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

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 06:38 AM

Ed,

Thank you.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Glen Reid
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 09:32 AM

So sad to hear of the passing of another folk music icon and a freind.
I first got to know the Paton's when I was down there with Rick Fielding, working on his "Lifeline" album. It was 2 weeks of total folk immersion and oh the storys that were told and the songs we sang.
It will be forever a cherished memory, thank you Sandy.
My heartfelt condolances to Caroline, David and Robin.
Glen

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Sheila Cogan
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 11:59 AM

As one of travelers with the Portable Folk festival in 1971, our time with Sandy, Caroline and Lee changed our lives. During those 10 weeks on the bus, I and I believe everyone gained perspectives on our lives and futures that forever changed us.

We understood when we returned to the Bay Area, from both the inward and outward journey of 3000 miles at 30 miles an hour downhill, that the group of 17 of us (including two dogs)had created a musical legacy, of sorts, that should be captured and recorded. Kenny Hall and the Sweets Mill String Band whose members, with the exception of Kenny, were on the bus, became the first Bay Record. It was modeled--package, black-and-white cover and album notes--after the Folk Legacy style; it felt "right."

Several of the group members were later recorded by Sandy and Carolyn--Jim Ringer and Jon Wilcox (there may be others. It's been awhile.)

Though I left the record industry behind some years ago, I never left the music. The "music" is a deep part of who I am though I don't perform publicly anymore.

Like the Beers, who are still there in our lives and hearts, I will miss Sandy.

Thank you Sandy and Carolyn for all you have done for us.

Sheila Cogan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 12:15 PM

Let me add my thanks to you, Ed, for the beautiful post. I wouldn't even attempt to add anything to it.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: DonMeixner
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 02:06 PM

Thanks Ed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 03:35 PM

Thank you Ed, for your letter to Sandy, you are the best.
David

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 03:48 PM

Ed... tears and smiles. Good on ya.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: NOMADMan
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 06:15 PM

Returning to Connecticut after a couple of weeks away, I was greeted by this sad, terrible news. For all of the time I have been involved in folk music events in this region - over 35 years now - it seemed that Sandy was all over the place - at concerts, festivals, workshops and other events. Even when he wasn't physically present, his influence could always be felt. I can't even guess what direction my own interests would have gone if it hadn't been for that influence.

Years ago, when NOMAD transformed itself from a small, mostly dance event to a more ambitious traditional dance and music festival, it was Sandy's support and encouragement that made it possible. We could not have done it without him, and it is not likely that NOMAD would have continued providing a gathering place for friends of traditional music as long as it did.

Sandy was also helpful in my radio programming efforts in New Haven, making sure we always received the latest additions to that magnificent Folk-Legacy catalog, and providing advice, suggestions and background information for my broadcast Child Ballads project.

It is so difficult to accept the reality of his passing. Somehow, it seemed that he would go on forever. In one sense though, we will always have him - in those wonderful recordings he made and his informative posts here on Mudcat.

We have lost a giant. Our world is poorer for his passing and enriched by what he did for us while he was here.

Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 07:15 PM

Thank you, Ed. Means more than we can say to read your words to and of Sandy.

Please keep the stories coming, folks. It is really wonderful for those of us who weren't able to ever meet Sandy in the 3D world.

Thanks, again,

kat, my Rog, and grandson Morgan who is the proud owner of TWO limberjacks courtesy of Sandy & Caroline

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: KathWestra
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 10:14 PM

What an overflowing heart-full of memories are here--and what a testament to the community that Sandy helped build. Thanks to all. Thanks especially, Ed, for a beautiful and touching tribute. Kathy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,schlimmerkerl
Date: 31 Jul 09 - 10:27 PM

Son of a bitch. That boy could sing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: georgeward
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 12:25 AM

"...you knew what you cared about and you knew how to care about it."

Not only is it true, Ed, but it's something I think it would have mattered to Sandy to hear.
Knowing you, I'm sure he did hear it, whether or not you ever said it in so many words.

Thanks for that, and all the rest.

- George

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Larry Kaplan
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 02:32 AM

These messages will continue for a very long time because Sandy was indeed a very great man, and this news haw and will send a shockwave not only across the US, but I am sure the world.

