2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Bettyj
Date: 29 Apr 14 - 05:50 PM

Thank you Maeve! I just stumbled over this site. What great luck. I'm just begining to attend bluegrass jams and open mikes and am hungry for material. I will explore.
Thanks!

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Darlene
Date: 12 Jun 14 - 12:54 PM

When I asked about the other band member from her group . Her name came up, lo and behold her only album was reproduced in 2012. She now resides in North Carolina and she was present at the opening reception of the CD release., sadly she did not perform that night

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,scottmontreal
Date: 09 May 15 - 02:55 AM

She lived a few decades in Montreal, ran with her mother, the Double Hook Bookstore (now gone), and moved back to the U.S.. Wrote a very strong article for Granta "We Went to Saigon". Unfortunately, this was the only album I am aware she recorded, which is too bad because she has a unique and special singing talent.

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 02:28 PM

Some sad news to report here, I'm afraid.

http://www.aberdeentimes.com/index.php/obituaries/item/3754-christiana-elizabeth-tia-wallman-of-pinehurst-obituary

DK

---

Dead link. See post from April 16, 2018 for archival source.

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: maeve
Date: 25 Jul 15 - 06:20 PM

That is sad indeed. I am grateful she made the one album, had a real life for herself, and appears to have had a good time along the way.

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 04 Aug 15 - 02:06 PM

I'm in complete agreement Maeve. Couple things:

1. A great hour-long interview with Tia on an episode of KZSU's Street Hassle, hosted by Josh Rosenthal of Tomkins Square Records.

https://soundcloud.com/tsq2/street-hassle-05-08-12-tia

2. A retrospective of Tia (by me) over at Aquarium Drunkard.

http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2015/08/03/tia-blake-wish-i-was-a-single-girl-again/

Best wishes, DK

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Rossey
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 01:27 PM

Just to update some of the information here. Tia Blake became Tia Wallman, did some writing of articles and a book. Sadly she passed away in June 2015. Google for more info.

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 01:43 PM

Thank you, Guest Rossey. We did find all of that information and have discussed it- still I appreciate your taking time to post. Have you heard her reissued cd and can you tell us what you thought of it?

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,John Scovill
Date: 30 Mar 16 - 03:10 PM

Sorry to read of her passing. But I am heartened by the efforts that everyone above has made on behalf of her legacy.

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 30 Mar 16 - 07:39 PM

I would like to get the one CD of Tia Blake's? Where can I send for it? Cost, etc?

Did Tia have any other releases besides the one CD, maybe singing with another artist on their album or any "live" coffeehouse performances on tape?

Subject: RE: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 30 Mar 16 - 07:52 PM

Lin,
At Amazon, CD is 12.99 US dollars, 5.49 for mp3 download.
Are you US based ??
Thomas.

Subject: Tracks: Folksongs & Ballads (Tia Blake)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 02:36 AM

Some of the tracks are available on Spotify, and the original album is available for MP3 download from the usual sources. The CD has many more tracks, so I decided to get it. Here's the track listing:

Folksongs & Ballads
(Tia Blake)

 1. Betty & Dupree
 2. Black Is The Color
 3. Wish I Was A Single Girl Again
 4. I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow
 5. Jane, Jane
 6. Lost Jimmi Whalen
 7. The Rising Of The Moon
 8. Hangman
 9. Turtle Dove
10. Plastic Jesus
11. Polly Vaughn
12. My Father Is A Lonely Man
13. Yellow Hair
14. Country Boy
15. Betty & Dupree (rehearsal)
16. Hangman (rehearsal)
17. White Bird (rehearsal)
18. Wish I Was A Single Girl Again (take 1)
19. Wish I Was A Single Girl Again (take 2)

Amazon notes: The only album by Tia Blake was recorded at the Ossian Studio in Paris in 1971 and released that same year by the tiny French label SFP (Societe Francaise de Productions Phonographiques). Great psych folk with guitars, dobro, flute and fantastic fragile female vocals. First time available on CD, and including within the booklet Tia Blake's own recollections of the original sessions.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 09:32 PM

