it, in a thread about the Bluenose HERE.

Many will remember Charlie from the folk scene in New York in the 1960s, and later as a member (with Peter Marston and David Jones) if The Starboard List.

He moved back to England a good few years ago.

Does anyone have more information?

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: maeve
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:18 PM

I'm searching online, but have found no useful information so far.

maeve

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: GUEST,David Jones Guest
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:40 PM

This is a shock, I sang with Charlie for many years and tried to keep in touch with him in London, but it was hard to meet up with him. I will try to locate his daughter Marika, and his former wife Anna for confirmation. John Townley might have some info. Charlie was very popular at South Street Seaport in NYC and was a mighty singer and a great entertainer. A former Royal Marine, he wrote some good songs, some of which were recorded by The Irish Rovers. His most well known song was "Body in the Bag", "The More I Travel" was my favorite and may have been his best song, it was recorded by the Bears Family I think, although changed much from the way Charlie sang it. He made his living, such as it was, by performing, sadly, Charlie ran into problems with drink which got the better of him. I will try to write more later and give a more details of Charlies life.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:49 PM

I hope the report is wrong. Charlie's death has been reported erroniously before. I will also check with a few friends in a position to know.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 09 Feb 10 - 04:27 PM

I knew Charlie in Greenwich village in the '60's. I hope he is still around, though I haven't seen him in almost 40 years.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 10 Feb 10 - 10:22 AM

Tried calling a number I have for Charlie in London but it seems to be disconnected. Frank Woerner, who sang many times with Charlie, is trying to contact some people who are probably still in touch with Charlies ex wife.
Will post any news.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 12:40 AM

There is an unconfirmed report that Charlie died on or about Feb. 5th 2010.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: GUEST,Chris Roche. The Shanty Crew
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 02:47 PM

Charlie sung with us for a while after his return to UK some years ago as I recall he did one Lancaster maritime Festival with us a singer of some power when on top form. He rather retreated from active singing and we lost contact. I last heard of him in East end of London. As I am just down the road from London give me any contacts here and I will go track it down.

Chris

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: Celtaddict
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:05 PM

He would be worth remembering if only for his song 'Beautiful Day' which David Jones recorded.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: GUEST,DavidW
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 08:57 AM

Hi Everyone

I am Charles' Daughters Fiancée, and unfortunately I can confirm that he has indeed passed away.

He passed away peacefully on Friday the 29th January, and the Funeral was held yesterday, 11th February. A small group of family and friends attended the service, which was held at Manor Park Cemetery in London, E12. The service consisted of memories from those who were close to him, and ended with a recording of him singing Farewell to Sicily.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hegarty (obit?)
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:04 AM

Just received official word that Charlie has died. I spoke with his former wife Anna this morning, she told me that Charlie was cremated in East London on February 11th. Anna said they had a wonderful service with lots of family and old friends from years past, the recording of Charlie singing "Farewell to Sicily" was played as they all left the church.
Charlie was born on the Isles of Dogs in the East End of London in 1937, he served in The Royal Marines, worked as a coal miner in Germany and lived for a number of years in Sweden, and it was in Sweden that he met Anna. In the early 1960s he came to the USA and was a big hit on the west coast folk circuit, I am told that Tom Paxton introduced him to a number of clubs, and he went on to sing at The Hollywood Bowl, The Berkley Folk Festival, The Ice House, The Ashgrove, The Jabawok and other venues. Sometime in the early 1970s he moved to NYC, lived on the lower east side with Anna and his daughter Marika, became a regular at The Gaslight in Greenwich Village and sang at South Street Seaport with The X-Seamans Institute. Then he moved to New England where he sang with The Starboard List and for the rich and famous on Nantucket Island.
Drink was his enemy and in his last years it was difficult to keep in contact with him, he became reclusive.
Still he wrote some great songs and in all of the 50 years I have been singing I have never met anyone who could lift an audience the way Charlie could. A great tribute to Charlie came from my mother who said, "Charlie is a good old Cockney"
Thanks to Chris Roche for his help in locating Anna and Marika.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: Anglo
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 11:28 AM

I just got this information from Chris Roche:

I have found out after phone calls to Hackney council and cemeteries around the area that Charlie died in Hackney at Homerton Hospital of a heart condition aged 72 on Friday the 29th January. Charlie was cremated at East London Crematorium Plaistow on the 11th of February He was born on the 21st April 1937.

