Obit: Bill Morrissey (1951-2011)

Subject: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 03:51 AM

Songwriter, guitar picker and author Bill Morrissey passed away earlier this evening while on tour. Another great one gone. Rest now Bill.

David E.

Subject: RE: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 06:09 AM

Guest, David E.- Please, what is your source for this shocking news?

Maeve

Subject: RE: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 07:15 AM

I'm not finding any confirmation of this report. I see no listed gigs past the 16th July, no news items. I hope 'Catter Guest, David E. will return to shed some light.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,Rob McCausland
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 08:53 AM

Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: RIP Bill Morrissey http://bit.ly/qdJw78

also now on Wikipedia and Facebook

so sad ~ deepest sympathies to his family and friends ~

Subject: RE: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 09:23 AM

Thanks, Rob McCausland. The link Rob gave says :
***********************************
"Got word from Bill's brother Tom in Phillie last nite.... Bill Morrissey Died in a motel room in Georgia yesterday... an autopsy will be performed today.

from his manager
"Several people have called and emailed asking me to post under Bill's account as they aren't sure that all know. Very sad to say that Bill has passed away. I know that he is finally at peace but it is an extremely sad thing."

*****************************************

I'm so sad. Warm regards to Bill's family and friends, and to Ellen Karas. Thank you for all you did to help Bill keep on living and writing and singing.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 09:26 AM

Bill's Facebook page talks about it.

I met him once. Gracious guy. And I love Birches

RIP, Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 09:55 AM

Sad news.

We booked Bill several times at the old Portland Folk Club in the 1980's and got to hang out with him before and afterwards. Bill invented what I would call "The New England Blues," ballads about blue-collar or rural characters whose lives took odd but familiar turns. Now, Bill has joined with one of his own darker ballads. Damn!

I always loved "Snow Outside the MIll" but "Birches" was also a fine song.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:13 AM

Tom (Curmudgeon) had known him a long time when I came on the scene in 1980. I knew Bill mostly from the Stone Church Sunday hoots in the early '80s when Tom was often hootmeister.

Bill's patter in between songs was even better than the songs themselves, those early songs about kids named "Jennifer, Jessica and Jason / Just like every kid across the nation." I often opined to one of the owners of the Stone Church, Ellie O'Conner, that his whole set should be taped and preserved -- especially the local humor in between songs.

Bill moved away from Newmarket, the "small town on the river" and the Seacoast New Hampshire music scene.

The last time we saw him to talk to was a few years ago when Cuzin Richard put together a New Hampshire Folk Festival on the stage at the Portsmouth Music Hall and our "Press Room Gang" had a spot. Had a bit of a chance to talk to Bill both at the party at Celtic Crossing before the show and in the green room at the Music Hall.

This is just such a surprise...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Crowhugger
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:23 AM

Just went to explore the link to Birches and some other songs. It's my loss that I am introduced to him at the end of his life (so much music, so little time). Great songs. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Beer
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:38 AM

Very sad indeed. Sympathies to his family and love ones.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:40 AM

Bill and Archie Fisher had a mutual admiration and respect for each other. I remember once Bill drove all the way up from New Hampshire to see Archie for the first time, at Arnold Greenberg's "Left Bank Cafe" in Blue Hill, Maine. We had a very enjoyable visit sitting on the steps in the cafe.

One of the very few cds that survived the fire that burned down our house was Bill's "Night Train", on which "Birches" appears.

Listen to his tender, tough songs here:http://www.myspace.com/billmorrissey/music/songs/time-to-go-home-81011063

"It's Time to Go Home" has me in tears today.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:47 AM

http://www.myspace.com/billmorrissey/music/songs/will-you-be-my-rose-81012338

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,Joe Simes
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:59 AM

Bill came down to see Archie Fisher at the club a while back and we were trying to set up a gig for him. Such a shock and a great loss.

RIP Bill!

