Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008

Subject: Willie P Bennett
From: Mooh
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 08:15 PM

Heard today that Wille P. Bennet has passed away of a heart attack. No more details as of yet. What a talent, what a loss!

R.I.P.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: Beer
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 10:47 PM

Oh no!
A truly big loss.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: bankley
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 10:57 PM

that's sudden.... one of the most colourful writers to come out of Canada... a real character...   travel well W.P.B.

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 11:59 PM

Canadian folk singer Willie P. Bennett dead
Canwest News Service
Published: Saturday, February 16, 2008

Canadian folk singer Willie P. Bennett has died, his family said Saturday night.

Bennett, 56, passed away from natural causes Friday at his home in Peterborough, Ont., according to his family and agent.

The revered singer-songwriter was an integral part of this country's folk music scene, starting in the 1970s, as he played at festivals across the country.

His songs, an emotional mix of country, blues and folk, were later recorded by numerous artists, including Prairie Oyster.

He gained renewed fame in the late 1990s, when the band Blackie and The Rodeo Kings formed to do a tribute album to him. The band itself was named after one of Bennett's songs.

Bennett won a Juno award for Best Roots and Traditional Solo Album for his 1998 album Heartstrings.

In recent years, he had toured North America playing mandolin and harmonica for singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith.

"He was a mentor," said Bennett's agent, Robin   MacIntyre of Mac's Music.

"So many people were inspired and wanted to emulate him. . . . his style of singing, his ability to turn a good phrase.

"The songs that he wrote in his late teenage years and early 20s that were on (the albums) Tryin' to Start Out Clean and Hobo's Taunt, they were anthems for the generation."

Bennett suffered a heart attack last year, according to his website.

His sister, Esther Bennett, said her brother had been in good health recently and had been planning to do more touring.

© Canwest News Service 2008

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Michael Doc Williams
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 06:02 AM

Can't believe Willie is gone. Doesn't seem that long ago we were sitting talking after your gig in Edinburgh. We were like brothers for more than 30 years...I miss you Willie...keep singing brother and we will too...

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Arnie
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 09:07 AM

Oh - my Lord - so sad. What a talent. - I've always admired his playing, singing and songwriting. His performances were always captivating - he poured out his soul with his music. We heard him just recently at Jackie Washington's birthday- it was an unbelievable stellar set. He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Daniel Fewings
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 09:53 AM

My brother bought me Willie's first album when I was 13. I used to see him sit in the art gallery in London, Ontario playing guitar in the early 70's. I had the great fortune of meeting him and spending time with him in Port Dover and in Peterborough.

I always knew him to be Canada's best songwriter!

His grace, his talent are second to none.

God speed, Will

Dan

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 11:15 AM

Rest in Peace...

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 11:59 AM

Our family was shocked to receive the phone call from Washboard Hank yesterday at about noon. Willie has been a good friend and mentor to both of my sons and is a true Canadian musical treasure.
Washboard Hank: "Willie was a giant and he leaves a huge empty space."

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Peter lawson
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 12:28 PM

The first time I saw Willie was at the commoner just after the release of his first album in 1974.His music has been a constant companion ever since and I think my wife Judy and I have both worn out at least one copy of that Baby. I played his songs on my guitar with a shakey voice in the logging camps on Vancouver Island and most recently with my band the Don Valley Boyz. We always have had at least one or two of his songs in our repetoire. Through our mutual friend Ken Ramsden Willie agreed to do a house concert first at my mothers house in Peterborough and then at our home in Toronto. Kids on the floor ( the next generation) taking in all the poetry and musical symetry that only he can deliver. A gentlemen, a working musician,taking a difficult path in a commercial world that more often than not doesn't reward or recognise the true stars. He is planted firmly in my firmament. We will continue to sing and play his songs, here is hoping that last Friday night he was holding a hanful of ACE's. ( he was probably bluffing!)

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 12:47 PM

Sad to hear this news.

COUNTRY SQUALL
(By Willie P. Bennett © with some minor word changes through the years by Charlie Ipcar)

Baby, if I'd been a gambler,
I'd have turned out a different way;
But lately, everywhere I go,
It's the same highway;
And if I were born some time else
This could be a different day;
Like the rise and fall of a country squall,
Getting' ready to fade away.

