Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013

Subject: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 07:02 PM

Bob died at home yesterday around 2 p.m., surrounded by his family.He was a well-loved singer of shanties and player of many banjoes, performing and teaching at Mystic and many other international festivals as well as in schools and museums nationwide.
website - www.richmondwebb.com

A huge loss to the folks and sea song community

Julia

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 07:21 PM

Thanks, Julia, for posting this. I've been in bereavement overload all day (actually since a couple days ago when I first heard that the bug that he couldn't shake at the end of September at the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival had turned into something far more serious) and just...couldn't.

I will miss Bob an incredible amount. I so enjoyed being around him. He was so generous with his depth of knowledge and his musicianry was without equal. I learned something new every time I saw him. Tom and I first met him at Songs of Sail in Kennebunk in 2001. Bob performed at every PMFF except the first.

Alas, Tom and Bob didn't get to see each other at the festival this year. Bob had been at the Ri-Ra sing while Tom oversaw the Press Room open sing. Tom had started his decline and had me take him back to the motel, so he didn't go to the concert. And then the next morning had me take him home. I came back to the performers' meeting and got to talk to Bob and his daughter and Dave Peloquin. And since my afternoon PMFF duties had been absorbed by others, I got to hear Bob's addition to Jeff Warner's pre-performance request of "Rolling Down to Old Maui" -- Bob had found, at the American Museum in England, the original hymn tune that the tune to "Rolling Down to Old Maui" was based on. Then I went over to the Athenaeum and caught Bob and Dave's cameo concert -- now there's a case where 1 + 1 = 3. Fine performers individually, they were just so much fun to see perform together.

Jeannie Robertson said, "Sing it right, sing it proper, sing it real," and Bob has always not only "sung it real" but generously conveyed his knowledge and research to his audience and to his fellow folk performers, confident in his ability, but without arrogance. It's been such a pleasure to respect such a congenial friend and musician.

I'm feeling this loss hard...as I'm sure will the American folk community.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: RTim
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 07:56 PM

Very sad news!! Bob was a great singer, musician and lovely man. He will be much missed!!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Dec 13 - 10:55 PM

Count me among those who will miss him. He was supposed to perform at the Mystic Sea Music Festival this June, and I looked forward to hearing him there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 12:39 AM

Sad news. Much missed.

Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: sciencegeek
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 06:51 AM

RIP, Bob... you are sorely missed already.

Always the gentleman, Bob was a good hearted and generous person that added so greatly to any place he was. Mystic will feel his loss greatly, as will the entire folk community.

One fond memory of Bob was of him sitting in front of the W R Grace painting at the Meeting House with his concertina and banjo sharing the history of the music and that fine painting.

Charlie... do you have photos of Bob in that setting?

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 07:23 AM

Fine memories of Mystic and Bob. Rest i n Peace Bob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Paul Schurr
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 08:19 AM

Bob and I bonded as the only States side attendees at a shanty festival in Hull, England. He was on stage, of course, and I was impressed that the good singers of Hull invited him back again and again. I felt a great honor being able to sing with him at a number of Press Room sings. His performances at the Portsmouth Festivals always wowed me. At Mystic he was, like John Roberts, an icon. What will our world be like without him? Bob was among the best. I will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 08:28 AM

Bob's kindness and generous musicianship will carry his memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,liam's sister in law
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 09:12 AM

A gentleman, a scholar and a friend.
We will miss you immensely.
Fair winds and a following sea ---

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 10:53 AM

Still trying to wrap my head around this loss. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Helen and all his family .Yet another great voice silenced way too soon
Marie

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Elmore
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 10:54 AM

Charming man, wonderful performer. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 11:31 AM

I was stunned when I heard the news yesterday. Totally unexpected as far as I was concerned, but apparently he had been struggling with cancer for some time. It's a grievous loss to the music community as it must be for his family and close friends.

We first met in the early 80s when he, Tony Barrand and I were all presenters at a symposium of the Baltimore Maritime Museum. His scholarship, musicianship, and natural ability were remarkable. Our paths crossed often, mostly at sea music festivals, and it was always a pleasure to visit with him and his family.

