Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011

Subject: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Susie
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 03:29 AM

Nick Keir tells me that Johnny Silvo died peacefully last night after a short illness. A great entertainer and a lovely chap. At peace now...

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 03:38 AM

I'm very saddened by the news. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Condolonces from me and all at Swinton Folk Club

We shall all sorely miss his annual visit next May.

Dave.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: r.padgett
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 03:53 AM

Johnny gave a great deal of enjoyment by his exuberant performances at folk clubs, festivals and every event he was at!

A true entertainer!

God bless and condolences to all his family

Ray and all at Barnsley folk club

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 04:20 AM

So sad.
He was a Hertford Barnardo's boy.
I have a mutual friend who was another such.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: scouse
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 04:26 AM

Oh Dear, Terrible news.. I really thought he'd see Christmas at least. I'll miss him so much. My condolences to his Family.

As Aye,

Phil.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Johnny J
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 04:32 AM

Sad news. Enjoyed many lively and happy performances from this man.

Condolences to his freinds and family from me too.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 05:00 AM

I have known Johnny as a friend and a wonderful entertainer, for over 40 years. This is like losing a family member.
Sincere sympathies to Berit his wife, and Patrick his son.
RIP my friend, you will never be forgotten.

John (Jock) MacKenzie

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 05:04 AM

Further to the Barnardo's boy reference by Keith A

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 05:08 AM

Sad news indeed !

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 05:53 AM

Very sad, I regret never getting to see him live, I only knew and admired him from radio and recordings.

RtS

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: MikeL2
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 06:11 AM

Very sad news. One of the best was Jonny.

Condolences to family and friends.

Mike

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 06:30 AM

Sad for everyone. R.I.P

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,muppett
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 06:38 AM

RIP Johny, you'll be missed

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 06:52 AM

Strange he was a Barnardo's kid. He was always so well spoken - I thought maybe he was from some upper class family. he must have been of that generation that Frank Norman wrote about in Banana Boy.

I loved his stage work and musicianship, and he was generous with praise. I didn't know him as a close friend, but his passing marks the end of a great and wonderful period for folk music in England. We will all miss him.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,Teribus
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:25 AM

Terrible news indeed, one of lifes true "Gentlemen", he will be sorely missed by all he knew him - certainly "a man you don't meet every day". Lots a Festivals will I hope have a "wee" spot in remembrance of him.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:40 AM

A bad couple of months just got worse. A great performer and a lovely bloke.
Pete.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: GUEST,David 'Brillo' Etheridge
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:45 AM

Just heard from John James the sad news. Johnny will be discussing the merits of blues chord substitution with Diz even as I write.....

Best wishes to all,
Dave (Brillo)

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Brian May
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:53 AM

Bless him

Condolences to his family and close friends.

We'll all miss him and his 'sunshine' character.

RIP Johnny

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 07:54 AM

R.I.P. Johnny. A true gent.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 08:02 AM

r.i .p. johnny.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 08:23 AM

He leaves behind very fond memories. R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Max Johnson
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 08:25 AM

So sorry to hear this. RIP.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 08:32 AM

Anyone who can cause me to agree with every word of a Teribus post must have brought a lot of folks together. Ditto to all of the above. He was a good bloke and a great entertainer.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo
From: Dita
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 08:49 AM

Just about the last of the early 60s Folkies has gone - Alex, Danny, Josh, Iain, Hamish and many others of his kind gone before.

Had the pleasure of having Johnny stay with me about 10 years ago, while he was touring Scotland. He was great company, sitting with a dram in one hand and a lump of cheese in the other following every mouthful with "I really shouldn't be having this"

A gentleman in every sense, RIP Johnny.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,John Foxen
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 11:52 AM

Sad news. I shall have to dig out my copy of Blues In The Backyard, the CD he made with the equally lamented Diz Disley.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 11:59 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Bernard
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 12:14 PM

So sorry to hear this... we'll be playing 'San Fransisco Bay Blues' from the aforementioned 'Blues In The Backyard' CD this evening on Oldham Community Radio in his memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 12:14 PM

Very sad news indeed. Thrilled to have met him...proud to have worked with him...it was always fun & the audiences loved him to bits. Irreplaceable....