To Thomas Stern:

Yes, USA based. Is there anywhere else besides Amazon where I can send for it in USA? Amazon only takes credit cards (not checks) or money orders, so I am looking for hopefully another source where I can send a personal check or a money order or cashier's check to buy it (not Paypal either)

Thank you,
Lin

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 09:57 PM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=15399401

Assign a Checking Account as a Payment Option

If you don't have a credit card, don't worry, Amazon.com lets customers pay for products on Amazon.com with an ACH-enabled U.S. checking account.


To use your checking account as a payment option, do the following: 1. Click Add a checking account at the Shipping & Payment stage of the checkout process.   
2. Enter the bank routing number (also known as the ABA code).   
3. Enter the Account number (the account must be an ACH-enabled checking account at a bank branch located in the U.S. If you're unsure whether your account is ACH-enabled, please contact your bank).   
4. Enter the name and the address of the principal account holder.   
5. Enter the principal account holder's valid U.S. driver's license number (or state-issued ID number) and the issuing state.   


Note:
• You can use any checking account provided your account is a personal account located at a branch in the U.S. We don't accept savings, corporate, or business bank accounts.
• Routing numbers are always 9 digits long. Account numbers may be up to 17 digits long. Some banks list the routing number first on the check, while other banks list the account number first.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 31 Mar 16 - 10:03 PM

also note CAMSCO MUSIC probably takes checks, but they were
phasing out their CD business, so may not be able to
supply the Tia Blake CD.
There are other vendors such as CDUniverse, Collectors Choice Music,
offerings on eBay, CDandLP, etc.
from what I see, the price is considerably higher, plus shipping, and I do not know if they take checks. Most eBay sellers use PayPal, though some used to take checks or postal money orders.

good luck, Thomas.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,John Scovill
Date: 10 Apr 16 - 02:47 PM

Benito Merlino just published a novel this last January called "Iles Vagantes". There is a chapter in this book dedicated to Tia Blake. Perhaps it recounts her days in Paris?

Subject: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 16 - 03:03 PM

UN BEL CAPITOLO 'D'ILES VAGANTES'RACCONTA L'incontro a Parigi di Tia Blake e di Benito Merlino,la loro storia d'amore,la preparazione del Disco di Tia nella Boutique di Benito Rue Linne' nel quartiere Latino.Benito ha scelto tutte le canzoni e le ballate cantate da Tia. E che poi sono state registrate nello Studio des Abbesses con dei musicisti francesi.E stata una bella avventura,una bella realizzazione,una bella riuscita che gli Americani hanno scoperto anni e anni dopo. Il disco di Tia Blake e di Benito Merlino che ne fece anche la produzione rimane un esempio straordinario di una Riuscita Totale.La registrazione 'e stata fatta con pochissimi mezzi finanziari e i musicisti Amici non sono stati neanche pagati. La bella fotografia del disco e' stata realizzata da un amico Gigi Carlassare che vive in Italia. Voila donc l'istoire de ce beau disque que vous pouvez retrouver dans le livre"Iles Vagante'' de Benito Merlino 'a l'Harmattan.Ily a pas mal d'avventure,dans ce livre,ainsi que de MISTERY.Ciao,Bay Bay...

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jan 17 - 02:44 PM

I am Tia Blake's mother and have JUST THIS MINUTE FOUND THE INTERESTING QUESTIONS ABOUT MY DARLING DAUGHTER,TIA.
The two songs My Father is a Lonely Man she wrote, music and words, sang ans played the instrument for both - My country Boy is the other song.

On March GRANTA is putting on line her story, Forbidden Games.

I have many of her writings that I am trying to go through to have published.

