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

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 12:20 PM

Like so many, I knew Sandy only through his singing and the written word; either Mudcat posting or personal e-mails. However, I have no hesitation in saying that he was a great man in so many different ways.

Some people have that gift of connectivity, what you might call the, "Have you met?...." or the, "Have you heard?...." effect. Like so many here have found, he also had that effect on me. His life's work opened my ears to many good singers and musicians.

Yes, the work will go on. Every time we sing, we will remember him.

Whatever one says seems inadequate on such occasions, but I give thanks for Sandy. He made my life the richer. Caroline, I am thinking of you all.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 12:19 PM

A wonderful singer,and a warm, caring man has left us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 12:17 PM

I feel crushed. Numb. So many memories. My father died when I was five years old. I think Sandy became my surrogate dad about 1959--in Chicago. For sure, he was my mentor, the one who showed me I ought to blaze and look for a path there I could walk down---and make my own. Following his lead, has made all the difference. More later, when I am better able.

Old buddy, goodnight!

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Peace
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 12:08 PM

I had the honour of exchanging some messages with Sandy when his grandson passed away. What a man he was. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: topical tom
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 12:05 PM

My sympathy and prayers go out to Caroline and family. As someone so aptly said on Mudcat in response to another obit, there is nothing one can say, but words are all we have to offer at this sad time. I pray they may provide some comfort.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:56 AM

I can't describe just how deeply this news moves me.I had looked forward to meeting Sandy and Caroline once again when I come over in October, but now the trip has lost much of its lustre. I met them for the first time in 1976, it was my first visit to the USA. We were on a festival together and they sought me out, told me they knew my singing from recordings and looked forward to hearing me live, and in general made a rather nervous visitor feel welcomed and at home,a typical action from these wonderful people. 'Folk Legacy' is aptly named because the gift of music and humanity that Sandy leaves behind is a legacy for us all, and a fitting tribute to him. Dear Caroline, Elaine and I send our thoughts and prayers across the ocean to you and the rest of your family at this grievous time. Dear Sandy, thank you for all that you were to us, and all that you left for us to remember. It is comforting to know that you left peacefully and with your family around you. But we will all miss you. Goodbye dear friend. In tears. Roy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:53 AM

I never met the Patons, have only read posts for years here at Mudcat, but the Dwyer family sends condolences. I seem to recall from conversations with Bob Nelson and Don Firth that Sandy and Caroline Paton lived in the Pacific Northwest for a time and Dad (John Dwyer) was a friend and fan.

Sandy's posts at Mudcat.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: KathWestra
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:51 AM

Grieving the loss of a friend, mentor, musical inspiration, and one of the kindest and most loving human beings ever to walk the Earth. The world is far richer for Sandy's 80 years among us, and far sadder for his leaving. Sending love to Caroline, David, Rob, Marian, Linnea, Shannon, Juliana, Eric and Hannah--and to all of those who, like me, are mourning Sandy's passing today.

Sandy has been an important part of my life for many years. If it weren't for him and Caroline, I would not be the person I am, nor know any of you. Sandy and Caroline entered my life 38 years ago, when I was 17. They not only encouraged me, but made it possible for me to leave Michigan and relocate to the East coast in 1974. It was a life-changing and life-affirming move for me, and one for which I thanked Sandy again just a week ago.

Sandy was an incredible scholar of folklore and history, whose vast knowledge he shared eagerly with others. He referred to his large collection of books as "the university education I never had"--and what an education it was. Sandy was a fine and thoughtful writer, and we shared a delight in language and words, and still liked to reminisce over a particular game of "Dictionary" played in the Patons' living room one long-ago Thanksgiving.

And, as so many others have noted, Sandy's labor of love, Folk-Legacy, has touched so many--and in so many ways has been the rock on which our singing community has been built over the years. As I look at the list of songs I sing, so many were learned from Sandy and Caroline, or from the many, many singers whose music first came to me via those wonderful Folk-Legacy recordings. Sandy and Caroline would almost certainly have become materially richer had they pursued another line of work. But we would all be poorer if they had done so. Sandy's physical body may be gone, but his Folk-Legacy lives on.

Thinking about Sandy this morning, I found myself humming "It Soon Be Done." Sandy and Caroline sang that song in one of their Michigan concerts that influenced me so profoundly all those years ago. What made an impression on me was Sandy's introduction. He always made note of these words:

"I'm gonna shake hands with all of the elders,
Tell all the people Good Mornin',
Sit down beside my Jesus,
Sit down and rest awhile."

