Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Pete Kraemer
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 12:05 PM

I am stunned. There is little I can add to what has been written here, other than my personal sadness, condolences to the Pattons, to all who knew and loved Sandy, and my grateful thanks for his and Caroline's friendship.

Thank you, Sandy, for a life truly well lived. I will remember you always as a gentleman, a gentle man, and a friend.

Peter Kraemer

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 11:08 AM

Yep, Sins, pretty cool story from our Allison (with two L's). I continue to be touched by how many of these stories are out there, from all walks and levels of the folk scene. Could there be a more compelling example than Art's? I know that typing, for our friend Art, is no small task. But it was important to us, so he did it and it is a treasure!!!

Methinks that what a person does in life is certainly important, but the way you are remembered, and by who, is more important. I know that in my life, this man expressed such interest and such caring, that it affected me in a profound way. In our minds we might think that we were very special to him. When I read of all the others that were touched in the very same, very profound way, it makes me realize what a giant he was. I was very special to him, but so were every one of the folks who have shared their own remembrances. Can you imagine the great heart, and the infinite love this man had? It was all centered around music, and his absolutely convicted belief in the importance of a community of friends, of "good people".

I think we are all coming to the realization of how very lucky we are to have had this wonderful man in our lives. To paraphrase something Kendall has said of Folk Legacy many times, when you can say that you were friends with Sandy Paton, well ....... that's saying something.

Can you imagine the reunion with Rick?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 10:42 AM

That's wonderful, Allison. Never heard your story before.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 10:02 AM

...got called away for a minute. Anyway, years later I ran into Sandy and Caroline at a folk festival, re-established contact, told them my story, and remained connected to them from then on. At one festival, Sandy asked me, "Tell me about this 'Mudcat" place you mentioned before...". I don't take credit for his presence here, but I was one of the ones from whom he heard about it!

At another festival he introduced me to someone by saying, "I made her what she is today!"

I started learning guitar the week after that fateful concert at the Audubon. I taught elementary music for 25 years, lead community sings, direct Animaterra Women's Chorus, and in all I do I remember the influence of both Sandy and Caroline. I have many more memories that I'll tell as time and internet access permits!

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 09:56 AM

OK, Barbara. I've told this story before, but maybe not quite in this way. When I was just 10 years old (nearly 40 years ago!!) I had come to the sad conclusion that I could not be a musician, as I had dropped out of the school band, and we did not have a piano. Somehow my childhood experience led me to believe that I needed a big, shiny instrument to be a legitimate musician (years singing beside my mother at the local Episcopal church, as well as stints in the Junior Choir, not withstanding). At that time my grandfather was the Methodist minister in Sharon, CT. During one visit to my grandparents, my grandmother suggested that my mother take me to hear "a nice young couple" who were playing at the Audubon Center.
That night, for all my young years, I truly had an epiphany experience. Hearing Sandy and Caroline's beautiful voices singing simple, engaging folk songs, connecting with the audience, playing guitar (Sandy) and autoharp (Caroline- did she also have a mountain dulcimer? I think so)- I knew without a doubt that I could and would be a musician.
to be continued...

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: CupOfTea
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 09:38 AM

I was stunned to read that Sandy Paton had passed: sorrow piled on grief. It's been too many years since I've been with Sandy & Caroline. Came close a few years ago when Caroline talked me into going to an Oberlin folk weekend/seminar and cheering on Joe Hickerson. At the last minute they were unable to come, so I hung about with Judy and Dennis Cook, and had about as good a time as could be had without the Patons.

When I think of WHY I got involved in folk music, the Patons and Folk Legacy come to mind - the delivery of things of great worth in the music never more evident. I met/heard them first while in grad school in Illinois, and though they lived in CT, there was always this feeling of them being a part of the scene that included Art, and George and Jerry Armstrong.

When I think of Folk Alliance, they're prominent among the memories that come to mind, from that third FA in Chicago when I got to sing WITH them the first time to the watershed Boston FA where Caroline was part of a cartel of us trying to get a tradional singing session going among the river of singersongwhiners (or "omphaloscopists" as Sandy would put it). In our room, with folks gathered from those we (Phil, Margaret, Kate) knew, and the Patons knew, we had a grand time with the beds turned up to make space. A sprightly woman sitting atop the upturned bed proceeded to launch into some long, bloody and gripping ballad. Jaws dropped. I clearly hear Margaret's voice say "who ARE you and why don't we KNOW you?" And that's how we met Judy Cook.

All through the Folk Alliances or festiivals, there were always the "do you know...." and "you should meet/hear/singwith...." suggestions from the Patons. Such joy they passed out in those kinds of connections - and how richly those introductions, by album they'd produced, or in person meeting, filled,colored and changed my life, gave me friends, gave me songs to sing.

