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Obit: Silly Wizard's Johnny Cunningham - Dec 2003
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Subject: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Scabby Douglas Date: 16 Dec 03 - 10:58 AM This came from Simon Thoumire, via footstompin.com ******************************************************************** Simon T: Posted: 16/12/2003 14:12 Johnny Cunningham (fabulous fiddler with Silly Wizard and brother of Phil) passed away on the evening of December 15th 2003. He died at home in Trisha's arms from a heart attack. This is terrible news. Johnny was a great guy and will be sadly missed by the whole folk community. ********************************************************************* |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Sorcha Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:10 AM Oh, Johnny, Johnny, we hardly knew ye...... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Mooh Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:11 AM There's one heck of a good band where he's gone. I'm very sorry, we've lost one fabulous fiddler. Our prayers to his family. Peace, Mooh. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Murray MacLeod Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:17 PM Terrible news. One of the true greats .... RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:26 PM Does anyone have a way to contact Trisha? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: John MacKenzie Date: 16 Dec 03 - 12:49 PM So sad, I seem to remember Phil had heart problems too. It could be a family trait, but it also could be because they are Scots, as a nation we have a very poor record in this respect. What a blow for his family, made worse by it being so close to Christmas. Singing his spirit home.....Giok |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,Tory in Portland Date: 16 Dec 03 - 01:02 PM We were lucky to have Johnny living among us for awhile in Portland Oregon. On Tuesday nights, he sometimes sat in with the "beginning" Irish session players at the now-defunct East Ave. Tavern. He was very low-key, and you'd hardly know he was there during the session, but at the end of the evening (I am told) he would get up and play for the stragglers. I'm sorry to say I was never able to stay up late enough to hear him. I am very saddened by this news. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Willie-O Date: 16 Dec 03 - 01:13 PM Oh, man...I am shocked. What a great player, what a character, what a loss. Bill |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Anne Lennox-Martin Date: 16 Dec 03 - 01:28 PM Heartfelt sympathies to Phil and all the family. I hope they will receive good wishes from mudcat? I am not familiar with how it all works yet.Anne |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,skd in Oregon Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:08 PM It was 'mudcat' where we learned of Dave Carters passing and now, Johnny Cunningham. My heartfelt condolences to Phil, Trisha and all who were close to him. I'll be playing 'Hector the Hero' and other wonderful tunes that Johnny played (tho not so well as he did)in tribute to him this day. Though we will miss him sorely, 'Fiddler's Heaven' just recieved a great musician and loving soul. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Bloke in the Corner Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:09 PM Who will ever forget his fiddling with Silly Wizard? So sad for his brother Phil, the god of the piano accordion and a gentleman of the first water. Much sympathy - they have both given so much pleasure to so many, may Phil continue for many years. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Skipper Jack Date: 16 Dec 03 - 02:42 PM Tragic news indeed! An occasion I will fondly remember was the night I booked Silly Wizard for the Colliers Folk Club. Despite having only eleven people in the audience, Johnny said that he and the band Silly Wizard thoroughly enjoyed the evening. He reminded me again some years later when he and Phil were booked for the Swansea Folk Club. My sincere condolences go to Phil and the Cunningham family. Dave R. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: curmudgeon Date: 16 Dec 03 - 03:20 PM We too were most fortunate to have Johnny visit our Friday sessions when he was living in Boston. His like will not come our way again -- Tom Johnny's Website ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 16 Dec 03 - 04:05 PM I knew Johnny when he was quite a young bloke with the then new band, Silly Wizard. It was obvious even then that he was going to be in the first rank of musicians. A sad loss to the folk music community. Another one leaves us too early. Sympathies to all his family. RIP. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: KathWestra Date: 16 Dec 03 - 05:09 PM For those who wish to send condolences, go to the link to Johnny's website (clicky in Curmudgeon's message above). There's a link for memorial thoughts and messages of condolence to Trisha and family under the "News" button on Johnny's site. A huge loss. A wonderful fiddler whose joy in the music was palpable, and whose great sense of humor infused all he did. So glad that so many folks got to hear him and Phil together this summer at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Brían Date: 16 Dec 03 - 06:45 PM oh shit. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: 8_Pints Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:10 PM I still have the haunting vinyl LP 'So Many Partings' ...... This is one too many! RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,Melani Date: 16 Dec 03 - 07:54 PM Ouch. This has been a very bad season. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: nosluap57 Date: 16 Dec 03 - 09:35 PM Very sad news indeed. Thank you Johnny for the joy you brought those too few times I got to see you on stage. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Big Mick Date: 16 Dec 03 - 10:10 PM A huge loss to our community. Condolences to his family. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Cluin Date: 16 Dec 03 - 10:44 PM Aw shit! That's terrible news. He was a really nice and funny guy on top of being a great fiddler. Used to trade emails with him years ago, but fell out of touch. I'm gonna go drink a toast to him right now. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Cluin Date: 16 Dec 03 - 10:57 PM A spoof song I wrote for/about Johnny several years ago. I know he got got a kick out of it, as did his former bandmates. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Brían Date: 16 Dec 03 - 11:28 PM This was just forwarded to me: Scottish master fiddler Johnny Cunningham passed away last evening Dec.15, 2003). He died at home in Trisha's arms from a heart attack Johnny was 46 years old and had played fiddle since the age of 7. He was known for his lightning-fast reels and hauntingly beautiful Scottish airs. He also delighted audiences worldwide with his wry humor and stories. Born in Portobello, Scotland in 1957, Johnny was a founding member of Silly Wizard, the group that spearheaded the Scots side of the Celtic revival in the 70's and 80's. He had toured with his brother, Phil Cunningham, both as a duo and with the Celtic "supergroup" Relativity, which also featured Micheal O'Domhnaill and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill of TheBothy Band. Johnny not only enjoyed a succcessful career as a solo performer but was greatly in demand as an award-winning record producer. Among other ventures, he toured with contemporary singer-songwriter and author Bill Morrissey, and crossed over into the world of rock & roll, appearing with Hall & Oates. His own alternative band, Raindogs, made two successful CD's for Atlantic/Atco Records, and toured with artists such as Bob Dylan, Don Henley, and Warren Zevon. Collaborations also included projects with Cherish the Ladies and Solas, and led to four CD's and three National American Independent Music Awards (NAIRD) for Best Album. After completing a four-year stint with the international Windham Hill/BMG act Nightnoise, Johnny started working with the acclaimed New York-based theater company Mabou Mines on their theatrical production of "Peter & Wendy." He composed the music and lyrics for this adaptation of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," which enjoyed numerous sold out engagements. The response by audience and critics alike was overwhelmingly positive. Already the winner of two OBIE Awards, "Peter & Wendy" moved to Berkeley, CA, in 1999 for a run at the renowned Berkeley Repertory Theater, and later to the Dublin Theatre Festival. The soundtrack album from this innovative production was released in 1997. Johnny devoted the summer of 1997 to a collaboration with Thomas Moore, best-selling author of "Care Of The Soul." The result was a double CD set, "The Soul Of Christmas," released by Tommy Boy/Upaya. Through the heart of Celtic culture and Moore's writings, "The Soul of Christmas" explores a spiritual interpretation of traditional Christmas music and thought. A live concert version of this celebration was filmed for a PBS television special which aired throughout the 1997 holiday season. In Fall 1997, Johnny toured throughout Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales with The Celtic Fiddle Festival, joined by fellow fiddlers Kevin Burke (Ireland) and Christian Le maitre (Brittany). This tour was recorded and produced by Johnny for the Green Linnet label, and released in February 1998. A collaboration with Seamus Egan, (Solas), Jeanne Butler Colin Dunn, (Riverdance) and Harvey Goldsmith/Radio CIty Music Hall Enterprises, led to Johnny writing the text and lyrics for the show "Dancing on Dangerous Ground." Johnny then worked with producer-director Renee McCormick on a documentary feature entitled "A Life Outside Convention," about women who decide not to be mothers. Johnny drew from Jazz and other American musical traditions for its soundtrack. Since Nov. 1, 2003, Johnny had been touring with Irish singer Susan McKeown and guitarist Aidan Brennan on the third edition of the Winter Talisman Tour. The show had been recorded and released on Sheila-na-Gig Music/Caledonian Musicworks in 2001. Funeral plans for Johnny are still being finalized. For more information, please see < Brían |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,Diva Date: 17 Dec 03 - 03:02 AM Huge shock. Condolences to his family, he will be sorely missed. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,weerover Date: 17 Dec 03 - 03:47 AM I was fortunate enough to spend an evening with Johnny many years back. Besides being a marvellous musician, he had a great way with telling stories of places he had recently played - what a loss. wr |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Dave Hanson Date: 17 Dec 03 - 06:53 AM I will drink to Johnny tonight, the world is now a smaller place. eric |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,Turtle Date: 17 Dec 03 - 01:04 PM What a huge loss. Johnny was one of the first fiddlers I ever really listened to--still an inspiration. When my first fiddle teacher asked me which fiddlers I admired, I said, "Johnny Cunningham." Dang it. What a sad day. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,cookieless Nickp Date: 17 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM The Scotsman article Such a loss, how sad. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,BexMcK Date: 18 Dec 03 - 04:12 AM I was in Sandy Bell's in Edinburgh one night several years ago when Johnny came in for a drink. Somebody persuaded him to pick up the old, knackered fiddle they keep in the bar, and what sounds he got out of it! The intensity and passion of his playing soon caught the attention of everyone in the place. Even people who didn't know who he was knew they were in the company of someone just a little bit magic. Tourists and students were whispering, 'Who is that?' It was a real Sandy Bell's moment, and an honour to witness. Messages from multiple threads combined. Messages below are from a new thread. |
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Subject: Johnny Cunningham: A Parting Glass From: PaulineL Date: 21 Dec 03 - 10:05 PM Johnny Cunningham, the great Celtic fiddler, passed on Dec. 15 at the age of 46. He had a heart attack and died in his sweetheart's arms. I was awed and inspired by Johnny Cunningham and I always will be. I am thankful that he left us so many great recordings, but I will certainly miss his live performances. They were really *live.* You can read more, including beautiful messages from many who loved him, at www.johnnycunningham.com , on the news page. His sweetheart had just set up this website for him as a Christmas present. So give to me the parting glass. Good night and joy be with you all. |
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Subject: RE: OBIT: Johnny Cunningham: A Parting Glass From: Sorcha Date: 21 Dec 03 - 10:46 PM I think we did this already..... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Tam the Bam (Nutter) Date: 22 Dec 03 - 01:07 PM Well, I never heard of Johnny Cunningham because I never listened to Silly Wizard, however it's sad that he's dead, away to the great folk club in the sky. Tom frae Saltcoats |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: InOBU Date: 22 Dec 03 - 11:07 PM I can't bring my self to say much, spent a week with him years ago at a festival we were both performing at, sessuins at night, hanging out during the day, lovely funny sweet guy, what a loss, my dearest condolences to his loved ones, Larry |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: georgeward Date: 23 Dec 03 - 12:30 AM Following Curmudgeon's link and Kathy Westra's directions just below it, here's a Johnny and Phil story I sent to John's website: Many years ago, Silly Wizard played a concert for Old Songs, near Albany, NY, at the old place, a deconsecrated church with great acoustics and puritan pews. Vaughn and I took our young sons, Pete and Nathaniel (then probably aged 8 and 10 years). The boys loved the concert, and charged up front to meet the band afterward. Whether it was Phil or Johnny I don't now remember,but one of the Cunningham brothers pulled out a Scottish coin. Realizing he had only one, he called to his brother,who - with barely a word said - pulled out and tossed another across the stage apron...one for each of the Ward brothers. It was such a right, generous and spontaneous thing to do, we never forgot it. And I've wondered - as it happened so fast and so easily - if someone had done as much for John and Phil, if they were passing something on. That and a love of the power of music. Godspeed then, John. And our condolences to you all. - George Ward |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Cluin Date: 23 Dec 03 - 12:50 AM Great story, George. Thanks! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: GUEST,Pete Rimmer Bothy Folk Club Date: 23 Dec 03 - 07:00 AM What a shock great singer and player. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: Alba Date: 23 Dec 03 - 07:13 AM How terribly sad. You will indeed be missed Johnny Cunningham. Heartfelt condolences to the Family. Jude |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: open mike Date: 26 Dec 03 - 05:47 PM just realized that dirty linen mag. #109 has a specila feature article on johhny and phil cunningham--good pix there...the two borthers. silly wizard, rain dogs, celtic fiddle festival, and more...little did they know they would be featruing him in another column in the next issue... the closing chord.not sure how much of the article is online, but check www.dirtylinen.com |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Cunningham From: BanjoRay Date: 07 Jan 04 - 06:24 PM There's a beautiful video of Johnny Cunningham made at the Kennedy Centre on 3rd December, a fortnight before his death. You can watch it online (possibly broadband only?) at Johnny Cunningham Video. It has Johnny with Susan McKeown and Aidan Brennan. They sing songs, play tunes and deliver poetry beautifully. A nice memorial. Ray |
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