Welcome to the 'Cat---Jean Ritchie

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Rex
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 05:08 PM

Wow, Jean Ritchie is here among us? I'm sure glad to have you here and us western folks are eagerly awaiting your next visit to Swallow Hill in Denver. Thank you for saving all those fine songs from your coming up years.

Rex

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 09:57 AM

You were about to launch into another song when the CSX (used to be L&N) "Bullet" passed through slowly and blew its whistle at each crossing in the town. You didn't miss a beat as you took the opportunity to sing "The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore," a capella. What a treat, with that lonesome whistle as your only accompaniment. Even though some Kentucky thumbpickers later tore up the stage doing a tribute to Mose Rager, and the "big draw" and show closer was Don Everly, that impromptu moment with the train stands out.

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Mrrzy
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 04:49 PM

I saw her in person about 25-35 years ago. I was a smallish child, I don't remember where we were, what the season was, with whom I was - or anyone else who sang... there were several stages, you could wander around, and the only reason I even remember that is that the one thing I *do* remember is hearing this voice, stopping my wandering, and just listening to her till she finished, not just that song but yielded the stage. I remember her name because we had a holiday carol album of hers on vinyl. I've never forgotten about hearing her at that folk festival or whatever it was... I am honored to count myself among such company.

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: GUEST,Erica
Date: 28 Dec 00 - 05:32 PM

uh, hi . . .

Though not really a 'Catter (more like a lurker -- one of the young brats running around Pinewoods these days) I'd like to say my hello, hi, and howdy. Ms. Ritchie, I lovingly sing "Pretty Saro" wherever I go :) And where I "gig" -- in the NYC downtown clubs -- people respond so strongly. I always mention I learned it from your recordings. Soon I'll be rehearsing/recording it with a band; we're gonna make it swing a little. I hope to have something to give you come this year's picnic. Anyhow, hi, and thank you for touching my life in this special way!

Erica http://www.mp3.com/ericasmith

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 03:34 PM

Happy New Year! What a WELCOME! Just back from the holidays, and have read all those wonderful letters- I didn't know that so many of you were old friends (you know who you are- I won't take space for all the names), and it's great to meet all you others who have the GOOD TASTE to like me and my music (do I sound like the actress at the Academy Awards ceremony?). I'm really so pleased at the Welcome, and so is Jon of course (if it weren't for Jon I wouldn't ever have thought of "working" a computer, being one of the oldtimers).

My husband is George Pickow (and, Art, he can't tell about stopping Big Ben, because he can't type- so that story will just have to tantalize folks until I can get the time to do it...what are the space limits here? Don't want to break any rules). Our other son is Peter, who lives in NYC and is chief editor at Music Sales (wrote the Hammered Dulcimer Book, if any of you play that). Jon works with George in his video & visuals, and runs our Greenhays recording studio here.

We do a lot of coming-and-going, so I will not write often, but will certainly be lurking around, checking on what you all are saying. Know that your welcome so impressed me that I joined The Mudcat Cafe, and I'm here now, officially, as kytrad, and so henceforth shall ye know me. Happy New Year 2001 to every one! Jean

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 03:43 PM

kytrad, (we know who you really are, but will try to treat you like just any other mudcatter!) I'm so glad you saw the welcome thread. I was going to refresh it earlier. Also, I think you'll enjoy being a member because now you can send personal messages and check the "messages since last visit." George really should get with it and learn to type so he can join us!

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 03:44 PM

Glad to see you back and NOW as a member.....with a very appropriate name! Lurk, post, enjoy........Its obvious we're glad to have you. Enjoy the rest of the holidays and many thanks to Jon for getting you on the 'puter to begin with.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Bert
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 03:45 PM

Hi kytrad, welcome aboard. We don't really have any rules except maybe 'be nice' and we know you're that already.

Luvya

Bert.

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Peter T.
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 05:33 PM

By the way, did we ever solve the "what is the definitive Pretty Saro" controversy (hollow Mudcat laugh)?

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Alice
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 06:25 PM

Kentucky Trad (kytrad), what a great "handle", Jean. There are no space limits, especially for you! We will hang on every word you type, you can count on that... write, and write, and write as much as you have time to. - Alice

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Dec 00 - 07:15 PM

George can't type? I didn't know that you had to be able to type to be a member here. I guess I'll have to go take some typing lessons real soon. Kinda been gettin' by with the 'Columbus method' of typing. You know, that's were first you find it and then you land on it!