Many years ago, when I was rich in hope for Cleveland having the kind of folk life that I knew existed elsewhere, I was fortunate enough to have presented the Patons in a house concert, held at a friend's place. I was close to embarassed at how small the house was (in size and in turn out). Of course the concert was wonderful. MORE wonderful in memory is the rest of the night - when a few of us retreated back to my house with the Patons who were FAR from done singing: a song session went on to wee hours. I know someone HAD to leave about 3 am to drive home, an hour away... while the three of us got to sleep in. Even better, they stayed a couple days with talk over omlettes and stirfry and song. This gift of time singing is one of the things I can think of when I need to list all the times I've been absurdly lucky. Such great good fortune to know these people. Ah, when I think of Sandy's joy in life, and know how it must have been so ravaged by the loss of his grandson - and Caroline's smile. - how it hurts to think that her smile will be dimmed by grief.

So out in the land of "hardly care about traditional folk music" I say there's one soul who is profoundly greatful for the life work of Sandy Paton. My hope for Caroline and the family (by blood and by heart and song) that grief soon take second place to greatfulness to have had this wonderful man for so many years.

Joanne Laessig in Cleveland, Ohio

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 09:26 AM

Been away on holidays -very sad to hear this news.

Regards

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: georgeward
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 08:28 AM

Art,

Bless you for giving it another go!

And what Don Meixner said, too.

- George

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 08:26 AM

One more thought, before I, officially, start my day. Now that many of us are past the initial shock of Sandy's passing, I think it would be great if folks will share their memories of Sandy, as some of you have already done. We can do our online memorial now, particularly for those who are too far away to come to the in-person one later.

with love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 08:05 AM

P.S. to Art--I've printed your post & will read it to Caroline on Thursday.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 08:04 AM

Oh, Art, thanks so much for going to the trouble to reconstruct your post! Although I think Sandy meant as much to me in quality as to you, our friendship didn't have the same duration. Thanks for giving us a flavor of those earlier times! Don't worry. I've heard Sandy & Caroline speak of you many times. They know your love for them & the feeling is very mutual! I'm glad you did your retirement first & had some good times before the MS moved in. Sandy gave me an interesting piece of advice once, too!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 07:56 AM

Sandy hated that cover as much as he hated the record. There's a drape on one of the heads that doesn't blend in perfectly. I never figured out what he was going on about. Sandy was an incredibly handsome young man but I preferred the old codger in the ever present baseball cap.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 03:06 AM

Never met him in the flech, but had the pleasure of several phone conversations and emails.

My condolences to Caroline and the family.

Roger Holmes

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: open mike
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 02:18 AM

Thank you Art, for filling in that story...
it makes me feel like i know you all personally!

and since we can connect here on the "Cat, we
all have formed some mighty friendships...

I have one of the recordings you did for folk legacy
and am looking forward to playing it and others on
my show the week after next. I am glad Sandy gave
you permission to "pre-tire" and as was mentioned
before, "something's lost, but something's gained"
as we all piece together what a web we are in and
so much of it was woven by Sandy and others who
reached out to bring folks into the folk fold .

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: balladeer
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 01:09 AM

I never met Sandy in person, only through letters and e-mails, but I've known him through his good works for all my life.

He had a profoundly positive effect on my dear friend Rick Fielding, and I loved him for that.

Blessings to those near and dear.

Joanne

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 12:49 AM

At last Art.

Write more like that. Everyone knows the history of the Bob Dylans'. Start telling the history of the Sandys' and everybody like him you have known. Add some pictures of Sandy if you can. I never met him until ten years ago. I'd like to have known him when he was younger. Tell me more of that story.

Don

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 Jul 09 - 12:07 AM

Let's go back a few years...

In the late 1950s I was introduced to things like folksingers. My first serious gal friend hauled me to a nightspot in Chicago--a beat bistro in a basement at Chicago and Dearborn that was called the Gate Of Horn. She wanted to hear something called "an Odetta!" Us kids were let in if we only drank Coke. It seemed strange but trad folksingers were playing these bars. It was mesmerizing and noir and a real adventure, and we were ready for anything that came at us.

Sunday afternoons, in 1959, there were Hootenannies--programmed open stages -- at the "Gate." At the first one of those hoots I went to a fellow named Sandy Paton was participating. Fresh back from the UK, he sang songs he'd taped from Jeannie Robertson, the McPeake Family, Captain Bob Roberts and many others. To say that it was a mind-opener and a mind-blower for me was pretty accurate. Sandy said he had an LP album coming out soon on Elektra -- and I figured I'd be getting one eventually. --- First, though, I graduated high school -- and then went off to work at my uncle's factory in Evansville, Indiana all that summer of '59.

