JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct

Subject: Jean Ritchie-Long Is. Music Hall of Fame
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 07:45 PM

Dear Folks,

It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I have been given permission by the Great Lady, Herself, Jean Ritchie, to tell you all she is to be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on October 21, 2007. And, she says she hasn't a thing to wear! **gentle smile**

Take a look at that list of fellow inductees. They ought to all be pleased to be rubbing elbows with our own "kytrad!" This will be a great day for Trad music!

CONGRATULATIONS, JEAN!!!

and, thanks so much for sharing with us,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Art Thieme
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 08:39 PM

Nobody deserves this more.
Jean, congratulations.

Love,
Art

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: Celtaddict
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 11:20 PM

How wonderful! Congratulation, Jean.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 11:43 PM

Way to go, Jean! Congratulations!

Lin

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 12:57 AM

What a wonderful honor for our Jean!! Congratulations, friend. You have enriched our lives with your career, and your friendship. I am so proud of and for you. I would say those folks on that list are pretty lucky to have you in their company.

All the very best,

Mick

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: GUEST,Mike B.
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 02:11 AM

The Wikipedia article doesn't list her as one of the 2007 inductees (omitting Kenny Vance and The Tokens as well). Hopefully, this oversight will be corrected shortly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Island_Music_Hall_of_Fame

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 05:50 AM

Mike, it is my understanding you or anyone else for that matter may add a correction to Wiki. It would be good for them to keep it up to date. She, and the others you mention,are clearly listed on the website for the LIMHF 2007 list of inductees!

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 06:47 AM

What a wonderful thread to find here this morning! My first thoughts were already stated by Mick and Art but again.......No one deserves this more and the others should be honored to be alongside of you.

You live in very rare air Jean. Only a tiny few have added so much to the music, the history, and the culture.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Spaw

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: Folkiedave
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 07:03 AM

The Wikipedia article doesn't list her as one of the 2007 inductees (omitting Kenny Vance and The Tokens as well). Hopefully, this oversight will be corrected shortly.

Yes it does say they will be listed shortly.

Fantastic company you keep Jean - Mudcat, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong.........

Congratulations from across the pond.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Alba
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 07:37 AM

Both deserved and earned. We all know how much you have given of yourself to enrich other's lives. Where would we be without your contribution to the World of Music. You and yours must be very proud and happy.
I know I am delighted to hear this news! *smile*.

Hearty Congratulations Jean.
Warmest Wishes and Love to you.
Jude

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 10:31 AM

Night Owl, who is internet-less these days, adds her CONGRATULATIONS and, says, YES, no one deserves this more! You know she means that, Jean!

All the best,

Night Owl/Jackie

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Peace
Date: 05 Sep 07 - 06:40 PM

You are right about that, Guest, but if I may, perhaps that should be 'international'. Congratulations, Jean. Lord knows, you deserve it.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 06 Sep 07 - 07:51 PM

Thank you, kind friends all- I'm pleased, of course- and to be in such greaat company is thrilling. My attention is caught at how many of you used the word, "deserve, or deserving." Why? I've come to the conclusion that folks feel this way because of my age- that I'm still hanging in there and have not given up to the old rockin chair yet!And not because of the quality of my voice (somewhat croaky now) nor my dulcimer playing (the simplist there is)-wonderful things are going on now, dulcimer-wise, that I couln't and probably wouldn't begin to approach;nor my hard work in the folk music field (as I once did, but that's another story). My records sold sometimes hundreds, very seldom thousands, and never millions.My concert fees are still fairly low- I just don't feel right getting lots of money for singing, doing what I like best!

I WAS in on the beginnings of the folk scene of today. I helped start things like the Newport Folk Festival (first one in 1959) and before that, in the forties, I came to NYC and taught Kentucky games and songs to kids on the Lower East Side, and took my dulcimer all over the city, playing for people in parks, rent-raising parties (in Alan Block's loft, usually, and at Izzy Young's store in the Village). I met Mark Sendak at a small music party in a crowded apartment, and engaged him to illustrate my little book, Singing Family of the Cumberlands- his first big job in NY, for Oxford U. Press. All the big names now were little names then- I met them all through music, and all were friends. It would take hours to tell even a part of it...I met Alan Lomax and got to transpose Jelly Roll Morton's recorded tapes because Alan could not understand his 'southern' diction! Alan took me to Leadbelly's house to meet him because Leadbelly was ill and Martha had called and asked Alan to come. This 'sick' man insisted that I hold his 12-string and try to play on it, and laughed when the strings hurt my fingers. He made me promise to dedicate a song to him on next Sunday's Oscar Brand radio program, where I was then a regular. Naively, on the show I strummed my little pre-Martin guitar, just chords, and dedicated our family version of "Old Virginia," to my friend Mr. Ledbetter. Months later, I sang it again at Martha's request at Leadbelly's memorial concert (in Town Hall I think). She said he had liked the song- as they say in New Yorkese, "Go know!"