Sometimes I feel like
I should be in a different place,
With somebody else's mind
And somebody else's face;
'Cause lately, I've been feelin' low,
With nothing to do and no place to go;
Like the rise and fall of a country squall,
Getting' ready to fade away.

Leanin' on a birch tree,
Starin' up at a winter sky;
Listenin' to the black birds calling,
There's no tears left to cry;
And no reasons that I can find
Why I should run this race;
Like the rise and fall of a country squall,
Getting' ready to fade away.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Paul Northcott
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 01:15 PM

I am shocked and devastated by this news. Willie has always been an inspiration and mentor to me.

My heartfelt sympathy and feelings go out to his family, close friends and those throughout the musical community who have been touched and inspired by Willie.

This is an tremendous loss to the Canadian music industry. Willie will always be a Canadian icon.

With deepest sympathy,

Paul Northcott

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Barb Banfield Young
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 01:22 PM

Like the rise and the fall of a country squall................We will sing his songs forever

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,J. P. Hovercraft
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 01:26 PM

So very, very sad. I treasure the time spent working with him. A huge talent and a wonderful and warm human being. Goodbye Willie...you will be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,stiletto rose
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 02:16 PM

I was shocked and so sad to hear the news from Collin Linden yesterday where he performed at Zooma Zooma's about Willie. A bittersweet show for me understandbly so, becasue Collin is such a wonderful performer it's not hard to enjoy one self at any of his shows, but also to know his buddy is now gone, feeling his greif not easy on him, nor any of us who just heard the news.
Collin deticated his show last night in his honor by playing many of his tunes. I was so gratefull for him to do this, as we can remember him through his music by other's, or what he himself did to hear him anytime. He was wonderful a spiritual being in so many ways while here. Willie may God and your angels be with you. I will miss you! Stiletto Rose

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Lynn Miles
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 02:20 PM

Willie, you're song writing and musicianship humbled me. I'll miss your smile and your spirit and your sparkling eyes. You were a lovely man.

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: Peace
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 02:58 PM

I am very sad reagrding this.

Would it be possible to have the title affixed 'Obit'?

Subject: RE: Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,liza his xy wife
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 03:21 PM

It is so comforting to hear you all talk of willie ... i cried with his sister today ... he was an avatar ... a prophet ... his songs came from the very deepest part of him ... he sent me an angel last night ... my eyes are red and sore, i'm bumping into walls, ... i just left him a message for valentine's day ...

excerpt from ruby's lullably by willie p

you play me
i'll play you
we'll play all day
and all night too
lullabies are for babies babe
so i'll play one for you
ya i'll play one for you

you say please
i'll say please
we'll sit and laugh
and slap our knees
if you could say one prayer for me
i'll say one for you
ya i'll say one for you

my beloved ... heart to heart we're living now

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,glenn allen
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 03:48 PM

Damn, this is one sad day. I remember him with a twinkle in his eye climbing to the top of a very tall ladder at GCTC many years ago to sing a song or two. Half of us covered eyes and held breath waiting for the untimely demise of a total loon. No such luck thank god!! He blessed us so well before and since. I'll treasure forever our handshake just a few weeks ago thanking him for all the great songs.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett
From: GUEST,Tucci
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 04:17 PM

I always treasured the times I had with WPB, and talking to him
on the 14th about the martin om-21 I just got that day, that used to
be his. A beautiful man, a gentleman, a deep soulful spirit that
touched my spirit, inspired and guided. I am in shock.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: mike gouthro
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 04:57 PM

I saw Willie singlehandedly enthrall a large evening crowd at the Ottawa Folk Festival a few years back with unique songs, humor and great instrumental prowess.

Several of his performances are on youtube.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Paul Beatty
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 08:49 PM

Willie
             A kind gentle soul with music in his eyes....You were an inspiration to me and all who met you.....from you...a whole generation of singer songwriters willing to wear their heart on their sleeve....lets go down to the water      We Love You Willie

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Stewie
Date: 17 Feb 08 - 09:02 PM

Sad news. Condolences from Oz to his wife and friends. Unfortunately, his music is not easily come by in Australia and consequently he is little known. I first came across his music from a recording by the Seldom Scene. Subsequently, I sought out and managed to obtain 3 of his CDs. He was a very fine songwriter and musician. Vale.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,marilyn koop
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:26 AM

willie p. bennett's music always has and always will reverberate through my life. what a singer. i think the first time i heard willie was in 1973 at ken whiteley's coffee house in north york. sheirs was in a little portable building just past where the world dropped off. i have each one of his lps, and they're all furry around the edges. goodbye willie p. a more honest man i have never met.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Al Wilkinson
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:53 AM

