Obit: Erik Darling (1933-2008)

Subject: Obit: Erik Darling
From: Stringsinger
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:14 PM

it is my sad duty to report the passing of a dear friend.

Frank Hamilton


newsobserver.com | Obituaries‏
From:        [e-mail] ([e-mail])
Sent:        Mon 8/04/08 6:51 PM
To:        [e-mail]

newsobserver.com | Obituaries
Aug 1, 2008 ... Erik Darling, 74, Chapel Hill, Aug. 3. Arrangements by Cremation Society of the Carolinas, Raleigh. Published in The News & Observer on 8/4/ ...
www.legacy.com/NewsObserver/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=114870271 - 37k - 11 hours ago

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: Stringsinger
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:16 PM

This from Bill Svanoe who played with Erik on "Walk Right In"


RE: VERY SAD NEWS‏
From:        [e-mail]
Sent:        Mon 8/04/08 6:23 PM
To:        [e-mail]
I'm sorry to report that Erik passed away on the early morning of
August 3rd in Chapel Hill NC. He had been very sick with Limphoma.
Best regards.

Bill Svanoe

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: Stringsinger
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:18 PM

Erik had just completed his autobiograpby. You can find it at:

Click here

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:25 PM

Why is it always a shock? Thank you, Frank, for the news and the links.
RIP
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:34 PM

This is very saddening. But he left this behind.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: Bill H //\\
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:35 PM

What sad sad news---such a talented and wonderful artist. A former member of The Weavers among his other great incarnations. He was also a guest on TRADITIONS with Ron Olesko at one point.

He will be sorely missed.


BH

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling
From: GUEST,DV
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:38 PM

Oh my gosh, this is shocking! I didn't know he was ill either.

I'm despondent on hearing this news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:21 PM

When he arrived at the Pearly Gates, I'm sure St. Pete said, 'Walk Right In." RIP Erik Darling.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:36 PM

I am very shocked. In the times we corresponded and spoke, he was always unassuming and modest - which I guess is why his illness was not wider known. The first time I interviewed him, we ended up chatting for over 90 minutes. He ended by saying "I never knew so much about myself". I am glad that he was able to complete and publish his autobiography - his involvement in the folk revival deserves more attention.

He was a central figure in Greenwich Village in the 1950's, teaching just about everybody a lick or two on the banjo. He recorded with numerous artists - I think he gets a credit on just about every Elektra album of the era!   Ed McCurdy told me how they would have mock "sword fights" on the subway, using their guitar cases as the weapons as astonished straphangers watched.   He wrote The Bananna Boat Song, merging two Jamaican songs, and it became a hit for the Tarriers. The Tarriers would also become the first integrated group to appear on television. I seem to recall that he also played on the recording of "Tom Dooley" that Roger Sprung created, and was heard and practically copied note for note by the Kingston Trio.

His work with the Weavers was more than just a replacement for Pete Seeger. He introduced new songs and styles to the group and really held his own, something that Frank Hamilton would also do. Too many people forget that the Weavers made some incredible music after Pete left.

Then came the Rooftop Singers, an admirable folk/pop sound that also brought attention to Gus Cannon with "Walk Right In". Erik sent me a copy of the Rooftop Singers reissue a few years ago with a nice note. He was very proud of the work.

He did "change careers", but in the last decade there were a couple of projects that brought him back into the limelight - or whatever limelight is left in this world of "folk" music.   His album "Child, Child" was, in my estimation, a superb re-working of old tunes mixed with some new songs that showed was a good songwriter he was.   The last recording I received from him was his Christmas CD from two years ago. There was a sparkle to his music - it wasn't a sappy collection of holiday songs but rather a CD that celebrated the joy of the season without preaching or phony sentiment.

I'm greedy. I was hoping for more. I would e-mail him from time to time to see if he would consider performing in NJ. I am deeply sad that we won't have an opportunity to share the joy that came from his music and performance.

