Obit: Kenneth McKellar (1927-2010)

Subject: Obit: Kenneth McKellar
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:45 PM

At the age of 82 , at his home in California ! NOT really a Folkie but he sang a HELL of a lot of good Scots songs !!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:52 PM

Wikipedia has a pretty good article on him.
YouTube has a number of recordings. You're right, Terry - a wonderful tenor voice, with a huge selection of Scots recordings.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:57 PM

Very sad to hear this. I loved his songs and he brightened up a lot of days for me when I was younger. R.I.P. to a fine artist.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 03:09 PM

I loved "The Song of the Clyde" as a lad.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 03:12 PM

Oh, he was one of my alltime favorites. I loved the Star of Rabbie Burns the best I think. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:18 PM

The Scotsman

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:05 PM

He was a fellow Paisley man and recorded my song The Massacre of   Glencoe. As said previously he wasn't a folkie but had a beautiful voice.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:12 PM

He also did a beautiful album of Irish songs, particularly Thomas Moore's, called - I think - Kenneth McKellar's Ireland, which I still have somewhere on vinyl LP. (Keep meaning to burn all those to CD, and will probably manage it just as the CD format breathes its last...)

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:19 PM

His album, "The Tartan," is one of my favorites.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:17 PM

Kenneth McKellar was one of those performers like Andy Stewart, Moira Anderson, and Calum Kennedy,whom you couldn't help but like and admire, even though they weren't "folkie".

A significant part of my childhood experience, RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:55 PM

My god that's sad. McKellar's versions of Burn's poems to music must be the standards for those songs. I also loved that (was it Schubert ?) song that went "Have you seen my Lady..." wonderful.
Did he record "The road to the Isles" I seem to recall that I have heard him sing it. Alas for me, I have only ever heard him on Radio and Disc/CDs.

May he rest in peace with the , also Great, Robert Wilson.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: akenaton
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 07:28 PM

Wonderful singer.

Like Moira Anderson, he was often the butt of folkie jokes and treated with contempt by the folk community, me included.

I've changed my mind about Mr McKellars music tho'
Driving home one night many years ago and over the car radio came Kenneth singing "The Holy City"(Jerusalem), I pulled into a lay-bye and sat listening to a real artist at his best.

I have since bought quite a few of KM's old albums, and although he has recorded a lot of Scottish kitch, there are always tracks where the mans sheer power and artistry shines.
Kenneths music hall entertainer personna was a mask, he had the power and passion to be taken seriously ....one of the few who could stir the Scottish heart.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: goatfell
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 04:45 AM

so sad, a lovely singer and song writer.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: CET
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 06:36 AM

Maybe not a folkie, whatever that means, but a very great artist who had a huge repertoire of folk songs. He was as much a folk singer as anybody who ever did the folk festival circuit.

He was also, in my opinion, one of the best tenors ever recorded, but he isn't generally ranked with Carlo Bergonzi, Franco Corelli, Pavarotti, etc because he didn't make a career singing opera. He did start out on the opera stage, but decided that was not what he wanted to do with his life. Listen to his classical recordings. He had it all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: GUEST,Donal
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:04 AM

We used to have a Scottish programme on the radio here in Perth (W. Australia) and the compere interviwed Kenneth a couple of times when he was here doing concerts, he was a wonderful interviwee, funny, knowledgable and could tell a good story against himself. The half-dozen records of his that I have are some of my favourites.
                                                                                           Don.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:14 AM

I've just resurrected the "Silent Worship" (Did You Not Hear My Lady) thread but will ask here too: Is there anywhere online I can hear K McK's version of this song? Found a lovely rendition by Aled Jones on YouTube, plus some others, but no Kenneth. Any joy?

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Surreysinger
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:40 AM

I could have sworn I posted in response to your post Bonnie, but it's disappeared. I couldn't find that particular item, but did find a whole shoal of his recordings available at last FM.
Kenneth McKellar recordings
I dipped in to listen to Flowers of the Forest - I'd totally forgotten what a lovely tenor voice he had. Brought back memories of childhood, youth, and programmes on the TV in black and white.
Irene

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:43 AM

Cheers, Irene!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: sapper82
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 09:03 AM

Sad to hear. As many have said, not a folkie, but his folk songs renditions were supurb.
Thankyou Mr. McKellar, your voice will live on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,surreysingeratwork
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 10:18 AM

Bonnie - should you wish to spend some money that track is downloadable for 79p on Amazon (and I have no doubt it probably would be downloadable on itunes as well, but can't check that one out at work.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 Apr 10 - 11:10 AM

I have just downloaded Silent Worship from Amazon, the collection is called Ultimate Classics. I have burnt it onto a CD and listened to it on my sound system.
By the way, Kenneth once told me an extremely rude but funny 'poem' which begins "My name is McLean and I'm no' very sane ...
the rest is too rude!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 01:19 AM

When I was about 8 years old my dad brought home a portable radiogram. The first records we ever had to play on it (and for a long time the only ones!) were Paul Robeson, Richard Tauber and Kenneth McKellar. The latter was a favourite. I can remember going back to the record shop with my mum to ask if there was a booklet with the words so we could sing along. Maybe that's where my folk-singing life really started!

