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Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on

Murray MacLeod 02 Mar 07 - 07:04 PM
Jim Lad 02 Mar 07 - 07:19 PM
Deckman 02 Mar 07 - 07:25 PM
Jerry Rasmussen 02 Mar 07 - 07:47 PM
lennice 02 Mar 07 - 08:31 PM
GUEST,Tom Nelligan 02 Mar 07 - 08:36 PM
DulciPicker 02 Mar 07 - 09:37 PM
wysiwyg 02 Mar 07 - 09:38 PM
Leadfingers 02 Mar 07 - 09:43 PM
Charley Noble 02 Mar 07 - 09:52 PM
Jim Lad 02 Mar 07 - 09:59 PM
Louie Roy 02 Mar 07 - 10:55 PM
KT 03 Mar 07 - 12:26 AM
katlaughing 03 Mar 07 - 12:30 AM
Elmer Fudd 03 Mar 07 - 12:32 AM
GUEST,Art Thieme 03 Mar 07 - 01:09 AM
Liz the Squeak 03 Mar 07 - 03:34 AM
GUEST,Wolfhound person 03 Mar 07 - 04:47 AM
The Sandman 03 Mar 07 - 01:14 PM
Bill D 03 Mar 07 - 01:28 PM
gnu 03 Mar 07 - 01:31 PM
Tootler 03 Mar 07 - 01:35 PM
Murray MacLeod 03 Mar 07 - 02:53 PM
Murray MacLeod 03 Mar 07 - 02:56 PM
Murray MacLeod 03 Mar 07 - 03:05 PM
BlueJay 03 Mar 07 - 03:12 PM
Jean(eanjay) 03 Mar 07 - 03:13 PM
Jean(eanjay) 03 Mar 07 - 03:17 PM
GUEST 03 Mar 07 - 03:21 PM
Ebbie 03 Mar 07 - 03:27 PM
GUEST,Guest 03 Mar 07 - 03:29 PM
Jean(eanjay) 03 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM
Little Robyn 03 Mar 07 - 03:49 PM
Bill D 03 Mar 07 - 03:50 PM
Little Robyn 03 Mar 07 - 03:51 PM
frogprince 03 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM
kendall 03 Mar 07 - 04:24 PM
kendall 03 Mar 07 - 04:26 PM
Charley Noble 03 Mar 07 - 05:26 PM
kytrad (Jean Ritchie) 03 Mar 07 - 07:29 PM
RangerSteve 03 Mar 07 - 07:48 PM
DADGBE 03 Mar 07 - 07:55 PM
pdq 03 Mar 07 - 08:10 PM
Alice 03 Mar 07 - 09:01 PM
Beer 03 Mar 07 - 09:11 PM
Midchuck 03 Mar 07 - 09:39 PM
Deckman 03 Mar 07 - 09:47 PM
Ref 03 Mar 07 - 10:10 PM
pdq 03 Mar 07 - 11:04 PM
open mike 03 Mar 07 - 11:53 PM
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Subject: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:04 PM

I don't know whether this topic has been covered before on Mudcat, but personally I am in awe of musicians such as Doc Watson, who, in their eighties, still play with the same fire, fervour and finesse that they displayed in their twenties.

I am trying to think of other musicians (past or present) who come into this category, but the only one I can think of at the moment is Ralph Blizard, a wonderful longbow fiddler, now sadly deceased, whom I had the privilege of meeting and hearing back in 1997. Nobody listening to him play then would ever have guessed that he had turned 80.

So, who are the other musicians who have kept going into their eighties ? (and who have retained the same level of performance skill)

No names, no pack drill, but I could name several names who should have hung up their instruments and retired gracefully long before they reached 60, never mind 80.

Here's hoping that Doc keeps on picking going well into his nineties.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:19 PM

Buddy MacMaster comes to mind. He's probably the best example I can think of. I have met him at many gigs and have often passed him on the highways in Cape Breton when we were each heading to our respective venues. The man shows up, to work every time and is an outstanding mentor to the younger generation(s).


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:25 PM

This is a very good topic.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 07:47 PM

Joe Evans, bass singer in my quartet, and his younger friend Frankie, who sings baritone, are still going strong. Joe will be 83 in March, and Frankie 82. Joe had his heart stop and almost died a couple of weeks ago, but he didn't miss practice a couple of days later, and has performed with us twice since then. They had to use an electrical shock to get his heart going. Seems to be working fine, now.