Sandy was delighted by the idea the song conveyed of death as a joyful "Good Mornin'"

Rest awhile, dear Sandy. Your life and love have touched me deeply.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:45 AM

When I first began posting here in 1999, Sandy was a familiar presence. His posts were remarkable for their friendly and knowledgeable quality, and it was evident that he was the subject of much deference and respect. As time went by, I learned more about Sandy and Caroline and their work in Folk and Traditional music. I spoke with Sandy only twice, once when ordering some disks from Folk Legacy. And he seemed excited and pleased to speak to me. I remember he said, after answering the phone, "Caroline, its Lonesome EJ!" The second time was when I made a remark to him in a thread that I felt later could be interpreted as an insult, and he responded "actually I didn't even see it. I would never be so thin-skinned as to get mad about that anyway."
A gentleman and a scholar, and one of the presences on Mudcat that gave the Mudcat Forum a significant weight of importance and genuineness.
My sincere condolences to Caroline.The world is a better place for Sandy having been in it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: DonMeixner
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:37 AM

One of the great momments at each Old Songs event I attended was the conversations with Sandy. I amparticularly reminded of his story of Grant Rogers funeral.
    Grant was a great story teller, fiddler, singer, song writer and historian from the Catskills. And he was one of many people Sandy had the pleasure to record and come to know at Folk Legacy. At Grant's funeral, with a room full of musicians for what ever reason there was no music at Grant's funeral.
    Sandy was obviously sad for his friend Grant as he told me the story and he said with a smile to me, "I know there will be music at mine."
   I remember I said, "Mine too, Sandy."

My condolences to his family, especially to Caroline, and to us all, we will miss him.

Don Meixner

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Patricia
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:37 AM

My heart hurts - for the family, for the loss to those of us still "here", for the sadness, though I am glad that he is not suffering any longer. I treasure the times that I got to spend time with him and Caroline (mostly at NOMAD and other festivals). What a special person.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Severn
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:35 AM

A very sad day for the music and for all who knew him. My thoughts are with the family and all his many friends who will be mourning his loss.

We used to correspond on another site years ago and he helped me out on a few things from finding Civil War era songs (I was a re-enactor back then) to obtaining missing booklets for Folk-Legacy recordings I'd purcased used. His good conversation and generosity were greatly valued. I finally got to meet him at a Washington DC area appearence and he was as gracious in person as he'd been in print.

And, of course, anything on Folk Legacy could be purchased sight unseen/sound unheard and would be pretty much guaranteed not to disappoint. How many labels with that many recordings could say THAT about. A quality human being putting out a quality body of music, who himself sang a quality body of music in a way that was delightful to hear. A man to be revered for his accomplishments, his loss is tremendous.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:26 AM

This news is way too sad. I'm crying at work again. I met Sandy and Caroline at a Folk Alliance conference. We were in a song circle and was truly enjoying sharing baritone parts with Sandy. He was very encouraging. I later met them at a few Getaways, but that seems years ago. I had not seen many Sandy posts here at Mudcat and began to suspect he was not well. Then I read of his recent loss. From bbc's post it sounds like Sandy may have decided it was time, as I believe some people do. He had such a kind and helpful heart that I know he is in a better place. My condolences to his family.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:24 AM

This really hits hard. Like so many here, I love this man, and his influence on me musically is beyond what can be measured. Not only from his product, but from his great heart and caring way. I remember once, at a Getaway, when I was helping with the Folk Legacy table, and Sandy and I were sitting together. I was singing Gypsy Davy, and Sandy told me that I reminded him of Frank Profitt. What a moment. Of course, I am not a Frank Profitt, but that was just this gentle man's way of embracing and encouraging. I remember the first Getaway that Mudcatters started going to, as Mudcatters. Jeri, Barry, myself, Kath Westra, Duane, Beebs (Spaw and I can call her that), and others, ..... we had a Mudcat hello session, and I sang "Rare Old Times". Sandy just made me feel so comfortable. That was the weekend he told me that I had to hear Rick Fielding's music.

Sandy, Caroline, and I had a tradition. Whenever we were in the same area, we would meet at the local Cracker Barrel restaraunt and eat eggs and chicken fried steak. It started after our first Getaway. I remember once when they called me from the road. They were playing gigs in Indiana (and visiting Caroline's family in Gary), and decided to swing up on I94 and meet me at the Cracker Barrel near Kalamazoo. We laughed, talked, adjourned to the rockers out front and sang songs. This continued whenever we were together and a Cracker Barrel was near. And as time went on, it involved other Mudcatters that were there as well. Kind of neat when the bunch of us sit out front in a song circle in those rockers. And it started with Sandy.

