Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)

Subject: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 05:26 PM

More sad news - Hamilton Camp passed away on Sunday.   He had just finished recording a new CD that will be released in November.   This eloquent note is from his producer, James Lee Stanley:

dear friends in the folk community.   
hamliton camp passed away last night. evidently from a heart attack.    for those of you who knew him, this is a profound loss.   for those who didn't, hamilton was there as the great folk scare began.   judy collins opened for hamilton and his partner bob camp at the gate of horn in chicago.   there is also a recording of one of their concerts there. it is called gibson and camp at the gate of horn.   since that time in the early sixties, he wrote, performed and toured as well as evolving into a fine actor, whose work could be seen in beatty's heaven can wait amongst countless others.   he was also a regular on the tv series mash.
we had been friends since we performed together at the earl of old town in chicago in the mid seventies, he with the skymonters and me solo.
last summer he called and asked me to produce a recording of him that was dedicated to his lovely wife rashada who had passed away over two years ago.    he came in, utterly prepared and performed the songs with so much heart, i suggested that we record him live, voice and guitar and then have the other musicians simply play afterwards and just serve his performances.   both he and his son ray told me that no one had ever captured him so spot on.    only this past friday, hamilton and i just finished the cover art and copy for the album beachwood recordings will be releasing the cd in november. it is called sweet joy.   i think he was just staying here to finish this recording for rashada and then, when he knew it was all done, he slipped away.   
he was a wonderfully funny, charming and talented man and one of my dearest friends.   the world is a poorer place without him in it.
you can post me here if you want to send an email to his family. he is survived by a wonderful group of children and grandchildren.   he was a blessed man.
james lee stanley


- I would only like to add my thanks to Hamilton for all the wonderful music. I treasure my recordings of Gibson & Camp as well as Hamilton's solo albums.   I exchanged several e-mails with Hamilton, and we were going to do an interview for an upcoming program that I am working on. It hurts to think that we will never have a chance to record that.    Thank you for all wonderful music, films and television programs.

Ron

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 05:33 PM

Sad news indeed. I have always enjoyed his music and felt he was an underappreciated trasure in American Folmusic. Paths of Victory has always been a favorite of mine. I continue to do a few songs that I learned from the Gibson amd Camp album.

What sad news.

Don

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 05:48 PM

Sorry to hear it, Ron.

Camp's Pride of Man is one of the great apocalyptic visions in all of music. Anyone who could write that song as well as play the hilarious role he did in Almost Heroes with Chris Farley, must have been a complex and fascinating individual.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 05:55 PM

He'll be missed - a rare individual indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 06:01 PM

I was lucky to have "discovered" Gibson and Camp soon after my intro to folk. I ditto what Leej just wrote above......the man was a really talented cat. He was an early member of Second City in Chicago and also the infamous The Committee in Frisco. Although he did a lot of acting and voice work, he endeared me to him in a truly hilarious take as stereo store owner Del Murdoch (alongside fellow "Committeeman" Howard Hesseman) on WKRP. I fell of the couch laughing.

For ALL the good memories I thank you........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 06:18 PM

Gosh memories for me too of early days of discovering folk music, I got an early folk festival at Newport LP out of the record library nearly 50 years ago. I also have the Paths of Victory album which I will dig out and play in his memory tomorrow.
Rest your soul and enjoy your onward journey.
Giok

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: Peace
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 06:37 PM

Rest well.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: bobad
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 06:43 PM

Another good one gone and another reminder of our mortality "carpe diem".

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 07:23 PM

I also was a fan of his. I first met him when he was performing with Bob Gibson. I later caught him live several times in San Francisco when he was with "The Committee." Indeed ... another good one gone. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 07:35 PM

As we are all approaching a certain age, they are going much to quickly. Eddie Dean, years ago, wrote the song, (I Dreamed I Was There) In Hillbilly Heaven. Every few years a country singer would update it with more greats who have passed on. I think we need a song for Folkmusic Heaven.

I enjoyed Hamilton Camp, both as a folksinger and as an actor. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 10:29 PM

This is an interesting thread for me--I saw the name in the subject and instantly knew it this was a character actor I'd enjoyed for years. I didn't know at all that he was a musician, though from the quality of his performances in film and television, I expect his music is excellent also.

I will research his music. Are there any (other than those mentioned already) pieces or collections that I should pay particular attention to?