That's how much Sandy and his wonderful family was--- and is respected. You know this is so when at times like this you think back to your own life when his presence and all his work marked epochs and moments. For me it was discovering that there was a vanguard out there defending and discovering the folk traditions and offering a perspective that could draw you away from the popular culture that prevailed. His work informed me, and helped us bring up our own children who still know what LPs are, the artists he believed in and supported continue to inspire, even though some of them too are gone.

Sandy's humility came from a very honest realization that he was put on this earth to do at least one thing exceedingly well while having at the same time, a healthy respect for the importance (and challenges) of others in making the world a better place. I think with that perspective he may not have had time to notice all the other amazing things he was and did as well. There were many.

Why are we all writing these "posts?" It's because Sandy made himself accessible, even transparent. You saw him and Caroline everywhere---festivals, concerts, the smallest venues, wherever there was music and people who appreciated it. You could talk to Sandy, and darn it, he was really interested in what you had to say. Anyone. His laugh stood out in crowds because in those crowds, among friends he didn't even know he had, he was truly happy. How could he not be? Everyone was speaking his language. He lived and breathed the traditions he has helped preserve. To some of us this might even look like he made sacrifices to do that. But when his story is told in its fullest, notice one thing: he was someone who loved everything he did, and everyone he knew, uncompromizingly, and fully.

I knew Sandy and spent alot of time with him and his family. While not a good excuse, time and distance has taken its toll. But I was with Sandy when Kaelan was born; though not with him to say good bye to Kaelan, I could feel his pain hundreds of miles away, and I feel so badly for this remarkable family. But at a time like this I realize that nearly everyone knew Sandy just as much as almost anyone else---which is a remarkable thing. Such a public, yet intimate friend to so many people. Being able to do that is another one of his legacies.

Rest in peace, Sandy, I will miss you dearly. My heart goes out to your family who I know carry the torch. LK

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Alan Oakes
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 03:22 AM

Thanks Ed. Moving words.

Miss you. Hope to see you soon.

I just realized I've known you longer than the 41 years I've known Sandy and Caroline. By-the-way, you are one of the best singers I have ever heard.

-Alan Oakes

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 04:45 AM

Us UK Catters at Gainsborough Folk Club have been following this thread in respectful silence since none of us knew Sandy or, indeed, the Folk Legacy.

However, Jacqui.C made her regular visit to us last night and was delighted when one of our regulars sang a Utah Philips song. She then sang a song in Utah's memory and later one for Sandy. She also gave us more information on the man and his Legacy - how appropriate that is!.

Kendall - we're taking good care of her and I know she wishes she were with you at this difficult time.

From the backwoods of Lincolnshire,
Deirdre

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 06:36 AM

I can only echo Deirdre's words. I guess Sandy was something of an unknown quantity to us in the Lincolnshire (UK) backwoods, but the tributes in this thread, and jacqui's words and songs last night, left me (at least) in no doubt about the great man he must have been.

Good to see and hear you again jacqui, especially at this difficult time.

God Bless.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: kendall
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:27 AM

I'll write a tribute later; right now I'm just not able to.
Sandy, if you are watching, I know I ended a sentence with a preposition. One of the best educated people I ever knew. Damn, this is so hard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:39 AM

Kendall- You will find your words. When you do, they are sure to be worth the wait.

It's lovely and comforting to me to see how the ripples leading out from this one person's life continue to spread. The memory that is strongest for me right now is that of Lizzie Higgins, speaking with respect and affection, telling me about the young Sandy and Caroline Paton and their little son when they were in Scotland making field recordings.

maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:47 AM

In fact, here is a photo of Caroline and baby David with Lizzie's mother, Jeannie Robertson. photo at Folk Legacy site . There's Sandy at the top of the page.

m

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,stringsinger
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 12:03 PM

I think that I may have posted this but don't see it here so if I have, please forgive me. Sandy, Valucha and I were a temporary folk trio in Chicago in the Fifties when Sandy was visiting there. Sandy and I did a folk concert, both as separate acts there. Sandy was one of the most informative Americans on the singing styles of the British Isles that I had ever met. The last time I saw him was in the Eighties at the SMU Eistedfodd at the extraordary "Dirty Songs Workshop" with David Jones, Cliff Haslam and Louis Killen. It was an amazing workshop where after the songs were completed you could look about at the sea of red faces laughing with embarrassment. I think this is an important aspect of folk music. People like folklorist Ed Cray (Ramblin' Man: bio of Woody Guthrie) covered in his book the Erotic Muse.