His influence ran much further than sea music - he was a folklorist of considerable note, a banjo scholar who published the definitive book on the instrument as well as being a formidable performer on the instrument. And then he was a brilliant exponent of the duet concertina. A man of many talents, knowledge and abilities. Gone far too soon; he will be missed.

John Roberts

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 12:21 PM

RIP
Bob is well known in Maine circles especially for his contributions to the local maritime museum. A truly unexpected loss.
M

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Les from Hull
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 03:28 PM

So sorry to hear this. Bob had many fans around here from his visits to our Shanty Festival. A lovely man. Bye bye, Bob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Patty Hall
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 04:52 PM

Bob Webb and I met in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, playing in several loose-knit string-band configurations, in which he championed and encouraged many of us less-expert players.

Later on, in the 1980s, Bob and I both ended up working in the museum field, and would see each other at annual meetings of AAM, where we often could coax a sea shanty or two from him after hours.

Most recently, I reconnected with Bob and his wife Helen when he came to San Diego to perform at the Adams Avenue Roots Festival and Buffalo Brothers. These were fine reunions, in which Bob shone brighter than ever as a performer and interpreter of music history.

His amazing knowledge, precise musicianship, kindly persona, and courtly manner made Bob Webb a one-of-a-kind man, and though we saw each other infrequently, I feel I have lost a real friend. I will miss him terribly.

Patty Hall

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,SussexCarole
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 05:16 PM

Our condolences to all Bob's family and friends. Bob certainly wasn't well in September when we sang with him and Dave in the garden of the Warner House in Portsmouth, but we didn't expect this. We didn't have the chance to know him as well as many here, but he was surely one of the greats, as a man, a scholar and a musician. I'm glad we met.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 06:41 PM

Such terrible news. I had no idea he was ill. Great memories of him performing his "Ho! For California" program here at the maritime park in San Francisco and of course his years at Mystic. My condolences to his wife, daughter, and all who knew him.

-Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: NOMADMan
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 08:37 PM

This is terrible news. Bob's appearances at the Mystic Sea Music Festival were as informative as they were entertaining. Another gentleman and scholar taken from us much too soon. He will be missed.

John Mazza (NOMADMan)

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 09:10 PM

Bob will be sorely missed by his family and our music community. He contributed so much to what we now take for granted when we sing traditional sea songs. He also was instrumental in introducing many of us to other performers such as Stan Hugill, Louis Killen, Shanty Jack, and so many others.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 27 Dec 13 - 10:15 PM

I had the pleasure of seeing Bob a couple years ago at the Princeton Traditional Music Festival. He was a delightful performer and seemed like such a generous and sincere person. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 08:17 AM

I misspoke (actually misremembered) earlier. Bob wasn't at Ri-Ra on Saturday of the PMFF. He was back at his accommodation resting -- his midday performance had exhausted him, as had Tom's Press Room sing exertions. Neither Bob nor Tom was up for going to the concert.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 12:04 PM

Sad news. My condolences to all who knew and loved him. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: EBarnacle
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 04:13 PM

I have not seen him in many years, more's the pity. Now I shall have to miss him forever.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,lee and jo ann blumberg
Date: 28 Dec 13 - 10:09 PM

to know him, even a little, was to really love him a lot, as a guy, musician, scholar .......we'll miss him forever !! so sorry he left us so soon
bob...hope u can know of this message !!!   RIP and please keep up the great shanty singing wherever u r, forever, and till we (hopefully) get there to see u again
lee and jo ann    mystic smf

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Tom and Lyn Lewis
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 07:40 AM

SHOCKED is such an overused term, but the only one which fits our reaction to such sad and (for us) unexpected news. Remember him by singing his songs. Farewell Bob, Tom and Lyn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Celtaddict
Date: 29 Dec 13 - 04:22 PM

Bob was also one of only two individuals who have been at every single Mystic Sea Music Festival. He was always a mine of song, of knowledge, and of good humor. Fair winds and following seas, Bob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 08:10 AM

He performed at 13 out of 14 Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festivals...all but the first one.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Brian Peters
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 08:40 AM

This is bad news. I shared a concertina workshop with Bob at Mystic several years ago, and was very impressed by his ragtime playing. Nice fellow, too.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 03:33 PM

I gave my father, another historian who taught me banjo at the age of seven, a copy of Bob's "Full Circle" CD. He was very fond of it, and struck up a correspondence with Bob in which Bob was very kind.