Joe

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: topical tom
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 11:06 AM

All my sympathy to his family and friends. RIP, Bill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 11:21 AM

Awful news, God Bless you Bill RIP .. just awful news

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: C. Ham
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 12:27 PM

Mike Regenstreif writes about Bill Morrissey on the Folk Roots/Folk Branches blo

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,Claire Curtis
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 12:28 PM

What a shock - I hadn't heard much of Bill in a while, but I remember him fondly from the Old Stone Church, back when I lived in Newmarket. Much too young for this. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 01:22 PM

"Handsome Molly"
"Robert Johnson"
"Long Gone"

I'm going to miss Bill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 01:38 PM

I love his soft guitar pickin. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 02:15 PM

This is a damnshame.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 02:27 PM

"Fifty"

"I turned fifty. I quit keeping score."

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 02:57 PM

Article on NHPR.org

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 06:15 PM

Tom is very frustrated right now because he can't see well enough to post. Probably tomorrow there will be a time when his eyes are working.

Bill's first recording -- a 45rpm single -- of "Live Free Or Die" was recorded (by Chris Biggi) in Tom's living room in Epping, NH.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 06:47 PM

That recording, by the way, was sometime before 1976. I just looked for the 45 and it's not where I remember last seeing it.

It was later re-recorded for a much later recording.

Tom met Bill in the very early days of the Stone Church.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 07:10 PM

Poster appears to be Naemanson

---

One more death in 2011. Not sure I can handle much more. I hope what he described in Letter from Heaven is true.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,steve s
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 07:50 PM

the late claude gross and I got him to philly to do a small upstairs room bar gig maybe about 1984, his philly premier...at least it was before I took over the Bothy in 1985. Since that night, I learned every song Bill recorded and tried to share his music with everyone I encountered. Capt. Fiddle and I had a wonderful java-fueled evening trying to identify the real-life inspirations for the characters of Edson.

I'm numb. Bill's art has haunted me for nearly 30 years. Bill's image of an old dog and a blanket and a shotgun is going thru my mind and I can't stop it.

Here's a video I did to his song about gentrification of old working towns:

http://stevea4.blogspot.com/2008/07/it-was-quaint-great-ice-cream.html

goodbye bill, goodbye

s.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 08:32 PM

Captain Fiddle being Ryan Thomson, also of Newmarket, NH...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 09:08 PM

I knew I'd find something about Bill's death on Mudcat tonight. Every few years he would perform at Stone Soup, and I always enjoyed hearing him there. I liked his growly voice. Here's one of my favorites:

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 09:14 PM

Oops Clicked Submit message instead of Make a link. To continue:
http://new.music.yahoo.com/bill-morrissey/tracks/grizzly-bear--713078

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jul 11 - 10:37 PM

Bill was also always willing to share the "spotlight" with other up and coming singer-songwriters. He will be remembered.

When I was a young man, I traveled a-round;
I worked every hard bar, in every hard town;
For the whiskey, the draft beer, the porter and stout;
I sang everywhere, till I sang myself out.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,steve s
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 02:07 PM

Is the ms of Imaginary Runner in any shape for publication?

...knickknack shops and restaurants...everything a man could want...

s.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 04:42 PM

I first became aware of Bill thru Greg Brown...I believe he is mentioned in several of Greg's songs...one that mentions sharing poems and songs as reel to reels were traded across thru the mail...I think it might be the "Poet Game" and I think that some of Greg's fishing songs include mention of Bill-one is even called Fishin' with Bill..

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,HERB VAN DAM
Date: 25 Jul 11 - 04:56 PM

NOW MY FRIEND HAS LEFT THE STAGE. NO MORE ENCORES. BUT
I BET HE'S ALREADY JAMMING WITH ROBERT JOHNSON
AND OL' JOHN HURT JOHNNY CUNNINGHAM. NOW THAT'S A
HEAVENLY CHOIR!!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 12:20 AM

Here's another write-up. http://www.boston.com/Boston/metrodesk/2011/07/grammy-nominated-folk-artist-bill-morrissey-dead/7hSt0imItlXELhTLLtR6uN/index.htm

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 12:27 AM

Hmm. That didn't work. I think it is because the link is very long. Try http://www.boston.com/ and scroll down until you see the headline and click on that.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:24 AM

Here's a nice ending quote from the Boston Obit:

Mr. Morrissey's legion of fans and friends would find it poetic justice if he were now enjoying the fruits of the afterlife, as described in his song "Letter from Heaven,'' from his album "Night Train'' (1993).

