Utah Phillip's birthday

Subject: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: kendall
Date: 15 May 09 - 07:49 AM

On this date in 1935 the universe gave us Bruce "Utah" Phillips. I'm grateful to have been able to know this man, but it only makes the loss more difficult.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Mark Ross
Date: 15 May 09 - 09:52 AM

Captain,

I miss him every day.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 15 May 09 - 11:48 AM

He would have been 74 today. Too young for him to not be around anymore.

Dan

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 May 09 - 12:16 PM

I'll miss him as well but he sure made an impression on the world.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: kendall
Date: 15 May 09 - 01:30 PM

When I rolled that damned back hoe one of his thoughts crossed my mind. I don't think it was his but he used it:
"No matter how new age you get, old age gonna kick your ass."

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 May 09 - 01:43 PM

Such a big man - he never will be truly gone.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 15 May 09 - 03:03 PM

Sang one of his songs today.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 15 May 09 - 03:05 PM

I've been playing "Hallelujah I'm a Bum" all day. It was his favorite song, or so he said.

In honor of the anniversary, and to promote the tribute CD, Saul Broudy, Lisa Null and I are going on Gene Shay's show on WXPN in Philadelphia this Sunday evening.

Dan

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: kendall
Date: 15 May 09 - 05:21 PM

REFRESH

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 May 09 - 05:49 PM

Bruce also used to say, "If elections could really change anything, they'd be illegal!"

At least five times a day I want to call him on the phone and get his take on all the insane things that have been perpetrated on us, actually, only just since he died, by so many who are flagrantly robbing us with a proverbial fountain pen.

And then I realize/know that he is really gone.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 16 May 09 - 12:11 AM

I'm sure he helped make a difference. I remember talking with him, in the early 70s, about the problems of education in the Southwest. Native kids weren't allowed to speak their language in school. Or the Spanish spoken "on the street". Only English allowed, so the kids were getting nothing - "illiterate in three languages". It is not perfect yet but it is a whole lot better. Native Americans are getting more respect for their heritage. Anyhow, I believe we each can make a difference - through music, writing or just talking about the things that matter. Utah did make a difference. To all of us and through us to others. That is immortality, yes? We still carry him in our hearts and minds and pass him along to the next generations.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 May 09 - 12:40 AM

I took the old Larrivee to the rehab center where Da is at, and then to the hospital where Mom is at yesterday. I sang several songs of Utah's, and like Dan, I played Hallelujah, I'm a Bum. Big hit with the folks, but I couldn't help but feel sad. Yet grateful. That last conversation we had just before he died was something I will carry with me for all of my days. And it has already impacted the music I am singing, the jokes I am telling, the message I am delivering, and the conviction I have for radical thought, ideas, and change.

I guess when one can inspire like that, he will be with us a long time. But he still sang his songs too damn fast......LOL. Rest well, good son. And happy birthday.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: topical tom
Date: 16 May 09 - 10:39 AM

Wherever people are struggling for social justice Utah's spirit is there.A great singer-songwriter and storyteller and Oh, how I wish I could see and hear him again.RIP Bruce U. Utah Phillips

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: open mike
Date: 16 May 09 - 10:58 AM

as i recall his death day was in May as well...
long may he live in our hearts...

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: kendall
Date: 16 May 09 - 12:31 PM

He passed during the night of May 23-24th.

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 May 09 - 01:16 PM

Yep, right in between the two fundraisers we did here in Michigan. The cool thing was when we hooked a phone up to the sound system at the Ark. At intermission, we got Utah on the phone and he had a conversation with the audience live, and they were thrilled. So was he. I'm not sure, but I think that was his last "performance". To be able to interact with them really gave him a boost. And Matt Watroba, who adored Utah, did an excellent job of moderating that conversation.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillip's birthday
From: kendall
Date: 16 May 09 - 07:40 PM

We are listening to Ashes On The Sea as I type. Old Dude did a fantastic job building my web site