As Bob always was to all of us.

As much as his scholarship and musicianship, it was his kindness that contributed to the preservation of traditional music.

Bob followed my dad across the bar by just a couple of months.

Quite a lot of good singing, pickin', and squeezing has been added to the celestial choir this tearful year.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 04:17 PM

sorry for your loss...

Bob had "class" and makes me lament to see all the "troll" posts by people I can not imagine missing... much less mourn as we do with the loss of Lou and Bob... and Barry and all the others who spent long, musical nights at the Mystic YTB.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Jacek Sulanowski
Date: 30 Dec 13 - 05:03 PM

Although it has been several years since I have had the pleasure of Bob's company, I have often thought on the early years of the Mystic Sea Music Festival and sharing workshop's with him, Tom Goux and Stan Hugill. Post performance songfests at the YTB, which usually extended into the early morning were without compare.

On behalf of Tom Goux and my wife, Margaret, I'd like to extend heartfelt condolences to Helen and their daughter. Fair winds, Bob.

Jacek Sulanowski

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Linda Kelly
Date: 31 Dec 13 - 06:36 AM

I remember him well from Hull Sa Fever days. A sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: JWB
Date: 31 Dec 13 - 02:19 PM

Random memories of Bob: his wonderful ragtime tune for the concertina, called The Schooner; his scally caps; the way he would talk more than sing during workshops; his rendition of Cowboy Waltz on his Vega Tu-ba-phone No. 9 banjo; the story of his tour as a bass player for Tom Waits, told over aged rum late one night; the hitch he put at the beginnings of chanteys.

Bob embodied erudition and musicianship, of which I got to see so little, although I knew him for 29 years -- mere glimpses of the ocean of talent and knowledge he possessed. I've heard he was working on a book about the nitrate trade, which spawned so many chanteys, as well as another banjo book.

I doubt we'll ever see another like him.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Edith Biggar & Neil Woodberry
Date: 31 Dec 13 - 07:34 PM

We always enjoyed seeing Bob at Mystic's Sea Music Festival and were disappointed not to see him this year. As lots have already said, he was generous gentleman and would share anything he knew with anybody who asked. We got the news from Rick Spencer's newsletter and were saddened at the news. We have all of his CD's in our music library. I actually wore-out the cassette of "From the Salthouse Dock". I saw him at Mystic that year and he told me "write me a little note and I'll look when I get home and send you a replacement." I did and he did. Then, he released that recording in CD and I got it to "round out" my collection. He was an authority on maritime art as well. We will miss him along with all the rest of you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Jon Bartlett
Date: 02 Jan 14 - 02:31 AM

I first met Bob when he was playing with Dick Owings at San Diego FMF in the mid seventies. We invited him up to our coffeehouse, The Green Cove, in Vancouver and I think he fell in love with the northwest on that trip. We played together in a variety of settings, and when Rika and I produced a 16-show radio series, Bob was our first choice for banjo and squeezebox. He sang "A Hundred Years Ago" on the Deep Sea show and played banjo and squeezebox throughout. We managed to persuade him to join the Editorial Board of Canada Folk Bulletin, and when we Rika and I got married he and Jill King wanted to make it a double, so we did. It was in that time period that he wrote and published On the Northwest, the definitive history of northwest whaling.

We lost track of each other while he was back east until a few years back, when we appeared at Mystic and he very graciously brought us into his set. We'd seen him several times since, mostly at Portsmouth Maritime Festival, as late as this September. Bob didn't look well then, but we supposed it was a flu-like thing.

Our loss with his death is severe, but weren't we all lucky that our lives coincided with his?

