Jean Ritchie Turns 90

Subject: Happy 90th Birthday Jean Ritchie!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 01:42 PM

This Saturday, December 8, our beloved KYTRAD turns 90. Jean has been living quietly in Berea, KY for the last few years, in good spirits and well cared for by neighbors and family.

One of the great privileges of my adult life has been getting to know Jean, singing with her, and enjoying her company - most recently this Summer, when several of us joined her in Berea for a long afternoon of singing. The breadth and depth of Jean's music - and its continuing influence - continues to astound me. She is both a national treasure and one of the kindest, most down to earth people I have ever met. Just a lovely human being, in every way.

Jean's not on the internet these days, but if people want to leave birthday greetings here, I'll print out the whole thread and send it on to Jean. They may get there a little late, but they will get there.

Happy birthday Jean!

Dan

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Will Fly
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 01:49 PM

Go , Kytrad, go!

Best wishes,

Will

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,Dave Eyre
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:03 PM

Thank you for your contribution to the world of folk music.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: gnu
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:11 PM

Dave Eyre... indeed! When "what is folk" is discussed in Mudcat, she is one of the answers.

Happies atchya Jean!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:15 PM

Happy birthday to you, Jean. I still have the messages we exchanged about five years back and I still feel honoured that you took the time to write back to me.

A fan in Canada.

Bruce Murdoch

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:16 PM

PS I was a fan 50 years ago, too.

BM

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Mark Clark
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:18 PM

Happy birthday, Jean. You are indeed a treasure. I was introduced to your music somewhat late (you were 39 at the time) but I've been an admirer and fan for 51 years.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Joe_F
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:21 PM

Time to read from her book, especially if you haven't read it before. It contains a wonderful Christmas story.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Mark Ross
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 02:57 PM

Happy Birthday Jean!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 03:01 PM

One of my earliest musical memories is an LP of riddle songs Ms. Ritchie recorded with Oscar Brand. I played it to death. That and those early Joan Baez LP's got me hooked on folk music forever.
Happy Birthday, Jean.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 03:09 PM

Happy Birthday Jean! Like Bruce Murdoch, I always enjoyed the interactions on Mudcat and thank you so much for one of the greatest threads we ever ran.......or at least to me. We research trying to find song origins and meanings all the time here and if we can find out what the artist who did it has to say it is a big help.

YOU on the other hand started a thread about a song ONLY YOU had recorded which your sister had written and wanted to know where she got the idea or the words in part. That was fun and a challenge......and we all did it together......successfully!!!

I spent my college years at Berea and I know even now its still a lovely place. Again, Happy Birthday.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 03:51 PM

I still blush at remembering that I asked a fairly basic question about some song on Mudcat some years ago; I got a reply from Kytrad - a name I didn't immediately recognise - and I think I suggested she should check it out with Jean Ritchie!

Anyway best wishes to Jean for a very happy birthday, and thanks to you once again for all the pleasure you have so many of us through your songs. I also treasure the wonderful memories you have passed on in your books.

Thank you Jean, and God bless you!

Matthew

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: CupOfTea
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 03:59 PM

What a load of wonderful song Jean has bestowed on us all -
I've heaps and heaps of gratitude for all the joy I've had
- singing her words
- hearing her sing (only once in person, wish it had been more)
- hearing others sing her songs
- watching so many people drawn to traditional music because of her
- seeing her comments here on threads over the years.

What a wonderful, generous, singing soul! Best wishes for health and joy!

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: foggers
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 04:20 PM

Beautiful music, beautiful lady; thanks Jean, and Happy Birthday!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 05:11 PM

Jean, Amba and I send our love and our very best wishes for your birthday and every day throughout the year. You and your music sustain and inspire us as always,

Bob Coltman

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Elmore
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 05:25 PM

Happy Birthday Jean from a long time fan.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 06:19 PM

More best wishes from England! I only heard you sing in person once - in Chester over 20 years ago - but I remember it well. And those early recordings of ballads are just something else! Happy birthday!
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: frogprince
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 06:44 PM

Happy Birthday to one of the most talented, and best-hearted, people we've ever had "here" with us.
      Dean Elkins, in Michigan.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 07:17 PM

happy birthday, I rem ember you at Norwich festival, England , thanks for your music

