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Obit: Louisa Jo Killen (1934-2013)

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GUEST,guest jules schneider 14 Aug 13 - 05:56 PM
GUEST,George Frampton 14 Aug 13 - 07:25 AM
GUEST,kendall 14 Aug 13 - 06:29 AM
billybob 14 Aug 13 - 06:16 AM
GUEST,henryp 14 Aug 13 - 06:08 AM
ChanteyLass 13 Aug 13 - 08:43 PM
GUEST,William Pint 13 Aug 13 - 08:42 PM
stallion 13 Aug 13 - 05:26 PM
Peter Kasin 13 Aug 13 - 02:03 PM
GUEST,flying cat moira 13 Aug 13 - 09:36 AM
GUEST,Liberty Boy (sans cookie) 13 Aug 13 - 09:30 AM
Jim McLean 13 Aug 13 - 08:08 AM
GUEST 13 Aug 13 - 04:25 AM
GUEST,Pete Wood 13 Aug 13 - 04:06 AM
r.padgett 13 Aug 13 - 01:24 AM
Dave Hunt 12 Aug 13 - 06:50 PM
DebC 12 Aug 13 - 06:17 PM
GUEST,Richard W. Hughes 12 Aug 13 - 06:07 PM
GUEST,Carol Mohr 12 Aug 13 - 03:34 PM
Mark Ross 12 Aug 13 - 03:18 PM
Essex Girl 12 Aug 13 - 02:12 PM
Liam's Brother 12 Aug 13 - 12:22 PM
Dave Swan 12 Aug 13 - 12:15 PM
GUEST,jim bainbridge 12 Aug 13 - 11:25 AM
Herga Kitty 12 Aug 13 - 10:51 AM
GUEST 12 Aug 13 - 10:42 AM
Phil Cooper 11 Aug 13 - 11:39 PM
CupOfTea 11 Aug 13 - 11:24 PM
The Sandman 11 Aug 13 - 08:25 PM
GUEST,Brian Peters 11 Aug 13 - 05:37 PM
CeltArctic 11 Aug 13 - 04:42 PM
Desert Dancer 11 Aug 13 - 03:36 PM
GUEST,george henderson 11 Aug 13 - 02:00 PM
sciencegeek 11 Aug 13 - 01:56 PM
GUEST 11 Aug 13 - 01:34 PM
Bat Goddess 11 Aug 13 - 10:06 AM
Matthew Edwards 11 Aug 13 - 10:00 AM
GUEST,Mikaël 11 Aug 13 - 09:44 AM
GUEST 11 Aug 13 - 09:07 AM
GUEST,Wendy Price 11 Aug 13 - 08:52 AM
Abby Sale 11 Aug 13 - 08:36 AM
Felipa 11 Aug 13 - 05:33 AM
Felipa 11 Aug 13 - 05:24 AM
GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band" 11 Aug 13 - 04:58 AM
GUEST,Sean Breadin (Sedayne / Blandiver) 11 Aug 13 - 04:29 AM
GUEST,bsrnacle ev broen tim reilly mary audette) 11 Aug 13 - 03:25 AM
BrooklynJay 11 Aug 13 - 01:17 AM
GUEST,Guest Bob Blair 11 Aug 13 - 01:14 AM
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GUEST 11 Aug 13 - 12:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,guest jules schneider
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 05:56 PM

such sad news!
i was very fortunate to visit Louisa and Margaret four weeks ago at louisa's apartment in Newcastle...and what a poignant visit it was! we hadn't seen each other in 20 years. shared many stories of the 60's and 70's--she immediately asked how my "kids" are---they are now 45 and 48 year-old women, each with two kids of their own. but in the day, they would spot Louie (then) at a festival ground and run to him shrieking "Louie Killen, Louie Killen", whereupon he would hoist them on his shoulders, amidst much giggling.
so our visit went---with happy reminisces in spit of the palpable pallor that hung in the air. Margaret was clearly the angel who made Louisa's burden so much more comfortable. thank you Margaret from one of Louisa's legion of life-long friends.
we ended our visit by coaxing the Pitman story of Napoleon at Waterloo out of her (it took about 2 seconds of "coaxing"). so much life came out during the telling--sparkling eyes and ruddy color returned during those 10 minutes---i will remember Louisa that way
    Jules Schneider


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 07:25 AM

I'm very sad to hear this.

