Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes (1915-2002)

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: SharonA
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 08:54 AM

I'm very saddened to hear this news. What a profound loss... yet what a legacy he's left us all.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 09:27 AM

There was a book written recently about the people of Ladakh (by Helena Norbert-Hodge), and in it she talked about the coming of radio to the isolated communities, and how it simultaneously cheered people up, but also made them aware for the first time of famous singers and music that was so much "better" than their own folk tunes -- so they became self conscious and ashamed of their primitivism, and they began losing their own community of song. One thing about Lomax was that he did the opposite, he championed communities of song against the selfconsciousness that someone somewhere else is making "proper, better" music; and that may have been the greatest contribution he ever made -- by showing that there were riches aplently among ordinary folk, he strengthened the idea that anyone could make music, different music, music not beholden to anyone else, and that you didn't need riches to make it, which is surely the fundamental ethos of folk music, the dream that drove everyone during the revival, and since. It is hard to comprehend the extent of what he saved, but surely it is what he and other songcatchers exemplified as the folk ethic that is the most lasting contribution.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 09:33 AM

I sat on the hill last night, letting the Low D kind of wrap itself around this man, ponder him....you know the drill. I found myself not sad at all in his passing.........that is something we all will do, and it ain't so bad. No one wants to be trapped in a falling apart house, and Alan's just wasn't doing well. I tried to play a mournful tune, but that damned ole Low D just wasn't having a bit of it. It was as if the aul whistle was telling me to get on with the tradition of celebrating what this great spirit did on its visit this time around. Yeah, this spirit, I am sure, is the one that makes its appearance just when you need it to help save the music. Which music? Whichever one needs the help. Nicely done, Mr. Lomax. Take a break now, and rest up cause we will need you again, probably sooner than later. The old whistle reminded me that the only reason I am sad is because it means that we have to take up the load for bit until he gets back. But that ain't so bad, it just means we have to play music. We can do that, my friends. We must or we don't hold up our end of the bargain. Said spirit will be back, and we want to make sure we did our part, eh?

Jean, Sandy, Art...............all you who knew him well.........I am sorry that you will miss him. But you have spent your lives sharing the load, preserving the music in the same way, and this is surely a way of honoring and furthering the work he did. And just now, while he takes a break, he can look at you and what you do, and feel like it is OK to take that break, that the work is being tended to. I will bet if you listen very carefully in the night, you will even hear him whisper thanks.

Wonderful job, Alan. Thanks for doing it. I will be listening for your voice in others.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 09:50 AM

His contribution to music is incalculable. I know that most of the music that I have come to love would have been lost forever if it weren't for the vision and tireless efforts of the Lomaxes.

Good-bye and thank you Alan, you'll be missed.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Genie
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 09:55 AM

Well said, Mick.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 10:00 AM

Very nice appreciation in this Washington Post article. We owe more than we can sing.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: GUEST,Very Poor Lazarus
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 10:13 AM

Many of the same Mudcatters who shit on Bob Dylan for his use of traditional material have come to this thread to praise Alan Lomax.

Let us not forget that Lomax obtained copyrights as "composer" of thousands of traditional songs he recorded by source musicians from all over the world. James Carter, more than forty years later, thanks to the Coen Brothers, is one of the few source musicians to get his due.

Let us not forget that Lomax and his father (John A.) listed themselves as co-composers of "Goodnight Irene," depriving Leadbelly's family of more than a million dollars of royalties. They made it up to Leadbelly in his lifetime, though, by letting him drive their car.

They also humiliated Leadbelly by dressing him in prison stripes for concerts in front of rich, white folks.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 11:14 AM

I just spent 10 days actively avoiding the news while out camping. This is not the kind of news I wanted to hear upon returning, but everyone has a time and in this case, what a time his life was.

I can only echo some of what others have said and stand in awe of the truths from Sandy, Art, McGrath, and a few others who have so eloquently written our obit here.

Spaw

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Blackcatter
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 11:46 AM

Looks like I and a good friend will be going to the funeral.