RIP Charlie.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 01:26 PM

To have actually heard the correct news about Charlie's passing doesn't make it any easier.
David Jones, your post on this thread was well crafted and heart-felt - coming from one who knew him for such a long time.
I will always remember those wonderful days at South Street Seaport and the Eagle Tavern with Charlie, the Starboard List, and a host of other notable characters. Great singing and great craic - he lit up the room.
Whenever Charlie came to supper, he always brought a small trinket for my daughter, along with his warm smile and interesting stories.
After he moved back to England, Dan and I visited him and he took us on a wonderful walk near a canal and proudly pointed out the school where the kids who sang on Pink Floyd's "The Wall" attended - along with other historical and significant facts about the area. He was a font of information.
Along with "Banks of Sicily" (which I was pleased to hear was played at his funeral) I can hear his gravelly voice resonating in my mind on so many of his songs. He is missed.

I have an idea or two to have some kind of memorial for him in NYC.
Let me know of your interest and we can put our collective minds together.

Fair winds,
Liam's sister-in-law

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 01:54 PM

Bonnie, Liam's sister in law, you are the best, lovely words. It is just beginning to sink in, our old mate is gone, hope he has found safe harbor.
David

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: Art Thieme
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 03:51 PM

I too hope he has found that.

David, I did get your e-mail and will reply. My condolences go out to you and to all who knew and sang with Charles.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 03:56 PM

How many times in a row can I screw up sending a message, it is the computers fault.
Thank you for your message Art, I look forward to news from you.
David

---

Removed erroneous posts. --Mod

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,John and Susan Townley
Date: 12 Feb 10 - 04:10 PM

There's a memorial page building at www.astrococktail.com/OHegarty.html where photos and memories are welcome. Three unreleased songs by Charlie are already there for the listening...we had many years of joyful singing and more together on both sides of the pond, will miss him dearly...

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Joan McLaughlin
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 12:00 PM

I'm so saddened to hear about Charlie. It always made me smile over the years when I listened to Charlie singing "Banks of Sicily". And of course his "Classic Yankee Clipper". I always felt the loss of such a great artist. I met Charlie through my dear friend Frank Woerner. I was on assignment at the Loews Summit Hotel in NYC where Frank was the Chief Engineer. Charlie worked for Frank from time to time and I truly appreciated being invited to many song engagements with both of them singing along with their many talented friends.
My condolences to all of you for your great loss.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest, Dan Aguiar
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 12:40 PM

I had the pleasure of knowing and singing with Charles for many years. I always appreciated his enthusiasm and vocal style as well as his unique guitar work. I still enjoy listening to his renditions of traditional chanteys with his own unique approach. His talent and sense of humor was welcomed on every stage he mounted. I will always be a fan and rue his loss.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Lisa Roth
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 01:45 PM

Charlie was truly one of a kind. So many vivid memories! While my heart aches at the news of his passing, I can't help but smile as I think of him.

He will live forever in our hearts...

xoxoxoxo

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Feb 10 - 11:04 PM

John and Susan, thank you for posting the sound files. As has happened many times before on Mudcat, I find out about an extraordinary person in a memorial thread for them. While I would love to have known about them before they passed on, I am always grateful to learn more about them through what their friends and family post and by listening to any sound files which might be available.

I love Charles' song, "Morning Shadow" how beautiful.

