Obit: Sean Killeen

Subject: Obit: Sean Killeen
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 05:27 PM

I really don't have much information, but I thought I would pass this along.

I was at the Folk Alliance this past weekend. On Saturday Feb.8 there was a workshop scheduled about the music and legend of Lead Belly. Lead Belly's niece Tiny Robinson, musician Harry Lewman, and producer/ Lead Belly Society founder Sean Killeen were scheduled to appear.

Tiny Robinson announced that earlier that morning Sean passed away. I do not have any details, but it appears that it was sudden and unexpected.

Sean formed the Lead Belly Society a number of years ago to help perpetuate the work of Huddie Ledbetter. Sean was an incredible resource of information about Lead Belly. Sean spent years collecting stories and recordings. He also produced several collections of Lead Belly music for Rounder Records. Most importantly, Sean helped to perpetuate the music AND debunked many rumors about Lead Belly's life and times. I understand that he was working on a biography of Lead Belly.

I really did not know Sean and I do not have much information about him or his passing. We spoke on the phone and he was gracious to be my guest on a program we did about Lead Belly a few years ago. I admire his dedication and his spirit. He was one of the unsung heros of folk music. We will miss you Sean.