No room to go on. But you see why I wonder why such a richness of memories as I have could ever make me 'deserving' of an award. It's the other way round. Thank you, Life!

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Sep 07 - 09:24 PM

You're welcome, Ms. Ritchie. Enjoy the moment, well deserved.
SINS

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: dulcimer42
Date: 06 Sep 07 - 09:57 PM

How many of us could share how Jean has impacted our personal lives? As a young teen, back in the 50's I went to the Ballenger Chair of ? Persons, at the IMA in Flint, Mi. to hear this young lady, playing an instrument I had never hear of. A dulcimer. Her music, her stories, her songs made such an impression upon me, I cut out the newspaper article of the event, put it in my scrapbook, and often wished I could find one of those instruments.   Many years later, my husband made me one from a kit. Several instruments later, I love my dulcimer and the relaxation I find when playing it.   But not only the dulcimer, Jean. You opened up the world of folk music to me.... I, in turn, was able to share that world with my students when I was teaching school. And the folk process continues.    Thank you for being a part of it, in my life.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 12:29 AM

Jean, it is exactly because of your unprepossessing way, your going about doing what you love, that makes it such an honour to know and love you and your music AND that makes US say YOU deserve it and more!

You are a shining example of how to live one's life through sharing, working at something one loves, and being kind to all. I am sure you never set out with such rewards as you have received in mind...that's another reason, in my opinion, you have received them and deserve every one of them.

I know so many folks who seem compelled to work at something which does not bring them joy or happiness, yet they strive and strive to reap all kinds of recognition, awards, "success," etc. It seems a difficult battle for them and often, they are disappointed in the results. If they could only learn the secret of doing what they love and being humble enough to be surprised, excited, gratefull, and as gracious as you, their lives would be so much better, in my opinion.

Rest on your laurels for a bit, Kind Lady, and know we are all smiling for you and gratefull for your sharing with us. (More reminiscences in this thread would be gladly accepted!**bg**)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 01:54 AM

My lovely friend, you have made the case for you deserving such an award much more eloquently than any of us could. I remember when you first sent me a PM and I went around to my musical friends and bragged about corresponding with Jean Ritchie. You were an icon for me then, someone whom I had listened to from the first time I heard you and Doc on the Gerdes Folk City album. I was 12 years old. But then I came to know you. You became more of a friend instead of an icon. And knowing you just enhanced you in my eyes. Because I could see your gentle and encouraging way. It is my opinion that you have done more to preserve and promote our musical traditions than virtually anyone. You belong in the company of the great artists and collectors. Why, from my perspective, the collecting you did in Ireland, and the collecting of the pictures and music of Bess Cronin, would be grounds for the honors you receive.

I, very selfishly, don't want you to slow down. I want to hear your voice, and see your face as you sing. I want to look around the crowd, and see the respect, wonder, and appreciation of your amazing gifts, on the faces of those around. I want to sit with young folks playing the dulcimer, and know that it all came down from the ages, and passed right through my friend Jean and out into the world.

Yes, my friend, you are deserving. And I am ever so grateful to these folks for telling you so.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: dulcimer42
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 04:40 PM

just sending this back to the top to keep it going, for Jean

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 06:22 PM

Dulcimer42- Omigosh- Flint, Michigan! THAT ocnert!!! And the word left out of your remembered title was, EMINENT, yet. The Ballenger Chair of Eminent Persons. Booked for me by an erstwhile agent who was also booking Carl Sandburg at that time, and HE probably turned it down...so they got me. It was winter. My train got atranded in a snowbank shortly after I "changed trains for Flint," and we sat there freezing for three or four hours. Luckily I arrived in time for my concert but was fairly delapidated. I was nervous, not knowing how an "Eminent Person" ought to act, but the audience was large, and kind, and I think we all had a good time. Maybe they were glad that I wasn't really Eminent, after all.

