Subject: Obit: Art Thieme From: Phil Cooper Date: 27 May 15 - 06:35 AM I just saw on Facebook that Art Thieme has passed away. I had the privilege of knowing Art since the mid 1980's. We had the opportunity to drive him to a couple Folk Alliance conferences (one, where he was given a life time achievement award). Loved hearing his stories. RIP. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST Date: 27 May 15 - 06:38 AM I've the priviledge to talk with him here a couple of times. Sad to hear the news. RIP Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: maeve Date: 27 May 15 - 06:43 AM No words- here's the man: Art Thieme sings Casey Jones |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Richard Bridge Date: 27 May 15 - 06:45 AM Shame. He seemed a nice chap. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: CapriUni Date: 27 May 15 - 06:48 AM One of my favorite chat partners, back when MudChat was around. I will miss him. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Megan L Date: 27 May 15 - 07:13 AM My thoughts go to his family. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: wysiwyg Date: 27 May 15 - 07:25 AM RIP, and condolences to his wife, family, and friends. ~Susan |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,gillymor Date: 27 May 15 - 07:29 AM The funniest guy I never met. Rest in peace, Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,# Date: 27 May 15 - 07:31 AM RIP, Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Mary Katherine Date: 27 May 15 - 07:52 AM So sorry to hear this. Condolences to Carol and Chris. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: gnu Date: 27 May 15 - 07:53 AM Very sad news. RIP, Art... and thanks. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Dani Date: 27 May 15 - 08:20 AM I didn't know him in his musical past, but I will miss him as a gentle spirit here. He was very kind to me once when I reached out for help; deeply honest, generous and kind. I am grateful. Warm wishes for you Thiemes, and may the good memories flow like the incoming tide and swallow your grief. Dani |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Will Fly Date: 27 May 15 - 08:25 AM RIP Art - a sad loss. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Brian Peters Date: 27 May 15 - 08:27 AM I was just listening to a CD of his in the car, thanks to Roy Harris who lent it to me. Nice, unpretentious singing, putting the song and story across well, good picking, and some interesting repertoire. We need more like that. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST Date: 27 May 15 - 08:27 AM A loss, no question about it. A lovely man. I'm so sorry. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 27 May 15 - 08:42 AM Yes, glad I've got a CD to remember him by, only met him here. obviously a rare and interesting man who experienced the American Folk scene over the decades. RtS |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: bbc Date: 27 May 15 - 08:43 AM So sorry to hear this news! I only knew him through mudcat & his music, but he was one of the great souls. He will live on, through our memories & his legacy of music (& wit). Safe passage, my friend! Barbara |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,AllisonA (Animaterra) Date: 27 May 15 - 08:48 AM Sorry to hear this. Art was so kind to me in the early days- I still have his musical map of the US somewhere. Go in peace, Art, and sing some songs with Sandy, Rick, Kat, Pete, Utah and Spaw and all the others. The heavenly choir just get noisier and more boistrous as ol' Devil Time marches on. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Little Robyn Date: 27 May 15 - 08:52 AM Bye Art. Robyn |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: fat B****rd Date: 27 May 15 - 08:57 AM RIP Mr.Thieme |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 27 May 15 - 09:36 AM Very sorry to read this. Fan of his from his days on the radio in the late 70s or early 80s. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Dave the Gnome Date: 27 May 15 - 09:52 AM A sad loss indeed. Condolences to all his family and friends. Dave |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 27 May 15 - 10:02 AM A terrible loss. I'm so sorry to hear this. R.I.P. Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 27 May 15 - 10:11 AM I'll miss him - we corresponded on occasion over the years. Years ago he sent me & Bob Bolton an MP3 (title Everything - Art Thieme) of concerts dating back to 1978 & Bob converted them to a collection of CDs. I'm currently listening to "Come to the hills" from 'Live at No Exit' 16 February '78. RIP Art, & condolences to Carol & Chris & his family sandra |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Stilly River Sage Date: 27 May 15 - 10:12 AM Our late Katlaughing (Kat LaFrance) had regular conversations with Art over the years, so I want to note the condolences that surely would have come from her. I spoke to Art a number of times over the years, and know he had a special fondness for the members of Mudcat. Twice we rallied and sent new computers to Art. On the first occasion he was preparing to process his music and photo collection to donate to the Smithsonian and his computer died. After consultation amongst ourselves we researched computers, software, discs, and more, and pooled resources to send the computer and materials. The second time was to send a laptop with a touch screen that would allow him more access to the world outside as Multiple Schlerosis slowly compressed his ability to use the standard mouse and keyboard. Condolences to Art's wife Carol and son Chris and his family - don't be strangers. Art Thieme posts when he was logged on (there are lots of guest Art Thieme posts also) Here is the text of an article about Art that Kat posted in 2006: GOING WITH THE MUSICAL FLOW Maggie |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Mrrzy Date: 27 May 15 - 10:13 AM Aw man, the vanguard advances. So very sorry. Love to the family and the rest of the Mudcat. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Padre Date: 27 May 15 - 10:18 AM May he rest in peace. Padre |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Benjamin Date: 27 May 15 - 10:36 AM Thank you for contributions and for everything you shared in your music and in your life! We will always miss you and remember you Art! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Cool Beans Date: 27 May 15 - 10:42 AM I knew him only through recordings and Mudcat, but I liked him very much. RIP, Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Alice Date: 27 May 15 - 10:51 AM My sympathy goes out to Art's family. He was a very special man and a very special musician. A treasure to the Mudcat community here, rest in peace, Art. Alice in Montana |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Bill D Date: 27 May 15 - 11:14 AM I had the good fortune to see Art live several times during his prime, and bantered with him on Mudcat after he joined. He also provided me with a couple of treasured items...one by just knowing an obscure song, and one by duplicating an unpublished tape of a mutual friend who has also passed away. Art was a treasure.... a singer, a generous source of knowledge, a raconteur, a gentleman, and a fighter who made the best of the sad hand life dealt him in his later years. Miss him? I have missed him for quite awhile already... but this is different. Bye Art... and thank you for everything |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Don Meixner Date: 27 May 15 - 11:45 AM Art was a friend. I'll miss him. Don |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Amos Date: 27 May 15 - 12:16 PM Art Thieme is a great spirit and was a top-drawer human being. He was a truly decent man. And he was a highly accomplished performer whose versions of numerous songs are classics. I learned a lot just from listening to him tell his stories (remember the Lock Moss Nesters?) and sing his songs. He could make you roll on the floor laughing and seconds later have you weeping sympathetic tears. (It was so cold in Chicago an exhibitionist came up to me and described himself, thats how cold it was!) But I am glad he's free of the surly bonds, out where he can sing as loud and as long as he wants to now. A |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Elmore Date: 27 May 15 - 12:17 PM Sorry to hear this.I enjoyed his music and his posts on Mudcat. It seems that Art handled his health issues with great courage. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Dharmabum Date: 27 May 15 - 12:21 PM Rest in peace Art. Thanks for the music. DB. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 27 May 15 - 12:26 PM Art my friend. I'm sad that you are gone, but I take consolation in knowing that the pain and frustrations your illness gave you are now over. Thank you for the music,the stories,and the pleasure of your company. Rest in Peace. Condolences to Carol and Chris. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: PHJim Date: 27 May 15 - 12:35 PM I didn't know Art personally, but it's hard to be involved in the folk community and not know about him and his "This Machine Kills Time" banjo head. Condolences to his friends and family. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: frogprince Date: 27 May 15 - 12:37 PM Another of the real good ones gone : ( I had opportunity to see Art just a bit around the Chicago folk scene before moving from that area thirty years ago. He was one of the most positive and entertaining contributors here so long as he was able. Certainly one of the world's masters of the utterly shameless pun. Rest in peace, Art, and condolences to the family. Dean Elkins |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST Date: 27 May 15 - 12:46 PM Art was an engaging performer and a tireless researcher of the old songs and their origins. He share much with me on the old songs and it was fun to compare notes as it were. I will miss his cheerful additions to this forum. Rex |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: GUEST,Guest (Tracy) Date: 27 May 15 - 01:06 PM Throughout all those years on the road it was always a great pleasure whenever Art was there too. Rest in Peace, Art! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: babypix Date: 27 May 15 - 01:06 PM Art was a dear friend, an encourager, and inspiration. He was family. As a Chicagoan (now transplanted), I cannot remember when his name wasn't around the folk scene. He was indeed, our "Master of the Sheepfold". The world won't be the same without him. And neither shall we. with deepest sadness from Deborah Robins (and Larry Hanks) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: SINSULL Date: 27 May 15 - 01:17 PM A kind, gentle man. RIP, Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Mark Ross Date: 27 May 15 - 01:24 PM A shining example of what a folksinger should be and do. I used to call him up every once in a while to trade jokes and stories. A very bright light has gone out. Mark Ross |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Deckman Date: 27 May 15 - 01:28 PM Someone recemtly told me that "we do what we do because we love what we do" ... Art was that kind of person and he certainly enriched my life. bob(deckman)nelson |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: JedMarum Date: 27 May 15 - 01:32 PM I was so saddened to see this news; so sad to Art's passing. He was a jewel to the world, especially to the world of folk music. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. My eternal thanks to Mudcat, where Art's thoughts, wisdom and humor will "shine" for years to come!! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: BigDaddy Date: 27 May 15 - 01:47 PM Art was always one of those that made Mudcat a warm, welcoming place. His passing will leave another big hole in the fabric of the Mudcat quilt. R.I.P., Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Bert Date: 27 May 15 - 02:19 PM Bye Old Fella. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Morticia Date: 27 May 15 - 02:21 PM So. so sorry to hear this. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme From: Joe Offer Date: 27 May 15 - 02:32 PM I suppose we all knew this was coming, but it still hurts so bad. I always meant to call him on the phone, or to stop and visit when I was in the Midwest. I came so close to doing that a number of times, but never did. I guess it wasn't meant to be. But we shared so much online and by mail, and that was wonderful. Art, thank you for everything you have been to so many of us. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Rex Date: 27 May 15 - 03:14 PM I will keep telling the tale of his Western road trip where he met Del Bray in a saloon in Cheyenne and learned the cowboy version of Barbara Allen. That was in 1960 when he came out West with a friend. In a microbus of course. Rex (signed in now) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,GUEST - Paul Stamler Date: 27 May 15 - 03:46 PM I had the great privilege of working with Art over the years; I recorded concerts he did at Focal Point, and house concerts in my living room. Later, after his illness forced him to stop performing, we worked together on producing the retrospective album on Waterbug "The Older I Get, The Better I Was". I never worked harder on a project, and was never better rewarded -- by Art's friendship and example. He was one of a kind -- well, we all are, but Art was more so. I'll miss him; we all will. My deepest condolences to his family. Peace, Paul |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Mark Clark Date: 27 May 15 - 04:01 PM I saw Chris' post on Facebook early this morning. I've been too overcome with sadness to think of much to say. I guess I feel like James Taylor "I always thought I'd see you one more time again." Art was among the first folksingers I met upon moving to Chicago in 1963. His scholarship and devotion to tradition put him, in my eyes, way above most of the people performing around Chicago in those days. That and he tastefully picked his guitar instead of just strumming it as most of them did. Over the years we wound up on some of the same shows together and I always loved those occasions. For a while we lived pretty close to each other in the Newtown area and sometimes we'd have a chance to sit and talk. He once gave me a computer printout a friend of his had done calculating all the possible right hand picking patterns for guitar. Sometimes Art would pull that out and try a few more just to see if he could come up with a new approach to a tune. I once gave him an old 12-string guitar I didn't want anymore. I think maybe his had been stolen or something. I can't remember. Geez, I still can't think of any words. Sadness… - Mark |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: ChanteyLass Date: 27 May 15 - 05:37 PM My sympathy to Art's family, friends, and fans. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Wesley S Date: 27 May 15 - 05:48 PM Sad. Another good man gone..... |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,Sandy Andina Date: 27 May 15 - 07:03 PM Alas--one magnificent voice gone from the choir, one magnanimous friend of folk (and friend to so many) no longer among us. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: kendall Date: 27 May 15 - 07:49 PM This makes me want to weep. What a swell guy he was, and what a talent. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Hartford folk festival many years ago. RIP old pal. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Leadfingers Date: 27 May 15 - 07:59 PM R I P Art !!! |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Janie Date: 27 May 15 - 08:34 PM Thanks to all who knew or met him in 3D for sharing your memories. Rest in Peace, Art. Deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,Rapparee Date: 27 May 15 - 10:23 PM One of Illinois most important citizens -- and one of its most important musical figures -- and one of the best Mudcitizens -- has found it needful to leave us temporarily. Itt a musical pause, not a finale. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Ebbie Date: 27 May 15 - 10:46 PM Another family member gone. But, as a wise friend once pointed out to me, only the physical connection has been broken... RIP, Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: dick.hamlet Date: 28 May 15 - 12:08 AM I never saw Art perform, and never met him. But his recordings are treasures that I continually mine for the the songs he made his own, and brought out so the rest of us could have them too. I hear his voice in my head all the time, and that will not fade. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Stewie Date: 28 May 15 - 12:35 AM Such sad news. He was a beaut bloke. We exchanged many recordings over a number of years. He generously sent me some rare stuff. Vale Art. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: vectis Date: 28 May 15 - 04:10 AM Sorry to hear this. I never met him but enjoyed many of his posts and comments here on Mudcat. Condolences to his wife and family. Mary Barr ex UK now New Zealand. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST Date: 28 May 15 - 06:40 AM Oh my, the memories. Art at the No Exit every Thursday night (we're talking the late 1970's here), where I would soak up everything he so willingly "taught." One of my first out-of-town singing trips was with Art and Jim Craig, at the old Ark (when it was still in the house) in Ann Arbor. I felt like I was getting to play with the big kids. Now we are the big kids, and Art's no longer breathing the same air. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Pete Jennings Date: 28 May 15 - 07:03 AM RIP Art. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,Sheila Date: 28 May 15 - 09:32 AM Although I knew Art Thieme only from Mudcat posts, I always felt the decency, integrity and kindness in his thoughts and responses. My sympathies go to the family. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Steve Parkes Date: 28 May 15 - 09:51 AM Like Sheila, I only knew Art through the Mudcat. He had all those qualities -- and the wonderful gift of being outrageous without being offensive. Well, not much anyway! Goodbye Art, I'll miss you. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Bill D Date: 28 May 15 - 11:41 AM How Art Thieme learned what Mudcat can do... and gave us one of the classic threads (Not what you wished to be remembered for, Art? ....never mind, it's just one silly memory among all the wonderful stuff you gave us.) |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Ernest Date: 28 May 15 - 01:00 PM RIP Art Thieme. Another good one of those people that inspired me to join the mudcat is gone. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Elijah Browning Date: 28 May 15 - 01:10 PM My favorite, Bill D? Which ever brand Dad forgot to use at least once 9 months prior to June 1970. :) Thanks for the smile Chris (C.T.) Thieme |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Desert Dancer Date: 28 May 15 - 06:42 PM I only knew him from the 'Cat -- but that's more than enough to recognize a great loss to friends, family, and the musical world. Art Thieme, longtime Chicago folk musician, dies By Tony Briscoe Chicago Tribune May 28, 2015 Arthur "Art" Thieme, a Chicago folk musician who took his intimate style of storytelling and humor across the country while remaining a mainstay at local venues for nearly four decades, has died, his son said Wednesday. He was 73. Thieme earned a reputation as a master of the American folk ballad, often playing the six- and nine-string guitar or five-string banjo and occasionally the violinlike musical saw. Regardless of instrumentation, his performance was always highlighted by his comfortable demeanor and comical use of puns and wordplay. Thieme died of complications related to multiple sclerosis Tuesday night in Crystal Lake, where he lived with his wife in a nursing home, said his son, Chris Thieme. "His music, the way he could take an entire auditorium of people and make them feel like they were in his living room, he just had that way about him," Chris Thieme said. "He was a great person, a great man." A Chicago native, Thieme grew up playing the guitar as a teenager, frequenting the beatnik clubs of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He later became captivated by historic stories while working as a manager at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He incorporated many historic stories into his music, like his 1986 performance of "Mr. Garfield," a sung-and-spoken piece about the 1881 assassination of President James Garfield. "He loved traditional songs, stories from all around country, all around America," Chris Thieme said. "He primarily was a folklorist. He loved the idea of preserving parts of American history that otherwise would be lost." The school is also where Thieme met his wife, Carol. Shortly after the couple married and traveled the country, they returned to Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Thieme gravitated to the coffeehouse ambience and creative crowd at the Rogers Park establishment No Exit Cafe, a venue he played every Thursday for much of his career — including Thanksgivings. "He had been in the folk scene, and so it had been germinating at that point whether he wanted to do it full-time," Thieme said. "When my mom told him she was pregnant with me, he walked to Lake Michigan and thought and said, 'Let's make a go of it,' and he never looked back." In 1977, Thieme released his first of seven albums, "Outright Bold-Faced Lies." Chris Thieme said his father's favorite was "On the Wilderness Road," released in 1986. Art Thieme passed the music bug along to Chris, who performed his father's songs as recently as two weeks ago at a Lake County venue. Thieme lost his playing ability in the mid-1990s, around the time he was diagnosed with MS. He still released a collection of his live performances in 2006, "Art Thieme Live: Chicago Town & Points West." Thieme is also survived by his brother Richard and five grandchildren. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Nigel Paterson Date: 29 May 15 - 05:13 AM My sincere condolences to Art Thieme's Family & Friends. A great loss for so many people & for so many reasons, Nigel Paterson. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST, Guest overthebar Date: 29 May 15 - 06:34 AM So sad, RIP Art |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: deepdoc1 Date: 29 May 15 - 09:16 AM Gone to the great turtle roundup in the sky. I will miss Art's presence on the 'cat, but he left us with a grande catalogue of Thieme music, humor and heart. I toast these remembrances of a life well lived. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: olddude Date: 29 May 15 - 10:21 AM I have no words goodbye my friend. Thank you for all you did for me |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: olddude Date: 29 May 15 - 10:50 AM wrote this for Art and had it on my CD. He did so much to encourage me old picker No words. We lost a treasure |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Rapparee Date: 29 May 15 - 11:23 AM There was a great write-up on Art in yesterday's Chicago Tribune, page 8, above the fold. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Abby Sale Date: 29 May 15 - 11:42 AM Oh. One of the true Greats - both for folk song and for humans. A presence. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Lonesome EJ Date: 29 May 15 - 12:07 PM So sorry to hear that Art is gone. When I first came to this forum in 1999, Art told a story about the tuba player who suffered a terrible accident when he was caught in a high wind and was screwed into the ground. I immediately liked his goofy and irreverent sense of humor, and his stories about his days in coffee shops and on the road. He got tired once with all the non-music bs that was going on in the forum, and he started the famous "What Kind of Condom do Mudcatters Wear?" thread, which was the first really big thread in the forum and one of the funniest. He will be remembered for that great voice and those great stories. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Amos Date: 29 May 15 - 12:21 PM God bless Bill D for resurrecting the Condom Thread. It would get a rise out of anyone. Art would be proud, and the classic joys of those innocent times are a fine reminder of his best and brightest (and funniest) spirit. I am going to refrain from putting out a long string of puns about rubbernecking. Adieu, Art. Thank you so very much for making our vale of tears ring with laughter and music. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Duane D. Date: 29 May 15 - 01:23 PM Caroline Paton requested me to add her note to Mudcat. May 27, 2015 Yesterday we lost one of the great ones. Art Thieme was the real deal, a consummate teller in story and song, an icon of Americana. Further more, he was a beautiful person, a real "mensch." My husband, Sandy, met Art in Chicago in 1960 or 1961. Sandy was selling folk records in a big store downtown. As I recall, Art was in high school then, and working part-time in another music store nearby. He'd come over on his breaks and he and Sandy would "Walk each other's minds..." (a reference to a line in "Go With Me," a song by Rosalie Sorrels) It was a lifelong bond. Our heartfelt condolences to Carol and Chris and his family. Caroline Paton Folk-Legacy Sharon, CT. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Chris C Date: 29 May 15 - 03:19 PM I too am saddened to hear of Art's passing. We never met; I knew him through the Mudcat, and we exchanged CD's and such through the mail for a time. He also generously gave me permission to reprint some of his many wonderful recollections about the music scene in 1960's Chicago. I extend my condolences to Art's family and friends. I know he'll be greatly missed. ~Chris C. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: YorkshireYankee Date: 29 May 15 - 06:17 PM I didn't know Art well... I'd enjoyed his playing, singing, stories and puns at festivals (when I lived in the US), then had the privilege of visiting him and Carol a few times in Crystal Lake during the last 2-3 years (when I was in the area). I could see what lovely people he was/she is; gentle, kind-hearted, thoughtful, loving people trying to make the best of a difficult situation. Wish I could have visited more... and so sad that Art is no longer physically with us. I find myself thinking, however much we all miss him, it must be so much harder for his family – especially Carol. The two of them have kept each other company for so long... (and Carol's mother passed away early this month – quite the double whammy!). My sincere sympathies to Carol, Chris and the rest of the family. Like everyone else, I hope Art is enjoying being able to play his guitar again. Rest in Peace. YY/Vikki Appleton Fielden |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,Guy Wolff Date: 29 May 15 - 06:19 PM I stopped by Mudcat today to look at the words to "Turnip Greens" and I said to the researcher on this song 'I wonder what Art Theime or Joe Offer said about this one".. So sorry to hear this news .. The old guard at Mudcat all were so great to me in the early days of the internet music family .. My spelling is a little better now that they have spellcheck on these things .. So see you later Art and so glad to have known you here .. Hello to all my other old friends here !! yours Guy <>><><><><><><><> |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,M.Ted Date: 29 May 15 - 11:42 PM I remember seeing him, many times, many places, in Michigan, back when folk music was really folk music. Everybody has it right, he really was the best... |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 May 15 - 12:58 AM Even as Art was fully impacted by the MS, when he couldn't play an instrument any more, he could still talk, and his voice still had that quality that you hear in his music. It came through on the phone. Paxton's "I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound" gives you a chance to hear it (without audience noise that is on a lot of other songs posted at YouTube). There's a lot of Art Thieme on YouTube. SRS |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Andrez Date: 30 May 15 - 08:39 AM Australia's such a long way away but Art's music and words and wit touched some of us over here too. My condolences and best wishes to Art's family and everyone else touched by his being. Rest in peace, Andrez |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: frogprince Date: 30 May 15 - 09:48 AM This may be a somewhat goofy reflection, but; Art had "This machine kills time" on his banjo head. Obviously the inspiration from Woody's "This machine kills fascists" was there, but I would suspect Art did it primarily as a gentle joke. I wonder if even Art himself ever thought of a deeper implication that I find quite appropriate: Few have been as dedicated as Art to keeping the treasure of older folk material alive. When he performed, we became "unstuck in time"; the time between the creation of the song and his performance of it effectively ceased to exist for us. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: CupOfTea Date: 30 May 15 - 12:44 PM This is a passing that diminishes the foundation of folk tradition. Art was a huge influence and/or beloved friend to those who formed the folk world I got wrapped up in when I lived outside of Chicago, in Dekalb. In trips back, I was fortunate enough to spend time in his orbit, meet Carol, cherish the times. Over the years, I got to see quite a bit of prime Artness. Sets that were one song long, but interwoven, verse by verse with extraordinarily TALL tales, marveling at the repertoire that seemed to have no end, watching the total hilarity as he and Dan Kedding demonstrated the weird in folk instruments - his saw, of course, but nose flutes too. I loved knowing how some songs I loved in others' repertoires came from Art's singing. I got to see him be appreciated as he deserved not just at Mudcat, but at Augusta Heritage Workshops and Folk Alliance. The last time I saw him, at Fox Valley, was with Mark Dvorak as instrumental backup and sort of interviewer. I hope Mark, or someone else, carries on carrying on like Art, with tall tall tales and stories. The south had Gamble Rogers to treasure, but Illinois had Art. Thank you, and well sung, sir. Joanne in Cleveland |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Waddon Pete Date: 31 May 15 - 05:52 AM I was away from home when the news broke. Like Olddude, I have no words. We all knew this day would come sooner or later and we all hoped it would be later. However, he has found peace and rest. He has also left behind a wealth of songs and stories for us to carry forward. as he often said, "You may groan...but you'll be telling it yourself tomorrow." Indeed we will. Thanks Art. I have added Art to the "in Memoriam" thread. RIP Peter |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST Date: 31 May 15 - 06:52 PM Scott Alarik remembers Art Thieme and reprises an essay about him here: http://scottalarik.com/index.php?page=stories&category=01--Featured_Stories&display=364 |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 31 May 15 - 07:41 PM Scott Alarik remembers Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: bbc Date: 31 May 15 - 08:36 PM Wonderful article by Scott Alarik. I've seen him perform & he sang Art's songs & told his jokes. Great! bbc |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST,Barbara Date: 31 May 15 - 09:02 PM Don't forget to pray for the dead |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: olddude Date: 01 Jun 15 - 01:30 PM Last night I went through the cds and songbooks Art gave me. His hand written notes he put in. Very sad yet priceless to me as he wanted me to have them. I will miss him so |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: olddude Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:50 PM Just heard back from Don Lange. Art recorded his song Here's to the rounders on one of his CD. Hi Dan, We're saddened by the news. Art and I kept in touch intermittently throughout the years. He really liked Oregon (he lived here in the late sixties) but, alas, was never able to come to see us. What a great spirit he was. Probably still is! And his music lives on. He did such a great rendition of "Rounders". All in all, though, it's very sad news. Thanks for reaching out to let me know. Take care, Don |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: Phil Cooper Date: 03 Jun 15 - 07:44 AM At the 2000 Folk Alliance, in Cleveland, we brought Art to get honored by the powers that be. Jean Richie was there. Art asked if she wanted to have a wheel chair race. She took it in good humor. Alan Lomax, not so much. |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: maeve Date: 03 Jun 15 - 09:01 PM Good story, Phil. Thanks. Maeve |
Subject: RE: Obit: Art Thieme (1941-2015) From: GUEST Date: 04 Jun 15 - 03:00 PM Here's a video of Art from 1980 singing "Rye Whiskey Medley". R.I.P. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XJ-h6MIcHU |
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