Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)

Subject: Obit: Jean Ritchie 1922 - 2015
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:02 AM

Dear Mudcat friends,

I received a call Monday night from Jean Ritchie's son, Jon Pickow, that Jean had just passed away. She was surrounded by members of her family, who sang at her bedside in the last hours. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Appalachian Voices.

There are no words to express how much Jean meant to us all, or the extent of her influence on American music and beyond. She was a friend, a teacher and a mother to generations of musicians. On the Mudcat she was our beloved KYTrad, a source of songs and wisdom and humor and good conversation.

I'm sad for all of us, but happy for Jean, who lived an amazing life and died at 92 when she was ready, surrounded by love.

Goodbye, Jean. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie 1922 - 2015
From: Little Robyn
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:08 AM

Oh, no, too sad.
Bye Jean.
Love, Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:17 AM

It was such a pleasure to know her here for a time, and to be able to correspond with her almost every day. She was a wise and wonderful woman.
May she rest easy.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie 1922 - 2015
From: BigDaddy
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:20 AM

Jean's passing leaves a big hole in our world that, I believe, can never be filled. She was a world treasure, simple yet deep, serious yet possessing a great sense of humor. She was at home whether among the wealthy or poor. In spite of her status as a "legend," she always enjoyed and took time to meet (or even email) with fans. Her contributions to world music, folk music and the world of music in general are prolific. She brought the best of our Southern mountains to the rest of the world. She took the time to show us the deep connections between Southern Appalachian music and the music of Ireland, Scotland and England. Jean didn't just celebrate life; she was a celebration of life. We are all of us incredibly fortunate to have had her among us for so long. R.I.P. sweet Jean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Eddie1 (Cookie lost forever)
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:24 AM

Indeed a legend. Jean will be missed by all but what a legacy! RIP.

Eddie

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:31 AM

So sad to hear this news. She was a true legend, whose influence on lovers of traditional music can never fully be put into words.

R.I.P. Jean; you were magnificent.


Jay

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:50 AM

Sad news indeed. She gave us all so much wonderful music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 04:04 AM

Not long after I joined Mudcat, some years ago now, I put out a thread asking if anyone knew of the address of the Appalachian dulcimer player Roger Nicholson - alas, now also deceased.

Imagine my surprise when, a few days later, I got a PM from "Kytrad". I couldn't believe it - a very nice, personal message from one of my musical heroines from way back! And, needless to say, one with Roger's London address to hand.

Bless her, and long may her memory live.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 04:09 AM

RIP, Jean

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 04:32 AM

It's sad when a giant leaves us. She was so helpful to me when I was studying, looking through her vast collection for material.Nothing was too much trouble. Condolences to friends and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Abb Creek, KY
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 04:54 AM

My paternal grandfather's homestead was up on Abb Creek in Lawrence Co. Lost to the coal companies over a century ago and the creek silted in by mountain top removal later on. And there she was a half-century later still giving those scallawags what for. Bless her heart.

There'll be an empty place setting at the supper table tonight. RIP

Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 05:07 AM

If you get a "404" on the OP clicky try Appalachian Voices

Apologies to Dan if this isn't where you were pointing.

---

Thanks for catching that, Phil. I fixed the link.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 05:42 AM

I can't bear it. Goodbye and God bless, Jean. Thank you.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 06:44 AM

Such sadness...but such a wealth of song. I have added Jean to the "In Memoriam" thread and send my condolences to all who know and love her.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: gnu
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:34 AM

RIP and thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 08:27 AM

condolences to her family & friends

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,harpgirl
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 08:49 AM

Godspeed, dear Jean. We at Mudcat held you in high favor and greatly appreciated your willingness to engage with us. The extent of your influence in the world of folk music can not be overestimated and our hearts go out to your friends and family in this time of sorrow. harpy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:04 AM

Jean gave us a window of insight into the culture of Appalachia and her music from the Cumberlands. She was an intelligent and knowledgeable scholar of folklore in addition to her lovely performances. She brought the dulcimer into prominence in the public eye and furthered the interest in its accompaniment to the old ballads and story-songs as well as her introduction of play-party songs to the folk community. "Goodbye boys, I'm going to Boston....early in the morning. Wontcha' look pretty in the ballroom".......RIP Jean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:14 AM

Farewell to one of the loveliest of people.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:28 AM

There aren't many left who recorded their songs on 78s. I never got to meet Jean and that is my great loss. Over a lifetime's work massively influential and highly respected.

From Yorkshire.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:33 AM

This really is sad news. But what a legacy she left behind! Cecil Sharp collected songs from her sisters and she continued her family tradition for such a long time. This is a person who really will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: JennieG
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:37 AM

Condolences to Jean's family.......a beautiful voice, now still. Thank goodness we have recordings.

Like Will Fly above, several years ago I emailed Jean with a question and received a very gracious reply - I was thrilled that she took the time to reply.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:39 AM

Some years ago my band recorded Jean's song The L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore. I knew that we could record it with the proper clearances from publishers but I sent a message to Jean asking for her permission. I received a great letter in reply. Along with her permission to do the song was a very funny anecdote about Johnny Cash recording the song.