I first saw Lou perform at the Old Crown FC in Birmingham in 1975 when over from the States, and afterwards became aware of that justly celebrated contribution to the 'revival'. I knew then I was hearing somebody special.

Lou was very encouraging when getting The Volunteer sessions off the ground when booked at Sidmouth in 2006, and attended every day; also coming to the fore when Mike Waterson was unable to to attend in 2010, singing some of Mike's songs.

An inspiration to us all. Lou's spirit will live on!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 06:29 AM

I wish I could be there


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: billybob
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 06:16 AM

My old vinal record of Louis and Sally singing " Bright shining morn"is one of my favourites, as is the treasured memory of them singing at Kitty's folk club in Thorpe le Soken.

RIP Louisa, the heavenly folk club is waiting for you .

Wendy


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 06:08 AM

I was pleased to see Louis/a regularly at the Lancaster Maritime Festival, where s/he told me tales of sailing on the Hudson with Pete Seeger.

Thank you for the gift of all your songs.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:43 PM

Hmm. Odd. I feel a song coming on. I think I can hold off until oh, say, around Friday, August 16, at 10:30 AM, but that'll be US Eastern Daylight Time unless I happen to wake up early.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,William Pint
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:42 PM

We can take a bit of comfort knowing that Louisa left behind a treasure trove of recorded material -- so many splendid songs sung to perfection with so much heart, exquisite phrasing, inflection, layers of meaning -- such richness.

How fortunate that future singers in the traditional style will have the opportunity to listen and watch and learn.

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing and singing with Louisa/Louis many times over the last 30 years or so. Every time was a revelation. I recall hearing Louis singing 'The Rose in June' and weeping openly -- transported by the song and his amazing performance.

A highlight was taking a walking tour of Newcastle with Louisa -- where almost every pub, street corner, bridge we passed was the cue to another song.

You will be missed and never forgotten. Thanks for everything Louisa.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: stallion
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 05:26 PM

RIP Glad I met you.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 02:03 PM

This iws so sad. When Louisa was Louis, I met her when she was volunteer coordinator at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, late 80's-early 90's. What a privilege it was to have such a great singer in our midst. She performed in our sea music concert series and at our sea music festivals. Personally, Louisa was a great inspiration to me, with that distinctive voice, subtle and supple concertina accompaniment, and magnificent interpretation of traditional song. There was no guile in louisa. She let you know where she stood, as honest a person as you'll ever meet. My deepest condolences to family, close friends, and all who treasured her and learned from her.

-Chanteyranger


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,flying cat moira
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 09:36 AM

unfortunately we will be unable to attend Louisa's funeral but i know the roof will ring on Friday morning and at 10.30 we will join you all there in our thoughts.

Moira and Malc


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST,Liberty Boy (sans cookie)
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 09:30 AM

So sorry to hear this. A lovely person and a truly inspiring singer. When he came to sing at An Góilín we spent an afternoon trying to seek out relations of his Mum, who incidently was from Crumlin Village in Dublin, with hilarious results. As a woman she was really sympathetic after the death of my late wife Anne, who was a huge fan! Rest well Lou!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: Jim McLean
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:08 AM

I remember a funny incident. A number of years ago, Louis stayed with me at my parents' home in Paisley, near Glasgow. We met a few Scottish folkies in the pub and Louis got the first round in. He asked each one what they wanted and, to a man, they replied "a hauf" (a half). He duly returned with a tray holding six half pints of beer and was surprised when he was greeted with cries of "whit's this?". What he didn't realise wa that "a hauf" in Glasgow means a half gill of whisky!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen - funeral, 16 Aug 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 04:25 AM

Follow up:
Gateshead Crem is in Saltwell Park, on the south side of Gateshead. Afterwards will be at Birtley Catholic Social Club, the home of Birtley Folk Club.