Briefly driving the bus for Fred in '99, I was fortunate to meet and hang with Willie a bit. I made a point of watching him string and tune with consummate care the guitars prior for each nite's gig.
I now know how rare it was to be in the presence of someone so comfortable in his own skin-thorough,focused and graceful.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Raptor
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 10:02 AM

RIP Willie You were a Giant amoung men and musicians.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Patti T (woo-woo)
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:39 PM

Bless all of you for writing here.
Liza I tried to find you and call you on Saturday all day while I was with Joe Stable and others.
Loving Willie and being loved by him was a magical gift in my life.
My heart is broken.
He sent me an angel too, a surge of strength to just begin to think of getting out of this house of mourning and go do some damned laundry.
All these messages help so much.

"fly away my little bird
into the open blue sky
someday when I get my wings
I'll meet you by and by
yes I'll meet you by and by"

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Peace
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 02:36 PM

I met Willie once decades ago. Never forgot him after that because he was a wonderful, kind and open man. He leaves behind so many people who are better for having met him and many others he will continue to influence with his music and writing. This will be a tough 'passage' for Canadian music, but people like him helped put the 'legs' on it for the rest of us. Here's to you, Willie. Thanks.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Cluin
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 03:26 PM

A legend and personal hero. Hard news to take indeed.

...But I got this feelin'
And it's down in my bones
This Great God feelin'
That some day, some day, I will be home...

RIP WPB

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Dan Wood
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 05:20 PM

There hasn't been another musician that has meant more to me than Willie P. Bennett. I met him several times since I first saw him perform at the University of Waterloo in 1975.

I watched the DVD last week of Willie performing in Holland with Fred Eaglesmith and all the way through I kept thinking, "I can't wait to see Willie perform again." Alas, I won't get the chance again. An inspiration and a thrilling performer.

Thanks Willie.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: flattop
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:48 PM

A great songwriter.
___________________

Music in your eyes
I can tell by your surprise
You've been doing fine
So don't give me no more lies
We'll understand it all in time

Words & Music by Willie P. Bennett © 1975

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Appaloosa Lady
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 05:38 AM

There's a lovely tribute to Willie here, plus some of his music:


Better Days Radio

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: bankley
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 11:22 AM

thanx for that link....

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Indianrivergrrl
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 03:00 PM

We send our love from the southern state of Tennessee. You are all in our hearts. Especially Joe @ ACME.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Chris Ward
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 03:12 PM

Ah WilliP......

"Blood of Your Brother" at the Green Valley Inn.....

Recording with you and Pat at Otis Blue's up at Skeleton Lake...

The High Lonesome Players, Fred and Skip, as your backup singers on "One Vessel" at the Festival of Friends...

Your Sage advice that "sometimes the road of life is bum pee"...

Your fatherly pep talk to The High Lonesome Players pre leaving the Van, about pacing ouselves at the Winnipeg Folk Festival...


Would type some more, but can't read the keyes at the moment



It was an honour to have been your friend. I am a Luck One,




Chris

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Peace
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 03:26 PM

http://www.myspace.com/betterdaysradio

Subject: Obit: Willie P. Bennett
From: open mike
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 12:55 AM

I just heard today of the passing of Willie P. Bennett
Willie P. Bennett was a great songwriter, master musician
on harmonica, mandolin and guitar; Fred Eaglesmith's right-hand
man for the last 25 years, and an awesome human being.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/304485

Go here if you'd like to read some more about his life and
hear a tiny-bit of his music:


http://www.kuijsten.de/eaglesmith/williebox

Subject: RE: Obit: Willie P. Bennet
From: open mike
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:24 AM

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson), whose formation was inspired by Bennett's work and their name taken from one of his songs.