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jan 14 - 10:04 AM

What you said, Jon -- "but weren't we all lucky that our lives coincided with his?" -- what you said...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Autoharper
Date: 02 Jan 14 - 08:49 PM

I hadn't seen Bob since April 2012 and was surprised to read of his death. His "Bank Trollers" CD is one of my favorite albums - if you haven't heard it, do check it out!. I had the pleasure of co-producing Bob's "Waiting For Nancy" CD. He was a scholar and a gentleman, good company in the recording studio, and always generous with his knowledge of music and history. He will be missed.
-Adam Miller

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Thomas Block
Date: 03 Jan 14 - 06:32 AM

So sad the hear that end has come for a great musician and friend.He taught us all a lot when he played with "The Narrow Gauge String Band" his presence in the world will be deeply missed.WE all can be grateful that he took the time out of his life to share a portion of it with us.
Please keep us informed as to services or celebrations of his life so that we all can try to attend and pay our respects as I'm sure he would appreciate.
Condolences to all

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 09:09 AM

Obit from Portland Press Herald. (Thanks, Babs, for finding it today.) Memorial service in the spring.

Obit

Robert Lloyd Webb
Obituary

PHIPPSBURG -- Robert Lloyd Webb died peacefully at home on Dec. 25, 2013, from complications of hereditary hemochromatosis.

Born in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1947, to Effie Margaret Young and James Milton Webb, Bob grew up in Culver City, Calif. He attended Culver City schools and the University of Oregon, and graduated from California State University at Northridge, with a degree in English.

Bob had a life-long love of history and research and was fascinated by a wide variety of topics, from the geology of California to automobiles and aircraft, antique firearms, sailing ships, the history of the Martin guitar and the writings of Jack Kerouac. Childhood explorations around the Los Angeles waterfront with his uncle, Ted Brown, gave him glimpses of vanishing times and a desire to preserve and document those times. Maritime history brought him to the East Coast, first as librarian and educator at the Kendall Whaling Museum in Sharon, Mass., and later as curator at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath.

In addition to public programs and exhibitions, Bob wrote dozens of articles and three significant books: Sailor-Painter: The Uncommon Life of Charles Robert Patterson (2005), On the Northwest: Commercial Whaling in the Pacific Northwest 1790-1967 (1988), and Ring the Banjar: The Banjo in America From Folklore to Factory which was published in 1984 to accompany a ground-breaking exhibition on the history of the banjo in America at the MIT Museum.

Music also framed Bob's life and adventures, from the hootenannies of his youth, to the True and Trembling String Band on the West Coast, two tours with the young Tom Waits, festivals around North America and Europe and happy afternoons of tunes around the house. A talented player of the clawhammer banjo, guitar and MacCann duet concertina, he was also a fine singer of songs of the sea, old-time ballads and songs of the American and Canadian West.

He was a talented raconteur, and a lucid and facile writer, comfortable in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. He could discuss, at the drop of a hat (he liked hats), The Dharma Bums, the relative tonnage of Maine-built sailing ships, or the banjo's African antecedents. Whatever his subject, in public or private, he brought an artist's eye and a scholar's sensibilities to the discussion. Those who knew him, even briefly, came away with the imprint of a man dedicated to his work, to collegiality and conviviality, to scholarship and truth, and to artistic expression, whether in print, on the stage, or in conversation.

A loyal friend and a loving and supportive husband and father, Bob is survived by his wife Helen Richmond Webb; daughter Margaret Richmond Webb; brother James F. Webb of Ojai, Calif.; and many cousins; nieces and nephews.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 04:00 PM

Thanks, Linn. You beat me to it. Also included in the copy Wayne Beach sent me was, "A memorial service is planned for the spring. Details will be available at www.richmondwebb.com. " There also was a very nice photo. If I can, I'll send a link to Joe Offer...with permission from the family.

The following is the email letter sent out today by Wayne Beach, of the wonderful Friends of the Phippsburg Community Concert Series in Phippsburg, Maine. He has given me permission to post it here. Thanks, Wayne.
***
"Friends of the Phippsburg Community Concert Series,

It is with sadness that I relay news of Bob Webb's passing. Bob co-founded this concert series and, as many of you know, was a fine and well-respected musician.   After an intense illness, he died peacefully at home on December 25, surrounded by his family. Our thoughts are with his wife, Helen, and his daughter, Margaret.