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 07:32 PM

birthday greetings from sunny, summery Sydney, Australia to a Tradition Bearer

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Little Robyn
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 07:34 PM

Happy Birthday Kytrad.
Love from Robyn in New Zealand.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 08:26 PM

Happy birthday, Jean. I will always remember hearing you in Rhode Island. I think Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly helped get you up here so the rest of us could finally hear you in person.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: open mike
Date: 05 Dec 12 - 11:20 PM

Happy Birthday and thanks for all the music!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Haruo
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 02:12 AM

Happy Birthday, Jean! Still enjoy singing Amazing Grace to your Old Regular Baptist tune. Also "Now Is the Cool of the Day" which I found in the 1996 Quaker hymnal. Thanks! Blessings!

Haruo aka Leland

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 11:08 AM

Jean, Happy Birthday greetings from the Dwyer clan of Washington State and Texas!

SRS

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,Philippa in Ireland
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 01:02 PM

Happy Birthday, Jean!
I'm glad to read news of you.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 01:46 PM

And Happy Birthday greetings from Seattle.

When my interest in folk music first became active in around 1952 or so, I went to Campus Music and Gallery, my favorite record store, and browsed through the folk music bin. Not very many in those days, no more than seven, all 10" LPs. A couple of Burl Ives, one of Susan Reed, one of Pete Seeger, one of Richard Dyer-Bennet, one of Kathleen Ferrier (classical voice, piano accompaniment)—and one of Jean Ritchie. These were the days before "shrink wrap," and the store had listening booths, so you could listen to the records and decide if you wanted to buy them or not.

All good stuff. But when I got to the Jean Ritchie record, something inside me said, "This is for real!"

I blew my limited student budget and bought the whole stack. And began learning songs from them. And I have a well-thumbed copy of Singing Family of the Cumberlands on my bookshelves.

Well do I remember sitting over coffee with a friend, discussing, puzzling, and speculating over the strange symbolism in "Nottamun Town."

Thank you, Jean, for many hours—years—of enjoyment. And for showing the way.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Ed Brown
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 02:53 PM

Happy Birthday, Jean.

I am pleased to share my birthday date (Dec. 8) with you.

I am also thankful for my many opportunities to enjoy your performances in concerts, workshops, and on recordings.

My wife, Beth, and I played your wonderful "Kentucky Christmas" again this year as the first Christmas album to welcome another holiday season.

So we wish you not only a Happy Birthday but a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: topical tom
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 02:58 PM

Happy Birthday, Jean! Thank you for the beautiful voice and music that you contributed to the wonderful world of folk music.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 06 Dec 12 - 10:14 PM

Happy Birthday, Jean. Thank you for all the songs, and specifically for "Loving Hannah" which you kindly gave me nearly forty years ago at Norwich Folk Festival. Hope to sing it again tomorrow!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 07 Dec 12 - 02:30 PM

Don, I'm especially struck by your comment. "This is for real!" Jean's music is so deeply rooted in tradition that even her newer songs have a timeless quality to them.

Lately, as Christmas comes near, I've been humming "Brightest and Best," and my all time favorite Christmas songs, Jean's own "Wintergrace."

"Peace Round" has been on my mind, too. What a simple and beautiful sentiment.

Dan

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: maeve
Date: 07 Dec 12 - 03:50 PM

Dear Jean,

When first I heard you singing your songs more than forty years ago, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Thank you for years of music; old songs, new songs, lovely tunes and insightful, flowing words. Thank you for the young faces filled with delight and dawning recognition in hundreds of children who listened to and sang your songs for the first time in my classes. Thank you for loving your family and raising your children to be kind and able people. Thank you for being true to your hopes and dreams, your family history, your own wise self.

May your 90th birthday be filled with light and laughter, family and friends...and a river rush of music.