When her story, We Went to Saigon, camout a movie company wanted to film it. She did not want that. Well, she was a dear, kind, loving person and animal were her greatest joy in life. If you want me to send you her latest CD, I shall. Do give me your address and I shall send it to you.

Much affection,
Joan Blake, P.O. Box 5. Pinehurst, NC 28370 - or email it to me.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Folked69
Date: 20 Feb 17 - 09:26 AM

Hello Joan,

This is a very obscure website. I have visited here before to read about Tia and was very happy to see that you had posted a response.

I have JUST THIS MINUTE WRITTEN DOWN THE LYRICS to My Father Is a Lonely Man. Her entire album is one of the treasures of my collection. This song in particular though seems to tug at my heart. Absolutely beautiful. I intend to post a cover version on Youtube - I have already posted a cover of Hangman which was inspired by her version.

When you say "her latest CD", do you mean that there is more material than just the Folksongs and Ballads album?? If so I and many others would love to hear it. If you have a spare copy of the Folksongs and Ballads album I would simply love to own a copy which had come from her mother.

My email address is [e-mail]

I am an ardent collector of 60s/70s-era British/American folk music. Tia's album rates amongst my most valued discoveries. I cannot speak highly enough of it. I would love to know more about her life, read her book about Saigon and understand how on earth this album came to be recorded. Can you tell me which form Forbidden Games will take - is it a book? A documentary?

Best wishes from Australia

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Folked69
Date: 20 Feb 17 - 09:28 AM

Hello Joan,

I forgot to ask you, what is your email address??

Thanks again

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,mikey
Date: 13 Jun 17 - 03:39 PM

http://www.pinesfunerals.com/obits/obituary.php?id=651024

the easy way to find her obit

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Paul Whitehead, England
Date: 20 Nov 17 - 08:02 AM

Thanks everyone! Much appreciated. I came across Tia's album by accident today on youtube. Then looked her up and found this website. She and Bridget St John have a similar "sound" to their voices/their music. Same era, too.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Worldcapers
Date: 16 Apr 18 - 01:28 PM

I have just found by chance this wonderful recording of Tia Blake 'Folksongs and Ballads' on YouTube and like so many immediately went on a search to find out more about this wonderful refreshing singer wondering why I had not heard of her before. Her singing is so pure and fresh that I thought it must be a contemporary recording of one of the new wave folk singers. I was so surprised to find it was a 1971 recording made in Paris. So I've spent the afternoon searching for more information and am so glad to have found this thread with her mother's lovely words. May she rest in peace and her legacy live on. I sincerely hope her mother's wish to publish her writings in full is successful. From what I have read and heard Tia was an extraordinarily gifted person with a beautiful voice and the gift of storytelling. Thank you to all those who contributed information. I for one think her own story would make a wonderful film accompanied by her own music. A fitting memorial!

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 16 Apr 18 - 03:32 PM

The link to her obituary (posted here on July 25, 2015) is no longer live at the newspaper online site, but it is preserved in the Internet Archive at https://web.archive.org/web/20150622235549/http://www.aberdeentimes.com/index.php/obituaries/item/3754-christiana-elizabeth-tia-wallman-of-pinehurst-obituary. The same announcement ran about six times, 4 times months apart in 2015 and twice, a month apart, in late 2016.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 18 - 06:58 PM

A quick update of the thread's discography:

Tia Blake - Paris and Montreal Demos, 1973-1976 (RSD Edition*,) Yep Roc Records, LP-10”, 21 April 2018


Side A - Montreal 1976, CBC Studio A:
My Father is a Lonely Man (2:24)
Yellow Hair (2:53)
Country Boy (3:20)

Side B - Paris 1973:
Betty and Dupree (2:56)
Hangman (2:59
White Bird (2:14)
Wish I was a Single Girl Again (2:53)
Wish I was a Single Girl Again (Rehearsal) (1:12)

Blurb:
“These demo recordings are an invaluable addition to the unique catalog of material written and recorded by early 1970’s folk singer Tia Blake, best known for her lost classic album Folksongs and Ballads, released on the small French SFP label in 1971. Born Christiana Elizabeth Wallman April 13, 1952 in Columbus, Georgia, Tia moved to Paris when she was 18 years old, where she learned how to play acoustic guitar and was introduced to Michel Bachelet and Jean-Paul Smets, the owner and A&R manager of SFP, who asked her to record her first album. Recorded in Montreal and Paris, this 10" EP features demos of traditional ballads and original songs by Blake and has been remastered from original tapes. First time on vinyl.”