And no, he wasn't perfect, and he was, to some extent, a product of his times, but none of us are perfect and many of us are also a product of our times.

pax yall

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 01:08 PM

There were giants in the earth in those days. It is good to have known some of them--and sung with them.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: GUEST,Very Poor Lazarus
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 02:30 PM

Excellent article by Dave Marsh on Alan Lomax

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Art Thieme
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 03:21 PM

Laz,

Whatever. Is what is. And it just doesn't matter. Even I have done questionable things. ;-) Remember, every silver lining has a dark cloud in the middle.

On we go.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 03:31 PM

And by the way, Laz. The proper use of the word is "shat" not "shit".

Mick

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 04:24 PM

It could be Shit if it's meant in the present progressive, as in, shat and are still shitting.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 06:10 PM

Yeah...........but then I wouldn't have been able to use the word shat in a sentence............LOL.

Mick

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jul 02 - 06:24 PM

If it was meant in the present tense then I doubt if it would be generally accurate, which I took to be Big Mick's point.

Funny, when you think of it - the chances are that we've never come across the word "shat", but we all know that that's the right way of saying it, and that "shitted" wouldn't be.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Blackcatter
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 01:06 AM

And of course, Dave Marsh has spent so much time talking about the very musicians he suggests everyone else should talk about.

pax yall

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Steve-o
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 12:50 PM

"But I do hope that people understand that when Pareles says that 'Mr. Lomax wasn't interested in simply discovering stars,' part of the meaning is that he didn't want them to get in the way of his self--importance." Is that what Pareles meant, Mr. Marsh?? I didn't know you were psychic. We really need these Dave Marsh bozos to come around and remind us that great men actually weren't all that great, because they had egos and human failings! Let's all try to remember how important Dave Marsh's writings on the subject of rock 'n' roll are when it comes time for HIS obit.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 06:36 PM

Regarding the Dave Marsh comments, please check out the other Alan Lomax thread "Alan Lomax another view," in which several of us comment upon his misplaced critique.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Burke
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 08:05 PM

Find an excerpt of Terri Gross' 1990 Fresh Air interview with Alan Lomax HERE It was rebroadcast on yesterday's show.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 Jul 02 - 09:28 PM

Mick---I only met him for the first time in Cleveland---or was it Memphis? Either way, it would've been fun to race him 'cross that fancy ol' hotel lobby in our wheelchairs. I would've let him win!

Art

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Blackcatter
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 11:29 AM

Greetings all,

My friend Chip & I attended the funeral yesterday. It was very nice and simple. A Greek Orthodox Priest officiated (Alan's son-in-law was Greek), a family friend sung a Greek lament, and then family and friends stood up to recall their experiences with Alan. We were then invited back to his daughter Anna's house for more conversation and some wnderful Greek food. Alan was layed out without a coffin and there was a guitar and a accoustic bass guitar as well as photos and press clippings from his life around his body.

I had a chance to talk with his daughter and his grandson as well as a representative from the Library of Congress. The family wants to thank everone on this list for memorializing Alan. Anna said that it was wonderful that people remember the contributions of her father.

That's about it. It was a beautiful and quiet day, with us just listening to his recordings on the trip over and back. We were told that there are about 70 CDs available in the new Rounder Alan Lomax collection and that another 60 or so will be released within the next 10 years.

pax yall.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: GUEST,Rex on work 'puter
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 11:43 AM

I am so grateful for this man's work. Saving the old songs and traditions that would otherwise been lost. Like his father before him. And Bascom Lunsford. His contribution to us is beyond price. I had hoped to meet him someday and shake his hand. Ah well, not in this world.

Rex

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: GUEST,Frogmore
Date: 24 Jul 02 - 09:55 PM

I hope some of you heard the NPR piece on Alan this afternoon. Around 3 PM it was on "Talk of the Nation" (TOTN) It should be available onling.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Don Firth
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 12:57 PM

NPR's Talk of the Nation discussion of Alan Lomax can be accessed here. Three guests on the show were Nick Spitzer, Pete Seeger, and Worth Long, who co-produced a documentary with Lomax. Someone did call in near the end of the program and raise the matter of copyrights. Spitzer briefly addressed the matter.