A few years back I had one of the greatest thrills. I was going to a folk festival near Sharon, but needed a place to sleep. The Paton's put us up, and I got to sleep in THAT ROOM. Actually, "sleep in" is not accurate. Because this room is floor to ceiling, and every wall, nook, and cranny, filled with books. Music books, history books, it is a paradise for a guy like me. You don't really sleep in that room, you start to browse, and hours later you doze off and wake up in the morning with a book laying on your face. You pick it up and start reading again.

Because of the Paton's, I got to know Ed Trickett. Ed gave me a song to record that is still regarded as one of the great Famine songs out there. Ed's singing has influenced my own mightily. And I owe that to Sandy.

I could go on and on. This man's influence was that big on me. He embraced me with love and respect, and I sent it right back. And the amazing thing is that he did the same for so many others, many who post here, that his voice will never die. Generations will be affected and influenced by his work, and by his love. As for me, I don't know how to describe the gratitude that I feel for what has been done for me.

A couple of things. Kath Westra, you introduced me to Sandy and Caroline, and I love you for doing it. You are a part of their "chosen family", so I know this hits hard. Every time I hear you tell me how the Patons "rescued you from the Calvinists, I chuckle. I also love you because you are a great heart, and have quickly become my great friend. I know this hits you hard, as the Patons were surrogate parents for you.

Beebs (me and Spawzer can call you that), the things you have always done to help the Patons are acknowledged with gratitude from me.

karenk, chin up. You are another of the Paton's "chosen family". The pain leaves and the memories remain.

I talked with Caroline this morning. To say she is a remarkable woman is to finally master the art of understatement. Her, Rob, and Dave are pulling together and getting things in order. This is a strong family, and they are committed to keeping our beloved Folk Legacy together and moving into the future.

I love you, Grandpa Paton, and I will sing your song here until we meet up at the next song circle we are at together.

Love,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:08 AM

my deepest cndolences to Caroline and the family
How sad to lose Sandy!
He made so many contributions to the folk world.
A folklorist and field recorder, a vast knowledge of song, generously shared,
Folk-Legacy records the source of important traditional and folk-revival recordings,
always encouraging the projects of others,
and through his and Carolines singing at many folk events.

I've cobbled together a chronology from web
sources, far from complete, but perhaps of
interest:


Charles Alexander (Sandy) Paton
b.1929 Florida
d.26 July 2009
father regular army man
Ohio, Kansas, Seattle (5 years)
1950 left "home"   NY trained as actor
1952 interest in Folk Music through Warren Povey
1954 left acting for folk singing
1955 Park Lane Hotel, Toledo; Plantation Inn
Spring 57 Saturday night folk radio show in SF
Sept 57 UCB concert
appeared with Walt Robertson, Paul Clayton, Richard Chase
met Caroline
Nov 1957 to England
1958 London
performed at Folksong Unlimited, Troubadour Coffee House, Eel Pie Island
travelled Britain, Scottish Highlands
1960 Chicago added folkmusic to record department at Krock's and Brentano's bookstore
1961 formed Folk-Legacy Records with LEE BAKER HAGGERTY(1930-2000)

AWARDS - Sandy and Caroline Paton have been honored by:
the California Traditional Music Society,
the Memphis Dulcimer Festival,
the Eisteddfod Festival of Traditional Arts in Massachusetts,
and others.
1993 Connecticut Commission on the Arts "official State Troubadours"


RECORDINGS of Sandy Paton/Sandy and Caroine Paton
-------------------------------------------------

Jazz Collector JEA.1 American Folk Songs Vol.1
liner notes: Colin Pomroy
Sandy Paton Sings (vocal and guitar)
A1 East Virginia Blues
A2 Rovin' Gambler
B1 Every Night When The Sun Goes In
B2 Cool Colorado

   
Collector Records JEA 2 Sandy Paton sings American Folk Songs Vol.2
Recorded, London, September 29th 1958
recording engineer Stanhope Blaikley
Supervision by Colin Pomroy
liner notes: Paul carter
A1 Captain Wedderburn's Courtship
A2 Wife of Ushers Well
B1 Twa Sisters
B2 The Farmer's Cursed Wife


Collector JEA 3 Sandy Paton Folk Songs of Love
Alberta
At The Foot Of Yonders Mount
Colorado Trail
Cuckoo


