Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away (1932-2007)

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Brakn
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 07:53 PM

Indeed sad news tonight.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,DDT
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:00 PM

You brought me so much happiness.

Goodnight Tommy.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:02 PM

Another good man gone !!

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Maryrrf
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:08 PM

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear this. RIP Tommy.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:36 PM

RIP

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Bugsy
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:41 PM

My thoughts and prayers go with his family.

Vale Tommy.


Bugsy

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: kendall
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:46 PM

Kmowing it was coming doesn't help very much.
So long old pal It was such a pleasure to have known you.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:49 PM

Goodnight, Tommy. Sleep well.
And Peace to the family.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: curmudgeon
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:55 PM

"Tommy's gone, that good old man..."

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: Jim Lad
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 09:47 PM

When the heavenly angels are guarding the great.
As God had ordained them to do.
In answer to prayers I have offered to Him
I know there is one watching you.
So may that bright Spirit be with you tonight.
To guide you up Heaven's bright stairs.
And tonight as I kneel by my bedside to pray
I'll remember you love in my prayers.

For this one, precious soul, I will not wait until tonight.
Tommy, Kendall & The Makems are in my prayers.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:06 PM

Bless...
My sympathy to the family and his many friends and fans around the world.

R.I.P.

bob

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,William Grimley, Jr.
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:25 PM

Tommy,

The winds are still singing freedom. We need to believe that now more than ever. Your song will always be in our hearts and on our lips in sorrow and joy, alike. Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:29 PM

Rest easy, Tommy.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: EBarnacle
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:56 PM

Oh, Tommy's gone, what shall we do,
A-way to Rio...

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Mrrzy
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:06 PM

May he live forever in the words of singers everywhere.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:16 PM

He was there at the very beginning of what I understood was folk music and now what I understand were songs of rebellion. The world has contracted a little bit today.

Condolences to his friends and family at Mudcat and elsewhere.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: JennyO
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:22 PM

I never met him or saw him live, but I've been enjoying listening to him. What a voice!

We are having a session tomorrow night to celebrate one of our own, Dave Alexander, who died 10 years ago. Our sessions usually finish with "The Parting Glass", so as we sing it, we'll remember Tommy, as well as Dave.

My thoughts are with his family, and with you, Kendall. As you said, knowing it was coming doesn't make it any easier.

R.I.P. Tommy.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Siobhan
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:31 PM

When the mountains all come tumbling
And the earth has stopped its turning,
When the winds don't blow
And stars refuse to shine...
When the moon has left the heavens
And the seven seas are empty...
I will still have gentle...Tommy...
On my mind...

Rest easy, dear Tommy...rest easy...

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:16 AM

For this one, precious soul, I will not wait until tonight.
Tommy, Kendall & The Makems are in my prayers.

Nor shall I wait, Jim. Thanks for posting such beautiful words.

Kendall, this is for you {{{{{HUGS}}}}} and a thanks giving for peace for the Makems and an easy journey for Tommy.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:28 AM

Thanks, Tommy - for everything. You left this world being both loved and respected - good show, lad. I hope to see you down the road. Prayers and love from Hockeytown South.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: alison
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 12:58 AM

sad news............ he was a lovely man.
I have many fond memories of watching himself and Liam Clancy in the opera House in Belfast.

Rest easy Tommy

alison

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 01:27 AM

I had the pleasure of seeing him live twice - both times here in Portland - once with the Clancy Brothers and once with Liam Clancy -- both evenings were wonderful,. I thank this great man for helping introduce me to music that has so enhanced by life.....

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Ernest
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:05 AM

Rest in Peace.

And all good wishes to his family.

Ernest

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,E & H
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:33 AM

And her "four green fields now bloom once again," said he.

The British Army has left NI within your lifetime. Rest easy Tommy.

E&H

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: alison
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 03:20 AM

I can't find any mention of this on any of the news pages -
but there is a message from Liam Clancy on his website

here

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,nickr90
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:34 AM

Deepest condolences to the family and friends.

The world is a colder place with Tommy's going
But it is a much warmer place for his having been

Celebrate his life by playing his music

Nicky Rossiter

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Big Phil
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:59 AM

Condolences to all who knew Tommy.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Peace
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:08 AM

I met him once in NYC at Gerde's Folk City. He was very kind to a snot-nosed kid whose own involvement in music was partly because of Mr Makem. Thank you, sir. I've never forgot you or your kindness, humour and willingness to be patient.

He had an infectious smile and a way of making you think you were the only person on Earth when he was talking to you. He ranks up there with Mary Travers IMO and as nickr90 said, it's a colder place for your going, Tommy, but a warmer place for your having been. Rest well.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: stallion
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:15 AM

"So softly blow ye winds of mourning, blow ye winds your mournful tune,
blow ye from the earths four corners, take this traveller where he's bound"

May I be forgiven the tears for, as the time has passed, some very dear friends who introduced me to Tommy's music O so many years ago have also left us and now that iconic man himself, it seems a lifetime ago, it was a life time ago.