I pray that he did not suffer to badly or long. His spirit will remain whenever a song is played. My condolences to his family and friends.

I am going to dig out the interview that I did with him about 10 years ago and air it on my WFDU radio show on August 17th.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: john f weldon
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 08:39 PM

Sad news indeed. Not only the 12-string, he also was one of the first people I heard play the kazoo in a really musical way. Great banjo-picking and a unique vocal style. He added a little swing to the folky music of them days.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:28 PM

Life is far too short................Nothing I can say would be enough. Very sad indeed.........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:28 PM

Frank, let me start by saying I am sorry for your loss. It is tough to lose a friend. I don't think friends can ever be so intimate as when they share music, I am sure this one weighs heavily on you.

As to the rest of us, we are just fortunate to have been around to hear his music. I will be listening, Ron, when you rebroadcast that interview.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Peace
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:29 PM

Ditto Mick, Ron.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: topical tom
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 09:45 PM

A great singer-songwriter-musician.A sad loss indeed. RIP Erik.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 10:18 PM

If I'm not mistaken, and I frequently am, Erik also played on A Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem album or two.
Another great one gone. RIP.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 10:33 PM

Ron, please remind us when you play that show.

Frank, my condolences. This is an incredibly sad loss.

There's a great youtube of him playing the banjo with the Kossey Sisters doing Bowling Green.

RIP and thanks, Mr. Darling.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 10:38 PM

A great picker, and a really friendly fella. I was playing in the pit orchestra for this really bad, supposedly "country musical" in backer's auditions at St. Bart's Church in NYC in the mid '70's. I got the gig because they wanted 5 string banjo, but not Scruggs style. Opening night Erik was there(, he was a friend of one of the authors. Afterwards, I was supposed to play some tunes with the violinist in the pit band, but she didn't know sheepshit from dark raisins about old time fiddle tunes. Erik sat in with me on banjo while I switched to guitar. A memorable evening! He will be missed.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 11:48 PM

A great sorrow! Erik was the Diogenes of folk singers. He always sought honesty and truth.

We had a history together that goes back to the Fifties.

We kinda' grew up musically together. He was an innovator. "All My Trials" with the Bahamian beat came from him. He taught Bob Gibson a lot of tunes too. Of course he
was behind "Walk Right In" as well.

His music with the Weavers was informed by The Golden Gate Quartet which he loved
because they could really swing. Check out "Fight On" and "in That New Jerusalem".
He made the Weavers swing too in ways that Pete, Bernie or I couldn't.

I think that "True Religion" is a classic folk revival recording.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:39 AM

Great story, Mark. Frank, thank you for sharing the news and links with us. It is a sad day. John on the Sunset Coast, that was a perfect 10.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 05:15 AM

Sorry to hear this, thanks to Frank for sharing. It was the Weavers that got me interested in American folk music beyond the blues.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Leadbelly
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:22 AM

Thank you very much for your music, Erik.


Manfred

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 09:24 AM

He was on records by
Judy Collins
Ed McCurdy
The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem
The Kossoy Sisters
The Chad Mitchell Trio
and of course The Weavers, and The Rooftop Singers.
Probably I've left many out, but that's a pretty impressive list already.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 09:51 AM

I think he did a recording accompanying Alan Lomax.

One interesting bit of information, while he was part of the Folksay Trio for Asch/Stinson,
he recorded Tom Dooley with Bob Carey and Roger Sprung. Bob apparently was responsible for that little hiccup in the song that made the Kingston Trio famous.

The Tarriers were formed to back up Vince Martin from Cocoanut Grove, FLA on his song
"Cindy, Oh Cindy". Alan Arkin, Bob Carey and Erik recorded "the Banana Boat Song"
(I think before Belafonte but I'm not sure). They compiled "Hill and Gully Rider" with "Day O"
and it was Erik's sparkling banjo that made that song a hit.