Jerry


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: lennice
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 08:31 PM

it is a great topic!

not quite 80: Willie Nelson is creeping up on 80 and still going strong, and Johnny Cash kept going until the last minute, in his 70's, and I think some of his best stuff was towards the end.

How old was Margaret McArthur?
Elizabeth Cotton?
Mississipi John Hurt?


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 08:36 PM

Scottish/Canadian traditional singer Enoch Kent, who is in his mid-70s, did a splendid set at last week's Folk Alliance conference in Memphis.

Fiddler and African-American string band legend Howard Armstrong was still performing well into his 90s before passing away a couple years ago.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: DulciPicker
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:37 PM

Lonnie Austin, best known as one of Charlie Poole's fiddlers, played great fiddle and phenomenal stride piano up until a few months before his death at age 96. Lonnie didn't "play out", but loved living room sessions where he amazed everyone.

Stranger Malone, who played clarinet,flute, bassoon, and string bass with everyone from the Skillet Lickers to symphony orchestras, was playing and singing great until shortly before his death (also 96). He was a fixture at the Swannanoa Gathering the last few uyears of his life, jamming with everyone from fiddlers to swing bands. When he was in his 70's, he learned to play really solid swing guitar, since he couldn't find anyone to play rhythm guitar to suit him!

I've seen a number of older musicians who still play at a very high level at fiddlers' conventions. Unfortunately, some old-timers have lost a good deal of skill...Seems to be a matter of luck as much as skill and dedication.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:38 PM

BB King

Ralph Stanley

Billy Joe Shaver

~S~


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:43 PM

Johnny Silvo still tours UK regularly - And he is well into his seventies !
And my mate John Summerville is eighty and still playing great fiddle -AND running a Ceilidh band !


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:52 PM

Jean Ritchie is still going strong, and she's over 60.

Peggy Seeger must be pushing 50 or so.

And I'm well over 30!

Charley Noble


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jim Lad
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 09:59 PM

How old is Scrump?


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Louie Roy
Date: 02 Mar 07 - 10:55 PM

3 of the fiddlers I play with at least 5 times a month are over 90 and I'd put their talent up against anybody in the musical industry today.They still call me kid and I'm 82


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: KT
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 12:26 AM

Faith Petric


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 12:30 AM

Ya beat me to it, Louie! I was going to say Mudcat's own Louie Roy!


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 12:32 AM

I'm going to hear Lonnie Brooks tomorrow night, age 73 and still ripping.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:09 AM

Elmer Fudd,

Did you get the obit/remembrance I sent you?

All the best,

Art


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:34 AM

The Freebie press this week had an article about the Fairport Convention members who, despite only being in their 60's, qualify for this thread.

I can't remember names, or the whole article - I was reading it over someone's shoulder and apparently it wasn't in my newspaper, even though we had the same one!

LTS


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: GUEST,Wolfhound person
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 04:47 AM

In their 70's:

Johnny Handle, and more particularly, Colin Ross, still playing, and making pipes 14 years after a heart bypass.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:14 PM

elizabeth cotten was still playing inher 90,s as was etta baker,and junior crehan,paddy cronin is still going well too,loius killen and hughie jones as well.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:28 PM

Pete Seeger ain't exactly a spring chicken any more...he still does ok, when he chooses to.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: gnu
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:31 PM

Bob... you got that right.... excellent thread!


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 01:35 PM

Saw Tom Paxton recently at the Sage Gateshead. He was in as good a form as ever and must be well into his 70s


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 02:53 PM

Liz, I have to take you to task there, being in your sixties does not qualify you for inclusion in this thread. Jeez, I am in my sixties (just ) and no way do I consider myself an oldtimer.

I just hope I can play guitar like Doc when I am eighty ...


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 02:56 PM

btw, when I say " I am in my sixties (just)", I mean I am just recently out of my fifties, not that I am imminently approaching my seventies ....


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:05 PM

and how could I have forgotten the late Stephane Grappelli, who still still displayed a phenomenal command of his instrument well into his eighties.

( this thread is also for oldtimers who have departed, btw )


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: BlueJay
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:12 PM

Vassar Clements, who I saw perform with "Old and in the Gray", about five years ago. Whatta show.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:13 PM

Fred Jordan


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:17 PM

Bo Diddley will be 80 next year and he is still going strong.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:21 PM

Louis Killen will be at the Sea Music Festival in Mystic in June.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:27 PM

Ray Price, country and honky tonk singer, born in 1926 and still touring. A friend of mine saw him perform recently and said that he's in great voice.