We shall be in NH in October, we shall remember you then and sing the Parting Glass for you.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: scouse
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:15 AM

Rest in Peace Tommy.. My Condolences to the Family.. May he rest easy.
As Aye,
Phil Jackson

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Kampervan
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:38 AM

Its a sad sad day. Condolences to all of his family and those affected by his death.

Tommy Makem leaves behind him such a legacy of music and warmth that the rest of us can only dream of.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:42 AM

Such sad news.

Thoughts and prayers for him and his loved ones.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: MadElf
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:32 AM

The death of Tommy Makem was posted on Yahoo today. Its very sad news indeed, and I guess it's the end of an era for some of us.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: rumanci
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:42 AM

Thank you Tommy for the songs and the voice and the sheer quality of the man some of you knew so well. A legacy of real meaning and happy memories interwoven with the sadnesses felt today.
My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:50 AM

RIP Tommy and, thanks.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: GUEST,Ar Mhacha
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:12 AM

My deepest sympathy to the Makem family, Tommy was first and foremost a great entertainer, he always seemed so confident on stage, and put great feeling into every song.
I have almost all of Tommy recordings with the Clancys, Liam is the last of a great group, God rest Tommy`s Soul, a true son of Armagh, he will be missed.

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug
From: GUEST,Ard Mhaca
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:14 AM

I should add the tributes were many, on this mornings Gerry Anderson show on BBC Radio Ulster

Subject: RE: Tommy [Makem] is bad off - Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,machree01
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:34 AM

I remmeber seeing Tommy and Liam in concert in Banbridge 1980's. a great music Ambassador for Ireland has left us, though you our gone your songs will live On. RIP. Condolences to the Makem Family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: kendall
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:19 AM

The passing of my own Brother recently was no harder than this.
Words fail me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:24 AM

Thank you for your music, Tommy! God Bless your memory and may your legacy live on!

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Jed on a borrowed PC
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:25 AM

OOops ... that last comment was me ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:31 AM

Rest in Peace Tommy. You leave good songs and good memories behind you.   Condolences to the Makem family. Burl.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,guest blk_kat
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:58 AM

God bless you Tommy, and thank you for all you shared with us. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:47 AM

A true gentleman! After hearing Tommy sing it so many times, I don't think I can ever again sing or hear Waltzing with Bears with a dry eye. Rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Greg B
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:25 AM

Well, St. Peter has been trying to book him for the Heavenly
Irish Festival (you know, the one with no ceilidh bands composed
of 18 accordions, 25 fiddles, and 90 tin-whistles all playing in
dis-unison, and no stands selling bright green plastic derby hats,
and where the soda bread has no raisins in) for quite some time
now, but he'd never agreed to come.

This year, he'll be headlining, along with a bunch of his old
band-mates. Tom Clancy was probably getting tired of reciting
from Finnegan's Wake without Tommy cackling in the background.

Let's just hope the Celestial Choir doesn't take him too literally
when he says "Let's all join hands and contact the living."

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Greg B
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:30 AM

He'd have chuckled at this, from his AP Obit:

"Makem was best known for songs such as Four Green Fields of France..."

Must be an obscure reference to Bonaparte's Irish allies...

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Stringsinger
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:30 AM

I am moved to tears. Tommy was really an inspiration to everyone who knew him. My memories of him will always be fond ones. We worked together at the Gate Of Horn and I was fortunate to accompany him with Paddy, Tommy and Liam on the recording with Bruce Langhorne and Bill Lee, "Hearty and Hellish".

Tommy was a sage and a bard. I remember having the Clancy's and Tommy to dinner one night in Chicago in 1958 or 9. I remember vividly a party I had in my home in Hyde Park.
The outrageous Severn Darden was there and was upstaged by the "lads" or "boys" as we used to call them sans shirts and singing merrilly. A naked couple with towels wrapped about them came out of the shower to listen.

Tommy had a philosophical way about him. The core of his sincerity ran deep. We have the legacy of a great song "Four Green Fields".

He was the only one I've ever heard to deliver the song "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya'" where the nerve-endings on the spine tingled with awe. He sang that song with the knowledge of a man who knew the cost of the ravages of war. The biting almost Brechtian delivery is
indelibly imprinted on my mind. It was the best.

Tommy Sands now carries the torch for the expression of compassion for all the Irish people.

Tommy was a "Pioneer". He eschewed alcohol to his great credit.

He and the Clancys were my first intro to Irish music.

The Bard of Armagh is gone. We all grieve.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: pattyClink
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:38 AM

Words fail.   Let's cry today, and let's carry on the music as he wanted tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:49 AM

There are some great performance photos from 2005 at WFMA.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 10:55 AM

Found some really EARLY footage of them with Pete Seeger interviewing them all...at youtube. Incredible footage.