Those were the days. I think I got paid maybe $300 for the concert, and it was a one-shot. When I had paid the agents' fee, and the train fare, there wasn't much left, as I recall.

And- you got your dulcimer, and you went to learn more folk music- and you passed your music knowledge and enjoyment along to others (who could write letters to you like yours to me)! And your letter will surely cheer me up when I feel blue. Thank you!    Jean

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Peace
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 06:52 PM

Jean,

I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I heard you sing in person back in the day, and when the topic of music came up around Greenwich Village, guess whose name kept popping into the conversations?

You have introduced, led, inspired so many people to an appreciation and love of music. Some have branched out into other forms of the art, but today--when I hear the word 'dulcimer'--I think Jean Ritchie. I know there are other great players, but none of them are YOU! You have influenced directly or indirectly literally thousands of other musicians. Even if only for that you deserve the award. But it isn't only for that.

You helped preserve a type of music that has met as many hard times as the topics of its songs. Because of you and your role in starting the Newport Festival I got to PLAY at the Newport Festival seven or so years later. Partly because of you I found out that music didn't HAVE to come out of an electric guitar amp. That beautiful songs can be both breathtakingly simple and utterly filled with deep philosophy gleaned from tradition that goes back centuries.

Your post above shows that what your friends AND admirers (they seem to be one and the same) say about you is absolutely true. You are a queen in your own right.

I don't have that kind of eloquence, so I'll just say I think you're one neat gal.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: GUEST,Mike B.
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 02:55 AM

By helping launch the Newport Folk Festival, she must have had an influence on Dylan's career. Maybe he got the idea for the "Masters of War" tune from hearing her rendition of "Nottamun Town" (would be cool if that were so).

Also going into the LIMHF next month is the legendary folk/rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Recently I was listening to Rich Warren's Midnight Special show on XM satellite radio and he played a "Scarborough Fair" themed set - first Carly Simon's version, then Jean Ritchie and Oscar Brand singing "Cambric Shirt", then Mary O'Hara's "The Elfin Knight" and finally Martin Carthy's rendition of the original song (which I understand inspired Paul Simon when he heard Carthy perform it in England).

Speaking of Brand, he's scheduled to appear at the Takoma Park Folk Festival (just outside Washington, DC) on Sept. 16 as part of a tribute to the late Joe Glazer. I make it a point to try and catch the legends when they come to the DC area, as was the case four years ago when Jean Ritchie performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. Prior to that, I'd heard her on various folk anthology albums so it was definitely a highlight of the summer to attend that concert. Congrats to her on this honor.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 07:28 AM

Congratulations!!!!

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 08:28 AM

I was introduced to Jean Ritchie's work by Sarah Grey and Kieron Means and as a result just purchased the Celebration of Life book via Amazon (sadly now out of print so had to hunt down). It arrived this morning the day after we had said our goodbyes to ColK . So many wonderful thoughts. You deserve this honour, many congratulations.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Peace
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 11:26 AM

"Your post above shows that what your friends AND admirers (they seem to be one and the same)"

That was VERY badly worded. I meant to say that your friends are also your admirers and that sure says lots about you. Please excuse me for messing it up.

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 12:54 PM

Mrs. Duck, looks like you've got a great collectors' item. Thanks for posting about it. That's something I didn't know about!

Since her website says it is only temporarily out of print, maybe it will be available from Jean herself, again, soon.

kat

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 03:17 PM

Yes, Kat- It's on our list of things to do... I keep thinking of songs left out of the original (e.g."The Bluebird Song,"for kids; "Wintergrace,"-and a dozen others), and of an overlooked poem ("The Near Things," my favorite now), and so it's going to be a slow process. But anyway, it's good to keep busy!

Subject: RE: JEAN RITCHIE-Long Island Music Hall of Fame 10 Oct
From: Stringsinger
Date: 08 Sep 07 - 03:22 PM

Jean,

You are one of the finest folk singers and a great inspiration to so many of us. Congratulations! I believe that you are one of the best songwriters to come out of the folk tradition as well. When I sing "The L and N" and "Black Waters" I marvel at your writing skills. I'm glad you are getting the recognition you deserve.

Frank Hamilton