Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,TRo
Date: 20 Nov 14 - 11:56 AM

I was part of the folk scene in the south of England and bought the original Waverly l.p. in 1964. As soon as I heard Paddie sing and saw her in the green dress on the cover I fell deeply in love with her. Her voice is like the sweetest mother's caress/kiss. I have judged all women by her standards of beauty and gentleness throughout my life and am highly jealous of all the above who actually knew her, because I feel like I'm her Fhir a Bhata, that never found her home port. I rued the day when the Corrie Folk trio plus P.B. became the Corries because they became one dimensional and had lost that universal spark that was given them by Paddie. Thank goodness we can still hear her voice on utube with all the other songs that I had never heard her sing. I've listened to her sing 'Lord Gregory' now for 50 years and I still melt into her voice and feel loved by it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:25 PM

I can only echo the lovely tributes above, although I did not meet Paddie until approximately ten years ago when I started going To "First Tuesday" at the Grey Horse pub in Balerno, where she was a regular attender. I remember her for her singing of "If I were a blackbird" and especially, Ron Kavana's "Reconciliation" when she alwys prefaced a repeat of the chorus with "And once more for Northern Ireland".
As others have said she was always friendly, no airs and graces or pedestals, and I have missed her not being at the sessions for some time.
TB

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Bill Smith - The Corrie Folk Trio
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:05 PM

How does it go? "It seems like only yesterday...."
Paddie claimed I greeted her with the opening line.. "Stick with me Paddie and I'll make a star out of you". Not that I had a lot to do with it. The sudden television exposure over the first couple of years did that. Then there were the radio shows, the concert tours and the endless appearances at folk clubs across Scotland England & Ireland, trips to the Irish Fleadhs and a host of singing occasions around Edinburgh at endless parties.

I well remember the occasion when we decided to hire the Usher hall in Edinburgh for a solo concert and the long two week wait to see how the ticket sales were going; the arriving at the front of the theatre on the big night and having to fight our way through to the green room; the street outside blocked and near pandemonium inside the vast hall as 2400 people found their seats. On that evening we over-ran with encore after encore and nobody was happier than wee Paddie.

At a midnight concert in the Grafton Cinema in Dublin (now long gone) the crowd were boisterous and there was a lot of noise despite the fact that the house lights had dimmed. As one late comer staggered down the ailse dropping several bottles of guinness on the way, we could hear Ronnie Drew in the stalls yelling,
" I can't stand a fella who can't hold his porter, especially when its in a bag".
Quietly Paddie slipped on to the stage and, unaccompanied and unannounced sang 'She moved through the Fair'. Instantly the crowd settled and we could begin.

She never got ruffled, never lost her cool and never dropped a note. Not the greatest banjo player in the world, she made up for it with her ability to still an audience and bring a tear to the eye with the simplist of lyrics and melodies. She had a wonderful memory for arrangements which made life very easy when preparing for the television series, when we might be expected to present eight or nine songs to a director who would then select three at most.
She was a pleasure to work with and a friend to the end. She will be sadly missed.

Bill Smith

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 03:31 PM

For the benefit of those who don't have a subscription to the Scotsman, I hereby submit a copy and paste of Ian Mc Calman's sensitive obituary.

......................................................................


Paddie Bell

IAN McCALMAN


Singer

Born: 8 April, 1931, in Belfast
Died: 3 August, 2005


"I WILL always think of her as the lark ascending in the clear air. She is the peal of a crystal bell, the summons of a silver hammer on an anvil of glass. And even now, at the dawn of her brand new day, the fairies will still want her back at midnight" (W Gordon Smith, 1993).

I was 16 and she was looking straight at me, I was sure of it. The occasion was a concert at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, and Paddie Bell was singing with the Corrie Folk Trio. Of course, every young chap in the audience thought that Paddie was looking only at them. That's how she was.

