OBIT: Shel Silverstein has died (May 99)

Subject: OBIT: Shel Silverstein has died
From: ddw in windsor
Date: 11 May 99 - 12:12 AM

The world is a poorer place. I was just checking the news wires and found an obit for Shel Silverstein, who was found dead in his Key West digs Monday. He was 66.

For the two or three of you who may not know Shel under one of his many hats, the was a person who brought joy to millions, even if some of them never knew he was the source.

Shel started as a writer and cartoonist for Playboy in 1952 when — despite what many of us think of that whole scene now — was at the time the home of some of the best talents in the land.

Shel went on to write hundreds of songs -- mostly with a humorous twist such as The Unicorn, A Boy Named Sue, The Jogger, Waitin' for Liz, and, from the DT, Beans Taste Fine. He also wrote one of the finest prison songs I've ever heard -- Back Home In Huntsville Again, recorded by his friend Bobby Bare.

But Shel's talents also ran to poetry, first for adults and then for children, almost all of it first-class stuff.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I knew there would be people in this community who would want to know.

If I were religious, he's a man I would say a prayer for. I'm not, but I'll at least keep his memory alive because of his work that has always given me such pleasure.

ddw

Subject: RE: Shel Silverstein has died
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 11 May 99 - 03:12 AM

He did some wonderful stuff, all right. One of my favorites was his "childrens' book," Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book. --seed

Subject: RE: Shel Silverstein has died
From: TequilaRon
Date: 11 May 99 - 07:52 PM

Shel Silverstein wrote one of the best anti-war Folk songs I have ever heard. It's called The Hills Of Shiloh. I haven't done it in years, but if memory serves here are a few verses:

Have you seen Amanda Blaine> In the hills of Shiloh> Wandering In the morning Rain> In the hills of Shiloh>

Have you heard Amanda Sing> In the hills of Shiloh> Whispering to her wedding ring> In the hills of Shiloh>

Have you seen her Running Down> Searching through the sleeping town> In her yellowed wedding gown> In the hills of Shiloh>

Have you seen her standing there> In the hills of Shiloh> Wind a-blowing through her hair> In the hills of Shiloh>

Listening for the sound of drums > and a man who never comes> to the hills of Shiloh> Poor Amanda, doesn't know> It was over twenty years ago> In the hills of Shiloh>

Well this isn't right, but as we use to say at the University of South Florida its close enough for folk music. Ron

Subject: RE: Shel Silverstein has died
From: Tucker
Date: 11 May 99 - 10:03 PM

I had the fortune to see Shel one day in Salsalito Ca, 1969. Hippy though I was/believe it or not soldier too, I left the man alone, I knew his work from the really great playboy years, his art (cartooning, interviews) and later his songs. I was sitting by the fountain there, and Shel was coming across the street from the Trident. I wanted to BS, but I figured hey Celebs need some time to be free. I waved, said "hey Shel, I've love'd your work". He smiled, seemingly genuinely, and said thanks. Only Contact. But I could see it made him happy and it made me happy, to see one of my favorite cartoonist.