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 12:17 PM

I have fond memories of Johnny doing a number of our folk clubs in SE London in the 60/70`s. Another particular occasion also comes to mind when we, "Four Square Circle" were on "Country Meets Folk" with Johnny was to see him leaving the studio in an open top Citroen 2CV with Brian Brocklehurst and double bass sticking out the top.

R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Megan L
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 12:33 PM

time to fly away

farewell

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,rumanci
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 12:55 PM

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. A lovely guy, wonderful performer and a happiness spreader. Thankyou,for all that and the fond memories of everybody's life you touched along the way,Johnny.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 01:23 PM

Back in the sixties he seemed immortal. A lovely chap, as Susie said, but gifted as well.

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo - illness
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 02:25 PM

Very sad news indeed, condolances to his family and friends.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: goatfell
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 02:45 PM

so sad

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo - illness
From: GUEST,Bridlington Flivvers
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 02:50 PM

God bless old friend RIP..

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: treewind
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 02:51 PM

Sad but not unexpected - the end of a great life.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Anne Lister
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 03:38 PM

Such sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,AEOLA
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 04:22 PM

He'll be sorely missed, a nice man!

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Willie Sinclair
Date: 19 Dec 11 - 05:38 PM

A long long long-time regular at Marymass Folk Festival, Irvine, Ayrshire, Johnny will be sadly missed. That huge voice, massive repertoire and his generous booming laugh will stay with most of us who knew him and thought him a friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Arnie sans cookie
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 04:50 AM

I will remember Johnny for his boundless energy and zest for life. I used to say that he was like two lively men rolled into one. He stayed with us at the end of a UK tour when he was about 70 yrs old. I said to him that no doubt he'd be glad to get back home for a bit of a break. None of it! He was flying out to Majorca the next day for a week of golf. A true bon viveur who will be sorely missed.


Adrian

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Gillie
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 05:20 AM

Lost yet another fantastic voice and a lovely man to boot!! Sleep easy Johnny. Lighting a candle for you and raising a glass tonight. Blessings and love and light to those left behind. xxx

Clare

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Hawker
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 06:05 AM

So sorry to hear this, he was a lovely, lovely man and will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family. x

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Musket
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 06:41 AM

One of the highlights that I will still be telling my grandchildren about was jamming with him and Diz Disley at a festival. Perhaps the next highlight was listening to his his set that night.

A true entertainer, wonderful man. Seriously easy to listen to and be entranced by.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 06:55 AM

Very sad, especially at this time of year.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: billybob
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 07:27 AM

A wonderful performer, a beautiful voice, a big heart, a true gentle man! I spent many happy times with John over forty years of friendship. Always smiling and pleased to see you ( even when Chopping turned up at a folk club with a double bass!)We will miss you John but will enjoy your music for ever xx
Wendy and bill xxx

Subject: RE: Johnny Silvo - illness
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 09:45 AM

I was brought up on the Sandy and Johnny album and lucky enough to see johnny half a dozen time recently. He was lovely man and could blow the roof off any venue.
RIP John woods and have a safe journey

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: evansakes
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 09:45 AM

Sorry to read this...Johnny played for us several times down the years and is fondly remembered. A big voice and a big heart. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 10:13 AM

Johnny had recently become one of a handful of artists playing regularly in Alderney. He made many good friends on the island and will be much missed.

Tom

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Alio
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 11:50 AM

It certainly is very sad, especially at this time of year - our thoughts go out to his family.
Ali x

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Dickmac
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 03:00 PM

So sad and will be sorely misssed. The Marymass Festival (Irvine, Scotland) will never be the same again without this wonderful gentleman.
Condolences to his family.

Dick and Maureen (Irvine Folk Club)

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 03:06 PM

Yes, Irvine and Skagen will never be the same without John. Along with so many other venues.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Singing Referee
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 04:37 PM

Very sad. Johnny gave us some great evenings at the old Enfield Folk Club back in the 60's. Not seen him since, but great memories. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Arvid Lone
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 04:58 PM

There will be funeral services for Johnny on Wednesday 28th of December.
It will take place at 2 PM (14:00) at
TJENSVOLL KAPELL
HENRIK IBSENS GATE 25
4021 STAVANGER
NORWAY

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Dec 11 - 05:00 PM

Very sorry to hear this, another to join the Folks gone before. Condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Bugsy
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 03:52 AM

Sad news indeed. My condolences to his family.

