First time I heard Tommy's singing was his debut LP in the what, early 60s? I had known Sarah's voice from Diane Hamilton (Guggenheim)'s collecting, so when I saw the record, its grand list of songs and his face full of puckish humor on the cover, I bought it. (Hadn't heard any Clancys at that point but soon remedied that.)

His "Little Beggarman" and "The Irish Rover" have never left my head in all the years since.

What's shocking about this sad news is how recently I saw him ... a bare couple of years ago at his outdoor appearance in Lowell, MA. He was in roaring fine shape then, his best performance of the night an audio check of the magnificent "[Sailing in the] Lowlands Low," but every song was a joy, including his wonderful performance of "Ten Wee Wimmen" that mesmerized Amba and me till we learned it and it's still our favorite car singing song.

A singing wizard who seems to summarize in his lanky self all that is fine about Irish traditional song and style, made universal by his deservedly popular performing, he's one of the very few of whom I can truly say, "He could sing the phone book, and I'd listen."

Words fail ... no way I can say what his keen and joyous music has meant to me, or how like a ton of bricks on the head it is to hear of his trouble and pain. May he be eased, and I hope for his recovery and many years yet.

Kendall, please add mine to the bundle of fans' well-wishes in your remembrance if you see him again.

Bob