(I wasn't able to get the second set of links to work. Each gave me an error message. )

Thanks, again,

kat

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: GUEST,Lynn
Date: 15 Feb 10 - 03:30 PM

Hi i am Charlie's niece and can confirm that he died on the 29th of January 2010 and was cremated on the 11th of February 2010.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 10 - 04:16 PM

Kat,

Links are fixed and there are a number of other songs, pix, and recollections on the www.astrococktail.com/OHegarty.html memorial page...more to come, we're told. If anyone has any, please do send. Particularly looking for a good version of "The More I Learn" and his wonderful M-16 song...

John and Susan

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,marika hegarty
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 07:56 AM

Hello to you all
It has taken me this long to read these posts as coming to terms with dad's death and in a way - most especially with the legacy of his musical life has been difficult.. As David Jones and others have mentioned he became very reclusive in his later years and found recognising his achievements and sharing his memories of that time very uncomfortable: on this site however you are all doing this so eloquently and it warms the cockles...

Those of you who knew Charles well probably ended up storing some things for him over time!! he was an amazing archiver!!!

I know i have come across the lyrics for 'The more I travel' - amongst other songs... happy to share!
Thats it for now!!!love to you all
Mika

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Liam's sister-in-law
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:41 PM

It was heartening to hear from Marika - thanks for letting us know you read our posts.
All the best to you, your Mom and fiance.
Fair winds,
Bonnie Milner

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Iris Nevins
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:15 PM

I just heard the news from Bonnie Milner. Very sad. My old roomie and I used to take Charlie Home from the Eagle Tavern sometimes for several days at a time, during a real hard luck period.
he was the ultimate house guest. We'd go to work and come home to find the place spotless. We loved having him.

Also I recall organizing donations to get Charlie a new guitar back then, in the 70's, when his was stolen. I only wish I had stayed in contact with him, he was always so nice to be around.

Gone But Not Forgotten....
Charlie, I hear you singing from up there!

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Iris Nevins
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:19 PM

Marika... my condolances...so sorry

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 25 Feb 10 - 02:54 PM

My condolences to Marika and all his family and friends. I hadn't met him, but like many other sea music enthusiasts, came to know his singing from The Starboard List recordings. I only hope that he didn't suffer too much during his last days.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 03:06 PM

Lovely to hear from Marika, I remember her as a child with Charles in New York, he was very proud of her and she of him. Whenever I did get through by phone to Charles he would keep me up to date with Marika's adventures in Cambodia or wherever. So glad she was nearby in his last years.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Mark Rosenthal
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 12:29 AM

I never had the opportunity to get to know Charlie personally, but in the mid-1970s I frequented T.T. the Bear's in Central Sq., Cambridge, MA. It was a very different place than it is today. Back then it was a little hole-in-the-wall bar with good food. I started going there because they served a big plate of steamed clams for cheap. But at least once a week they had a live performer, and frequently it was Charlie O'Haggerty. I went every week to catch his performances. His voice was simultaneously both gravelly and beautifully melodic, and left me with a sense that he and his singing were authentic. It was there that I bought both of the Starboard List LPs, and it was from them that I learned many of my favorite sea chanteys. I still listen to them today, over three decades later. That's how I came to Google his name just now and discover the obit.

Safe harbor, Charlie.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-unknown
From: GUEST,Irene Murray
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 10:12 AM

Sorry to hear about Charles. I was friends years ago with Anna going back to the years they lived together in New York. I also kept up with her in England when she had the restaurant in Islington. It's been about 20 years though since I last saw her. Does anyone know if she still lives in London?