Patricia Margaret Simpson was born in Belfast on 8 April, 1931. Paddie recalled, with some humour, that her first nervous singing "performance" was to her mother and friends when she was six. She worked for the Arts Council in Belfast and later became secretary to the City of Belfast Orchestra, where she developed her love of classical music. On a holiday in Portrush, Paddie met Sandy Bell, an architect from Blairgowrie, whom she married in 1957.

Paddie and Sandy moved to Edinburgh in 1962 and it was after performing a few songs at a friend's party that she met up with Bill Smith, who invited her to join the folk group he had formed with Roy Williamson and Ronnie Brown. "The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell" was born. Paddie toured extensively with the group, singing in concert halls all over Britain and her fame increased when they were chosen to host the BBC's flagship TV folk series, Hoot'nanny. She had a wonderful voice with a haunting, songbird quality, and her friend, Martin Carthy, described Paddie at that time (on stage with the Corries) as "a clear, cool sparkling stream flowing amongst three huge mossy boulders". Paddie recorded many top-selling "group" and solo albums at that time.

Morven, her daughter, was born in 1966 and Paddie left the Corries in 1967 to pursue a solo career. But like many others, before and since, she found touring alone a depressing life, and at her own admission she relied too heavily on alcohol to get her through this period.

Her success in battling against this problem was followed by clinical depression, and she dropped out of the folk and social scene for many years. But in 1991 she was advised to give up the prescribed drugs and a new and more vibrant Paddie emerged. Amazingly, in 1992, she started singing again in what she later called "my bonus career" and during this time she made three albums and performed at many concerts including her own sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows which continued for many years.

Sandy, her husband, was her constant support through all the good and bad times, and Paddie was rightfully proud of Morven, who emerged as an extremely talented oboist and woodwind teacher and the mother of her adored grandson, Alexander.

All these words say nothing of the absolute delight at being in Paddie's company. She had time for everyone and had not an ounce of ego, though she was treated like royalty wherever she went. She had a mischievous sense of humour and retained an ability to silence an audience, wherever she performed, with that lovely voice. Paddie's successful fight against her early illnesses was an inspiration to others, but her death was a combination of diabetes (which she had for some years) and strokes. She was hospitalised in the Western General and then the Royal Victoria, and while at these hospitals she had nothing but praise for the sympathetic care she received. Like all who knew her, I will greatly miss one of the most loved characters of the British folk scene.

There will be a "get-together" at the Morton Hall Crematorium, Edinburgh, at noon on Monday, 15 August, for family, musicians and friends to say goodbye to Paddie.



......................................................................

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 05:48 PM

Thanks for the link. I've no doubt the Living Tradition will carry an obituary, but the latest issue only arrived last week, so it will be some time before the next one.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: theballadeer
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 04:35 PM

Bill Smith sent me a copy a of tribute to Paddie Bell written by Ian McCalman from the Scotsman. Unfortunetly, you can't access it online without a paid subscription. However, you can access another article here. Does anyone know if there has been anything else in print (or web) about her passing?

Nick

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Guy
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 07:26 PM

I shall miss a very special friend

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Neil Scott
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 03:31 PM

Very sad when Maggie Cruickshanks phoned us with the news. Our group, the Late Licence Band, were privileged to have Paddie guest with us during the first Isle of Bute Folk Festival, just as she was making her comeback on to the folk scene.
She also was a regular at the sessions hosted by Janice McGrath in the Tass bar on Edinburgh's High Street.
As everyone says, she will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Sylvia & Terry McGowan
Date: 06 Aug 05 - 04:22 PM

Terrible news, Paddy was a beautiful lady and gave encouragement to all at every session. She was so proud when Alexander was born and she became a Grandmother she told me she had now, at last, "joined the club". When Paddy sang in her quiet voice everyone listened, she sang such brilliant songs. We spent many a great night at the West end hotel & in our living room with Paddy. Fond memories flood in when we think of Paddy and her kind and generous heart. Our thoughts are with Sandy, Morven & family today, we have all lost a treasure.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Aug 05 - 04:00 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Tam the man
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 07:00 AM