In Indiana, I ordered Sandy's record at Bob Shadd's Record Shop the first week I was in town. --- It arrived eight weeks later on the last day of my summer job!! What a wonder that album was;---the first American recording of "Wild Mountain Thyme" was on it-- "Katy Cruel" -- Long A-Growin'" -- "Byker Hill" "The Overgate" -- "The Foggy Dew" -- many others. Years later, when I told Mr. Paton how much I loved that record, he questioned my taste in music. He hated the way Elektra had forced him to accept Fred Hellerman playing second guitar. The company also cut a verse off of "Wild Mountain Thyme" because, they said, it was too long to get any air play. When I asked Sandy to sign the album 30 years after it came out, he wrote:

Dear Art:

It seems that the sins of one's past
eventually catch up.
No escape for the wicked!

Sandy Paton

No sentiment there, but I'll always love that album---The Many Sides Of Sandy Paton -- Elektra Records--#148 Two fine photos of the thespian sides of Sandy--and one of the folksinger side adorn the cover. I'll send a scan of it to Katlaughing to see if it can be made available here.

After Evansville, I went to the University Of Illinois (Champaign) but wasn't interested. I was only into learning guitar. After that it was the U. of I. at Chicago--then on Navy Pier.--As we sometimes said, it was the only university in the country that could be torpedoed! Our folk club at Navy Pier hosted a concert by Frank Hamilton that year--1960. I'll never forget his simply great versions of the Russian song "Meadowlands" and Pete's "Singin' In The Country"--and a bunch more. --- I lasted at that school until I realized that college was interfering with my education! I left and got a day job at Rose Record Store--"the world's largest" they said, on Wabash Avenue in Chicago.

Be patient, people, Sandy comes back into the tale real soon!!!! I wanted to give those set-up details first.

To continue:

A block and a half North down Wabash Avenue was the great Kroch's And Brentannos Book Store. On my lunch hours I'd wander around the Art Institute a while, and often go to Kroch's to find a book.

One day in 1962 or '63 I wandered in there and, unbelievably, found a new sales department right up in front---ALL FOLK RECORDS. Pete, Woody, Cisco--it was a treasure trove. And behind the counter was a fellow I knew-- from my past, SANDY PATON!!! Somehow, Sandy had sold 'em on the idea of featuring trad and folk---quite a preposterous idea both then and now -- maybe.

Folks, I lost 40 pounds that year because all my lunchhours were spent talking with Sandy. Sandy saw my hunger for experiencing rhe land and the music---finding the "tales with tunes" that the found songs were. Those kinds of songs became my mission. Sandy pretty mush told me the way to credibility as a folksinger might be to get out on the road and meet the ones on the land and see, first hand, how the details and hardships of life, the topography of the land, the historical background, the loves and hates and heartfelt desires of the folks there and then, as well as before, had shaped these songs into the real documents that they become.   

Later on, Sandy would say that he used to tell everyone the same stuff---but that I was the only one who had gone and done it. He wondered if I'd ever forgiven him. From where I sat, though, it all seemed terribly logical. It felt like great advice.

You see, after my mother passed away, Carol and I had a small inheritance. After getting married in 1967, we traveled the first 3 years we were married. We moved, with all our pets and our records, to the Oregon coast and opened our "Folk Art Shop" in Depoe Bay. We loved the coast and the Pacific Northwest---until we ran out of cash and headed back to Chicago where being a folksinger (and not a salmon fisherman or a lumberjack) was, at least, a possibility.

As I said in another post, my father died when I was five. I was sure I had his genes and would depart early -- so we sort of Retired First! Older relatives thought we were irresponsible as all hell, but I just told 'em, "Sandy Paton told me to do it! He gave me permission." ---- Of course, that made it kosher with everyone. ;-) As it turned out, Carol and I are now too ill and out of it to retire meaningfully. We did it right, I've always thought. Tons of good memories.

In Chicago I honed my musical skills a bit---picked my mentors carefully---Pete, Cisco, Paul Durst, Aunt Molly Jackson, Paul Clayton, Bob Gibson, Utah Phillips, Harry Haywire Mack Mcclintock -- and surely Sandy. Sandy became almost a dad to me. The music, the ethics, yes, the politics, the respect and love for the process that mechanized the treasure hunt and the whole gestalt called tradition. I tried to tell Sandy some of that through the years. Why I never told him all of it, I will never know. --- I suspect I always thought there would be time...

Also, in Chicago, all through the 1970s, I did a folk music column for Emily Friedman's grand magazine called Come For To Sing. In several of those I wrote about Sandy Paton---and what he has inspired me. ------ Well, what goes around, comes around. Sandy read some of those columns and began asking around about who this guy was!? Some told him that I was an OK folksinger. Possibly he heard me somewhere too---I don't know. The next thing I DID know was that Sandy wanted me to come and play at the Folk Legacy Folk Festival in Hartford, Connecticut. I was blown away---again, people. I've run out of superlatives to say how much Sandy and Caroline have meant to me. I don't think Sandy had remembered our talks in the Chicago book store. but one thing led to another until, miraculously, Sandy asked me to do a record for Folk Legacy. ---- All I can say is it felt like coming home to be in the great presence of so many people whose music I loved. Gordon, and Ed and Anne and Jonathan Eberhardt, all the folks---Frank Proffitt, Jim Ringer, Edna Ritchie, Sarah Gunning, Arnold Storm, Howie Mitchell, Skip Gorman, Jerry Rasmussen, All the Beech Mountain singers like Lee Monroe Presnell.