Music blogs are already alive with tributes to Bob and filled with testimonials to what a generous mentor and friend he was. I too will miss him. He was a friend and a fascinating guy.

His life was devoted to what he loved: his family, music, history, and writing. 2013 was his fiftieth anniversary as a performer. Bob was a master of the clawhammer banjo and curated the first important exhibition on the history of the banjo at the MIT Museum, writing a book to accompany the exhibit.

While many of you heard him perform, most recently in a fine tribute to the music and life of Woody Guthrie, his musical career had many fascinating curves - including managing a night club in San Diego in the early 1970s, during which he gave Tom Waits (his bouncer) his first onstage gig. By the way, he never boasted about the fact that he did two tours performing with Tom and played such stellar venues as Lincoln Center. I had to find that out from looking at a book by Waits.

Bob's life and career had so many interesting pockets that I can only refer you to the fine and eloquent obituary prepared by his family that appeared in yesterday's Portland Press Herald and will be appearing in today's Times Record. It is attached herewith, as is a fine photo of Bob taken by his wonderful daughter, Margaret.

His well-lived life was also devoted to deepening a sense of community - both within the larger community of musicians as well as the community in which he lived. That's why this concert series was born.   May it last and may it flourish - as one way of honoring Bob's memory.

See you at the next show - on January 24. While it's a show honoring Phippsburg's bicentennial, featuring fine musicians with a connection to Phippsburg, we're dedicating it to the memory of one of its finest."

Peace,

Wayne Beach
**************

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 08:56 PM

Bob's wife Helen has kindly given permission to post a link to their daughter Margaret's lovely photo of Bob on Mudcat. I have sent it to Joe Offer, and depending upon how busy he is right now, I hope to see a link appear soon.

Thank you, Helen and Margaret. Many, many people have benefited from Bob's expertise and generous spirit. We hope you will be able to remember that as you face this new life without Bob. Thank you both for your part in his joyful journey of life.

Maeve...who met Bob only once and still remembered.

Photo by Margaret Webb

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 08:57 PM

Attending the next show of the Phippsburg Community Concert Series, January 24, would be a good way of seeing what Bob was able to do in his home town, and supporting his efforts.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 01:32 AM

Bob Webb (click to display)
Photo by Margaret Webb

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 06:04 AM

Thanks very much, Joe. Good idea, Charlie.

Subject: Obit: BOB WEBB, Published Obituary Jan 08
From: seagoddess
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 11:20 AM

This beautiful obituary for Bob was published Jan 8, 2014 in Portland Press/Herald:Robert Lloyd Webb, Obituary

ROBERT LLOYD WEBB -
PHIPPSBURG -- Robert Lloyd Webb died peacefully at home on Dec. 25, 2013, from complications of hereditary hemochromatosis.
Born in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1947, to Effie Margaret Young and James Milton Webb, Bob grew up in Culver City, Calif. He attended Culver City schools and the University of Oregon, and graduated from California State University at Northridge, with a degree in English.
Bob had a life-long love of history and research and was fascinated by a wide variety of topics, from the geology of California to automobiles and aircraft, antique firearms, sailing ships, the history of the Martin guitar and the writings of Jack Kerouac. Childhood explorations around the Los Angeles waterfront with his uncle, Ted Brown, gave him glimpses of vanishing times and a desire to preserve and document those times. Maritime history brought him to the East Coast, first as librarian and educator at the Kendall Whaling Museum in Sharon, Mass., and later as curator at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath.
In addition to public programs and exhibitions, Bob wrote dozens of articles and three significant books: Sailor-Painter: The Uncommon Life of Charles Robert Patterson (2005), On the Northwest: Commercial Whaling in the Pacific Northwest 1790-1967 (1988), and Ring the Banjar: The Banjo in America From Folklore to Factory which was published in 1984 to accompany a ground-breaking exhibition on the history of the banjo in America at the MIT Museum.
Music also framed Bob's life and adventures, from the hootenannies of his youth, to the True and Trembling String Band on the West Coast, two tours with the young Tom Waits, festivals around North America and Europe and happy afternoons of tunes around the house. A talented player of the clawhammer banjo, guitar and MacCann duet concertina, he was also a fine singer of songs of the sea, old-time ballads and songs of the American and Canadian West.
He was a talented raconteur, and a lucid and facile writer, comfortable in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. He could discuss, at the drop of a hat (he liked hats), The Dharma Bums, the relative tonnage of Maine-built sailing ships, or the banjo's African antecedents. Whatever his subject, in public or private, he brought an artist's eye and a scholar's sensibilities to the discussion. Those who knew him, even briefly, came away with the imprint of a man dedicated to his work, to collegiality and conviviality, to scholarship and truth, and to artistic expression, whether in print, on the stage, or in conversation.
A loyal friend and a loving and supportive husband and father, Bob is survived by his wife Helen Richmond Webb; daughter Margaret Richmond Webb; brother James F. Webb of Ojai, Calif.; and many cousins; nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for the spring. Details will be available at www.richmondwebb.com.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Cool Beans
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 05:12 PM