Another of my heroes has stepped away.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Northerner
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:41 AM

I also had the pleasure of a message from Jean. RIP Jean. My condolences to your family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 10:28 AM

How much sweeter is heaven, now.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: olddude
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 10:29 AM

We lost another great one rip so sad

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 10:36 AM

I never met her in person, but I feel that I knew her well through here music and talking to 'Kytrad' here. I remember my thrill the first time I encountered her in a thread and realized who was behind that handle. Thank you, Jean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 10:45 AM

So sorry to hear this news. Like many, I never met her but I posted on here several years ago asking about "who had collected the L&N don't stop here..". She sent me a PM thanking me for assuming it was traditional and that it was a very high compliment indeed that.
That she would take time to help me out with no attempt to belittle my ignorance says everything to me.

RIP Jean, you will be truly missed by all of us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Alice
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 10:55 AM

I told Jean about Mudcat when we started communicating with each other by email. She lurked for awhile and finally joined. I had contacted her initially when I found that she had a website, and she was very generous in taking the time to correspond by email and mail. She even wrote a review of my unaccompanied singing and we felt bonded by loving the sound of one lone singing voice.

Jean has been an inspiration to me as she was to many others, and for her to personally communicate and give me such care and attention has been a treasure. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones.

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 11:47 AM

Another of the great ones is gone. Farewell and thank you Jean. Your music will live on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: bbc
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 12:29 PM

Our lives, on this earth, will end, but Jean's heritage & her music live on! Praying comfort for her family & friends, in her loss!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 12:55 PM

The last time I talked to Jean (I don't really remember why I called her) she told me that she had sent a strong letter to the Governor of Kentucky protesting a new road that was being built to haul coal through the mountains. The construction was going to wipe out what was left of the town she grew up in, Viper, Kentucky. She never received a reply. Except when they dedicated the new road they had the gall to name it THE JEAN RITCHIE HIGHWAY! She was laughing as she told me this story. She was a great soul and she will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 01:18 PM

RIP, Ms Ritchie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 01:19 PM

Jean cared so much about preserving her wilderness and protesting what **coal** did to it. I think I will sing "Black Waters" later today--- if I can get thru it.

I was fortunate to meet Jean a couple of times, and actually get her autograph on one old LP.

We will miss her terribly.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 01:50 PM

As Art mentioned, Jean Ritchie was kytrad here at mudcat. The link goes to her 900+ posts.

Rest in peace, Ms Ritchie, and condolences to her friends and family, and the Mudcatters who worked with her and the promote her work over the years.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 01:56 PM

There are many apt and eloqent expressions of respect and appreciation here. I can only add a resounding Amen. I've enjoyed her music for many years and appreciate her helpful and respectful comments here at Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Elmore
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 02:04 PM

One of the most loved and respected members of the folk community has left us. May she rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 02:25 PM

Wikipedia has a good article on Jean Ritchie HERE.

Jean's passing is a great loss. But what the world has gained from her is immeasurable.

I just found her Singing Family of the Cumberlands on my bookshelf. I read it many years ago, and I'm going to read it again….

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 02:36 PM

"The last time I talked to Jean... she told me that she had sent a strong letter to the Governor of Kentucky protesting a new road that was being built to haul coal through the mountains. The construction was going to wipe out what was left of the town she grew up in, Viper, Kentucky. She never received a reply. Except when they dedicated the new road they had the gall to name it THE JEAN RITCHIE HIGHWAY!"

All of that is life in a nutshell.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 02:46 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/03/arts/music/jean-ritchie-who-revived-appalachian-folk-songs-dies-at-92.html?hp&action=click&pgt

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: voyager
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 02:46 PM

kytrad and doc - together again

Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson - Together at Common Ground Fest (2007)

god speed and amen
voyager

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Louise L
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 05:42 PM

So sorry to hear of her passing; what a lovely lady, as was her dear husband and son. For many years I attended the parties she hosted when she lived in Port Washington, Long Island;   the music was superb; and she was as gracious and open a person as one could hope to meet; never held herself up as better than anyone. Her husband George was equally modest, tho he was a photographer of national renown; and Jon, of course, was welcoming and kind. Some of the best times I've ever had, and it was all because of the fine spirit of this woman and her loving family.

A dear dear lady, may she be blessed in heaven.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: Joe_F
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 06:04 PM

"She was surrounded by members of her family, who sang at her bedside in the last hours." When I read that, I clapped my hands and cried.

Yes, reread that wonderful book.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: The Sandman
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 06:29 PM

r i p, fine singer musician and person

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:06 PM

Both sons, George, and many other family members have worked together to support Jean's amazing, loving, and wisdom-framed life. To you all, we are thankful.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: brashley46
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:16 PM

Many happy memories of a life well lived.
And in sad counterpoint to the link posted upthread by Voyager, I read this morning that Doc Watson's grandson Merle has departed as well ... http://www.thebluegrasssituation.com/read/rip-richard-watson-son-merle-and-grandson-doc-watson-has-reportedly-passed-away

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: brashley46
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:18 PM

Eeek. I meant Richard.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Bob Coltman
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:34 PM

Jean, it is very hard to say goodbye to you. You have meant so much to us. As you go sailing onward to your island of dreams we just want to say how much you and your music will always mean to us.

Love from Bob and Amba Coltman

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 07:51 PM

A highlight of my life to attend one of her parties in Port Washington, singing in the back yard, chatting with guests, accepting her gracious hospitality, just a pleasant afternoon with one of the most influential folk artists of all time. Thank you for all you have done for the the music of the world. I will never forget you. I treasure your autographed "Swapping Song Book" with photographs by George Pickow. You will always be so beautiful. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jean Ritchie (1922-2015)
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 09:16 PM

My condolences to family and friends. She was one of the greats.