I'm tired tonight after trying to write this again after losing it in cyberspace today. Just know that it was better before.

As you people have said, there really are no words to tell Caroline how much she and Sandy have meant in our lives. I've gone on and on here trying to tell you some of it. I see I have left out the late Lee Haggerty who came into Kroch's book store and bought a ton of records from Sandy, and then, sort of funded the beginning of Folk Legacy in Vermont as Sandy's partner. So there. Now I've put Lee here where he belongs.

Time for bed. Love to all---and especially to Caroline, Robin and David. Of course, to Sandy!

Onward, and upward,

Art & Carol Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:36 PM

Maeve,

Thank you for the loving thought & for the beautiful post, to let Caroline & Bobbie know. I will be sure to read it to Caroline!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:49 PM

At our Quasimodal Chorus rehearsal tonight, we ended with two beloved songs for two beloved friends; Sandy Paton and Sandy Ives.

First was "Barnet"

Peaceful be the silent slumber,
Peaceful in the grave so low.
Thou no more shall join our number;
Thou no more our songs shall know.
Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled;
There in heav'n once more to greet thee,
Where no farewell tear is shed.

Lyrics: Epitaph of Azro W., Barnet Center, Vermont Cemetery Tune: Seth Houston, 1993 Meter: 8s, 7s (8,7,8,7)Northern Harmony Tunebook Index
Found here Barnet mp3 file (scroll down 2/3)
and the second was The Farthest Field by friend and sometime chorus member, David Dodson.

There is a land high on a hill
Where I am going- there is a voice that calls to me
The air is sweet, the grasses wave
The wind is blowing - oh, 'way up in the farthest field

REFRAIN:
Oh walk with me and we will see the mystery revealed
When one day we wend our way up to the farthest field

The sun will rise, the sun will set
Across the mountains - and we will live with beauty there
The fragrant flowers the days and hours
Will not be counted- And peaceful songs will fill the air

I know one day I'll leave my home
Here in the valley - and climb up to that field so fair
And when I'm called and counted in
That final tally - I know that I will see you there

Oh my dear friends I truly love
To hear your voices - lifted up in radiant song
Though through the years we all have made
Our separate choices -we've ended here where we belong.

[Refrain doubled at end.]
Farthest Field thread

Then we were silent, thinking of one mighty soul already gone on the great journey, and the other mighty soul, gazing up that farthest hill.
                         **************
I'll post this same note on Sandy Ives' thread, so Caroline Paton and Bobbie Ives both know we love their menfolk, and we love the two strong women who have let us travel with each Sandy through the years and across the miles.

maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:47 PM

She will get the messages eventually, Guy; never fear. In the meantime, I'm talking to her most days & she knows people are writing their love & support. Tonight, she had dinner with her youngest granddaughter. I'll probably see her Thursday.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: GUEST,Guy Wolff
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:13 PM

This is still not sinking in after reading this whole thread. I am so glad to hear others speaking of Sandy . He and Caroline have been so kind to me over the years . We live within 20 miles but both working at surviving in the arts we had little time to see each other over many many years . I have thought of the Paton family every day since the river had its way . I had to play music for a life-long nieghbor who left the world and whos memorial was on the same day as the good-by memorial dinner-dance for Kayolin so missed the gathering .
                Tons of love to Caroline if anyone reads these notes to her . She is very much in my thoughts . Her old friend , Guy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Padre
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:05 PM

Just got my email connection back up, and was devestated by the sad news. Sandy and Caroline were such wonderful hosts to the Boarding party when we recorded the first two albums, and Sandy's editing of the albums was masterful to observe. My prayers are with Caroline and the family at this difficult time.

Rest eternal grant unto him.

Padre

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:57 PM

Neat memorial from Caterwaul Radio by Ed McKeon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:32 PM

An old and dear friend. I could not have known how much I depended on him being there until this tragic news.

Caroline our hearts are with you and we send you all our love and condolences.

Bob and Amba

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: DougR
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 08:03 PM

Sad news indeed. I knew him by reputation only, but know how much he contributed to the folk music world.

DougR

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 04:04 PM

I have a few choice emails from over the years of just what he thought of the Shrub, also.:-) They are on my old PC which I don't fire up very often, but I will do so later this week and see what comes up.