Very sorry to hear of Bob's death. I didn't know him well but Iliked him very much. He and my late pal Bob Baldwin (Downeast Bob on Mudcat) played together in the Narrow Gauge String Band and I had the pleasure of jamming with them on visits to Maine.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 06:03 PM

The obituary from the Portland Press Herald was already linked and posted in this thread by Bat Goddess 08 Jan 14 - 09:09 AM . It is indeed a beautiful obituary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 06:11 PM

Sorry...lost my cookie. Guest at 6:03 was Maeve.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Doug Carnahan
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 10:13 PM

I have read this thread about my old friend with much interest, tinged of course with great sadness. I am not per se a member of the Mudcat community, but have been gratified and impressed by the outpouring of condolences and encomia regarding Bob.

I first met him in the fall of 1953, when we were six years old, and fellow first-graders. All during grade school we had every class together, went to junior high together, then high school. Through our college years, and beyond, we maintained a close friendship - my closest. He was the best man at my wedding. In early years, especially when he was running The Heritage, we would play music together - I could even get him to play Beatles songs sometimes! He stayed in music and writing and history, while I went on into law, but he was always there, always a bended ear - the best of friends.

In more recent years we took to emailing back and forth, sometimes more than two or three times a day. It was a way, over the miles between Maine and California, to vent about personal things - but also to talk about mutual interests - music, of course, but also writing, literature, politics, history, genealogy, the process of aging.

On that latter subject, I can only say that it is very difficult to adjust to life without him, nor do I suppose I ever will, completely. The loss of a close friend is traumatic no matter the circumstances, but when the death comes too early, in the scheme of things, and when the loss is of as fine a person as Bob, the tug is even greater.

As all the comments in the thread point out, he was a man of many parts. But he was also an authentic human being, with depths of emotional intelligence and collegiality that are little seen today. He had his idiosyncrasies, certainly, as we all do, but for a life well lived - as a man - his story is one that has much to teach us: how to make a life as an artist, how to combine artistic and family life, how to relate to illness and disease, how to work and think as a scholar and, most especially, as a husband, father, and friend.

We had a mutual interest in the work and friendship of John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts, and I am reminded of Stenbeck's reaction in writing of the early death of his friend. At the tail end of "About Ed Ricketts," Steinbeck's tribute, the novelist describes Ricketts walking out of the laboratory in Cannery Row, setting out for a night on the town - the body language and habits of the man caught in the vignette. In the same way, I can see (and hear) Bob's shout to start a shanty, see his "loose finger" as he claw hammered the banjo, and, most of all, see (and re-read, in my mind) the incoming email from a man who was such a big part of my life for sixty years. Steinbeck says, of Ricketts, that he couldn't get those images out of his mind and never would.

Ricketts, in Stenbeck's profile, was on his way to meet a deadly confrontation with a train at a grade crossing. Bob was not struck down in this violent way, but rather by the ravages of a hereditary disease, over which, like a train, he had little control. My friend met his end bravely, toughly, and with dignity, just as I would have expected. Gone too early, also like Ricketts, but now - in his music, in his writing, and in the hearts of his family and friends - never to be forgotten.