*Record Store Day (RSD) is the third Saturday in April. The 21st this year. Online sales usually begin the following Saturday.

No catalog# or pricing just yet but I'd expect an RSD release to be somewhere north of U$50.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 18 - 06:59 PM

Tia Blake And Her Folk-Group, Folksongs & Ballads, Water, CD, water241, 2011

Tracklist

1 Betty And Dupree 3:24
2 Black Is The Color 2:23
3 Wish I Was A Single Girl Again 2:29
4 Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow 2:45
5 Jane, Jane 3:32
6 Lost Jimmi Whalen 2:14
7 The Rising Of The Moon 3:51
8 Hangman 3:17
9 Turtle Dove 2:52
10 Plastic Jesus 2:28
11 Polly Vaughn 4:21

Previously Unreleased CBC Recordings
12 My Father Is A Lonely Man 2:19
13 Yellow Hair 2:53
14 Country Boy 3:20

Previously Unreleased Demos/Rehearsals
15 Betty & Dupree (Rehearsal) 2:54
16 Hangman (Rehearsal) 2:57
17 White Bird (Rehearsal) 2:13
18 Wish I Was A Single Girl Again (Rehearsal Take 1) 1:13
19 Wish I Was A Single Girl Again (Rehearsal Take 2)

As low as U$9 when it can be found. Best deal of the lot.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 16 Apr 18 - 07:02 PM

Tia Blake and her Folk-Group, Folksongs and Ballads, Beyond The Moon Records, CD, BTM 02, 2010, Korean limited ed. Mini LP-CD.

Tracklist

1 Betty and Dupree
2 Black is the Color
3 Single Girl
4 I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow
5 Jane, Jane
6 Jimmy Whalen
7 Rising of the Moon
8 Hangman
9 Turtle Dove
10 Jesus
11 Polly Vaughn

Don't know the story behind this one. Easier to find hen's teeth, nevermind the price.



Old Vinyl: There were at least five LP pressings with, as noted, one misprinted title: “...and His Folk-Group. Typically found in the U$140-300 range.

PS: Betty & Dupree also appears on a compilation LP of Cajun music. I have it somewhere around here.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GUEST,Pat Easterling
Date: 30 Jan 23 - 12:13 AM

https://pinesfunerals.com/obits/christiana-tia-elizabeth-wallman/#comment-36847

A short obituary note and lots of tributes.


Gad, Spotify is playing folk music and I twice questioned the smart speaker and twice it said, “Tia Blake.” So now I listen to her on Spotify, and I subscribed to Granta to read what she wrote (I lived in Saigon when my father was Navy Chief in the early sixties, til he got cashiered for telling the Joint Chiefs that we were losing the war).

It’s hard to believe that her music career was so short! Such a great artist, such appeal, my relationship with her reminds me of ships crossing in the dark…. I live in Hilo, Hawaii now and get to see all sorts of artists, from great local ones like Hapa and Jake Shimabukuro to Judy Collins and Hot Tuna, playing the local small theaters, but I will never see Tia, and that’s a damn shame.

Thank you for leaving such a beautiful legacy.
Pat

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: What Became of Tia Blake?
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 30 Jan 23 - 04:21 AM

Folksongs & Ballads Tia Blake - Full Album on YouTube     https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lzpRQO8CB7e4TA03Dbd38gk3_YgXXbrlo