Peter


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Subject: Obit: Louisa Killen
From: GUEST,Pete Wood
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 04:06 AM

I regret to inform Mudcat readers that Louisa Killen died on Friday 9th August after a long bout of illness. Lou's ex wife Margaret came over from the States two months ago to nurse her, which made her last few weeks as pleasant as possible. As a man most of his life, he was the finest English folksinger of his generation. A fine man, and latterly an elegant lady, always a joy to be with and to listen to. The funeral is at Gateshead Crematorium on Friday this week, 10.30 am.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: r.padgett
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 01:24 AM

""Margaret has asked me to let you know that Louisa's funeral will be held this coming Friday, 16th August, 10.30 am, Saltwell Park Crematorium, Gateshead . There will, of course, be afters.""

Let us give this lovely man, lately a woman, the very best of send-offs.

Email received ~
Ray


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Dave Hunt
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 06:50 PM

Sad day and loss of a dear friend...I still treasure a lovely letter saying my singing had opening Lou's eyes to a different meaning in a particular song. A regular visitor to the renowned Giffard folk club in Wolverhampton from the early 60s onwards and a great influence on my early singing. Cheerio pal!


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: DebC
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 06:17 PM

Richard w. Hughes-what a lovely lovely post and tribute. The photo of Louisa was taken in March 2011 when John Roberts and I visited. I had given Louisa the earrings that she is wearing in the photo; we both marveled that without knowing, I somehow had picked out a pair that matched the blouse she was wearing that day. She put them on and I said, "I have got to get a photo!" She was radiant. One of the times I was glad that I had an iPhone to document the moment.

I didn't know Louisa as long as many of you who have posted tributes, but did enjoy the few years of friendship that we did share.

Debra Cowan


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Richard W. Hughes
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 06:07 PM

The larks did not sing melodious today. I heard from Patrick Sky that Louis/Louisa Killen was dead.

I first met Louis, through Howard Glasser in Pittsburgh, the first year he came over. We bonded immediately, and our friendship lasted regardless of the years or miles between us. He got me up on stage at Philadelphia Folk Festival in 1968 to play tinwhistle. I cannot begin to acknowledge the debt that I owe to him, for so much that he shared with me. Many the time he stayed at our house, many the songs shared together, whisky and beer beyond all reckoning. Shooting old lever rifles with Walter Scott. Much laughter, and some tears. One of my fondest memories is the two of us playing Clarke whistles, Spalpeen Aroon and The Lament for the Books, and I could feel Louis' harmonies vibrating through my fingertips.

I am glad that Margaret was there at the end.

I think the Heavenly Choir suddenly found their hands filled with taut lines, as the Ship of Heaven cut through billowing waves on high, bound to God doesn't know where, spurred on by the great voice of a wild, shanty-woman - "neither man nor maid": "Mind yer response...and we'll have only honest Geordie sung here, no "proper King's English" (or ye might catch a rope across the knuckles)."

I was pleased to see the photo of Louisa posted by Heather Wood. I had written to Louisa that Louis had made a great man, so I had no doubt that Louisa would make a great woman.

Fair winds, old friend, till we meet again.
Love'
Richard and Carolyn
and our love and sympathies to all of you dear friends.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Carol Mohr
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 03:34 PM

Lou was tremendous inspiration to me as a young musician. So many wonderful shows at the Ark, so many fine ringing choruses. So many of the best songs I know, they still play in my head in his voice. A great loss indeed.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Mark Ross
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 03:18 PM

I knew Lou when I worked at the NY Folklore Center, and also hung out with him at the Lion's Head. Great performer, musician, and singer, and a wonderful human being.