One thing which I enjoyed with SandyGramps, so much, was forwarding emails from my cousin who travels the globe putting in soybean processing plants and other engineering type structures. He always writes great stories of the places he's been, usually obscure places, and includes pix. Sandy really seemed to enjoy them and would write back after each one. It seems a small thing, but he made it seem very important and joyfull, as though it had really made his day. He and Caroline have always made me feel that way over the phone and in writing, too. I know, from reading everyone else's stories, it is one of the very special gifts they both have and boy are we all blessed by it.

Caroline, I'll talk with you in a few weeks...in the meantime: {{{{Caroline}}}}}

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 03:53 PM

Please do try, Art, & forgive me for missing your birthday, earlier this month. Look for an email. I notice that, in this thread now, folks are getting past the initial shock & are starting to reminisce. I bet Sandy would like that!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 02:20 PM

I will try again, but I lose things too easily trying to copy and paste to trust my own tech abilities, so I'll try to paraphrase myself in this thread, and hope for all to go well like it does more than ninety-nine percent of the time, Max. There is no need for you to feel more sad because of this glitch. My own sadness, after hearing of Sandy's passing is, incrementally, becoming worsened by the passing of time. It could be that re-living those years by writing it again might make things some better.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:58 PM

Gee, Bill, as the Patons' token Republican friend, I heard a *lot* of what Sandy thought of George Bush & none of it was good! ;) Ask Caroline, when the dust settles. She'll give you an ear-ful!

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Bill Steele
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:23 PM

On occasions like this I always think we should focus not on the loss, but on all we have gained from the person. When I heard the news I immediately flashed on the guy I knew singing around Berkeley in the 60s who looked and sounded like a movie star and had an incredible repertoire of traditional songs. When Folk Legacy started it just seemed a natural extension of that. I last saw Sandy briefly at Olde Songs a couple years ago and it was pretty much the same guy with a few more lines on his face, so I'll stick with that image.

I also recall the Nixon resignation, but Wendy has covered that. I do wish I'd had a chance to hear what Sandy thought of George Bush.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,from tokyo,japan
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:37 PM

oh. very sad.
folk legacy is my important label,such as folkways.
i love his memorial e-mail.

sad


kiyohide kunizaki at tokyo folklore center

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Mark Clark
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:42 AM

I never got to meet Sandy but the contributions he made to the music we all love has made the world a better place and will ensure his memory endures. Condolences to all. May his memory be eternal.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Songbob
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:42 AM

I've wondered how to say anything, so I decided to let a song say it:

        A SONG FOR FOLK LEGACY (A Record Edged in Black)

I was standing by my window one fine morning,
Without a thought of worry or of care,
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway
With such a jolly face and jaunty air.
He rang the bell and whistled while he waited,
And then he said, "Good morning to you, Jack!"
But he little knew the happiness he brought me
When he handed me that record edged in black.

With trembling hands I took the record from him;
I opened it and put it on to play.
When I heard that old time singer with his banjo,
It changed my very life right from that day.
I didn't know a thing about the singer.
As I read the liner notes from front to back,
And the only song I recognized, "Tom Dooley,"
On that wonderful first record edged in black.

Now, since that time, I've heard a lot of music,
And I learned to sing and play a bit, myself,
From those wonderful singers and musicians
In that stack of black-bound records on the shelf.
But you've got to get the customer's attention
As he browses through the old folk record rack.
So it's been two dozen years, or even longer,
Since I've seen a brand new record edged in black.

I know you can't return to days back yonder.
The world turns toward the morning, so they say.
But I, for one, would not be too unhappy
If a few things never changed from day to day.
I'd like to see the postman one fine morning,
Coming up the pathway with his pack,
He'd never know the happiness he'd bring me
If he handed me a record edged in black.


© 1986 by Bob Clayton, Arlington, VA


When I first sang this for the Patons in their living room, Sandy teared up a bit, and allowed as how he always wanted to put out more "records edged in black," but that hard times in the record biz meant that he couldn't. He allowed, however, that my song inspired him to again appreciate the original, "Letter Edged in Black."

If anyone puts out a memorial album of Sandy's singing, I hope it has a black-bound edge.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest: Jennifer Woods
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:30 AM

Sinsill mentioned "I know Where I'm Going" that wonderful British movie from 1947 staring Wendy Heller, with a fabulous Ceili (spel?) scene, and a VERY young Petula Clark in a small part -- It was my mother's favorite, and I hadn't seen it until, talking with Sandy I found out he had a video of it! He then made me a copy, and it is defineitly one of my all time favorite movies! I have fond memories of staying with the Patons and watching it with them -- and then at home, watching it yet again.