Elektra 148 The many sides of Sandy Paton (1958)
additional guitar accompaniments by Fred Hellerman
liner notes: Robert Sherman
song notes: Kenneth S. Goldstein
insert booklet song texts
Production supervisor, Jac Holzman
Engineer, David B. Jones
A1 Captian Wedderburn's Courtship
A2 The Wee Magic Stane
A3 Katy Cruel
A4 An Auld Man
A5 The Overgate
A6 Twa Heids
A7 Auld Maid in a Garret
A8 Wee Croodlin' Doo

B1 Daily Growing
B2 Byker Hill
B3 The Foggy Dew
B4 Coming Home From the Wake
B5 Wild Mountain Thyme
B6 The Begging Tongue
B7 I Never Go To Work
B8 Children's Songs

Elektra EKL 223 A Treasury of Folk Songs for Children: Various Artists - 1962
Production: Jac Holzman
Side 1 - Fun Songs
1A10 Sandy Paton: I Never Go To Work
1A11 Sandy Paton: Street Songs

Elektra SMP 6 The Folk Scene: Various Artists
- Sandy Paton: Daily Growing


Topic TOP 57 Hush Little Baby - Sandy and Caroline Paton   (p)1960
American songs and ballads sung as lullabies
sleeve by Brian Byfield, insert notes
"During Sandy and Caroline Paton's stay in Britain their first child was born.
On this record the Patons sing some of the songs that young David Paton liked."
A1 Perrie Merrie Dixi Domini
A2 Katy Cruel
A3 The Quaker Courtship
B1 Hush Little Baby
B2 Lord Bateman
B3 Tittery Nan Tum Tario


Droll Yankees DY-9 NEVER TRUST A SKIER Sandy Paton    1961
in the Alpen Inn, Sugarbush Valley, Vermont.
A1 Bend in his Knees
A2 Farmer's Cursed Wife
A3 The Great American Bum
A4 The Ballad of Dr.Freud
A5 Hi-Ro-Jerum
A6 Fire Down Below

B1 The Goddam Cat
B2 Go 'Way, Old Man, Go 'Way
B3 Duncan and Brady
B4 Never Trust A Skier
B5 Go 'Way From My Window
B6 Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies
B7 Gamblin' Man


Biograph BLP-12051 Fox Hollow 10th Anniversary, Vol.1       LP (1975)
-Wild Mountain Thyme [1966]


Folk-Legacy 30 Sandy and Caroline Paton
Across the Blue Mountain
Chillly Winds
Coulter's Candy
Foggy Dew, The
Good Old Days of Adam and Eve
I Woke Up In a Dry Bed
I'm A Rambler and a Gambler
I've Traveled This Country
Johnny, Oh, Johnny
Lamoile River Song, The
Loving Hannah
Meekins and Morkins
Now My Friends, the Meeting Is Over
Rivers of Texas, The
Unquiet Grave, The


Folk-Legacy 52 - Sandy and Caroline Paton - I've Got a Song
Aiken Drum
Bump-A-Deedle
By 'M By
Come Along John
Hey Little Boy
I Know A Little Blue-Eyed Baby
I Live in a Great Big Building
I've Got a Song
James, James
Little Johnny Brown
Magic Penny
Mama Lend Me Your Pigeon
Move Over
Opposite Song
This Is a Song
Watch the Stars
You Can't Make a Turtle Come Out


Folk-Legacy 100 Sandy and Caroline Paton - New Harmony
All Gone For Grog
Didn't I Dance
Great Storm Is Over, The
Hori Horo
I Have Seen My Valley
Joshuay
Log Driver's Waltz
May the Roads Rise With You
New Harmony
Rambling Man
Roustabout Song
Rowdy Soul


Folk-Legacy 1002 Sandy and Caroline Paton - When the Spirit Says Sing
Apples and Bananas
Chickens They Are Crowing
Comet
Cousin Emmy's Blues
Dig a Geoduck
Farmer's Curst Wife
Flea Fly
Froggie
Geoduck Reprise
Julian of Norwich
One Bottle Pop
Peace Like a River
Peanut Butter Jam
Peanut Butter Jam
River, Take Me Along
Rubber Blubber Whale
Skin and Bones
Underwears
Vine and Fig Tree
Waltzing With Bears
When the Spirit Says Sing



RECORDINGS by Sandy Paton
-------------------------

Folkways FA2360 Frank Profitt (Edited by Frank Warner) 1962
A1 Beaver Dam Road      1:26
A2 Cindy                2:16
A3 Bo Lamkin            4:08
A4 Julie Jenkins       1:46
A5 George Collins       2:24
A6 Ninety and Nine      3:23
A7 Down in the Valley   2:46
B1 Baby-O               1:37
B2 Old Abe             3:31
B3 Poor Ellen Smith    1:50
B4 Dan Doo             1:55
B5 John Hardy          2:27
B6 Ground Hog          1:56
B7 Johnson Boys         1:46