Mark Ross


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Essex Girl
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 02:12 PM

Sad news, I first saw Louis at Harlow Folk club in the sixties, and last saw Louisa at Sidmouth a couple of years ago. Another great loss to the traditional folk scene.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 12:22 PM

A true great with a voice that was only wonderful, excellent taste in song and a clear sense of connection with every rhyme and melody. Beyond that a marvelous, kind person; witty, knowledgeable, delightfully quirky at times, and always a true joy to be with.

With him I'll sit, with him I'll drink,
With him our minds reveal,
And friends we'll stay, whatever way
Blind Fortune turns her wheel.

Man or woman? How could that matter? I will love you till I die dear friend.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Dave Swan
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 12:15 PM

I had one chance to sing with Louis. At the end of a sea music festival in San Francisco all of us on the bill formed a crowd onstage at the end of the day. John Roberts grabbed me, and I found myself between John and Louis for the duration. I couldn't believe my good fortune to stand, and sing, between two of my heroes. HOWEVER, those two spent the set reaching behind me to poke, pinch, and shove each other like a couple of delinquent twelve year old choir boys. It lightened the moment considerably. A treasured memory.

My sincere condolences to Louisa's loved ones.

Dave


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:25 AM

not just you, Dick- I clearly remember Louis showing a young Alistair Anderson how the concertina worked- at the Bridge in Newcastle- mid 60s? RIP pal


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:51 AM

Hadn't meant to post as Guest - looks like my cookie disappeared while I was in Sidmouth too, now reset.

Kitty


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:42 AM

Just catching up with Mudcat after a week away in Sidmouth and came across this very sad news. I last saw Lou being interviewed by Johnny Handle at Whitby festival a few years ago, and was hoping to hear more... a great loss to the folk scene as well as to her friends and family. RIP Lou.

Kitty


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 11:39 PM

I mostly knew Louisa through the fox valley folk festival. I said on my fb page when I heard the news. "It was an honor to have known you."   A truly great person.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: CupOfTea
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 11:24 PM

So many incredible memories of Lou's singing and recitations. I wish I had photos of all the times, but there are indellible pictures in my head, mostly from Fox Valley.   ("There's a stain on the floor of the bar room..." comes to mind vividly)

One utterly unforgettable episode was chatting with Lou, Katy Early and Jenny Armstrong (daughter of George & Gerry)about Jenny's tattos. There was a vine that started in her instep, and wound around the leg... I remembered the astonished look on Lou's face as she altenately pulled up the leg and then pulled down the top of her shorts to show the top of the image as a green man whose face ended up in a very...inviting? sort of spot. Talking of traditions, and images and song on a very green island in the middle of the river with people who sang the tradition alive.

What a loss we have, but what a gift that remains in all he inspired. I have his voice in my head every time I sing "Threescore and Ten" -and I hope I always will.

Much sadness

Joanne in Cleveland.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 08:25 PM

I had an interesting car journey with Lou, Lou talked unreservedly about the early days of the folk revival and singing.
   I will never forget Lous' interpretaion of The Flying cloud which in my opinion was wonderful, he was also one of the people that inspired me to learn the concertina.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 05:37 PM

Sad news indeed. I was lucky enough to share stages with both Louis and Louisa Jo, and was much encouraged by kind words from one of the greats. Magnificent singer and fine concertina player, of course.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: CeltArctic
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 04:42 PM

I'm just listening to a recently purchased CD of Lou's: Ballads and Broadsides. I know I have seen Lou perform back in the Toronto Fiddler's Green Folk Club days (1970s), but I was a child then and admittedly merge all the iconic ballad singer performances together in my memory. Fortunately my father taped several of these concerts on reel-to-reels, so by the time I reached adolescence, and when all my peers were listing to The Police and AC/DC, I was immersing myself in the likes of John Roberts & Tony Barrand, Lou Killen, Peggy Seeger, Eric Bogle, The Friends of Fiddlers Green, Frankie Armstrong and the like.