Sandy could demonstrate the difference in singing styles from the UK to the US. One song I associate with him is a version of the Hangman ballad which has a great chorus:

"O the prick-e-lie bush,
It grieves my heart full sore.
If I ever get out of the prick-e-lie bush,
I'll never go there any more."

Then onto: "Hangman slack your rope............"

Sandy was a wealth of information about all kinds of folk music and a terrible loss to the folk community.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Partridge
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 12:03 PM

So very sorry to hear this news.

Reading about this much loved man has been beautiful

much love from Yorkshire

Pat xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,WYS in Vacayland
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 07:35 PM

SO SORRY. All love sent.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Lauren in Beloit
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 09:47 PM

My thoughts are with the Paton family at this sad time. May Peace find them all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 01 Aug 09 - 09:58 PM

Hey Lauren in Beloit: Just curious. You in Beloit, Wisconsin? I grew up in Janesville, and most of my family still lives there. My wife and I get out every couple of years.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 08:09 AM

It seems hard to believe that, just one week ago, I saw Sandy alive &, then, later that same day, bid him farewell. Linnea posted the following message on FaceBook yesterday:
"Kaelan and Sandy's ashes were released together at the top of a mountain today."
Sandy had a good death, as he'd had a good life. A week ago, Saturday evening, he & his family gathered & he was able to express his love for them & his wishes regarding his passing. He asked for his ashes to be commingled with Kaelan's, such a touching expression of his continuing love for his grandson.
As I've read the posts on this thread, I've gotten to know Sandy even better than I did before his death. I appreciate the insights & stories from earlier in his life that many of you can share. Please continue to share them. Caroline is aware of this thread & will be reading each post, as she is able. I shared some, last night, when she & I had dinner together. She is doing well & deeply appreciates the love that you all have for her & her family. She is considering dates for Sandy's memorial, probably sometime in the fall.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Rita Weill Byxbe
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 12:20 PM

Oh, Caroline~
My heart goes out to you--as it always has. I've only just found out that Sandy died. That he lived happily with you and the rest of his family to such a rounded age consoles me.
Every so often I thought to myself, "I really must get in touch again with Sandy & Caroline." It's my own fault that I didn't.
Losing your soul-mate is a shattering experience, as well as a great physical shock, as you are finding out. Eat as you must. Sleep as much as you can. Feel the great waves of love sweep over you from all of us, everywhere.
We're still here in Berkeley. Ethan a great musician at age 43.
I remember clearly your last night on the radio show, when Sandy sang, "Berkeley's about the best of the lot. It's given me the best thing that I've got. You know what I mean, it's my Caroline, she's the one thing I'm not leaving behind..." Much love to you, sweetie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 12:31 PM

I plan on paying tribute to Sandy on my radio show this afternoon at 5pm ET. I am going to play some of my favorites from Folk Legacy in addition to music from Sandy & Caroline. I know he would not want me to, but I have to play a cut form his Elektra LP as well.

You can tune in to WFDU online at www.wfdu.fm, and we now archive our shows for two weeks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: DADGBE
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 01:49 PM

In early winter of 1964 I lay on the rug in a friend's home as we listened to The Golden Ring. It was a life changing experience – who knew?! Nothing has been the same since and thank God for it.

The music was amazing. While it wasn't the first recording of music not made for performance that I'd ever heard but it was the first one that moved me. We stared at that plain black cover and wondered where in the hell Huntington, Vermont was. The AAA map showed us a tiny dot. Christmas break was coming up so I decided to see if I could find this mythical record company. Eventually, in the remote, snow covered Huntington valley I found the village of Hanksville and Lee Haggerty. He invited me to stay as there was nowhere else nearby. The next day, Sandy and Caroling returned from New York where they had been at Frank Proffitt's memorial.

The welcome was almost overwhelming to a college kid who didn't know much of life. Sandy and Caroline treated me as a welcome friend – the way they treated everyone. They were interested in what I had to offer and delighted to share themselves.

Sandy introduced me to traditional music and helped me learn to listen to it intelligently. If that had been all he ever gave me, it would have been enough.

The next summer found me working for Folk legacy as shipping assistant, chauffeur, baby sitter for David and Robin, painter and what ever else was needed. Sandy, Caroline, Lee and I set up and ran the booth at the first Fox Hollow festival where I met so many of you. That summer set the stage for a lifetime of music and connections. If that had been all he ever gave me, it would have been enough.

