Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 12:32 PM

Very sad news.
Many years ago I booked Roy for the Black Horse Sing around in Nuthurst.
Great evening ,lovely singer and a great personality.
He will be sadly missed.
Al

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Ian, Nottingham
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 12:22 PM

So very, very sad.
Condolences to family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 09:51 AM

I knew Roy but slightly, from way back -- over 40 years since he guested at the folk club I used to run at Sawston, near Cambridge, But I recall him as a man of much personality and charm: an exemplary house-guest, as someone remarks above, whom my late wife took to very much. He gave us an excellent gig. I have always admired his posts here, in both his Burl & his RoyH personæ. We shall miss him.

Adieu, Roy. ♫·Another man done gone·♫!

≈Michael≈

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 09:20 AM

Just got home to find this sad news.
Roy was such an inspiration to so many of us over so long a period.
An uncommonly fine singer, and a genuine evangelist and enthusiast for our culture and heritage. And a true gentleman too.
Sympathies and condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,bigJ
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 05:57 AM

We have all lost a gentleman and fine singer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 05:37 AM

Loved the man and much lament his passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 03:48 AM

I too am deeply saddened by this news. He always had kind words to say about Southport's Bothy Club, sending us greetings on anniversaries and generally being as he always was - courteous, gentlemanly and a true enthusiast/advocate for the music we all love.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 10 Feb 16 - 02:41 AM

Have just seen this. Very sad news indeed. Roy was the perfect revival singer, one who inspired so many other people. It is hard to believe that he is no longer with us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:58 PM

It wa so nice tyo know him here at Mudcat. He was "Burl" for a long time, and then he switched to using his own name. He shared so much wisdom with us. May he rest in peace.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:27 PM

I heard Roy sing when I was a college student spending a semester in London in 1975. I met him in person in the 2000's when he came to a house concert I was performing with Margaret Nelson and Kate Early in the DC area at Dennis and Judy Cook's house. I got a chance to tell him I'd seen him way back. He was a very nice man and we exchanged some CD's. I recently (last fall) had sent him one of Christmas band recordings because he was talking on Facebook about liking the original version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, as opposed to the newer, diva gargled versions. He also sent a kind note about that. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Peter Sumner
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:56 PM

Such sad news and a huge loss for his family and mountain of friends and colleagues.
Great memories of him raising the rafters of the Pier at an early Cleethorpes Folk Festival...Fathom the Bowl had never sounded better.

He accepted an invitation to come and sing for us at the Bermuda Folk Club...must be almost 40 years ago....I remember it as if it were yesterday....

One of the kindest men I have ever met....and I hope he rests in peace.

Peter Sumner
San Francisco.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 06:16 PM

I first met Roy at Halsway Manor many years ago when he was there at some folk event and I was just dropping in to see what was on. He was very encouraging to me and I much appreciated his comments. Our paths did not cross again for a long time but I always remembered his kind words to me.

Robin Madge

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 05:43 PM

condolences to his friends & family. He was a lovely bloke, we shared a couple of PMs & I'll be playing his CD later today.

sandra

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Mick Tems
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 03:33 PM

I have always admired Roy, for organising the first folk club in Cardiff, for his singing, for championing The Gower Nightingale, Phil Tanner, for going out to earn a living alone and unaccompanied, for his boundless knowledge in the folk tradition, for giving me so much enjoyment through his albums, for his expert CD reviews, and for beating me in the long-distance run at Sidmouth Festival all those years ago!

Condolences to Elaine, Neil, Anne and all his family; also to Mike and Pat. Here's to one who was so unique, and Roy - your star's shining brightly tonight.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 03:15 PM

Indeed a lovely man. We first met when I booked him back in the 70's and always enjoyed his style of singing. He was a great help to the "In Memoriam" thread often sending help, suggestions and details that I might otherwise have missed. I douby he ever suspected he would be listed in the same thread so soon. My condolences to his family and all those who know and love him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 03:02 PM

May we offer our condolences to Roy`s family on this very sad occasion. He was always a welcome guest at "Elsie`s" and it was he who put us on the festival trail at Loughborough.

R.I.P.

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,dunelmian
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 02:14 PM

I first met Roy in 1972 when he appeared at Durham City Folk Club when it was in the Lord Seaham. My finest memory was of him leading the 300 or so audience at the 1972 Durham City Folk Festival in the finest example of chorus singing it has been my pleasure to enjoy. Thank you Roy and my sympathy goes to Elaine.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,dunelmian
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 02:10 PM

I first met Roy when Durham City Folk Club was in the Lord Seaham but
my finest memory was of him leading the 300 strong audience at the 1972 Durham City Folk Festival in the finest example of chorus singing
it has been my pleasure to enjoy. Thank you Roy and my sympathy goes to Elaine

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Jack Dixon
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 01:56 PM

A great singer and a great human being. I first got to know him in the 70s when I brought him to Ireland for some folk club dates. He was a superb performer and an equally lovely house guest - not to mention a passionate Nottingham Forest supporter!

We met up occasionally after that - at Loughborough and when he again played in Belfast (with the late Cyril Tawney).

Folk music has lost a giant. My thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 01:50 PM

We always had a great evening when Roy was our guest at the Herga club. I'm very sorry to hear he's no longer with us - all sympathies and condolences to his family.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 01:43 PM

Just seen this sad news and condolences to Roy's family and friends ~ last saw him at Leeds Grove and before that with Michael O'Leary Johns at Wadebridge where had a little chat about his early recording days ~ tributes also on fb

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 01:24 PM

Another good singer moves on.......

I can remember doing floor spots at the NTMC with Roy and the rest of the gang perched on the radiator behind me. Somewhat unsettling!