"And me, I couldn't be happier. The service here is fine. They've got dinner ready at half-past nine. And I'm going steady with Patsy Cline. And just last night in a bar room, I bought Robert Johnson a beer. Yeah, I know, everybody's always surprised to find him here.''

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Stringsinger
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:14 AM

The song that really impressed me was one he did years ago, I think it was at Passims,
called "Living on the Edge". Does anyone know where to find it?

I thought of Bill as being a poet who actually was living on the edge.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:34 AM

Frank, I don't know one by that title, but of course I'm not an authority. Here's a link to Bill's discography in case I'm missing it.
http://www.billmorrissey.net/bmdisco.html. His newest recorded work is not on that list.

Remembrances from Bill's website: http://www.billmorrissey.net/...including this thread.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:46 AM

I like this excerpt:
"Bill once said (in an interview for the Boston Phoenix, written by Ted Drozdowski), "…If you are not taking a chance and you are not moving forward, you might as well pump gas." It's without a doubt that every day Bill had on this earth he was taking a chance, as he was always looking to push his craft and better himself as a human being and a writer. His struggles with depression and alcoholism were well known and were spoken of frequently amongst his peers and his fans. It has also been documented that throughout the past few years he was trying to keep these issues at bay. Every day was a battle. Every day he was taking a chance. And for that, he is to be admired." (http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110725-ENTERTAIN-110729863)

Thank you for your courage, Bill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: open mike
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 01:57 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UttHuoan2Qo
the chat list of his fans is called birches...here is the song

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: GUEST,Mark Shea
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:09 PM

I saw Bill twice at the Tin Angel in Philly a number of years back - a rare talent and a gentle soul. Last time had to be about 7 years ago. Always hoping he'd be back - sad to know that won't be. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:02 PM

To anyone reading this thread after my previous post, the boston.com link seems to change daily and is now http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2011/07/26/folk_artist_bill_morrissey_has_died/?page=full
If that link is too long and doesn't work, go to boston.com and enter Bill Morrissey in the search box at the upper left

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 07:58 AM

Here's a You-Tube link to another haunting Morrissey song "Ice Fishing": click here for song

The last verse nails it:

"And the hole you cut freezes over, and it's like you've never been there before..."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 09:10 PM

Latest information, here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 06:57 PM

maeve-

Thanks for posting this update. Nice to hear Bill sing one last time.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: maeve
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 08:26 PM

You're welcome. I intend to keep on listening.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 09:37 AM

Another good follow-up story by Bob Keyes about Bill Morrissey in the Maine Sunday Telegram: Click here!

I didn't realize that Keyes had any affinity for Morrissey's music.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 10:33 AM

The guys at Car Talk offered condolences and tipped him a nod as the writer of one of their favorite car-related songs Car and Driver.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: Clontarf83
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 12:36 AM

I loved this man even though I never met him nor saw him in concert. I loved his early albums, and for me his masterpiece was "Standing Eight" which I have played over and over.

A chance remark to me from a social worker in northern BC during an interview brought home to me the depth and insight of Bill's songs. The worker said that child sexual abusers often seek out small remote towns to live in. This is to give them distance from the police who can only appear when necessity requires or weather permits. Bill's "Pantherville" captures this in a terse way--like magic brush strokes from a master painter, he creates an tense brooding atmosphere, and only reveals the nature of the darkness in the last line of the song. A work of genius and experience.

God bless you and keep you Bill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Morrissey 1951-2011
From: evansakes
Date: 11 Aug 11 - 11:00 AM

There's a lovely tribute by Peter Cooper in http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2011/08/11/peter-cooper-the-quiet-death-of-a-troubled-talented-troubadour/

Incidentally, Peter in addition to being a fine writer and musicologist is also an excellent singer and songwriter. He's played Twickfolk a couple of times (with Eric Brace)