The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #168904   Message #4080068
Posted By: GUEST,Mike Yates
18-Nov-20 - 09:30 AM
Thread Name: The late great Lonnie Donegan (1931-2002)
Subject: RE: The late great Lonnie Donegan (1931-2002)
Mention of Pete Seeger and Lonnie Donegan reminds me of when the two met at Cecil Sharp House in the early 1960's. Pete had called in to see Peter Kennedy, then my boss, re the pair going to Ulster to film the fiddler John Doherty. At lunch time Pete, Peter & myself went down to the canteen for some lunch. Lonnie Donegan just happened to be rehearsing at the House that day and he also came into the canteen. Lonnie Donegan & Pete Seeger had clearly met before and they were soon chatting together. But, what I really remember was Lonnie asking Pete about Lee Hayes, a former member of the Weavers. Lonnie also knew Lee and, knowing that Lee had been ill, was really concerned about Lee's health. It was also apparent just how much Lonnie knew about American folk music and musicians. Far more than I had expected. It was an experience that I will not forget.