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From:
Date: 06 May 01 - 06:14 PM

Hi,

I'm am also looking for lyrics to " Three times seven ", which I have on tape by Doc Watson somewhere. Would also like any other verses from other versions. Chords I've already figured out, and can help w/ that. Banjoman (something like that) posted a requrest a while back, but I found no lyrics in my search. PLEASE send or cc: to my EMAIL ADDRESS!!! Thanks,

Mark

chords: G (walk down to E)// A//D// G // A// D// (walk down to E chord again)//... etc.

Subject: Jean Ritchie
From: GUEST,Mark Young
Date: 06 May 01 - 06:20 PM

Hi Jean...

I was told to get your book by David Massengill. I can't find it anywhere. Is it available directly through you?

Thanks for any help (Please write or copy to my EMAIL address below)...

Mark [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 06 May 01 - 10:08 PM

When's the next picnic?

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Deckman
Date: 06 May 01 - 11:11 PM

GOOD GRIEF! Such adulation! It's enough to make a grown person shy. Jean, I simply say thanks for being you and welcome. CHEERS, Bob (deckman) Nelson

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 09 May 01 - 10:32 AM

Dear Ms. Ritchie, One of my proudest possessions is your "Swapping Song Book." The text is illuminating and the photographs are absolutely exquisite. My thanks forever.

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Stevangelist
Date: 09 May 01 - 01:11 PM

Even though I'm 27, I am still enough of a wide-eyed kid (in terms of my appreciation of the greats in music) to "be like, wow, man, far out... Jean Ritchie..."

Ms. Ritchie, I just finished re-reading "How Can I Keep From Singing?" (Seeger's autobio) and several books of and about trad and folk music, and sure enough, you recieve warm and loving mention in all of them. You are a gem. I am glad to know that you may even read this and smile.

May The Road Rise To Meet You,

Stevangelist

P.S. Ms. Ritchie: [e-mail]

Just in case you ever care to say "Hi" (:0>

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 09 May 01 - 02:16 PM

Mark- All my books are available thrugh my website: www.jeanritchie.com I don't know which book David may have told you about...is it one about learning to play dulcimer, or is it one having lots of songs, or the one about my family growing up in the mountains of KY? And, although I know Doc Watson very well,I don't know the song you mentioned. Some of these learned Mudcatters will come up with it for you, though...just hang in!

Won't be able to write for a few days, until we get to our log house in KY and get our laptop organized.

Dan, Deckman, Sheila, Steve- I'm almost embarrassed at seeing this OLD, OLD thread, which I thought dead and buried in the archives, revived again- but thanks for your added welcomes!

Jean Ritchie

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Stevangelist
Date: 09 May 01 - 03:23 PM

Dear Ms. Ritchie,

If you are ever around and not too busy, I'd love the chance to meet you. I live in Louisville and am planning on seeing the whole state over the next two summers or so. Would love to hear some stories about the family growing up in the mountains around here.

May The Road Rise To Meet You,

Stevangelist

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 May 01 - 03:55 PM

A big North of England welcome, Jean/kytrad. Sorry - I know I'm an ignoramus but I am unfamiliar with your work. My loss entirely and if what the rest of the rabble have said is anything to go by I will enjoy filling the hole in my knowledge forthwith.

Any recommendations?

Cheers and once again, welcome.

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 10 May 01 - 12:24 AM

Well Dave, you can see what I look like these days (I'm 78- may live to get old if I'm careful) on my website (given above) and there's an accompanying letter that's been there too long I guess, but gives a sort of short tale of our recent doings. I don't do too many performances- click on Itinerary to see the Chosen Few- and if you click on Links you'll be led into mysterious pages where you can see JR at almost any age, from mewling babe on up. I'm a quiet singer, and I learned to talk after I left home (didn't need to before). Much ado embarrasses me, and I think it's very refreshing when folks have never heard of me. Know something? I never heard of you! Thanks for your welcome... Jean

Subject: RE: Welcome to the 'Cat---JEAN RITCHIE
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 May 01 - 12:36 AM

Thanks Jean......I'm sending a thanks to Joe by PM. I was completely surprised and more than slightly pleased! Again, thanks so much.

Spaw