Subject: Rosalie Sorrels assistance 2011
From:
Mary Katherine
Date: 14 Oct 11 - 12:44 AM
From Rosalie's daughter:
Rosalie Sorrels retires - this time for real
Old Devil Time, you'd like to bring me down, but when I'm low, my friends all gather round to help me rise, rise and sing it one more time. Rosalie Sorrels.
Her voice has been described as "an instrument as mellow and finely aged as an antique viola." The Boston Globe called her "one of America's genuine folk treasures." Gamble Rodgers called her the "hillbilly Edith Piaf". Studs Terkel said "Rosalie Sorrels sings songs the way you've always hoped they'd be sung: Deeply felt, effortlessly, and altogether loverly." Bruce Utah Phillips admired
her ability to "get into the guts of a song." The Chicago Reader wrote, "Sorrels has decried the music industry's attempt to
homogenize women and ethnicity into something blander. She's living proof that there are some things the biz just can't whitewash." Deeply moved by her performance, the late John Wasserman, entertainment critic at the San Francisco Chronicle commented "She did something that only the best can ever do; she brought back memories that we never had. She's one of the geniuses, Rosalie Sorrels is." Others have described her vocals as 'well weathered and wise; real substance; true and powerful; a grain of crusty toughness; a voice that "cuts like a knife and purrs like a kitten".
The last time she attempted to retire, she went on to record 2 Grammy nominated CDs and her travels continued, some referred to this as semi-retired, some might call it necessary, but mostly we are all
happy that she didn't stop singing then. At 78 years of age, Rosalie has come to a time in life where she just wants to be at home. The home that many have come to know through her stories and songs and
was built by her father's and brother's hands. The cabin located 28 miles north of Boise was referred to as Querencia named by Rosalies mother Nancy Stringfellow. In Spanish, querencia describes a place where one feels safe, a place from which one's strength of character is drawn, a place where one feels at home....Because the cabin is a handmade work of art and feels as if it simply grew right out of the ground, mother nature has taken a toll on the integrity of the structure. There are some issues that make it complicated to stay there. As a family, we have all tried to hold it together and as a family we would also like to make life more comfortable for Rosalie. There are necessary changes that need to be made in order to make that happen though. We as a family are making a formal request to
raise the necessary funds to make renovations to the homestead so that it is possible for Rosalie to stay where she is most happy
and more comfortable.
Rosalie has conquered all her setbacks and heartbreaks with the help of her friends, family, and, most importantly, her music. She has served as a role model for many and she will always remain true to her
beliefs without regard to the "fickle wind of trends." Although the years are catching up with Rosalie Sorrels' physical way of life, they will never catch her inner diva. Lovingly From the kids
Leslie Sorrels, Holly Marizu, Kevin Sorrels and Shelley Ross
A letter from her Grandaughter, Cece Marizu
There are some people who shape the way you can see the world. They are the people who don't force you to see the world in a set way, but rather they show you all the possibilities and the beauty in the
imperfections. There are some places that you can go to and actually hear yourself think. They are the places where you can see the stars and wake up to the beautiful sounds of a running creek. There are the
times that you reminisce about that unveil the true success in life. They are the times that you share with family, friends and supporters who have been the foundation throughout all time.
My grandma Rosalie has opened my eyes and ears in ways that can only
be explained if you sit down and spend time with her. I feel so honored to be her granddaughter because I truly believe I would
not have set the goals in my life without her. I am thankful for the moments where I got to sit and watch her sing, but Im more thankful for the times I got to sit and listen to her tell me stories at the
cabin. She taught me the art of appreciation for life. She taught me the value in the friendships I make along the way. And she taught me how to love and find happiness within myself. She's been one of
my greatest teachers and guides throughout my life.
My grandma announced a year before I graduated from high school in
2005 that she was going to retire. After that announcement however, my grandma went to record her second Grammy nominated CD. She
proved that although you may think you have a plan those plans change. She went on to travel more around the US and continued to tell her stories and give people an insight into the art of folk music.
My grandma Rosalie is now 78 years and I know after years of doing what she loves she's tired. A person can work all day and night, but at a point they need rest. Now, in 2011 it is time for my grandma to retire and have a chance to relax and reflect.
Looking at my grandma now I cant believe how lucky I am to call her my grandma. I go around telling people I want to be just like her. I want to be like her not because of her amazing accomplishments (which I couldn't be more proud of), but because of how she lives
her life. I want to choose a life that I feel passionate about, grow everyday in my independence, and speak freely about causes I care about. I continue to work hard because I was able to see a woman
who didn't stop working at what she cared about.
In our family we realize that we need support. We would like to organize a fund to make some necessary repairs to her home The Cabin. The cabin is the place where my grandma wants to be right now
more than any other place on earth. She truly loves it up there and if you've ever been to the cabin you can understand why. We don't want her to have to leave where she feels a sense of peace. The work that needs to be done is remodeling the bathroom. The plumbing needs serious repair and we would like to put in a walk-in shower to make it easier. Our family is asking those that are interested to help in this project. I'm grateful for the friends my grandma talks about and the friends of my grandma I've had the privilege of meeting. Any help that you can give will make a big impact. Thanks for taking the time to read my message and thank you more for being influences in my life through my grandma.
CeCe Marizu
University of Illinois
Graduate Assistant
Irwin Academic Services
Educational Policy Studies
Broadcast Journalism
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Keep on rockin', its a beautiful boat
If you care to make a donation, please send to:
Rosalie Sorrels
P.O. Box 1204
Boise, ID 83701
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