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 10:44 PM

SRS - you may remember him as Bob Camp, which I believe was the name he used when Gibson & Camp recorded the seminal album at The Gate of Horn.   They were an influence on the folk revival and you can hear how their music influenced artists like Simon & Garfunkel. (S&G recorded their song "You Can Tell the World" on their first LP.)

As a solo artist, Hamilton Camp had several wonderful albums, and as Lonesome EJ mentioned he wrote "Pride of Man" which was covered by a number of artists in the 60's.

He reunited with Bob Gibson on several occasions and their recording of Shel Silverstein's "Sing for Song" has always been one of my favorites.

At the time of his death, he just completed a CD as mentioned earlier. From what James Lee Stanley (the producer) told me, it is a wonderful recording that would have brought Camp back to the attention of the music world.    James is going to try to get an advance copy to me in time for my radio program this coming Sunday and I will include it a tribute I am planning to air.

I am sure the accolades for his acting will be forthcoming from the entertainment world. I do hope people will also remember him for his love of music and the gifts he gave us. His contribution to the folk scene with Bob Gibson was far greater than they were even given credit for.   They won't be forgotten.

The heavenly choir just got another golden voice.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: M.Ted
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 11:29 PM

He was a favorite of mine, well, just like everyone else says. He was one of that small number of people who layed it all out for the rest of us. I'm at a loss for words.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 11:42 PM

Character actor information commingled with folksinger info.

He had a website called http://hamiltoncamp.com/.

Such a rich life--and I look forward to learning more about it. I'm only sorry I didn't realize the full extent of his talent before now.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 12:51 AM

Farewell.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Briagha
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 01:17 AM

I'm stunned, and so very sad. Paths of Victory was the first vinyl album I ever literally played to death-- wore it out and had to get another one. Farewell, and thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: RiGGy
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 10:23 AM

He recorded the definitive, IMHO, version of Dino Valente's
GET TOGETHER on that 1st solo record I treasured all thru the 60s.
I miss him already. Riggy

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 10:31 AM

He also had become a recent poster on Mudcat! What a loss. I remember seeing him on Hill Street Blues where he played a "one-man band", along with the things already mentioned.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: MissouriMud
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 10:46 AM

I didnt follow Camp in his later career, but the Gibson/Camp Gate of Horn recording had a profound influence on me as a young folk musician. Basically it was one of the primary forces in moving me from being a Kingston Trio banjo playing Dave Guard wannabe to taking up the 6 and 12 string guitar and entering a much broader arena of traditional folk music and singing. I still play Skillet Good and Greasy, Old Blue and several other tunes from the record. However, beyond just the tunes - the harmonies, arrangements, sense of fun and clear love of the music all came through so strongly they gave me a whole new set of goals to shoot for. Sad to think both men are gone now - but they definitely left an impact here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:08 AM

I did not know that Hamilton Camp was a Mudcatter. Do you know what name he was using? I would be curious to read his comments.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:12 AM

I talked my friend and our dates to go down to the Gate after our high school graduation party - June, 1961. I know they had the record coming out. It had been previewed on the Midnight Special, I think. But we only saw Bob -- he and Hamilton really did not play together much. When they did the revisited tour, I asked Hamilton if he and Bob had been friends in Chicago and he said no - that the duo was conceived by the record company - wow - what a wonderful miracle that was!! They were pretty much complete opposites.
My favorite song of his is Gypsy - it should be his classic, IMHO. The Homemade Music cd and some duo's on Bob's Loving You are also really fine music - like Me and Jimmie Rogers.
Would be nice if the new cd does capture some of his great spirit.
There was also a Folkscene interview that I hope is played again or put on the web.
I think he was a very spiritual person, which I think was part of what made him a great comic actor - more in the spirit of Emmitt Kelly and Buster Keaton than the Laugh-in types when he started. He was great in Heaven Can Wait, the tv series that he did, and wasn't he on Newhart too? The riff on Hill Street was nice too.
A great spirit, a great man, great actor, and great musician - he should have been more famous!
Very glad that he passed my way and left a song or two still playing in my mind,
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:24 AM

Oh, God.

Oh, God -- you got another good one. When I get up there (well, if I get up there), can you have him do "St. Clair's Defeat"?

And "Skillet Good and Greasy?" And...heck, God, could you just arrange a concert?

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: wordfella
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 11:58 AM

When I listened to Gibson and Camp,I admired Gibson, but I wanted to be Camp. His harmonies energized the music, and set my course for years to come. To this day, I'd rather sing the harmony than the lead.

