VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING

Subject: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Dharmabum
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 07:19 PM

http://www.vassarclements.com/
Sad news about Vassar.
He was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.
I got the chance to see him again this summer.
One of the best.
I wish him well.

DB.

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 07:31 PM

Boy, another ailing Bluegrass legend. Neither Jimmy Martin or Bobby Thompson are doing well.

My thoughts go out to Vassar.

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 07:44 PM

Absolutely. heartbreaking news.

You just think these people are going to be there for ever like Mt Rushmore.

I know a lot of people will have tributes and will express themselves better than me,but I'd like say I'm really sorry and I hope they are managing to make him as comfortable as possible

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: open mike
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 01:04 AM

The first I heard of him, as may be the case with many others, was as part of the Old and In the Way recording. If you take a look at his
fiddle you will be astounded..what a thing of beauty! and possibly over 300 years old. It was a gift from John Hartford, himself a victim of lung cancer, bless his soul.
Vassar is also on the sequel album..Old and in the Gray from 2002.
The web site asks us to include him in our prayers, and so I would
pass that request along...

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Auggie
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 02:00 AM

I remember discovering Vassar thru the first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album. He has been one of my favorites since then.

I saw my father go down that lung cancer road 15 years ago and it's not a pleasant ride. Lots of bumps, hills and valleys, "yet beauteous fields lie just before me, where God's redeemed, their vigil's keep. My best to you, Vassar.

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Troll
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 03:45 AM

I've talked to him several times at the Fla. Folk Festival. He is a very soft-spoken and gentle man. My son, Martin took a master class with him one year. He learned more in that one afternoon than he could absorb in a year.

When Vassar saw him the next year, he came over to talk to Martin to see how he was progressing.

Definitely one of the greats in every way.

troll

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 06:57 PM

Sad news indeed.
Like many others, I first encountered his playing on "Will the Circle be Unbroken".
A truly magnificent musician.

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: BTMP
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 09:12 AM

This is from Vassar's official website last Friday:

Dearest Friends,

It is with great sadness that we must type the news of Vassar's recent diagnosis (March 11th) of small cell lung cancer. He is in good hands of confident doctors, and the hearts and prayers of family, friends, and fans. His faith in God, his always upbeat spirit, and the happiness he has brought through his music will all play a role in the hopeful miracle we pray for. And something not to be forgotten, he is in the great care of his daughter Midge
and son-in-law George. Vassar is also blessed with a wonderful and supportive extended family.

In light of these health developments, Vassar will be unable to make scheduled performances for the month of March. Please stay tuned to the website for any further cancellations. He is receiving immediate treatment for this form of aggressive cancer.

The beauty of Vassar's music matches the kindness of Vassar's soul. We ask all who have ever been touched by him to please pray for a speedy recovery. God performs miracles everyday, and no one deserves it more then this true gentleman.

For those who recently placed orders, please allow some added time for delivery. We do apologize and hope for your understanding.
Please sign the guestbook to give Vassar something to read as he starts this journey. Cards are welcome and can be sent to the PO BOX listed on the contact page. No phones calls please.

Vassar's website. http://www.vassarclements.com/

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 05:15 PM

John McEuen's story is that when he suggested the Circle project to Earl, Earl said he would get Vassar to play fiddle. John had never heard of Vassar and asked if he could handle the project. "He'll do," said Earl bluntly.
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: Vassar Clements
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 05:55 PM

I had this note in an email earlier today.   Some folks here may know Vasser or have enjoyed his music.

"It is with a heavy heart that I tell you Vassar's condition has taken a turn for the worse.
Two weeks ago Vassar had an MRI and the results showed that the cancer has spread to his brain and spinal fluid. The doctors put him back in the hospital and the oncologist wanted to start a week of radiation.
However, Vassar refused the most recent round of treatment.
His daughter is currently arranging for Hospice and Vassar should be home by Wednesday. His condition has rapidly declined in the last month, yet Vassar still retains his will to do whatever is possible for himself with limited assistance."

Subject: RE: Vasser Clements
From: open mike
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:03 PM

is there an address so we can send him messages about how much his
music has meant to us thru the years...thank you cards, as get
well cards seem beside the point at this juncture.

Subject: RE: Vasser Clements
From: open mike
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:56 PM

The family continues to request that no contact be made other than guestbook and prayers.

so send Vassar your love thru his guest book. note correct spelling.

http://www.vassarclements.com/media.html

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 01:19 PM

Bless him.

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:25 PM

Back in the 1970s, folks here in northern Illinois would hire Vassar for a gig. He'd come into town pretty much alone knowing pickers would come from all around to back him. Sure enough, that's how it happened. Most had never or rarely played together before, but they all knew most everything in the bluegrass and old-time songbook. And Vassar made everyone sound great. It was like the effect Michael Jordan had on the Bulls players. Some very special times then.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: VASSAR CLEMENTS AILING
From: SaulBro
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 12:23 AM

Yes, Art, I remember when Vassar would draw all those pickers...I was one of them, during my frequent Chicago visits back then, at Harry Hope's in Elgin, IL.
All the best,

Saul Broudy
Philadelphia, PA