Sandy shared himself and his encyclopedic knowledge freely with anyone who cared to listen. The only person he treated unkindly was himself. He was never satisfied with his own efforts. When we were recording 'I've Got a Song' he was upset that the pure tenor of his earlier years had given way to a more mature voice – tempered by time and tobacco. No one else even noticed but it drove him crazy. Yet, through the whole process, he always noticed and had a kind word for my efforts as accompanist.

I once found a banjo in a corner behind the spinning wheel and asked him about it. It had been made by Frank Proffitt and used on his last recordings but had fallen into disrepair. The head was split and a peg was gone. Sandy gave it to me with the admonition to fix it and keep it working. It's still my most prized possession and it's played often. If that had been all he ever gave me, it would have been enough.

Farewell friend. Perhaps there'll be more later. I'm crying too hard to see.

Ray Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 02:49 PM

a note to Joe Offer ... I respectfully suggest that this thread be archived. Bob(deckman)Nelson

---

Done. This is easy for anyone to do. Just click the "printer-friendly" link at the top of the page, and then save the resulting page to your computer.
But yes, I'll make sure to save a "safety copy." These are some of the most wonderful posts I've ever read.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: balladeer
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 10:33 AM

Too much death around this summer.

There will never be another Sandy Paton.
He was so woven into the conscience of the American folk scene.
A man filled with character and soul, a large man in every way.
God blessed him with an honest spirit and a perfect complement in his life-long loving partner, Caroline, and God will bless him still.

Love and blessings be with you always, Caroline.

Joanne (Hindley-Smith) Crabtree

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 10:39 AM

It is a comfort to know that neither Kaelan nor Sandy is alone. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GMT
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 11:52 AM

So sorry to hear this, my condolences to his family and close friends.

GMT

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 12:02 PM

He gave you Frank Profitt's banjo? What a treasure!! What a man!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: DADGBE
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 04:53 PM

That was Sandy, Mick. He was an original. He also had an impish and sometimes wicked sense of humor.

When we were working on 'I've Got a Song' he would spontaneously create obscene parodies of Malvina Reynolds' lyrics. For the title track, he would walk around the house singing,
"I've got a dong, it's about so long and about so big around,
But it's got a disease so I can't use it."

For 'Magic Penny, he sang,
"Love is something, if you give it away, you'll end up being poor."

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 11:13 AM

bbc, how's Caroline doing?

Would love to hear more stories, folks.

Subject: Sandy Paton Memorial 10 October 2009
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 12:46 PM

Answered my own questions with a phone call to the lovely Lady. With her permission, I post the following:

Memorial and Musical Tribute to/for Sandy will be held on Saturday, 10 October 2009 at Music Mountain. They chose that date in order to not interfere with the Getaway and other fests, plus that was the best date for two of their dear friends from Scotland (sorry I didn't write their names down and do not remember them.)

Caroline sounds very good; I hope I have as much grace and understanding if I ever go through the losses she has. She said please do not worry about her. She has a sister in town, the kids and grandkids are just a few miles away and she is going to learn to use the computer!

She also said, the FIRST memorial to Sandy is to get their business back in order; the past two months were so difficult, it suffered, but they are getting it done and are pleased with any new orders, too.

Sandy's ashes have been mixed with half of Kaelon's and will be spread according to his wishes. (Kaelon's mother has the other half of his.)

As has been said, Sandy had a wonderful, peaceful, pain-free passing. He didn't want any music, but he did want them to hold his hands as they said goodbye that Friday night, then by Saturday he was unconscious and just slipped away. Caroline was grateful it was with such ease. There's more, but I think most of it's already been said before. What extraordinary people they all are and how fortunate we are that Folk Legacy is continuing.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 02:34 PM

Ray Frank's post is a wonderful example of Sandy's wisdom. I've seen and heard that fretless Frank Proffitt banjo that Ray restored so carefully. Listening to Ray play it is a trip to heaven. Ray shares his knowledge and talent, and mentors younger musicians with all the generosity and kindness that Sandy gave to him. Ray isn't THAT much older than I am, but he was my first folk music mentor; and he gave me the spirit of Sandy Paton before I even knew who Sandy was.