Both Patons welcomed me so openly into the folk community in 1982, and they have been wonderful friends with open arms ever since. I love them both dearly. Sandy will be profoundly missed -- but as someone said, Caroline will help us all carry-on, and we all have our wonderful memories of Sandy to keep us going, and keep him alive in our hearts!

jennifer near dc

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:08 AM

So sorry to hear this news following the family's recent loss. All my love, thoughts, hopes & wishes to Caroline, David, Robin & the rest of the Paton family. I can't remember when I first had the pleasure of meeting them, it seems that they've been the ambassators to the local New England folk family forever. I can't remember being involved in folk music anywhere when they weren't somehow connected to it.
It's surely such a sad loss for the folk family world wide but a life so richly remember by so many.

Goodbye Sandy

Love
Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: wendyg
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:52 AM

I'm not sure when I first met Sandy and Caroline - probably at Fox Hollow in 1972 or thereabouts; I spent some days at their house when Archie Fisher recorded his Man With a Rhyme album. I don't think I appreciated nearly enough then who they were and what a profound impact they had on the world of folk music. I picked up many of their recordings in the 1970s; a friend says that he has more Folk Legacy recordings than any other two labels put together.

I've been mostly doing other things since the 1970s, so I haven't seen the Patons since probably about 1980 (if not earlier); but when I made some occasional postings here in 2002-2004, Sandy popped right up to renew the acquaintance. I often barely remember people I met last week...

The moment that always stands out for me, though, was this one, which I think of often:

It's 1973, and into the campground at the Fox Hollow folk Festival drives a giant RV with a TV antenna on top. a) an RV? b) a *TV antenna*???! It turned out that Sandy hated Nixon with a raw, visceral passion, and the expectation was that Nixon was going to resign sometime over the next few days. Sandy was determined that he was not going to miss seeing that SOB resign.

When Nixon resigned, in fact C&S were on stage; the resignation IIRC was at noon, exactly halfway through their spot. So at the moment Nixon was resigning, they sang, "Only remembered...for what we have done...shall we be missed when the others succeed us...reaping the seeds that in spring we have sown?"

After their spot, Evelyne Burnstine sang Seasons of Peace, and a young woman I didn't know sitting next to us said, "We should start America, the Beautiful. This is an important moment in the history of our country, and we should sing about America." So when EB was finished, the three of us started it and the entire audience picked it up. Still one of the most amazing public moments in my life, ever.

wg

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:29 AM

I didn't spend a lot of time with Sandy and Caroline but somehow the few were always memorable. And theyfeel like family.

One night, during World Series craziness, Caroline and I were banned from the downstairs living room. We retreated upstairs and were talking old movies. I mentioned "I Know Where I'm Going" and instantly she dug it out. One of her favorites too. Before too long, Kendall joined us - he couldn't handle the baseball fervor downstairs either but when he started explaining how you couldn't dry out an engine in a whirlpool, we tossed him out. A funny moment. That same night we all stood outside shivering and watching a total eclipse of the moon. When I remember that trip, I think of clementines, a kitchen full of kids and Kendall trying hard to get his breakfast cooked amid the chaos.
I believe I am one of the few people to make Sandy blush twice in one day. It was in the Folk-Legacy booth at NEFFA. I was wearing a T-shirt decorated with dragonflies. A couple noticed it and asked what was written on it. I had not ever noticed the script and couldn't read it upside down so I turned to Sandy and said "Can you read around my breasts?" He tried - but he was scarlet and laughing.
Later that evening a group of us met for Chinese food and the same couple (who, by the way, were big Paton fans) came over to the table to say "Hi". The husband asked if we had ever figured out what was written on the T-shirt. Sandy was shaking his head and trying to chnage the subject and I piped up: "Oh yes. Turns out it was written in Braille." LOL he blushed again.
I have also shared a few tears with Sandy when illness and money woes were just too much. We cried in each others arms and then laughed because we both knew it would be OK. That visit he sang Piney Mountain for me and Caroline got us all to join in on the chorus. And When You And I Were Young, Maggie. I dearly love that big bear of a man with his flirty blue eyes and quick wit. I even loved him when he was cranky, maybe even loved him more for feeling free to be cranky.

Caroline has been a rock for so long. Such an elegant lady with an impish sense of humor and a will of iron. We will sing Sandy on together and share a lot of tears and stories and count on you to keep herding us along.
This is very hard.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:41 AM

Well done Barb ....... and a big Spaw hug for both you and Duane.

Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:33 AM

Quick report on last night (Monday, July 27th)--
When I took dinner over to Caroline, Rob & Duane were working on music orders. Folks, if you can hold off from making sympathy calls for the next few days, it will really help. Caroline could barely take one bite of dinner before the phone would ring again. She is too gracious to cut short a call & is finding it very difficult to get anything done. Later on, when things settle down, your calls will be welcome & needed, as she adjusts to life without Sandy. Duane stayed at Folk Legacy all night, arriving home at 5:30 am today, but all the orders were done. I'm going to check with Caroline to see if she needs help with packaging & mailing. Thank you all for your expressions of love; they are greatly appreciated & we are passing them on to Patons!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:27 AM

Like Art, I spent a good amount of time last night writing highlights of how my relationship with the Patons came to be. My post would have been right after Dan Milner's, but, when I tried to send, it failed. It is hard to reconstruct something when you've already expressed the thoughts & emotions, but I think we owe it to ourselves & to each other to try. Art, this time, write your post in MS Word, save, & then copy & paste it onto Mudcat. Please do share with us; your contribution is so special! Although you & I have never met in person, I've come to love you through our connection on Mudcat.

