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

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Genie
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 12:15 AM

I was never blessed with the chance to see and hear him live, but Tommy's music still enriched my life and my appreciation of folk music.

His passing is indeed a great loss. That it was from lung cancer makes it that much more tragic.

The angel band has gained another wonderful voice.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: C. Ham
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 12:00 AM

Come fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all

There's a tear in the parting glass tonight.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Alice
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:08 PM

Very sad news. My sympathy to you, Kendall, and all his friends and family.
We have all lost another great one.

Alice Flynn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:06 PM

Another voice here, to send our love to all the Makem Family, kinfolks and friends. So many memories we have of him,- George and I when we first went to Ireland and visited his family in Keady- and heard Sarah Makem singing, "As I Roved Out On a May Mornin, On a May mornin right early- I met my love upon the way, she sang so sweet and clearly..." for the first time, as she made the tea for her family and for us. An evening of marvelous music followed, neighbors from all over Keady dropping in, with instruments, songs, ready for what they knew would be a fine party. Tommy always remembered that evening when he played the whistle and sang the only song he knew at that time when he was seventeen,- "Nell Flaharty's Drake." and laughed about it when he gave an interview for me, years later.

I wish that we could have seen him more often, but we do treasure those memories we have, and wish for you all, strength, courage and the joy of your own treasured memories to carry you through this time of parting. My feeling is that Death is a part of Life, and that the parting will not be forever.

Joy and blessings,    Jean Ritchie

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 09:01 PM

Thanks, Jimmy C. That explains some of the lyrics, and also the actions Tommy pantomimes as he sings. Also - a warm memory in its own right, which is most welcome at a time like this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Jimmy C
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:32 PM

Gnu,

Gladly.

Most of Tommy's version is the same as my grandfather's song except for the chorus. Also Tommy sang "My name is Dick Darby", my grandfather used his own name " John Simpson". I don't know what the original name should be. Probably Dick Darby.

Grandfather's chorus had these words.


" With an inting of an inting and an Idoh
With an inting of a inting of an iday
Ould wax-end and heel-ball you're boozing again
and your lapstone keeps beating away.


ps: "Waxend was a small piece of amber coloured wax, about the size of a cube of billiard chalk. It was used to coat the twine befiore the stitching. The cobbler waould draw the twine through his fist which held the waz-end."
Heelball was a larger piece of hard wax, it came in black and brown. It had to be heated and then applied to the rims of the heels in a burnishing motion, forcing the wax in between the layers of leather thus caulking the soles and the heels. It dried to a hard shellac finish, very durable.
My grandfather also glued a small piece of wood (matchstick) in the centre of the sole, this attracted water, thereby making the soles not waterproof but water resistant, The piece of wood collected a lot of moisture.
A lapstone was used in the older days as a sort of anvil to soften the leather to be used for the toes, so that it was pliable. Later on they were able to purchase pre-softened leather for this purpose. My job was to go downtown Belfast to Lower Donegal street and buy a rolled up side of leater from Donaghy's shop. I carried it home on my shoukder. I loved helping my Grandfather and also the smell of new leather, plus Mrs. Donaghy used to give me a bar of chocolate as a tip.
In future when I sing this song I will think of Tommy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:48 PM

Irreplaceable voice, irreplaceable man.

And yes, somehow I find his "Butcher Boy" coming to mind too, and how hair-raising it was to hear him sing it. Ever after I would keep two versions of the song in my head" Buell Kazee's Kentucky one, and Tommy's.

Not only power in that voice, but something wonderfully dynamic, full of energy, humor, wit ...

Fare thee well, Tommy, and thanks for all the fine music you've left us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:29 PM

"the absolute power of his voice" -

I never had the opportunity to hear him live, and wasn't aware of that quality of his voice - but that's consistent with an anecdote I heard about two weeks ago on CBC radio. A Newfoundlander was being interviewed about his life - I don't remember anything else about the interview, except: He was once in charge of building an addition to the airport in Gander (a hub for transatlantic flights), and came in early one morning, as was his wont, and began to sing as he reconnoitered the construction site before his workers showed up. He assumed he was alone - until a huge voice joined in, filling the place, and he stopped in awe and turned around - to see Tommy Makem standing there. "What's the matter - did you forget the words?" says Tommy. And then Liam Clancy hauled himself up off whatever makeshift surface he had been sleeping on. "I wish you'd both forgot the bloody words!" says he.

Anyway, the three of them had an impromptu sing-song there and then, to the surprise and delight of the other workers as they arrived ...

I think it is a fine thing to be able to leave such stories behind ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: pattyClink
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:28 PM

Mick, his kids aren't his sole legacy, but also all of you/us who carry on the tradition.   He didn't just perform, he gently evangelized and taught and promoted and encouraged all of us: poets, musicians, singers; friends or strangers, whoever was within the reach of his travels and his songs.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:11 PM

Maureen, based on what I have heard of his last days, he simply left one set of angels, his Nurses, and now is joining in with another.

Thanks for what you do everyday,

Mick Lane

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,irish nurse
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:09 PM

I am honored to have had the pleasure of caring for Mr. Makem in our facility during his final days. Aside from being overwhelmingly talented, Mr. Makem was a very sweet and very stoic man whom many of us fell in love with immediately. The love and support his three sons and daughter gave him until the end was amazing. What a beautiful family he has left behind to carry on his legacy. Rest well, my sweet angel. Maureen

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:01 PM

I am just dumbstruck at the realization, once again, how it takes times like these to realize just exactly how much we will miss someone. This wonderful, gentle bard will live forever. In his passing, the family should know just exactly how much he meant to all of the children and grandchildren of Ireland. They will see how very much he meant to the performers in many genre's, and the world over. Some folks seek glory, and live so that when they die they will have a big funeral. They seek validation in their good works. And they always come up short. But folks like Tommy seek only to entertain, seek only to carry on a tradition. And he did it in such a wonderfully caring way, that he will live forever in the hearts of those he touched. He will live forever in the music he spread.