That's the way these treasures should be passed on, and Sandy did it with such grace. Ray has passed on that grace to many of us in California.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Peter T.
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 07:23 PM

I knew of the Patons through Rick Fielding, and they meant everything to him. If there is meeting after, I know who's one of the first.

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: DADGBE
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 10:25 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Joe!

Best,
Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,MtheGM
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 11:03 PM

Dearest Caroline: I wonder if you will remember me: I used often to meet you and Sandy at the clubs where he sang in London in 1956-57; he would always ask me up to sing. It is long ago and we have had no contact since; but you and he were real friends at the time [I remember you at a birthday party I had in Hampstead in the flat I shared with John Brunner, later one of the most distinguished of sf writers — everyone there was bowled over by the beauty of Sandy's singing]; and I still have some of the EP discs he made at the time for Collector Records which I still often play. Sandy lived to a good age, and I am 77 myself now; but it is always hard. I lost my own darling wife Valerie of nearly half-a-century, whom you might just remember as my fiancée while you were here, two years ago. So I know the grief you are feeling after all these years: and I do offer you and your family my most sincere condolences in your sorrow.
Michael Grosvenor Myer

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,MtheGM
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 11:17 PM

Caroline: PS to message just posted. If you should feel inclined to contact me to renew acquaintance after all this time:

Michael Grosvenor Myer, 34 West End, Haddenham, Cambs CB6 3TE, UK.
e: - [e-mail]

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

Hi, folks,

Hard to believe it's been a month since Sandy's passing. I had dinner with Caroline tonight & it still surprises me that Sandy is absent. Caroline is getting more up-to-date on orders & asked me to let folks know that she has some time to chat now & would welcome your calls. She still hasn't figured out a way to see the computer well enough to manage email. She appreciates the cards that have been sent, but hasn't managed to read them all yet, since her vision makes it quite difficult. Caroline hopes that many of you may be able to join her at Sandy's memorial on Saturday, October 10th. See information here

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: woodyguth3
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 09:28 PM

Hello friends,

Thank you all for wonderful remembrances of Sandy. It is a great way to know him better. I knew Sandy only casually. I have warm memories of casual conversation at Fox Hollow, NEFFA, and several other places where he and Caroline would perform, or at the Folk Legacy table where I spent all of my lunch money. Moved in part by the posts in this discussion thread, and also by learning of the death of Mike Seeger in the same week, I wrote a song that I would like to share.

The Last Folksinger

Warmly,
-Tom

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 11:35 PM

Tom, that is beautiful! I think it deserves its own thread, if you don't mind? It's very meaningful in light of the three of them all passing on recently. Thanks for the videos posted on your website, too.

ATB,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: woodyguth3
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 10:53 AM

Thank you Kat,
It certainly was a painful month. Losing Sandy Paton, Mike Seeger and Sam Hinton. But thoughts of there being a "Last Folksinger" are vanquished by the great enthusiasm for traditional music that I read here in the Mudcat community. For me, these three will live on in the music we sing.

While thinking about Sandy, Mike and Sam, I stumbled across a poster for the last Fox Hollow (1980). On it, Evelyne Beers wrote, "Every time someone opens a fiddle case, tunes a guitar, puts on their dancing shoes, or just stands in the rain, Fox Hollow will be recalled with laughter and tears as we remember events that have changed us all. For many, Fox Hollow has become a legend; that means it can never really cease. It is carried on in our hearts. 'The seeds have been sown...'"

I think her words could also be said about each of these three men.
~Tom

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Stringsinger
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 01:11 PM

Evelyn and "Fiddler" Beers were beautiful people. They are sorely missed too.

Frank

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 04:55 PM

Thanks for the beautiful quote, Tom. There's a story I think you would like, posted here. As soon as I find it, I will post a link. Super Search isn't working rightly so it may take me a while.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 09:07 PM

Thanks for that song, Tom. I appreciated hearing it & seeing you sing it. Ironically, I saw your post tonight, just as I was listening to Wanda Fischer feature Sandy & Folk Legacy's music on her WAMC Hudson River Sampler radio show.

Subject: Obit: Sandy Paton Obit in UK Guardian paper
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 04:21 AM

There's a full column obit for Sandy in today's UK Guardian newspaper ( 3rd Oct 2009). I haven't checked to see if it's in the online issue yet.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton Obit in UK Guardian paper
From: sian, west wales
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 04:27 AM

Thanks for the 'heads-up' RtS. The item is, indeed, online here

sian