Folkways FA2362 Horton Barker 1962
A1 Wayfaring Stranger                3:56
A2 Wondrous Love                      4:26
A3 The Gypsy's Wedding Day            2:56
A4 The Miller's Will                  3:16
A5 Amazing Grace                      4:20
A6 Lord Thomas and Fair Ellender      4:29
A7 Bow and Balance                   5:26
B1 At the Foot of Yonders Mountain    2:00
B2 The Turkish Rebilee                4:41
B3 Blue-Haired Jimmy                  2:12
B4 The Drunkard's Courtship          1:47
B5 The Farmer's Curst Wife            3:07
B6 There Was an Old Lady             2:22
B7 Rolly Trudum                      2:40
B8 City Four Square                   4:14
B9 Devilish Mary                      2:16
B10 Hop, Old Rabbit, Hop               1:23
B11 Sweet Mary                         1:41
B12 Paddy Doyle                        1:51


New World Records NW-239/80239 BRAVE BOYS - New England Traditions in Folk Music
Produced and recorded in the field by Sandy Paton (p)1977/1995
Featuring recordings of Gail Stoddard Storm, Lewis Lund, Ben Mandel, Gale Huntington, Sara Cleveland, Lawrence Older, Mrs. Morris Austin, Harvey Tolman, the Van Arsdales, and many others
booklet with historical text by Sandy Paton, plus information on the recordings artists, each song and the lyrics. Released 1977.


Folk-Legacy CD-1 Frank Proffitt of Reese, NC
Bonnie James Campbell
Cluck Old Hen
Going Across the Mountain
Gyps of David
Handsome Molly
I'll Never Get Drunk No More
I'm Going Back to North Carolina
Lord Randall
Moonshine
Morning Fair
Reuben Train
Rye Whiskey
Song of a Lost Hunter or Love Henr
Sourwood Mountain
Tom Dooley (Dula)
Trifling Woman
Wild Bill Jones


Folk-Legacy CD-36 Frank Proffitt - Memorial Album
Blackberry Wine
Everybody's Got to Be Tried
Got No Sugar Baby Now
I'm A Long Time Traveling Here Bel
Little Birdie
Little White Robe
Lord Lovell
Man of Constant Sorrow
Oh, Lord, What a Morning
Poor Man
Poor Soldier
Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down
Shake Hands With Mother Again
Shulls Mills
Single Girl
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?


Folk Legacy CD 125 Ballads and Songs of Tradition
1. Cutty's Wedding - Jeannie Robertson, Aberdeen, Scotland.
    Recorded in Edinburgh by Hamish Henderson with Sandy Paton, September, 1958;
2. Gyps of David (Child 200) - Frank Proffitt, Reese, NC.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, September, 1961;
3. Gypsy Davy (Child 200) - Lawrence Older, Middle Grove, NY.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, 1964;
4. Are You Sleeping, Maggie - Jeannie Robertson, Aberdeen, Scotland.
    Recorded by Hamish Henderson with Sandy Paton, September, 1958;
5. Hind Horn (Child 17) - Joe Estey, New Brunswick, Canada.
    Recorded by Lee Haggerty and Henry Felt, August, 1963;
6. My Bonny Boy (Laws 0 35) - Lizzie Higgins, Aberdeen, Scotland.
    Recorded in Aberdeen, Scotland, by Sandy Paton with Hamish Henderson, September, 1958;
7. Bonny James Campbell (Child 210) - Frank Proffitt, Reese, NC.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, September, 1961;
8. The House Carpenter (Child 243) - Lee Monroe Presnell, Beech Mountain, NC.
    Recorded by Diane Hamilton, Paul Clayton and Liam Clancy, 1956;
9. The House Carpenter (Child 243) - Dave Thompson, Sugar Grove, NC.
    Recorded by Lee Haggerty and Henry Felt, 1963;
10. Twa Brothers (Child 49) - Jeannie Robertson, Aberdeen, Scotland.
    Recorded in Edinburgh by Hamish Henderson with Sandy Paton, September, 1958;
11. The Jolly Tinker (Laws L 13) - James Brown, New Brunswick, Canada.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton with Dr. Edward Ives, August, 1962;
12. Tom Sherman's Barroom (Laws B 1) - Vern Smelser, Paoli, IN.
    Recorded by Pat Dunford and Lee Haggerty, 1963;
13. Lost Jimmy Whalen (Laws C 8) - Marie Hare, Strathadam, New Brunswick, Canada.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, 1962;
14. I'll Get Married A-Sunday - William Harrison Burnett, Fayetteville, AR.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, 1962;
15. The Bunch of Watercresses - Joe Estey, New Brunswick, Canada.
    Recorded by Lee Haggerty and Henry Felt, August, 1963;
16. The Overgate - Jeannie Robertson, Aberdeen, Scotland.
    Recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Hamish Henderson with Sandy Paton, September, 1958;
17. The Young Man who Wouldn't Hoe Corn (Laws H 13) -Vern Smelser, Paoli, IN.
    Recorded by Pat Dunford and Lee Haggerty, 1963;
18. Sweet Sixteen - William Harrison Burnett, Fayetteville, AR.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, December, 1962;
19. He Never Came Back - Mrs Miner (Harriet Hall) Griffin, Fayetteville, AR.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, 1962;
20. The Old Arm Chair - Lee Monroe Presnell, Beech Mountain, NC.
    Recorded by Diane Hamilton, Paul Clayton and Liam Clancy, 1956;
21. The Old Arm Chair - Grant Rogers, Walton, NY.
    Recorded by Sandy Paton, 1964