Pat, what you said is so true. Sandy has not left a hole in my life; he has enriched & expanded it. I think he did that in many ways for many people. He was quiet & modest, even self-effacing, but he'd listen, say a word, offer an opinion & the results might be far-reaching.

I was a late-comer to the folk music community. I am neither performer or even, seriously, a singer or player. I am, however, a strong supporter of the music & its performers. I became aware of folk music in general & Folk Legacy in specific after my divorce in 1989, when I dated a man who owned most of the Folk Legacy recordings & who first took me to the Old Songs Festival in Albany, New York. After a series of zigs & zags, I met Duane D. online in 1997. One of the main things we had in common, to start, was a shared love of Folk Legacy's Bok, Muir, Trickett recordings! One day, while searching online for song lyrics, I stumbled into Mudcat. After some time, I clicked on the "Check out our Forum!" link & got hooked on online community! In July of 1999, I believe I hosted the second East Coast mudcat gathering (You can see photos taken there from the mudcat "Quick Links" menu. Go to "Member Photos & Info" then "Photos" then "Events." It is the 5th link from the bottom.). About 14 people were there, including Sandy & Caroline. By March of 2000, when Patons' partner, Lee Haggerty died, Duane & I were just getting close enough to Sandy & Caroline that we were invited to participate. We sat in a circle with folks whose concerts we paid to attend & whose music we purchased, singing on an equal footing with them. That is the Paton style. Frequently, at the Old Songs Festival, performers would come up while Caroline & I were chatting & she would say to them, "Do you know Barbara Carr?" Poor things! They would look bewildered, thinking (I assume), "Should I?" At Lee's gathering, Sandy introduced me as "the famous bbc." Wow! Famous in very few circles, I think!

My job took me closer to Folk Legacy's home in Sharon, Connecticut in 1998 and, then, partly to be closer to the Patons, I moved to Copake, New York in 2003--10 minutes from Folk Legacy from work & half an hour from home. Through the years, Duane & I just got closer & closer to Sandy & Caroline. They became like parents to us, as they have to so many others, but like the parents you would choose to have. Over a cup of tea after work, a dinner out, standing around the booth at Old Songs, I'd moan about relationships, work, parents, compare notes on concerts & performers. Sandy & Caroline would always listen with interest & compassion, offering suggestions when appropriate. They have referred to me, lovingly, as their token Christian Republican friend & we have managed to peacefully & respectfully co-exist (even during the Clinton & Bush presidencies!). As Sandy & Caroline have needed more help, Duane & I have been able to "step into the gap." Since our relationship started through Mudcat, each time I've helped Patons, I've felt, in a sense, that I am doing it for all of you who love them, too, but live at a distance & don't have the option of being here.

I have probably rambled far too long, but want to mention, in closing, a few of the things Sandy & I shared that had particular significance to me. I have, mostly, been a "people" friend to the Patons, rather than a music friend, although I do share a love & some knowledge of the music. Sandy & Caroline have been gently nudging me toward more traditional music, in a desire to educate me. When I'd attend concerts, I got in the habit of sending Sandy email reviews of the performance & performer. As a relative newcomer to folk music, I got a huge kick out of the fact that my opinion & Sandy's would, almost always, be the same! After I saw the movie, "Songcatcher" (which I heard about on Mudcat!), I became familiar with the ballads & stories of Sheila Kay Adams. At the beginning of this July, I was finally able to meet Sheila in person at the Traditional Song Week of the Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville, North Carolina & to sit at her feet for 3 hours each of the 5 days there, for ballad singing & storytelling. When I reported on the week to Sandy & Caroline, I was able to tell them I finally "got" what the ballads are about. That made them smile! One last thing--Although Rick Fielding nicknamed me "Beebs" & spaw & Mick think they can refer to me as such, I think I like Sandy's recent name for me better. Usually, when I'd go over to the house, I'd find him at the table or, more often, the computer. I'd slip up behind him to say hi & give him a little "cheek hug." He called me "Copake Cuddles." I'll miss that.

With love to all,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 08:25 AM

Max, don't be sad.

There is incredible treasure in the archive of stories and music here, especially including Sandy's posts, for us all to mull over in the years to come.

And that is your gift to him, and to us all. Besides, how many of us would not have met Sandy if it hadn't been for you?