He was a great singer. Sorry to hear he's gone.

Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 03:30 AM

Agree with all praises above. Very sorry for death of such a fine singer.

For record, Silent Worship aka Did You Not Hear My Lady? is work of Handel, words by Arthur Somervell.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Piff
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 03:59 AM

If anyone is intersted, there is a more recent "folk" style recording of Handel's "Silent Worship" by Barry Dransfirld on his latest solo album "Unruly".

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:24 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:25 AM

Rats - hit the wrong button. Sorry about that. Back in a mo when I've done my clickie -

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:31 AM

Anyone interested in getting the sheet music to Silent Worship (Did You Not Hear My Lady), or having a link to Barry's performance (it's on his website as a soundclip), see the thread on this song which I've resurrected:

Req/ADD: Silent Worship (Somervell, Handel)

http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=12670&messages=33

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 07:52 AM

It's funny that he died - and lived - in California. Kenneth and California just don't go together in my mind.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 07:57 AM

Mine either! He was apparently at his daughter's home in Lake Tahoe, being looked after when they discovered he had pancreatic cancer, which I gather came on fairly quickly. Anybody know where he was based before that? I always picture him in the misty glens...

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: GUEST,guest - Jim Younger
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:00 AM

Perhaps we should picture him in a forest - he graduated BSc (Hons) in Forestry from Aberdeen University. I remember reading that in some liner notes.

Incidentally (to settle a family argument) does anyone know how tall he was? (Although Tom Paley told me the other day that a body shrinks with age, so it might be difficult to say ... )

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 11:30 AM

Hey... are you Jim The Concertina? If so, hi!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 07:01 AM

Yes, indeed Jim Younger, hi!

When I used to go to "The Cellar Upstairs", really enjoyed your stuff!
(I'm now living in Co.Clare)

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Mike Callaway
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 05:22 PM

Just heard the sad news. What an extraordinary and beautiful voice Kenneth had. I have many of his vinyl LP`s and cassette tapes,and of course his later cd`s. So many incredible interpretations of all musical genre. A couple of my favourites, `Wee cock sparra`, and `Wee Hughie`, absolutely beautiful.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: GUEST,guest - Jim Younger
Date: 13 Apr 10 - 04:49 AM

Hi Bonnie and Jim - yes, that's me, on the concertina (and fiddle and frets).

I don't remember thanking you for the Guinness commercial at jeff Wayne Music you put my way, Bonnie. Must tell you the story of that some time ... hilarious (or maybe you had to be there). Another Clare blow-in, Mr Martin! I am stricken with envy, here in London E4.

To get back on topic, did KMcK ever perform in South Africa during the apartheid regime? Like the question of his height, this has been the source of family arguments. Anyone know the truth?

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 13 Apr 10 - 08:01 PM

According to other obituaries and reviews, his own home was still in Glasgow. He refused an OBE........and also wrote sketches for Monty Python series.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Tom Aitchison Sheffield, formerly Ft. August
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 03:44 PM

Personally I preferred Robert Wilson and Calum Kennedy but Kenneth was a classy singer and the many tributes to him are indicative of his popularity. I met him in 1962 at Sheffield City Hall, a gentleman has passed this way. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 03:44 AM

On BBC's Points of View last week the BBC was criticised by older viewers for failing to report Kenneth McKellar's death when so much time had been given to Malcolm McClaren's death.
The man who prepares the BBC's obituaries agreed it was sad that entertainers who had meant a lot to older viewers were sometimes overlooked because current staff at the BBC had not heard of them.

Naturally each generation has its stars who mean nothing to other generations, but you'd expect the BBC to keep tabs.

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 04:14 AM

I'm used to cops and soldiers being younger than me, but the Beeb??? God help us...

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:33 PM

And now Tom Fleming too!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: GUEST
Date: 04 May 10 - 01:15 PM

Just to be clear - he died at his daughter's home while visiting her and his beloved grand daughters in Lake Tahoe (Nevada rather than California). He never gave up his home in Scotland - wild horses wouldn't have made him. Scotland was always "home"....

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 May 10 - 11:42 AM

I said his home was Glasgow on 13th April!
If you want to hear that lovey voice again, there's 5 hours' worth of programmes on BBC Radio Scotland, but only available for another few days.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00s5hzc

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 May 10 - 11:43 AM

Oops: LOVELY
My lovey is like a red, red rose!

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 06 May 10 - 01:42 PM

Thanks so much for that link, Tattie! Yes, lovely, whatever way you spell it...

Subject: RE: Obit: Kenneth McKellar (June 23 1927-April 9 2010)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM

I'm resurrecting this thread (and also the Silent Worship / Did You Not Hear My Lady one) because, in answer to my own post of 10th April, I've now found K McK's lovely version of this song on YouTube - I certainly couldn't run it to ground last time I hunted for it, so maybe this is a recent upload. Anyway, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8O_mweSH9U