Boys (the Makem Brothers), I haven't seen you in a few years since I left West Michigan. But I send my condolences, and want you to know that I understand your loss and your grief. I hope you understand that you are this great man's, and his Mother's, legacy. And from what I have seen of you, ever since the first time I arranged for you to come to the Fenians in Conklin, MI, this immense legacy is in good hands.

God be good to him,

All the best,

Mick Lane

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Stephen M. Dickson
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:43 PM

Tommy Makem will be missed but still loved for all his contributions. I grew up listening to Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers and still listen today. I am saddened by his passing and as an Irish American will remember him well as a great influence to generations in his homeland as well as here in America.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Dave Swan
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:08 PM

I'll hoist a glass. Damn. Condolences to all who miss him so much.

D

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:45 PM

Care to post that different chorus? I would love to read it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Jimmy C
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:38 PM

Very sad news indeed.

I sat with him one night in a bar in Toronto although he neither smoked nor drank. He was with an english guitar player " Ray Durham". They were on tour and came into the bar where we were playing. I remember discussing " The Cobbler" with him. I had a different chorus that I learned from my grandfather who was a cobbler. Tommy was quite interested in the different words, although I don't believe he ever used them ?. A real gentleman, he will be sadly missed.

I hear he went home to Keady, Co. Armagh about 3 weeks ago, just to look at the place one last time.

I think I will do the Cobbler this Sunday in his memory.

Rest in Peace Tommy

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Greg B
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 05:35 PM

Someone just posted this one from March .

Most people without lung cancer wish they could sing half
so well!

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: gnu
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:13 PM

Ya know.... watching that youtube clip JennyO... makes me realize something. Those people who never saw him perform really have no idea of the absolute power of his voice.

How can I explain this? In words? I sat fourty feet away from him one night when he sang that song. My chest reverberated. The table and glassware reverberated. It was truly awsome.

I have played "Long Night" by Rawlins Cross on the old tape player a few times today. Haven't had the heart to play any of Tommy's yet. That song is a tribute to Emile Benoit, Newfoundlander, written by RC the night Emile passed. It holds so true for Tommy as well. This shall be a long night.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Shaneo
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 03:09 PM

He was an inspiration to all us ballad singers, R.I.P. Tommy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 03:07 PM

I'm another whose first introduction to Irish music was from Tommy Makem and the Clancy brothers, in the 1960s. Many years later (1995-ish?) I met Tommy face to face in Easton, MA at a very low-key Irish event (not the Irish fest) and told him I'd been influenced by him and was now singing folk music myself. He thrilled me to pieces by asking my name and said, "Maybe I've heard of you." ...he hadn't, but it thrilled me just the same. Even more was the deep satisfaction of meeting one of my true heros, and finding him a downright decent, kind human being.

Go well, Tommy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:49 PM

tributes to Tommy Makem were carried on RTE, UlsterTV, and BBC-Ireland news this evening. Much of RTE and UTV footage was the same, including memories from nephew Peter Makem and from singing partner Liam Clancy, and also Paddy Maloney of the Chieftains. BBC1 included Tommy Makem speaking about when he sang in the Bogside in support of civil rights, he said it was like a request to sing behind the Berlin wall, and a snippet of 4 Green Fields (I was surprised to see that in this N Ireland-based obituary), and also showed a bit of Tommy's mother Sarah singing, which was very nice to see.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Seaking
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:40 PM

Hearing Tommy's singing of 'The Butcher Boy' for the first time was probably the moment that set me towards a life love of folk music.   As a young teenager I wrote and requested he sing the song when I saw The Clancys and Tommy Makem in Liverpool, probably around 1968. He sang it and it's been a cherished memory to this very sad day.

Out of interest I googled the song and unbelievably it came up on Youtube - still hits the same spot, absolutely beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOWYhVbJZQg

Chris

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: curmudgeon
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:32 PM

And another from the same    paper.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: curmudgeon
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:30 PM

Here's a piece in Foster's, Tommy's local NH paper by occasional Mudcatter       John Nolan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: Brían
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:24 PM

I have nothing to add that has not been said already. Here is a link to t tribute for RTE:Acclaimed folk musician Tommy Makem dies

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: jeffp
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:23 PM

He will be greatly missed. He was my introduction to Irish music, for which I will always be grateful.

RIP, Tommy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:37 AM

I've been watching quite a few of them on YouTube. The one with Pete Seeger is great. Here is the whole of Four Green Fields sung by Tommy, with a slide show - Tommy Makem - Four Green Fields. Gives you goose bumps!

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:12 AM

There is a memorial video now on youtube: click here. His voice was so incredibly beautiful and evocative.

I have also posted several links to some very early footage of Tommy and the Clancys on the youtube permathread.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tommy Makem has Passed Away- 1 Aug 2007
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 11:09 AM

I heard the death announced on Raidió na Gaeltachta, and then I watched RTÉ lunchtime news which had a fairly long tribute to Tommy Makem, including snippets of him singing Four Green Fields. I first heard Tommy singing on his own (without Clancy's)when I was 10 years old and that sparked my interest in Irish music in particular; I already had a love for folk music in general. So he had a huge influence in my life.

I also heard that Tommy Makem had been involved in the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association and/or in setting up an American support group for NICRA (circa 1970?). Can anyone elaborate on Tommy's role?

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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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 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 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: 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: 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: 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
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