I know one of my most pivotal 'folkie' moments came from a Folk-Legacy recording, but became all the more important when I very shortly after met Sandy and Caroline for the first time. Story for another time/thread.

'spaw's advice is taken well. Here is the measure of the man, in the eyes and hearts of the people he loved.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: kendall
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 05:57 AM

But we still have Caroline, the other half of Folk Legacy.To you, Caroline, with the warmest best wishes my dear friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: olddude
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 02:38 AM

I never met him but knew him by reputation ... My heart goes out to the family and he is in my prayers also ...

I am so sorry ... we keep losing so many great folks

in my heart

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: ctfolkie
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:58 AM

We, the directors of the Branford Folk Music Society in Connecticut, join in sadness to express our condolences at the passing of Sandy Paton on Sunday. But we also join in celebrating a life, together with his wife Caroline and sons David and Robin, that touched so many people throughout the world in such a gracious manner. As the sharers of songs, with Sandy's field recordings and with their labor-of-love Folk-Legacy productions, the Patons were true national treasures who gave traditional folk music, as Sandy and Caroline oft remarked, "a proper home" while also acknowledging revival musicians who were "in the tradition." Sandy possessed a scholarly, deep knowledge of traditional music but he never flaunted it; rather, he educated and guided us all about the songs, their histories and their meaning — and he did it in such an energized and loving way.

Here in Connecticut, he and Caroline more than three decades ago nurtured then-fledgling folk societies such as Branford Folk and The Sounding Board in West Hartford and several folk radio shows, legacies that exist to this day. Branford acknowledged that debt of gratitude by dedicating its 35th anniversary season this past year to the Patons and Folk-Legacy Records.

Sandy was a pioneer and an iconic figure, although he would swiftly dismiss such characterizations. He was one of the "good people" in our lives. Our hearts go out to the Paton family which has experienced such loss in recent weeks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Francy
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:30 AM

One of the "Good People".....so long friend......Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Ron Davies
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:19 AM

It's hard to imagine all the folkies who learned so many great songs from those great albums Sandy and Carolyn put out (and still do). And you could get all the lyrics, and great background for all the songs. No other folk albums gave you so much. And of course hearing Sandy and Carolyn together was yet another treat--as well as just being with them.

He was a giant--but a modest giant-- in the folk community.

We're fortunate that his folk legacy is immortal.

But he'll be terribly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Skivee
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:13 AM

This is such sad news.
There are very few of us that will have as profound effect of folk music. I learned many shanties from the artists whose records he made possible.
I met him very briefly when he and Caroline played for the FSGW in DC. A very classy guy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest Marie Dufresne
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:12 AM

Kathy, I too first met Sandy and Caroline when I was 17 at Fox Hollow but I did not know then that years later I would have the honor of calling them friends in the best and dearest sense of the word.

I know when the tears stop ( though sleep will come so hard tonight)the memories will be so sweet and we will all carry the legacy on all of us together.

Caroline,dear friend,in the quiet moments know that my and many hearts are sharing this sorrow.

Peace Sandy Peace

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:02 AM

What can I add that hasn't been said? I'd second jeri's comment above: "I thought he'd live forever. I thought he'd always be here. In some ways, he will, but it's not enough."

I was fortunate enough to have visited with Sandy lots of times, though not nearly as many as lots of others here. He could be lovable. He could be curmudgeonly. I remember the time we had a sing-around in the DC area, and he expressed gratitude that it was what he needed, because he'd just recently been at one of those gatherings where people had used Rise Up Singing as a hymnal, and after he sang a version of something he'd collected himself, someone came up to him with their copy of the book and pointed to the version printed therein and accused him of singing it wrong! He might have been polite to his accuser, but when he was with us, he could finally get it off his chest and complain to sympathetic ears. He had a strong sense of the big ways in which traditional music could build communities, and did not like to suffer people who chose to use it for smaller ways.

Whenever I noticed that Sandy had posted to a thread at Mudcat, I knew it was a thread worth reading, and perhaps even worth adding to, because it was going to contain lots of good information mixed with heartfelt and carefully reasoned opinion.

I remember one FSGW Getaway session devoted to Folk Legacy--almost everybody who was there came, I think, in that large room at Ramblewood a couple of steps up behind the dining hall, and it's one of the few sessions at the Getaway that stands out after many years. Everyone was pouring out love to Sandy and Caroline, but they were really just returning the love that Sandy and Caroline has put out in the world. At the time we all thought it was true community, but now I'm thinking in retrospect that maybe through the magic off the Patons we had become a family--one of those "families of choice." The Patons were always taking in "family members"--and I think they may have in some way figured out a way of adopting all of us. -- 'cause it sure feels like a lot of us have lost a family member and not just a friend.

Condolences to Caroline and David and Rob and to the whole family--to ALL of us who are grieving.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Max
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:43 PM

Just got sadder. My sincere apologies to all.