Maeve, in Maine

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: GUEST,Ben from Germany
Date: 07 Dec 12 - 06:52 PM

Dear Jean,
thank you so very much for the beauty and grace you brought to folk music! You introduced me to the dulcimer and to many songs that have found a place deep in my heart. I turned my facebook profile into a Jean Ritchie shrine for the weekend :)All the best for you! You are a huge inspiration to me! BEN

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Dec 12 - 07:25 PM

A very Happy Birthday, Jean!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 09:39 AM

Today's the day! Happy birthday Jean!

Dan

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 10:52 AM

I hope I am not too late for the printout. Thanks for doing this, Dan.

Happy Birthday to you, Jean. You are one of the best treasures this world has ever had. Your kindness, time, and effort in sharing with us has been deeply appreciated, fun, and your postings are a big part of the best of Mudcat's legacy. Thank you.

I shall never forget your kind words about my book and also your sister's sweet, clear, angelic voice (so like your own) as I listened to her tape the first night after open heart surgery. It was not an easy night and I am convinced I made it through it with the guidance of love and beauty in the songs and her singing. What blessings...both of you.

So, one more turn around the sun. May your day be filled with family and friends, happines, peace and tranquillity. Thank you, again, Dear Lady Jean!

With much love,

Kat LaFrance

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Arkie
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 11:05 AM

Happy Birthday wishes from this little spot on the tail bone of the Ozarks. Have been inspired by your music and especially your dulcimer playing for many years.

Elliott Hancock

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 11:21 AM

No, Kat, I'll hold off a few more days and we can send it to her belated. More important that she get the good wishes than that they come on the day (after all, why not spread out the joy?) Besides, I should have put the date in the thread title.

Dan

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 11:41 AM

Best wishes to Jean Ritchie on her 90th Birthday - happiness,
health and good friends!

Thomas.

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 12:31 PM

Happy Birthday, Jean. You are a treasure.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 01:27 PM

Jean,

Have a happy 90th birthday.

And have a merry Christmas and happy New Year as well.

--- Marilyn & Steve Suffet

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Carly
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 01:40 PM

Dear Jean,

When I acquired my first dulcimer, no one I knew had even heard of such a thing, much less how to play it. Your dulcimer book, dear Jean, opened a musical world for me. I was about 11 years old. Not long after, I heard you sing, and since then, over the course of almost 50 years, I have been privileged to have heard you sing and spend time with you on several occasions.

I am among thousands who have learned songs and tunes from you, keeping the music alive. You have also provided a clear and loving picture of the place from which you brought these treasures; your family and the Cumberlands. You have quietly, profoundly influenced me in many ways, as you have done for many, many others. Thank you for that. And Happy Birthday!

Carly Gewirz

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: RolyH
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 01:44 PM

The lady is a legend - thank you

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: foggers
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 03:16 PM

Dear Jean
Happy 90th birthday.
I came to your music through a meandering route, from being an english folks singer and lover of ballads, learning about Cecil Sharp's visit to the Appalachian area and learning about the musical legacy of the Ritchie family. Finding your singing and music inspired me to learn dulcimer and inspired my partner to try his hand at building some too. You are such a gracious and generous lady; thanks so much for a lifetime of music and sharing. I hope your birthday is full of love and laughter, and music.
Jane Foggin
England

Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 04:11 PM

Jean, Happy, Happy Birthday! Ralph Lee Smith

Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8
From: Stringsinger
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 04:32 PM

Jean should be celebrated as one of the best songwriters in the country.
Her songs are classics in the folk style.

Blackwaters, The L.and N. Don't Stop Here Anymore, In the Cool of the Day,
.........she should be the model for many folkies who write songs.

They contain:
1. authenticity
2. specificity
3. important social messages
4. accessibility (anyone can learn them)
5. intelligence
6. simplicity and directness
7. singability

Happy birthday Jean

Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8
From: Anne Neilson
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 05:03 PM

Happy birthday to a lady I've never met (but have heard and have read -- mightily inspired!).

And couldn't agree more with Stringsinger!

Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 08:50 PM

I'll add these. :)

D

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 10:42 PM

Thanks, Dan, excellent idea!

Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90
From: Beer
Date: 08 Dec 12 - 10:55 PM

A great celebration indeed for you. Just look at all the friends you have. You are truly blessed.
From Adrien in a small corner in Quebec who is also surrounded by friends like Bruce Murdoch and Topical Tom.