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 14 May 10 - 05:24 PM

The Memorial sing for Charles will be on June 1st, between 6pm and 8pm on the 5th floor of The South St.Seaport Museum. That is at 12 Fulton ST. NYC. A number of old singing buddies of Charles will be there, including Peter Marston and Larry Coles. Larry will pipe us all in at the begining of the concert and we will be singing songs written by Charles and other songs that he sang, also there will be some stories about Charles and of the early days of Sea Chanty singing at South Street.
The evening will be a fund raiser for The New York Folk Music Society and the cost of entry will be $5.00, so, hope we have a good turnout.
David

Subject: RE: OBIT: Charles O'Hegarty 29 January 2010
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 29 May 10 - 10:16 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: OBIT:Charles O'Hegarty 29 Jan 2010(service 1 June)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 May 10 - 06:30 PM

David, I do wish I could be there with you!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: OBIT:Charles O'Hegarty 29 Jan 2010(service 1 June)
From: GUEST,Ron Shelley
Date: 11 Nov 10 - 04:46 AM

I used to sit and drink with Charlie and Dave Van Ronk in Nobody's - Charlie's song "Marika's Lullaby" still stays with me after all these years. I remember Anna and a very young Marika - so glad you were there with him at the end.

Subject: RE: Charles O'Hagerty-Starboard List-Obit 29 Jan 2010
From: GUEST,Mark Seymour
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:36 PM

Thanks for the update; it is as I'd feared. My condolences to the family; he was a hell of a guy, and I was happy to have known him. Given that my original post about Charlie was back in 2008, I'm sorry I didn't hear of his whereabouts sooner. It would have been nice to at least send him a letter. Too late now, of course...

Subject: RE: OBIT:Charles O'Hegarty 29 Jan 2010(service 1 June)
From: GUEST,Martha Bowen
Date: 13 Sep 13 - 02:56 PM

I retrieved some old cassettes from 1970's. Don't have best of player, but I am so enjoying hearing Charlie's voice singing Beautiful Day, Banks of Sicily, "Drink my whiskey by the docks, like a shipwrecked sailor on the docks..." and others. Am using laptop to transfer (DVD-movie form, since that is all I can think of. I am now learning the words, so I can sing in Gloucester, MA at Mondays sea chanty session at the Dog Bar 6-8:30PM. I hope some young people will pick up on his songs and keep them alive.

Subject: RE: OBIT:Charles O'Hegarty 29 Jan 2010(service 1 June)
From: Elmore
Date: 13 Sep 13 - 03:09 PM

I once saw Charles open for Frank Zappa in a concert in Greenwich Village. Quite a contrast. I preferred Charles.

Subject: RE: OBIT:Charles O'Hegarty 29 Jan 2010(service 1 June)
From: sciencegeek
Date: 13 Sep 13 - 03:45 PM

Martha...

Starboard List (Charlie, David Jones & Peter Marston)is now on CD and not too hard to find online.

Subject: RE: Obit: Charles O'Hegarty (29 Jan 2010)
From: GUEST,celticblues5
Date: 10 Mar 18 - 12:34 PM

Does anyone know who owns the rights to Charles's songs? Contact info to obtain permission? TIA

Subject: RE: Obit: Charles O'Hegarty (1937-2010)
From: GUEST,Fishtown Boy
Date: 16 Sep 18 - 03:09 PM

I used to see the Starboard List perform at The Winds of Change in Gloucester,Mass. in the mid 70's. Sacred performances for sure. Wonderful memories as a teen. A bit late, but I am sorry to hear about Charles.

Subject: RE: Obit: Charles O'Hegarty (1937-2010)
From: GUEST,Henning Kuepper
Date: 20 Nov 22 - 01:07 PM

Dear Friends of Charles,

After two years of research and audio restoration, we are proud to present a whole album (LP+CD set) by Charles O'Hegarty, an unjustly forgotten folksinger and singer-songwriter from the '60s. Almost all tracks on the album are previously unreleased and the insert documents the history of Charles O'Hegarty, featuring contributions by his then-wife Anna and his pal John Townley (Family of Apostolic, The Magicians, Ocean). We are grateful to Marika and David who have supported our work.

henning
[e-mail]
lollipoppeshoppe.bandcamp.com/album/the-more-i-travel