Regarding the comments of GUEST,Very Poor Lazarus and the mean-spirited article by Dave Marsh that VPL recommends, I suggest reading the comments of Bennet Zurofsky and Nerd on the "Alan Lomax: Another View" thread. I also make a few comments here.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Don Firth
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 01:08 PM

Sorry. The NPR link didn't take. Here it is again.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 01:39 PM

Here is today's obituary in the Times of London.

And here is the opening:

Alan Lomax - Collector of folk and blues songs, whose recordings helped to preserve America's musical heritage.

Without the enthusiasm, empathy and erudition of Alan Lomax, it is probable that much of the heritage of America's most profound vernacular music would have been irretrievably lost.

Thanks for making the effort Blackcatter - I'm glad we were represented.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Blackcatter
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 05:58 PM

You're welcome, McGrath.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: MAG
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 09:25 PM

There was another NPR bit interviewing Pete S. where he was asked about the copyright thing. His answer was, that Alan did not copyright anything until a group in England had a hit with Po' Lazarus, and the person from whom he collected it got nothing. He went home and told his people to copyright every single thing he had collected.

It is also worth noting, if you can't access the TOTN piece, that it was the Foundation Alan Lomax set up for that very purpose that delivered a check for $20K to a surprised old man.

His niece-in-law laughingly touched on how difficult he could be, but most of us agree I'm sure that is far outweighed by his work.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: GUEST,Blackcatter on Girlfriend's laptop
Date: 25 Jul 02 - 11:58 PM

I certainly can tell you that all that copyrighting didn't make him a wealthy man. He daughter lives in a modest 3 bedroom home in a mid-sized town 40 miles north of St. Pete, FL.

pax yall

Subject: RE: OBIT: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 21 Mar 03 - 11:11 PM

In the past I have been very critical of anyone putting a copyright on anything that they did not compose.
That being said it is my humble opinion that the Lomaxs' work , both in recording and documenting the old songs, leaves me as an admirer of their foresight in preserving what would otherwise have been lost. In that way they, along with Helen Creighton and Hamish Henderson, stand tall.
   I renew this thread several months after Allan's passing in order to see if there are any other comments that those who knew him may make.( after an appropriate mourning period)
Mudcat is so great in that we , the great folksinger unknowns, can draw on the wisdom of the pioneers. :-}
            Slainte,
               Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 01:00 PM

Sandy- It is appropriate that you have refreshed this thread now. On April 9, 11-12, there's to be a seminar in New York City, "Folk Music in the American Century", as a tribute to Alan Lomax. Sponsored jointly by City Lore; People's Poetry Gathering, The Institure for American Studies in American Music at Brooklyn College, CUNY; and The Alan Lomax Archives/Association for Cultural Equity. Registration details: [e-mail]   Other general info (times & places
participants, etc.) may be had from Elena Martinez:[e-mail]
Also there's a nice Conference announcement at www.depthtome.brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Subject: RE: Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 06:20 PM

I'm just reading "The Land Where The Blues Began" by Lomax. Facinating.

Subject: RE: Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Blackcatter
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 08:13 PM

Well, I've kept in contact with his daughter through the friend that went to his funeral with me. I've learned to have more respect for him, but that's through discussions with his daughter. IO don't really have much to add - just that she felt that he really though he was doing what was best - whether or not it really was.

Check out the pretty recent thread below for other comments:

Remixing Lomax

Hopefully I did that right.

Subject: RE: Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From:
Date: 23 Mar 03 - 11:27 PM

It's quite serendipitous. I was just reading in the Canadian Journal of Traditionial Music's special issue on Alan Lomax. Great tribute to an amazing man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Alan Lomax-An Era Passes
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 24 Mar 03 - 01:42 PM

I didn't even know that he had died until now.

What a sad loss to the folk world both here and America.

Tom