Erik's banjo playing was very influential. I'm pretty sure that Bob Gibson picked up his
style from listening and hanging out with Erik. Of course Pete Seeger was a major influence
on Erik and Gibson but Erik's playing was different than Pete's and unique in that as I have mentioned before had a jazz-swing quality to it. I think Dave Guard might have been also
influenced by Erik's banjo playing.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 09:52 AM

Mick and Kat, thank you for your empathy. It's a great shock.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 10:38 AM

It is sad enough to know the source of the music is gone. I am so sorry that you also lost a friend, Frank. I will pray for you.

Thankfully, much of the music will live on in books and recordings.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Amos
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 10:48 AM

Damn. It's like a major piece of the puzzle falling away, or finding out a street you knew well has disappeared. It is disconcerting. Frank, all my condolences.


A.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 11:09 AM

Thank you Roger in Baltimore and Amos. The metaphor of the familiar street is a good one.

Erik informed everything he did musically with an in-depth knowledge of folk music.
He brought to his work a love of Leadbelly and the 12 string guitar which he utilized
on "Walk Right In".

He was a seasoned performer and wasn't a guy who happened to stumble into the folk scene. He had done his homework.

He learned some guitar from Brownie McGhee and he was a guest at the home of Leadbelly's niece, Tiny Ledbetter in Harlem where he heard Sonny Terry and Rev. Gary Davis play live.

I think that his interest in folk music was responsible for his later investigations into
the "human potential" movement in Santa Fe. He championed John Bradshaw and Virginia Satir in their roles as behavioral therapists.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Cool Beans
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:02 PM

How very sad. My condolenes, Frank. I learned a lot of music (and enjoyed even more) from Erik's recordings and performances. I agree with you, Frank, about "True Religion." Erik also played a hip and terific version of "Oh, What a Beautiful City."

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:28 PM

First five-string picker I ever saw, Leeds town hall, with the Weavers
in 1959. A great loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:33 PM

As I recall Erik, he was a nice kid. He was in high school, at the time. (His principal once cautioned him about wasting his tim just fiddling around, to which Erik responded "But I play the banjo!). Aside from his awesom musicianship, I remember most vividly his enthusiasm for music.
He soaked up source material like a sponge, and then squeezed it out with a good deal of himself added.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST, TJ in San Diego
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 01:20 PM

I heard Erik perform with a number of different groups in the fifties and early sixties. His work with the Weavers was a really energizing influence on the group. I especially remember the banjo and twelve-string work. I'm trying to recall how many of my old LP's on which his name appears, either as a backup or featured performer. My sincere regrets to his family. Ironically, I did not know he was in the Chapel Hill area. My brother and his family also live in that lovely part of NC.

I think what touches so many of us, when we hear of another such passing, is our own mortality. I realize that most of the entertainers I knew growing up are long gone. Those people whose music and humor touched our lives - indelible memories - go, one by one, to a higher calling.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:05 PM

The Rooftop's cover of Gus Cannon's "Walk Right In"---done definitively by Eric in Leadbelly 12-string style -- will always be one of my favorite traditional variations. It was a real emotional improvement to the older song. Frank, thanks for the sad information. I do wish I'd met him somewhere--some time.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:09 PM

Rest in Peace...

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:16 PM

Erik was one of the most creative of all the folk musicians that I knew.
His "Train Time" is a classic recording.

Al Arkin was also creative. I often wonder what the two of them would have done
if they had continued to work musically together.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:16 PM

I've been enjoying Erik's recordings the last couple days. Collectors' Choice Music has reissued his self-titled Elektra album, and you can hear several cuts from his Christmas album at http://www.erikdarling.com/.

I didn't realize how well "The Night Before Christmas" fits the tune to "Sweet Betsy From Pike." I'm going to add Erik's version to my repertoire.

Rest in peace, Erik.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,tom riker
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:34 PM

We lost a great player and a close friend of mine. We wrote 5 books together over the years and a few songs as well( Border Town at Midnight)...Sorry to see him leave us and the world of music...but we all have his memories and the music he left.