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 01:20 PM

I am in shock., I echo what Nic and Brian have said.
I will miss him.R I P, Roy was a good friend to me, a lovely guy and a great performer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 12:56 PM

I owe Roy so much. I learned everything I know about performing in public from him. Roy picked me up when I was down, pushed me forward when I was lagging behind, and most of all showed me how to love traditional folk music. Roy encouraged me to listen to Pop Maynard, and Phil Tanner. Roy booked a long list of singers at the Loughborough Festival that included Johnny Doughty and Frank Hinchcliffe, and we 'youngsters' got to see the real thing for our selves, for the first time. Roy encouraged me to collect Folk Songs..the list goes on. God rest you Roy. You were one of the greats. We will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 12:56 PM

I'm devastated.

Roy and I have carried on a lively though sporadic email and Mudcat conversation for years. (Started because I live in Nottingham, New Hampshire USA and he's from Nottingham, England.) I think it was the last time he was in the US, he later let me know he'd passed close enough to see the Nottingham sign on the highway, but, alas, we weren't able to get together to meet in person.

This is a very hard loss for me, though not as hard as what Elaine is going through. My heart and sincere condolences go out to her and the family.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 12:37 PM

He was a good friend of The Worksop Folk Club back in the day. Quite an influence on younger performers too, with his lack of pretention and excellent music recall.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 12:00 PM

I met Roy so long ago I can't remember when it was or even the circumstances, but loved his singing and the way in which he passed on his love for traditional music. Despite the fact that I was normally singing my own songs he was always wonderfully supportive and helpful. When I came back to live in Cardiff fourteen years ago I found to my delight that Roy was living here too - and again experienced the warmth of his recognition and support for what I was doing.
I am so very sorry to hear of his death. I, too, would like details of his funeral when they are announced.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 11:32 AM

Very sad news.... I remember his great work as Director of the Loughborough / National Folk festival in the 1970s as well as his great singing. His singing always seemed so effortless.. relaxed ... but you have to be damned good to be able to do that well. And he was.
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:34 AM

I was lucky to see Roy several times in the late 70s- early 80s when he still toured in the U.S. He was, as you all know, a top-notch performer and just an all-round good guy.

His standard opening back then (at least over here) was "Black, White, Yellow and Green"... which was guaranteed to get the audience's attention. When he stopped touring, I shamelessly adopted the song and occasionally inflict it on the unprepared. I suspect Roy would approve....

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Brian Peters
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:31 AM

I am devastated. My friend, guide, mentor, hero, has gone so suddenly. I could fill pages with what I owe Roy, and what a force he was as a singer, raconteur, club organizer and memory bank for others long departed.

Please post funeral arrangements as soon as you have them, and PM me if possible, Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:16 AM

Another sad loss. Roy had great integrity and dedication to his music. He was also one of the understated gentlemen of the folk scene and we will miss him badly.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: GUEST,Guest Bill Sables
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 10:11 AM

Roy was a great friend of mine in the 60s We travelled together to various clubs where either he or I were guests. He was a regular at Shotley Bridge folk club in Durham when he carried a guitar case without a guitar, (it carried a change of clothing) but he always said it made him look like a "Folk Singer". There were many occasions, usually an a Sunday late afternoon, when I would get a phone call from him asking me to play some obscure folk club in Scotland or Northumberland because he was stuck on a motorway somewhere unable to get a lift. He never did learn to drive but he didn't need to as he always had many friends who would take him anywhere. My thoughts go out to Elaine and Neil at this sad time.
He was a good bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris, 9th Feb 2016
From: RTim
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:58 AM

So sorry to hear the news - a great singer. Condolences to the family.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Roy Harris R.I.P.
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:35 AM

Good interview with him in FolkWales magazine:

Roy Harris: Life Begins at 80!

Subject: Obit: Roy Harris R.I.P.
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:31 AM

What can I say? Another great man gone.

Subject: RE: OBIT 9th Feb 2016
From: Grampus
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:22 AM

Such sad news.

As Mike says, Roy was one of the very best.
Condolences to Elaine and family.

RIP Roy

G.

Subject: RE: OBIT 9th Feb 2016
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 09:10 AM

Just picked up this dreadful news a short while ago and I'm still in shock. Roy and I were in our weekly correspondence just a fortnight ago discussing the fortunes of Nottingham Forest and I just sent the latest report to him yesterday. I hope that it was of some comfort to him that Traditions at the Tiger, the folk club he started in Long Eaton in 1991, celebrated its 25th Birthday on Sunday night and he was fondly remembered on that occasion. The encouragement that Roy gave to numerous singers and musicians was immense and those who held him in high regard as a singer are countless. Condolences to Elaine and Neil and family. UREDS.

Subject: OBIT 9th Feb 2016 Roy Harris
From: GUEST,Mike O'Leary-Johns
Date: 09 Feb 16 - 08:55 AM

With Great Sadness I have to Break the News that....
Roy Harris passed away early this Morning .

Roy's health has been poor for some time.
But just recently it had become far worse.
On a personal note Roy and Elaine have been Close
friends of Pat and I for many years.
Our thoughts are with Elaine at this time
and Neil and Anne and Their family.
Roy was enormously proud of his Family.


I first met Roy in the Cardiff Folk Song Club .
To my great fortune it was the first Folk Club I went to.
Roy was a fine singer and made a GREAT contribution to the World of
Folk Songs.
He just Loved Traditional Songs and Music .
He was always ready to help and encourage people who were interested .

Over the years he made countless friends throughout Britain and America............. We will all miss him and his contribution
to The Folk Song World .
I am finding great difficulty writing this and I am beginning to ramble.
I am sure that his friends will be able to put things much better than I.

But we have Lost one of THE VERY BEST ..............
                      Mike