Energize the Angel Choir, Hamilton.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 08:33 PM

By the way, the CD that he had just finished will be available around the end of October, early November.   There will be more information at www.jamesleestanley.com .

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 08:56 PM

Whew, those nights I passed in that basement at Chicago and Dearborn. My brother, Richard, was down there the night the two Bobs made the Live At The Gate Of Horn LP album. Later, they tried to re-create that record at Holstein's on Lincoln Ave, but it was never what that first great session was. Sure, that grand old recording does sound dated now. That's because it IS dated.   Those of us who were there for those nights that Shel wrote about in the original liner notes KNOW absolutely that what he described truly WAS the way it was back then! And getting to know Gibson was cool as hell even when he was dangerous---a master user of people as well as drugs. (That's how Gibson made ends meet!) And Camp was constantly doing acting work all over the TV dial. Every time I'd turn the tube on, there was Bob Ham Camp---on Hill Street Blues or Star Trek or whatever. And the two of 'em did wonderful sets on my old live concert radio show on NPR (The Flea Market in the 1980s.)

There are so many tales to tell. Most would be funny as hell, and sad as hell too, on some level, at least when told over a shot of Laphraoig.----"But now is the time for our tears", not sordid retro judgments. (It seems I do manage to exhibit tact and taste once in a long while.)

Recently I ordered the Live At The Gate Of Horn album on CD from Collectors Choice's catalogue. The sound was very "thin"!! The LP had much more presence I think. Gibson's big 12-string had none of the "BOOM" it had either in person or on the old record in glorious mono. (And sadly, the old jokes were not hip. They were just lame.) But the songs, the good ones at least, were still great. The cream does rise.--------
------- Shel Silverstein's liner notes that caught the not very P.C. era so well were reproduced in type so small that nobody who was alive in the old days has eyes capable of reading 'em now.

--------The duo of Gibson and Camp, to me, meant the post beat hip Chicago folk scene - with all the noir nightlife of The Gate, The Earl Of Old Town years, Orphans on Lincoln, Richard Harding's Quiet Knight on Belmont & Sheffield, Holsteins bar and showroom, Hobson's Choice, No Exit coffeehouse, Somebody Else's Troubles---and all of us singing all night until 4 and 5:00 AM last call. That folkie nightlife survived and lasted for two, maybe three, whole decades --- long after the mesmerizing glow of this binary duo star's supernova had faded some.

I sure am glad I heard 'em back in those days though---when they were simply the best there was. Their great example fueled and built a music scene for all of us in Chicago to pick up on and make our music within---and then, maybe, our marks upon.

I've been missing Bob Gibson around these parts ever since he held his own "farewell party" in Chicago on Sept. 20th, 1996 -- a week before he died. And now I have Bob Hamilton Camp's passing to think about too. Somehow, though, those two will always be linked for me. That just feels very right.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 09:04 PM

Art, I tried to send you a private message, but I'm not sure if you still have your login.   If it is possible, could you e-mail me at [e-mail]

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 09:10 PM

Art, as much as you just don't know it or me,really, I could picture everything you were talking about because I was there, also.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 12:54 AM

Ron,

I will do that!

Martin,

Yes, it was amazing. Good hearing from you. I hope you are well.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 10:59 AM

Really it was a very unlikely triumverite - the Bobs and Shel Silverstein - that energized the folk music world!! They put together some really great songs, some are a bit dated now, but I hope the best are not lost - like Me and Jimmy Rodgers.
Hope that they are walking the streets of Glory, somewhere, Chris

Subject: Obit: Our friend, Hamilton Camp
From: babypix
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 01:47 PM

I am very sad to report that our friend and fellow traveler, Hamilton (aka Bob or Hamid) Camp has died at age 70. Ham, as he signed his letters, was part of the short-lived, but dynamic duo of Gibson & Camp who recorded the wonderful, "Gibson & Camp at the Gate of Horn" once, and then again, 35 years later--revisited.

Ham was a hilarious mimic, great raconteur, singer-songwriter, human bean, and devoted father and grandfather. Born in England to a theatrical family, Hamilton was a child actor who went on to be featured in many films and television programs including "Bird" directed by Clint Eastwood, and the voice of some of the Smurfs in the cartoon series.

We interviewed him in his L.A. home last year for our television series, now in production: "Word of Mouth:The Journey of American Folk Music" (formerly "Where Have All The Folkies Gone?"