Subject: RE: Obit: Willie P. Bennet
From: open mike
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:30 AM

http://www.greenmanreview.com/CD/cd_rodeokings_bark.html

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 03:51 AM

MY BROTHER IS GONE.
FROM THE HOTEL ISABELA TO THE BRUNSICK HOUSE UPSTAIRS.....FROM HIS WEDING TO LISA TO HIS LEAVING HER OUT THERE...TO HIS BUDDY ..FRED E. TO HIS NEW LOVE YOUNGER THAN HE.....HE KNEW I LOVED HIM & HE KNEW HE LOVED ME....
TO BUCKY & ALL THE BOYS IN HIS BANDS....
THE BROTHER WEVE LOST REMAINS IN YOUR HANDS , AND NOW ITS A CHOICE IF HE STAYS IN YOUR BANDS. PLAY HIS SONGS IF YOU LOVED HIM AND THEM.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Richard Wright
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 11:09 PM

A long time ago, in the home of Longevity John, Willie gave me the words to a song he was singing that had moved me.

"will you miss me when I'm gone".

I met him several times after that an even had him play harmonica on a CD. What a guy.
Yeah, Willie, we'll miss you.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Noah Zacharin
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 11:57 PM

found out on saturday night, and the news was just a hard thing. though I've loved his work for years, I never got to see him play live. nevertheless, I saw a DVD of one performance, and repeatedly watched (and endlessly suggested to friends to see) his youtube performance of One Vessel, singing into the mandolin. a magnificent and inspiring performer, as well as writer/player/singer, whose love for the work is clear and sacred. for a while I was covering Down to the Water, and on Monday I sang it again. it never failed/s to capture the hearts of listeners. we will all miss him and his brave musical spirit. blessings on your journey.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: open mike
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 01:31 AM

here I am cross-linking to the thread which includes lots of his lyrics.
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103318&messages=37
I have also posted the URL for this thread to that lyric thread.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 10:44 AM

willie you were the best,always saw you with fred and never saw
a Man who seemed to love the music more,your spirit will live on with us as you always brought it...ken&candy

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 10:50 AM

Willie's last message to his friends and fans:

Words From Willie
"... I am unused to being in this position. For much of my life, I have sought to give and although it's a long boring story, I have had much trouble in learning to receive. I am overwhelmed by the gift you have all given to me of your wishes for good health and long life and general well-being. I am also humbled and thankful for your financial support. And so I guess it's now time for me to learn to receive. Life is funny that way. On a more immediate plane, this is just an update to let you know that I believe I am well on the road to recovery, and I am in good spirits and enjoying some new vices such as walking and dreaming of smoking. I still haven't had the major tests that will allow the doctors to let me know exactly what is going on. Much as it goes against my personal grain to take anyone's advice, in this particular case, I think I would be prudent to listen to the doctors and all the fans who advise me to get better first, and then get back out on the road. I've gone on long enough with this communiqué. God bless you all (certainly the god of your choosing), and know that I will see you all in the future."

Sincerely and respectfully,
Willie
Peterborough, ON June 29th 2007

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Beer
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 11:01 AM

Thank you Jim.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Duke
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 11:27 AM

The more I read about his passing, the sadder it all becomes. I met him through Jackie Washington and we sat around one night telling each other stories about Jackie. Some news is hard to take.

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 04:06 PM

Hot Dog Roller


So we would be brailing around in Fred's bus looking for a Motel before the sun got up in some backroad of the great and armed America and we would be stopped infront of some generic highway gas staion and you would be wondering where what why and the bus door would open and it would be Willie with a steamin hot if not fresh hot dog in his hand. Willie loved hotdogs. Whenever he saw a dog on one of those hot dog roller machines he would go for it. You have seen them they are rolling pipes of steel that usually have rolling dogs of hot on them. Whether they actually cook the dogs or just keep them warm I don't know.

The point I am working up to is this...On March 8th we are having a memorial for Willie here in Peterborough. There will be Singin Speachin and Tears with Hot Dogs and Beers and I am looking for a hot dog roller. Does any one know where we could rent or borrow one?

myspace.com/washboardhank

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: Noah Zacharin
Date: 28 Feb 08 - 09:36 PM

GUEST, Jim (Hank?):
PM for you if you send me an email address.
nice to see we are in the same sphere.
nz

Subject: RE: Obit- Willie P Bennett 15 Feb 2008
From: GUEST,Suge
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 05:10 PM

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Willie's passing. I just finished picking through a version of 'Brave Wings'. His music is timeless and eternal, but I'll miss his truly amazing performances. Looking forward to attending the second annual tribute to Willie-I'll imagine him singing backgrounds, picking away on his mandolin and blowing his harp. We miss you Willie!