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:08 AM

John,

In some sense, Duane & I have felt that we represented Sandy & Caroline as we worked at the Folk Legacy booth the past 2 years at NEFFA & Old Songs. We conveyed everyone's love & good wishes to them. I know that Sandy & Caroline have felt supported by the folk music community. Just continue to extend your love to Caroline as you are able.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Anglo
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:04 AM

Sadly, I couldn't get to Kaelan Paton's memorial, where I would have seen Sandy one last time. I knew he was grieving Kaelan's loss, but certainly didn't see this coming. It is a great loss to so many different parts of the folk community in particular, and indeed to anyone his life has touched.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Bobert
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:56 AM

Sniff...

Never met him but having just read all of the lovely posts here about his life he must have been one heck of a man...

RIP, Sandy and my condolences to his family and his many friends here and eleswhere...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:46 AM

Wish I had the opportunity to meet Sandy. He sounds a stellar individual.

The Paton family continue in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Brian Peters
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:43 AM

I'd been aware of the riches of the Folk Legacy catalogue for many years, so it was a thrill to have met Sandy and Caroline at Old Songs on more than one occasion. Like Eve, I was flattered by the interest he took in my music.

A man of huge achievements, and delightful in person, Sandy's is a truly sad loss, but his contribution will never be forgotten.
My best wishes to Caroline.
Brian

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:31 AM

The mailing address is as follows:

Caroline Paton
P.O. Box 1148
Sharon, CT 06069

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Maryrrf
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:28 AM

I did not know him personally, only through his reputation and throught his posts on Mudcat. His passing is a great loss. I'd like to add my condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:19 AM

RIP! My sympathy to his family! Long live his legacy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Barbara
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:18 AM

Oh no!
Say it ain't so!
I met Sandy here, and here is where I knew him and Caroline, and, God, I'm gonna miss him.

...more later when I can...
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Eve Goldberg
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:17 AM

I'm so, so sorry to hear this news.

I met Sandy and Caroline when they came up here to be part of the staff at The Woods Music and Dance Camp. I was in charge of merchandise that year, and they came loaded down with what seemed like their complete catalogue. I don't think we've ever had so many titles for sale in the boutique, up until then, or since! Needless to say, they "moved a lot of product" that week, as they say in the biz. I had my hands full managing it all, but they were gracious and patient with me (I think I must have been all of 17 or 18!).

It was also when Sandy and Caroline met Rick Fielding. I remember Sandy telling me that week that it had been years since he had been so impressed by a fellow musician. That meeting led to Rick subsequently recording for Folk Legacy Records, and, well, most of you know that that was a huge turning point in Rick's career.

After that, I didn't see them very often, but any time I ran into them at a festival, Sandy always wanted to talk, find out how things were going, and generally shoot the breeze. Customers would come and go from their sales tent, and we'd still be chatting away, sometimes for up to an hour. He was quick to introduce me to other friends who stopped by, and he made me feel like part of the clan. Sandy's attention and respect meant lot to me as a "youngster" on the scene.

I will miss them dearly, even though we weren't in regular contact. RIP Sandy, I know there must be quite a good sing going on up there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: dwditty
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:13 AM

Blessings on a gentleman and a truely gentle man. Sad news, indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Janie
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:57 AM

My heartfelt condolences to Caroline and the family, including you bbc.