Doug Carnahan
Redondo Beach, CA

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jan 14 - 10:12 PM

There's a really fine article by Troy R. Bennett honoring Bob along with an earlier interview by the same author, here:

http://bennetttheredonethat.bangordailynews.com/2014/01/20/i-was-saved-by-bob-webbs-banjo/?utm_campaign=Bangor+Daily+News&utm_so

Don't miss the slide show/sound file of Bob playing, nor the later video of author Troy R. Bennett playing some banjo tunes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Jan 14 - 10:34 AM

Steve Smith, who made this video at the 2011 Portsmouth [NH] Maritime Folk Festival shanty blast, asked me to post this of Bob singing "The Alabama" --
2011 PMFF Bob Webb

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Andy Kenna
Date: 22 Jan 14 - 07:54 AM

An abiding memory of Bob singing "I wish I was Back in Liverpool" for me (with added verses)at the Athenaeum in Portsmouth N.H. You'll be sadly missed -"A Great Man" - God Bless you Bob and all those you leave behind.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 14 - 12:29 AM

A Memorial Service for Bob Webb will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 10:30 at the Greenmanville Church, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Connecticut:

   http://www.richmondwebb.com/

-Adam Miller
Folksinging.org

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jan 14 - 04:51 PM

Marked in calendar.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Jan 14 - 08:24 PM

Thank you. It's in my calendar, too. I hope nothing happens between now and then to keep me away.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 06:01 PM

I first met Bob in the early 1908's at Albert Dock, Liverpool , England, at a sea shanty festival.
We became friends and met up whenever he was in this country.
He was such a kind and gentlemanly person. So loveable.
Unfortunately, our lives took different paths and we lost touch.
However, I still have a signed first edition of one of your books and a tape recording of your songs, which I shall treasure for the rest of my life.
It was such a shock to learn of your passing, and I am sure you will be sorely missed by many.
Thinking of your family and friends at this sad time. In particular YOU!
You will be sorely missed.
I shall think of you on the 5/4/14.
Hoping to meet you, in another place at another time.
You were in my life and I shall never forget.
Such a pleasure to have met you. You were one of a kind.
God Bless.
Maureen.
Liverpool, England.
XXX

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: Trad Folkie
Date: 04 Mar 14 - 09:00 PM

I just looked at Bob's Web site: http://www.richmondwebb.com/. The time of the memorial has been changed from 10:30 am to 10:00 am.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Mar 14 - 12:03 AM

Oh, my! Trad Folkie, thank you for letting us know about the time change. I would have arrived late.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Guests HT
Date: 30 Mar 14 - 10:22 AM

the Heavenly Twins will be at the memorial service on saturday. We met Bob through Don Sineti and first met Margret as a tiny baby one June in mystic. we always loved his music but even more his bouyant spirit. One could not help but smile during his infectous performances Fair winds Bob Your vast sea music family will keep your memory alive and it will not be lost to the knowledge of men.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 03 Apr 14 - 10:49 PM

Refresh with reminder: Saturday, April 5, at 10 AM (NOT 10:30), Greenmanville Church, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: GUEST,Guests HT
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 05:35 PM

We attended the Bob Webb memorial service in Mystic today. This was such a touching and beautifully done tribute to an amazing man. The luncheon following the service was lovely thanks to Bobs family that our sea music family was made to feel welcome at the reception. You are truly a wonderful family Please take comfort in this.we will honor Bob again at the festival in June Fair winds Bob and may your memories sustain your loved ones The Heavenly twins

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Webb (Sea songs, banjo) Dec 25, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 08:42 PM

I also attended the memorial service. There were some moments of red eyes but more of laughter during the reflections of his family and friends, some poetry, and two songs. I did not go to the reception because I knew Bob only as a member of the audience at the Sea Music Festivals and never had a conversation beyond a nod, "Hi, how are you?" and "Thanks for the music." However, his death was a loss to all who love this music as well as to so many others.

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This thread has been heavily attacked by spammers. It is TEMPORARILY closed. If you want to post to it contact a moderator to ask to have it reopened. 7-23-2014 -- mudelf