It was on one of these reel-to-reels I heard Lou, performing with his then wife, Sally. It must have been a concert near Christmas time, judging by the wassail songs, and of course, the classic "Geordie Nativity" mentioned above. I still play that recording (which I copied onto a cassette tape before leaving home.)

I wonder, did Lou ever make recordings of this or any of the other Pitman's Bible stories? I would LOVE to get a copy if she did.

Anyway, I never got the chance to thank Lou personally for helping to shape my career as a balladeer. But I have certainly been grateful and I am honoured to carry on the tradition however I can.

Moira Cameron
Yellowknife, NT Canada


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 03:36 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I only knew her from a few recordings, but what a wonderful legacy they are! My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

~ Becky in Long Beach


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,george henderson
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 02:00 PM

Lou was a great influence on many people. I saw him giving a talk on harmony in the tradition in Durham in the late 60's. Demonstrated his talk by singing harmonies with himself on previously recorded tapes. So skilfull. I met Lou on the Goilin club in Dublin a few years ago, in Blaydon a couple of years later and finally at the Birtley celebrations last year. Sadly missed. Condolences to all family and friends. RIP.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: sciencegeek
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 01:56 PM

Yes, Lynn... Louie's recitations were priceless. We'll just have to hear the voice in our heads.

UNCLE ALBERT'S SAD FAREWELL TO THE WORLD
by
Ed Pickford

There's a stain on the floor of the bar room
There's a cap in a case by the door
There's a verse on a stone in a churchyard
In memory of one who's no more...

If you turn second left at the High Street
Past an old pub called the Swan
There's a monument to my Uncle Albert
And though of not many heroes, he was one

He wasn't a chap prone to boasting
And he stood, I bet, only five feet
But those five feet he covered in glory
As you'll hear when his old comrades meet

It was the time of the first Yankee moon men
There was racing at Catterick as well
And I backed the six-to-four favourite
And he was, that is, till he fell

That night was the championship darts match
And the bar of the club was jammed full
We were playing at home in the final
And we started - being nearest the bull

The 'oohs' and the 'aahs' broke the silence
As both teams wrestled with might
A game to remember for ever
By all - even those who were tight

Some favoured cardboard some feathers
Some favoured heavy, some light
But all were experienced past masters
Of split second reckoning and flight

Then the nail that was holding the dart board
Bent with a fearful creak
And there wasn't another to replace it
'Least not straight to hand, so to speak

At last the club's Concert Chairman
Renowned for his improvised wit
Says "Put old Albert beneath it -
With his height he'll just about fit"

The company looked around at poor Albert
Then the Secretary got right to the nub
Saying "If he doesn't, the match will be forfeit
Come on Albert, for the honour of the club

Albert had no need of thinking
His blood rose to answer the call
And he jammed his head under the dartboard
Crying "For Queen, Club, Country an'all"

Not flinching not moving he just stood there
Except once when he went out the back
Until the game flowed in our favour
The opposition was beginning to crack

All that was needed for victory
Was five and double sixteen
Now the five was obtained very easy
Then silence fell on the scene

The player squared up with his arrows
It was Sidney, Albert's own son
Who'd played very well the whole evening
Until now when something went wrong

Now it could've been all the excitement
Or some smoke that got in his eye
Or it could've been his new wellies
'Cos he slipped just before he let fly

Albert stood stricken with horror
As he watched the oncoming dart
Then his teeth gnashed with pain as it hit his gold chain
And ricochet'd up through his heart

Did he fall like a bird when it's wounded?
Did he cry out in the midst of his pain?
No, he winced and he spoke in a whisper
"Come on, son. Finish the game"

Albert's blood dripped down his waistcoat
As Sidney took aim and then threw
Hitting double sixteen neat, sweet and clean
Though how he felt nobody knew

"Someone grab Albert!" cried the Steward
"Keep him upright!" they all roared
Hold him up by his armpits
If he falls he might damage the board...

