I first heard Mr Hardy in Poughkeepsie New York in about 1985 when "Cauldron" was out on vinyl. He and his group were the featured performers at the Hudson Valley Folk Guild. He was wonderful and "Cauldron" was added to my record collection. I was on Jack's mailing list for several years and purchased his then CD boxed-set when it came out. My daughter, Christine, became a fan and heard Jack play in the Village several times. Last call Christine and I drove down to Paddy Reilley's Bar on Second Avenue to hear Jack with his wonderful daughter and great bass and guitar players. During the winter we hear Jack at his most political best in a church basement just below 34th Street. We accurately, but jokingly, told Jack that we were the "Poughkeepsie Jack Hardy Fan Club".

At intermission at Paddy Reilly's I told Jack that one of my daughter's boyfriends had absconded with my CD of the "Cauldon" (from the ten CD set) which is my favorite. He told me to send an email and that he might have a copy in his Houston Street closet. I sent the email and said I'd send payment. The CD arrived in the mail free of charge. I thanked him the last time I saw him.

My daughter discovered that Jack has died when she checked his upcoming performances now that the snow has melted.

Jack, we'll miss you. I played and sang Gretna Green again today as a local memorial.

Thanks.