Janie

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Mark Ross
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:41 AM

I met The Patons in 1972 when Utah Phillips dragged me down to Sharon Connecticut to hear Jim Ringer record his 1st album. Spent 4 or 5 days there listening, drinking and teaching Ringer my song BILL PICKETT. Drank up a goodly amount of Sandys' single malt that weekend. It's a shame that too many good people have to go too soon. I always looked forward to seeing Sandy whenever I could make it to Old Songs. He will be missed. My condolences to Caroline and the rest of the family.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:35 AM

I only knew him from his body of work, which was considerable. That and the kind and loving remarks from those of you who did know him, not just now, but throughout our history here is enough for me.

Sandy was truly a giant in our music and life in general for that matter; I'll miss him and add him to my list of those I should have gotten to know better. His influence and legacy will continue, no question of that.

Dale

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Alice
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:35 AM

I feel in shock to hear this sad news.
Barbara, thanks for all you do with your generous spirit.
My love to Caroline and all the family and friends.

Alice

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:26 AM

Please consider supporting Folk Legacy
with your business, if you can.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:16 AM

Oh, two things I meant to include on my previous post--If you didn't know Sandy personally, you might like to read a great bio
that Ron Olesko wrote, in honor of Sandy's birthday a couple of years ago. Also, I posted a picture of Sandy, taken at the Paton family reunion, on my flickr page yesterday. After listening to Folk Legacy recordings for years, Duane & I came to our personal relationship with the Patons through Mudcat. In the past 10 years or so, we have come, step by step, closer, until we feel like part of the Folk Legacy family. Many of you are children of Folk Legacy, too, & will be grieving the passing of this icon of traditional music.

with love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:14 AM

And thank you, bbc for all you've been for them.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:12 AM

Oh, my. Meeting Sandy and Caroline when I was 10 was the seminal event that started my path in folk music. Love to Caroline and the family. Go well, good man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:09 AM

I knew Sandy has not been well these last few years, and especially not in the last year. But somehow, still, this seems so sudden. And after all that the Paton family has been through, this loss seems like just too much.

Sandy did more than any other person to create the music that I have known and loved my entire life. I grew up, like others in my generation and after, on Folk Legacy records. Today, a significant portion of the albums in my LP collection are the familiar black sleeves with the photographs on front. Sandy gave us the music of Gordon Bok and Rosalie Sorrels and Bill Staines and Jonathan Eberhart and Helen Schneyer and Joe Hickerson and Cindy Kallet and Kendall Morse and Frank Proffitt and Hobart Smith and Archie Fisher and Ed Trickett and so many others. This is a monumental loss to the folk music community and to music at large.

As I child I used to be intimidated by Sandy, because I knew who he was and because he was big and had a booming voice - and as an adult I learned that he was one of the sweetest, kindest, most sensitive people you could ever meet. Just yesterday my two year old and I were singing one of his kids' songs.

I had always hoped to see Sandy and Caroline named National Heritage Fellows - they deserved it as much as any. I'm only sorry it never happened.

I am more sad than words can say.

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:05 AM

Good morning, folks,

We suspected that the news would filter out from Pinewoods first, since Sandy's granddaughter, Linnea, is working there this summer. Yesterday marked 40 days since Sandy & Caroline's grandson, Kaelan, drowned. Sandy had been deeply grieving, since that time. We had all been concerned about him, but it was unclear how much of his condition was emotional & how much was physical. Last week, with Kaelan's memorial & the burial of his remains past, Caroline felt that Sandy needed to see his doctor. I drove the two of them to the office on Thursday afternoon, July 23rd. Sandy was unusually fatigued & was having wide variations in his blood oxygen with any activity. As soon as he saw him, Sandy's doctor called for an ambulance to take his to nearby Sharon Hospital (Sharon, CT) for observation. Sandy was checked into a room, after being observed in Emergency, & Caroline was told they'd like to keep Sandy for a few days. If I am remembering correctly what Caroline told me, the hospital called Saturday evening & said that Sandy wasn't doing well & they didn't know if he'd make it through the night. The family was able to go to the hospital that evening & spend time with Sandy. During the night, Saturday, he lost consciousness. During the day, on Sunday, family was in & out. Duane & I visited for a couple of hours in the early afternoon & said our goodbyes. When we returned for a second visit at about 7 pm, not wanting Sandy to be alone, his sister-in-law, Linda, gave us the news that he had passed from this life about a half hour earlier, at 6:32 pm on Sunday, July 26, 2009. We waited for Caroline to come & stayed with the family until they left. Sandy died peacefully, with no heroics, just lightly breathing until he drew his last breath. The cause will probably be listed as congestive heart failure. My first thought, when I heard that he was gone, was happiness for him. In recent times, his life had become more & more of a burden to him. Because of his emphasema, he had to be connected to oxygen all the time. His movements & activities were limited. Changes in his voice meant that he was no longer able to sing &, sometimes, even to make himself easily heard. He was broken-hearted over Kaelan's death. I feel sure that Sandy was content to leave.