Looks like Gibson & Camp are together again. May they rest in peace.

Deborah Robins
Executive Producer
Nut Hill Productions, Inc.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our friend, Hamilton Camp
From: voyager
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 02:27 PM

"Turn around, go back down, back the way you came
Can't you see that flash of fire
Ten times brighter than the day
And behold a mighty city broken in the dust again
Oh, God, pride of man broken in the dust again".

Powerful lyrics 40 years on...
Pride of Man - Hamilton Camp

Rest easy
voyager

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 03:12 PM

The song "Me And Jimmie Rodgers" is on my Folk Legacy CD That's The Ticket. To me, it concerns the fantasies we all have and live by and with.

Along with thought out pre-meditations, these fantasies are where those who re-create themselves with new names and personas and images are coming from.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: John Hardly
Date: 05 Oct 05 - 03:23 PM

Great talent - great loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 09:11 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 09:58 PM

I had the honor of listening to an advance copy of Hamilton's CD. It is called "Sweet Joy" and it will be released in about three weeks. Hamilton recorded this CD with James Lee Stanley and James was kind enough to send me an advance copy which I will share on my radio program this Sunday (WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS - 3 to 6pm ET, you can listen in on www.wfdu.fm )

It is a more mature voice that comes across on this CD, but Hamilton used his voice with authority. This is a stunning recording, and sadly it becomes his final songs to us. The disc starts off with a lovely recording of Wandering Aengus. There are a number of originals, I particularly enjoy a song called Long Train. He does a brilliant re-make of his classic "Pride of Man" as well as a couple of Dylan and Keb Mo covers, among others. There is a lovely version of the Gibson & Camp song "2:19" (which is done in 2:05!) Hamilton sang both parts on this version!

James Lee Stanley did a beautiful job of capturing Hamilton Camp in this recording. I am sure that Hamilton would have received much acclaim for this "comeback" CD. Thank you for leaving us with such a gift.

James will also be on my program this week to talk about the CD. I will also be paying tribute to Harold Leventhal. What a sad week.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 Oct 05 - 12:17 PM

Ron,
Watch the mail for a package.
Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 08 Oct 05 - 09:08 PM

Thanks Art!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 05 - 02:35 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: PSzymeczek
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 09:01 PM

My favorite cover of "Pride of Man" is Gordon Lightfoot's. Hamilton didn't get a lot of commercial airplay. I remember that his most successful song was "Here's to You", which has always been one of my favorites. I was about 12 when it came out.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Mudlark
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 12:06 AM

Oh, I do miss his man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Hamilton Camp (2 Oct 2005)
From: Midchuck
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:12 AM

There goes the Mudcat! Still sure it shouldn't be members only posting?

P.

Subject: DT Correction: Pride of Man (Hamilton Camp)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 03:11 AM

I noticed a few flaws in the Digital Tradition Version of this song. Here's what I hear.
-Joe-

PRIDE OF MAN
(Hamilton Camp)

Turn around, go back down,
Back the way you came.
Can't you see that flash of fire,
Ten times brighter than the day?
And behold a mighty city,
Broken in the dust again.
Oh God, the Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.

Turn around, go back down,
Back the way you came.
Babylon is laid to waste,
Egypt's buried in her shame;
Their mighty men are beaten down,
Their kings are fallen in the ways.
Oh God, the Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.

Turn around, go back down,
Back the way you came.
Terror is on every side,
Lo, the leaders are dismayed;
And those who put their faith in fire,
In fire their faith shall be repaid.
Oh God, the Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.

Turn around, go back down,
Back the way you came.
Shout a warning to the nations
That the sword of God is raised.
Yes, Babylon that mighty city,
Rich in treasure, wide in fame;
It shall cause thy tower to fall
And make of thee a pyre of flame

Oh, thou who dwell on many waters,
Rich in treasure wide in fame.
Bow unto a god of gold,
Thy Pride of Might shall be thy shame.
Oh God, the Pride of Man, broken in the dust again

And only God can lead the people
Back into the earth again.
Thy holy mountain be restored
Thy mercy on thy people, Lord.

Copyright Hamilton Camp
(sung by Gordon Lightfoot)
filename[ PRIDEMAN
RG

---

Any disagreements or other corrections? The biggest difference is "Lo, the leaders are dismayed" - the DT has "though." I listened to both the Hamilton Camp and Lightfoot versions, and it's clearly "lo."