There's a stain on the floor of the bar room
There's a cap in a case by the door
There's a verse on a stone in a churchyard
In memory of one who's no more.

Thank you, Lou.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 01:34 PM

How very low I feel... Stunning news, and and SUCH a tremendous loss. My inspiration for playing English Concertina. My heart goes out to all the family - blood and chosen - that were closest to her and helped her through the illness.

JosMorn


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 10:06 AM

Felipa, that must be from "Geordie Nativity" -- I laughed til I cried when I heard Lou do it at a house concert. Wish "Game of Darts" had been recorded, too -- Lou did that recitation at a Press Room performance back in the '80s. There were just a handful of us sitting at a table up front (Jay Smith having got the calendar out late again and had to call Tom and I to say Lou Killen was performing...) joining in most of the choruses. ("You know these songs, then...")

"Joe, a carpenter, who was a bit of a Ca PIT alist, and took a charabanc tour down to Bethlehem to see Nazarus Rovers play Bethlehem United..." "and God up on a cloud wi' a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale shouting 'This is the best Christmas I've seen in a long time!'"

Linn


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 10:00 AM

Really sorry to hear this; she was a great singer and a great character.

There is an excellent article by Pete Wood in Living Tradition in 2002 about Lou's career:- Pioneer.

I last met Louisa at Soundpost where she talked about her life "before I became as beautiful as I am now!", and went on to sing a splendid rendition of "The Rose in June". Lovely memories.

Matthew


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Mikaël
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 09:44 AM

RIP. What a great singer and musician.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 09:07 AM

Very sad news indeed. I remember playing with Lou at Mystic back in the 80's and participating in the late night English folk singer blues workshop. A wonderful singer and person who will surely be missed by us all. RIP

Bob Hitchcock.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Wendy Price
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 08:52 AM

So sad to hear the news. Condolences to Margaret and family. His interpretation of ballads was beyond compare.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Abby Sale
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 08:36 AM

Sadly for me, I barely knew her though those few meetings were fine ones. Yet I have felt that I knew her well since the 60's. Always a vital presence.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Felipa
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 05:33 AM

just read Heather Wood's obit in Sing Out and saw the photo of a pleasant-looking Louisa. The mention of the Pitman's Bible in Heather's articlereminds me of the story of the 3 wise men following the star - a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale pitched in the sky (I don;t recall te finer details)


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: Felipa
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 05:24 AM

I remember the bearded Louis well but I didnt even know about the major identity change - can't help but wonder how Lou's singing changed. She wrote a beautiful message (posted above) about her deteriorating condition, appreciation of a fulfilling life and acceptance of the inevitable. Sincere condolences to all who were close to Lou.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 04:58 AM

May we offer our condolences. One whose influence was so strong in the revival days and a very sad loss to our folk music world today.

R.I.P.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Sean Breadin (Sedayne / Blandiver)
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 04:29 AM

Sad news. One of the great voices. Much respect. RIP.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,bsrnacle ev broen tim reilly mary audette)
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 03:25 AM

Very sad to hear. What an influential amazing performer.


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 01:17 AM

We heard the sad news yesterday (Saturday) from Heather Wood at a Sing at Riverside Inwood Park in Manhattan. We were stunned, though some of knew she was quite ill.

Though I only knew her by repute and through recordings, it was, nonetheless, a shock to hear the news.

RIP, as I raise my glass in tribute...


Jay


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST,Guest Bob Blair
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 01:14 AM

Another one gone!

Farewell old pal

Bob Blair


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 12:45 AM

Louis was not a close acquaintance, and I never met Louisa. But Lou was one to whom the Folk Scene owes an incalculable debt, and I add my voice to the mourners.

Farewell, Lou.

~Michael~


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Subject: RE: Obit: Louisa Jo Killen, Aug 9 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 12:39 AM

http://singout.org/2013/08/10/louisa-jo-louis-killen-passes/


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