Now, we pick up the pieces of life without him. Caroline has her two sons & her sister, all of whom live locally. She, also, has Duane & me. Together, we will be giving personal support & helping to get Folk Legacy onto a new chapter. Your support is needed. Although I have more that I'd like to say, I'll end this, for now, to give you the basic information. Since phone is the only way Caroline can conduct business, I might suggest that you send condolences by mail, for now, to give us time to get up-to-date on the backlog of orders, due to Kaelan's death & Sandy's health. As is the family custom, Sandy's passing will be marked by a memorial gathering at some time in the future. Sing your songs for him, folks! A great man has passed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Lynn Noel
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:57 AM

Linn Schultz just shared the sad news on Facebook and I gasped aloud. Words fail at such a time, but the Paton family are in all our hearts and prayers, doubly so now at this dark time.

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:42 AM

I thought he'd live forever. I thought he'd always be here. In some ways, he will, but it's not enough.

My love and condolences to Caroline, David, Robin and all his relations, and to his extended family of friends and those across the continent and the globe. He touched a lot of us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Tinker
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:42 AM

May the peace that passeth understanding surroud and sustain family and friends.....

tinker

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Max
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:38 AM

I was just talking about Sandy on Saturday. I was on the radio and realized that I was playing a more than usual amount of Folk Legacy recordings. I commented that that was OK because Sandy and Caroline were 2 of the finest people I've ever met and that if Sandy every said "I was born almost 10,000 years ago" that I would believe him.

Sandy etched himself in my memory and my heart soon after meeting him, over 10 years ago. I heard him sing "My Old Man", at the Getaway, with so much emotion that he nearly couldn't get through the song. I couldn't forget that if I tried.

I still cherish the Folk Legacy ball cap he gave me, which some may see as just a ball cap, but a small gift from such a big man is my treasure.

So long Sandy and much love Caroline. You have both made a profound impact on me and the things I care deeply for in this world.

Where my words fail me, you can always count on Rick Fielding:

"Sing with the Angels"

    I'm gonna sing with the angels
    When my time comes around
    This earth is just rehearsal
    For when I'm heaven bound
    I'll be well prepared to take my place
    with harmony and rhyme
    And sing with the angels when it's time.


"When We Gather Once More,"

    Be well, be safe, be kind, be strong
    For the times will test us sore
    And to gladden our hearts,
    Our bodies, our souls
    Oh, be here when we gather once more.
    Oh, be here when we gather once more.

    Now if I find a resting place
    Before I'm back this way
    Or if the road be just too long
    And my feet have turned to clay
    If from tonight you do recall
    Just one line from this song
    Then even if our roads do end,
    This song will travel on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:38 AM

I've also got tears in my eyes for a man from this wonderful community who I never met.

condolences to Caroline & their other family members & friends.

sandra

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:35 AM

We're all just passing through but Sandy certainly contributed a whole lot to our folk community while he was here, and that "legacy" will live on.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:26 AM

Wordless.

Prayers and gentle thoughts to Caroline and the rest of the family.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:23 AM

DAMN DAMN DAMN

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:22 AM

A great loss. I only "met" him via the web, but we had many interesting conversations and he always shed light on whatever the subject was. Anyone with any information about a memorial, please post it here if appropriate? And is the Folk-Legacy mailing address the place to send cards to Caroline?

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Wolfgang
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:18 AM

Very sad news for the folk world.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Suffet
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:16 AM

Sandy always had a kind word and a helping hand. Rest in peace, friend.

--- Steve & Marilyn Suffet

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:58 AM

I am so, so sorry. My prayers and thoughts are with Caroline and all your family this morning.

Looking out over a verdant, hot North Carolina morning, I am remembering a cold, cold evening in front of an unlit fireplace at Ramblewood, listening to Sandy and Kendall swap hobo songs, train songs, sad songs. Making each other tear up, no worries about tough and gruff; real men with real stories of real lives.

I didn't have the privilege many of you had to know him long and well, but that's how I thought of him, and looked up to him: a true man, and a gentleman through and through.

Sandy, when we meet again (When The Rolls Are Passed Up Yonder), I'll have that pot of greens ready for you, fatback and all.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: gnu
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:32 AM

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: momnopp
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:24 AM

My condolences and love to the Paton family.

JudyO/momnopp