Message from Tom Paxton

Subject: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 04:35 PM

The other day I told Tom about the "In Praise of Tom Paxton" thread. Today he sent the message below.

Mike Regenstreif

"Mike,

I went to that Mudcat site and yes, my ears are burning. It's heartening to hear that kind of affection. Tell everyone I'm stunned.

Uncle Jack was based on an actual case during the 60s. A professor of art at (I think) Berkeley was married to a girl from Iowa. She and their son were visiting her parents there when, tragically, she died. Her parents then refused to return the son to his father, claiming that his 'lifestyle' made him an unfit parent. There was, in fact, nothing exceptional about his lifestyle except that he was an artist with the unconventional views shared by thousands--if not millions--of us then. Unbelievably, an Iowa judge agreed with them and granted them custody. It took the father something like two years to regain custody of his son.

The sentiments expressed in the thread have just reinforced my desire to continue to do the best work I can do."

Tome Paxton

---

See related thread

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 05:17 PM

Ya but Mike, what did Tom have to say about me?
Surely, you must have forgotten a part of his message.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 05:35 PM

Odd, he didn't mention me either!!

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 05:53 PM

Hey Tom, that Maine lobster is still an option if you are passing through, (provided you dont ask me to sing Mooseturd Pie again)

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 06:00 PM

And if you go to England and take the long way back to Maine, you'll pass right by Hawaii! Well, Alaska, actually, but that's pretty close.

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 06:53 PM

Down Bonnie....Down girl......Get down.....Bad Bonnie...........

And Kendall, if he hasn't been stopping, may I suggest that I rent you Persona #NG36/927-A2. I'll send it along as soon as you are caught up on your bill here, which I might add is now 60 days past due. Please remit the balance due immediately to eliminate the need for further action.

AND MIKE----Thanks for letting us know. Much appreciated.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: kendall
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 07:34 PM

That accusation came from Purity, so, I think he should pay...?

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,moonchild
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:14 PM

I've been a fan of Tom Paxton's and have been singing his songs for 30+ years and this is the closest I've been to him. Tom ... if you read this, rest assure I've given you credit every time I've sung one of your songs ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Apr 00 - 09:26 PM

Wow, Mike, that is really wonderful. Thanks to you and to Tom for taking the time to find out about us and for sending the note.

kat

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Rasta
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 01:37 AM

Sounds like a good song--I first saw Tom Paxton in The Gaslight Cafe on Mcdougal st when I was I think 3 or 14 he was the first Live folksinger I ever was close up after Hedy West . He was selling an album called Im the man who built the bridges, im sure a collector item today. ----Is Uncle jack a song available on one of Toms albums or CDs thanx rastaaaaa

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Rasta
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 01:44 AM

let me correct myself if such a thing is possible Tom Paxton was the first folksinger I saw in a small club such as the Gaslight Cafe though I may have seen Hedy West in the Cosmic coffee house in Lake Geoge N.Y. both show were very impressionable to me and got me pickin guitar and banjo. I better quit while im ahead----peace rastaaaaaaa

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 07:06 AM

Uncle Jack is on Tom Paxton 6. I have the vinyl, I don't know if it's been reissued. I heard him sing it at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, near Philadelphia, probably 1970 or 71.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: JedMarum
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 09:42 AM

There is a bit of discussion on Tom and his music in this thread< too.

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 12:18 PM

I missed the other thread, but I remember this case. *Saturday Review* magazine had some very acid comments about corn-fed midwesterners. This was mid-sixties, when alternative culture was anybody with a beard.

Boy, do you guys make me feel old.

Grey hair gives me that look of authenticity. (BG)

MA

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: BlueJay
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 03:14 PM

Jed- thanks for the link, very provocative. I don't even want to start it here. Tom Paxton is one of our greatest songwriters, no matter what genre. Mike, thank you so much for this thread. I hope Tom comes back, and contributes. After all, if he's seen the Mudcat once, he's bound to be curious. BlueJay

Subject: RE: Message from Tom Paxton
From: GUEST,Shep
Date: 07 Apr 00 - 04:49 PM

I had the fortune to cross the "pond" 2 years ago to play at a festival in New Bedford. Tom Paxton was appearing. I didnt know who he was and as one performer to another asked if I could borrow his jack to jack lead. (God how cheeky of me!!) anyway he just handed it over and it was duely returned after our performance.

Thanks Tom, Sorry I didnt know who you were.... I do now obviously.