Tom Riker ([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: folkwaller
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 04:30 PM

Suffolk will miss you Erik.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Genie
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:09 AM

Very sad news.   Erik's is one of the first names I remember ever hearing about in folk music, back in the day.    Leaves a great legacy.

G

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,Joe Frazier - Chad Mitchell Trio
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 01:37 PM

I always felt he lived up to his name - quiet, creative, pleasent man to be around and to make music with. Recording sessions, concerts - even "Hootnanny" - were enhanced by his music. Requiem aeternam!

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:07 PM

Joe,

Long time no hear. If you join Mudcat(it's free), I can send you contact info.
I remember hanging around with you and Murdoch in the Village, last I saw you was 30 some years ago at the Bottom Line, you had become a preacher in Pennsylvania.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:19 PM

Erik Darling has been a name on folk music albums as long as I have known about folk music. I never met him, heard him live or thought of him as a solo performer, yet he was as much a part of the fabric of what I listened to as anyone.

I guess I first became aware of his talent on the (in)famous "Dalliance" series with Ed McCurdy, where that happy, tinkling banjo provided just the right touch to those bawdy songs.

I was just a kid in Kansas and met very few in that era. I envy those of you who knew him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Vicar
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM

Mark,
      As you see, I just joined. Bruce Murdoch just sent me his new CD. Apparantly, he had stopped singing for a long time. Let's correspond and I'll tell you more Good to find this website - ours is chadmitchelltrio.com

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Mark Clark
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:41 PM

Frank, I'm so sorry. Thanks for the notice, I haven't see this anywhere else.

I've ordered his book and look forward to reading it.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Leadbelly
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:00 PM

Although mostly banjo orientend, on "Walk Right in" his 12-string really swings. Unbelieveable! By hearing this song the first time, I was absolutely fascinated.
Which product did he use for this great song? Guild??

Manfred

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:12 PM

It's nice to see that it can still be a small world--sad news brings old friends back together again. Welcome to Mudcat, Vicar.

Stilly River Sage

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Mark Ross
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:46 PM

Both Erik and Bill Svanoe(?) used Gibson 12 string guitars. Bill had a left-handed one made for him.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Leadbelly
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM

Thanks Mark. What a great sound!

Manfred

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: MissouriMud
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 05:57 PM

Sad news indeed. Eric was one of my first folk influences. I had the 1950's self titled album , with him leaning against the stop sign, and just totally absorbed his mountain tuning banjo renditions of Pretty Polly and Swananoah Tunnel, as well as his guitar work on Aboline and J.C Holmes - I still play the guitar pieces. And his later 12 string work was always fun. I learned to love folk music first from Pete Seeger and the early Weavers - but I learned technique from Eric.

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: GUEST,Heidi Wilson
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 09:00 PM

I am the daughter of Lynne Talor of the Rooftop Singers.
Erik was one of the most precious human beings to ever grace this planet.Not to mention one of the most talented, and he is my "family" I wont say goodbye Erik, i'll just say "see ya soon"

Subject: RE: Obit: Erik Darling (3 August 2008)
From: Janie
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 11:08 PM

I had the opportunity to meet and make a little music with him a year or so ago at the home of mutual friend here, just outside of Chapel Hill. I enjoyed him thoroughly and we had a nice conversation at the intersection of his interest and work with children and mine in clinical social work.

I'm surprised that neither the Raleigh News& Observer, the Durham/Chapel Hill Herald Sun, nor WUNC have made special mention of his death or done at least a small tribute. Maybe it is too soon, but I just e-mailed the mutual friend, who also occasionally writes for the above mentioned papers, suggesting he consider writing a piece honoring Erik's legacy, and have e-mailed WUNC, our local and quite good NPR station, to suggest his life and passing are significantly newsworthy to warrant coverage.

My condolences to you Frank, at the loss of your friend, and to all who knew and loved him.

Janie