Kitty Wells, born 1919. I don't know how active she is in music these days but not long ago I saw her in a video and she still had that distinctive sound.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:29 PM

Les Paul still is performing.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM

It's just dawned on me that you asked for musicians and Fred Jordan sang unaccompanied.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Little Robyn
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:49 PM

Charley Noble said

Jean Ritchie is still going strong, and she's over 60.

Peggy Seeger must be pushing 50 or so.

And I'm well over 30!

Charley Noble

Wow, time travel. Did you write that 10 or 15 years ago Charley?
If people in their 60s don't qualify, that's me out.
Robyn


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:50 PM

I just saw Martin Carthy last night....he is 'only' 66, but he has energy I was I had...


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Little Robyn
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:51 PM

And don't forget Peggy and Pete's brother Mike Seeger. I'm sure he's still performing and he must be getting close to 70.
Robyn


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM

Outside the "folk" realm, I saw Eubie Blake playing killer ragtime piano on TV well along in his 90's. He finally quit when he died, though. On his 100th, someone asked him how it felt like to be 100. Approximate quote: Like I'm 35, but something is terribly wrong with me.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: kendall
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 04:24 PM

Tom Paxton is only 67.

And, I'll have you know that I'm not a man my age!


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: kendall
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 04:26 PM

Sandy Paton, 75
Gordon Bok, 67


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 05:26 PM

Robyn et al-

Well, I was actually born in 1942, according to my mother, but I'm still less than mature.

And I'm willing to give Jean Ritchie and Peggy Seeger the benefit of the doubt as well.

Has anyone mentioned Ramblin' Jack Elliot? He's about 120 and still performing.

Stan Hugel was still belting out shanties in his 90's, and slugging down rum as well.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 07:29 PM

If us oldtimers didn't keep on singing, how would the little kids learn from their grandmas & grandpas?

Charley, I can't be coy about my age anymore, not since my old book (SINGING FAMILY OF THE CUMBERLANDS) was first printed- and is still in print at U.Press of KY- The first sentence is, "I was born in Viper, Kentucky...on the eighth day of December, 1922..."

I am enjoying my twilight years, singing and traveling when I feel like doing it, enjoying all the old and new music surrounding, and Lord! What a host of memories keep me company in the quiet hours!


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: RangerSteve
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 07:48 PM

Wade Mainer is still alive, I think. I saw him sometime in the early '80's, and he sounded like his original recordings, made in the 1930's.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: DADGBE
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 07:55 PM

Lee Hayes used to say, "I'm not as young as I used to be and, furthermore, I never was!"


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: pdq
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 08:10 PM

Bascom Lamar Lunsford as born in 1882 but was still playing and teaching in the mid 1960s. (d. 1973)


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Alice
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:01 PM

Ibrahim Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club.
died in 2005
From Wikipedia bio, he was born at a dance (1927) and his mother died when he was
12, forcing him to busk in the streets to earn money.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Beer
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:11 PM

Good thread but a tough one to answer. Where does Old Age begin? Would Kris Kristofferson consider himself as being old at 70? I think that is his age. What about Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings?
Beer (adrien)


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:39 PM

Has anyone mentioned Ramblin' Jack Elliot? He's about 120 and still performing.

I got the impression that he was only in his 70s, probably. It's his liver that's 120.

Peter.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 09:47 PM

The late David Spence used to say: "I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was!" CHEERS, Bob


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: Ref
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 10:10 PM

Bruce "Utah" Phillips? And above, I think you've got Peggy and Mike Seeger reversed. I believe Mike's the youngest.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: pdq
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 11:04 PM

Pete Seeger was born in 1919, son of ethnomusicologist Charles Seeger.

Seeger re-married and, with the help of his new wife Ruth Crawford, produced four more children. Mike was born in 1933, Peggy in 1935. I believe (not sure) Penny was next (Married John Cohen, produced Sonja Cohen) followed by Priscilla. Priscilla chose not to be active in folk music. Penny passed away in the 1990s.


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Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on
From: open mike
Date: 03 Mar 07 - 11:53 PM

i just saw ralph stanley last week!!
he just had his 80th birthday
Tom Paley. another original member
of the New Lost City Ramblers is
still touring and performing.
How about Kenny Hall?

Glenn Ohrlin performs these days too.

of course Utah Phillips and Ramblin' Jack
are also active still


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