RIP

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: JHW
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 07:18 AM

Very sorry to hear. A real professional. I recall a night at Robin Hood's Bay when he played song and song about to a room part arch folkies and part diners and held us all. And at no other event have I seen nearly the whole room queue for CDs! RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Joules
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 07:56 AM

R.I.P. Johnny, only saw him once at Saltburn folk festival a few years ago, a really nice man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Essex Girl
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 11:33 AM

Sad news indeed, I remembe hearing him on numerous occasions in the past, a great performer and a very nice man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,The Admiral & his Lady
Date: 21 Dec 11 - 03:04 PM

We are very sad to hear the news.
We had him many times at Maidenhead.
Always a Gentleman and a great entertainer.
A great loss to us all.
Our condolences to the family.
Tony and Pearl

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 06:59 AM

An obituary for Johnny has been published on the website of The Guardian. Obituaries in that newspaper have recently been cut from two pages to one, so it is not certain when, or even if, this will be published in the paper version. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/jan/06/johnny-silvo

Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 07:21 AM

Makes good and interesting reading Derek.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 08:30 AM

Deserves a blue clicky.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Bruce Baillie
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 12:32 PM

Saw him play a few times but only spoke to him once outside the Steamer at Fylde a couple of years ago. Very nice bloke, very friendly.
My condolences

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 05:02 AM

Another obit from today's Independant Better late than never.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: MG John
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 04:03 PM

Remember him from a long time ago. Only saw him once... at Leeds. Another sad loss. Condolences to his family and friends. John S.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Dave Rado
Date: 29 Jan 12 - 04:26 PM

He was the most charismatic folk singer I've ever seen. I saw him perform at Wivenhoe folk club four years running, and they were among the highlights of my year. My only criticism of him was that he sung pretty much the same songs every time - I'd have liked to have seen more variation in his repertoire from one concert to the next; but he sang them wonderfully, and the sheer verve and joi de vivre with which he sang and played was wonderful to witness. And his vocal parody of Louis Armstrong was extraordinary.

He also exuded an amazing warmth when one met him face to face in the interval.

I was very sad when last year's concert was cancelled due to his illness, and even sadder when I heard he'd died. He has lit up many lives and will certainly be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Peter Brown
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 08:50 AM

First saw him about 45 years ago at Maidenhead and then several times, I think, at the Cousins. I've been singing 'Walk in the middle of the road' ever since. Talk about instant sunshine... he'll be very much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 30 Jan 12 - 04:08 PM

The obituary for Johnny was published in the print edition of The Guardian today (Monday 30 January) .. same as the online version already mentioned.
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Jay
Date: 31 Jan 12 - 02:46 PM

Just played The Mingulay Boat Song. Still sends shivers down my spine when he goes up an octave at the end. He played at Newbury Folk Club in the late 60s, always a good crowd. Lovely man, great performer. Condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 11:35 AM

Could I ask someone please to post a blue link to Johnny Silvo singing "Mingulay Boat Song" ?

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 12 - 12:07 PM

It's on the Alex Campbell and Friends, album

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Bruce from Bathurst
Date: 02 Feb 12 - 05:40 AM

Many years ago I was in Belfast visiting an Australian friend who's involved with community theatre work in NI. Johnny was passing through Belfast at the time and I can say I once spent an afternoon making stilts with Johnny Silvo.

It's quite likely that neither Johnny nor I were skilled stilt-makers, but I fondly remember his singing and his engaging personality. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance didn't seem to be issues at the time.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: Dave Rado
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 05:27 PM

Great recording of Johnny singing This Train is Bound for Glory, here, made only six months before he died. He looks so well! His illness must have been incredibly sudden.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,margery mcwhirter
Date: 02 Jun 12 - 04:28 PM

Condolences to Johnnys family a great musician with a zest for life and a contagious s smile god bless you will be missed

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Silvo 18 Dec 2011
From: GUEST,Jim Johnson - Ffilharmonious Jug Band
Date: 03 Jun 12 - 07:09 PM

Sad news. I recall many great concerts we did with Johnny and occasionally Diz Disley back in the late 1960s. Spent a few days with Jeremy Taylor in late 2010 and we were remembering Johnny. Who knew we'd not have him much longer. Rest in Peace, Johnny. We've lost a real troubadour.