Paddie Bell:
My dad called me last night to tell me the sad news that Paddie Bell passed away after a long illness at 6pm on the 3rd of August. Paddie was a founder member of The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell, and together they recorded 2 albums in 1964 and 1965 called "The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell" and "The Promise of The Day". In 1965, Paddie left the group to become a mother, but she continued recording as a solo artist. In 1965 she recorded the album 'Herself' accompanied by Martin Carthy, and in 1968 she recorded 'I know where I'm going' with Finbar and Eddie Furey. Paddie returned to the Edinburgh folk scene in the 1990s with her own celebrated Festival show. She was a great supporter and regular attendant of Edinburgh Folk Club and appeared frequently at Festival Folk at the Oak during the Festival. In 1993 she released the solo album "The Dawn of a Brand New Day" and this was followed by 2 more albums in 1997 and 1998 titled "Make me Want to Stay" and "An Irish Kiss".

I was only a small child when Paddie was singing with the Corrie folk Trio and my memories of Paddie are from the last few years when I had the good fortune to visit her in her home here in Edinburgh. Paddie's voice was truly unique and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.

This is from the website by Gavin Browne, Ronnie Brwone's son

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Tam the man
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 06:47 AM

On the 4th of August Paddie Bell has died, you can read about on the Corries website.

She was a member of the Corrrie Folk trio and Paddie Bell.

So only Ronnie Browne and Bill Smith are left now.

So Sad.

Tam

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 03:50 AM

sorry to hear this - I loved the album with the Corries. listened to it exclusively for ages at one time.

all the best

al

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Jimmy C
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 09:56 PM

Very sad news indeed. I remember her well with the trio when they played the Ulster Hall. Her version of the four Maries still ranks as the best in my opinion

I had a very nice answer from her about 18 months ago. I e-mailed her to let her know how much I enjoyed her singing and she was gracious enough to reply.
Sad news indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 07:33 PM

Paddie was a sweetheart and I'll miss her. She spent an evening smoking my boyfriend's rollies once, and then wrote me a thank you letter to tell me how kind he was - what a great lady. I'll have great memories of her sitting in Portaferry singing "Make me want to stay" when she was due to go home.
My thoughts are with her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Jim McLean
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 05:23 PM

Yes, she had a unique voice and will be sadly missed. Hamish Imlach referred once (lovingly) to Chapati Bell and the Currie Folk Group.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,theballadeer
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 12:14 PM

It is on CD, Roger. The 2-LPs they recorded are on one CD. And they did record several singles and EPs. It gets very complicated, many where re-recorded and released under the same title, but had fewer tracks and in some cases different versions. Their 2-LPs were originally released on the Waverly label and also released by Elktra...but as with the EPs...different tracks and different versions--same album titles. Bill Smith (of the Corrie Trio) told me at one point Liam Clancy wanted to record them on the Tradition label. Bill still has those recordings, and said that although they were professionally recorded...the tracks were deemed to rough...

Okay, that enough geek talk.

Nick

Nick

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 11:50 AM

LP I meant, though it probably IS on CD by now.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 03:41 AM

Sorry to hear this, I too have the Corries...with Paddy Bell CD

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 02:18 AM

Lovely lady
Fine distinctive voice
Will be missed
Once thanked my brother by giving him a peck on the cheek. He still remembers it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell (3 Aug 05)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 12:36 AM

If I'm thinking of the right song connected to the right person, it was she, Paddie Bell, who absolutely hit the nail squarely on the head with her incandescent vocalizing harmony---one high note near the end of the songespecially---in the Corries version of "MY LORD WHAT A MORNING". WOW!!!

After all these years, that is the song I remember from the one album of them that I ever heard----over 40 years ago.

I'm so sorry to hear that she's gone!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: DebC
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 08:17 PM

This is sad indeed.

I met Paddie when I lived in Edinburgh and I would see her at sessions in the West End Hotel. We had some great nights then. She was a lovely lady and I'll always remember her having her "wee medicinal" :-)

Go in peace, Paddie.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 07:14 PM

I think I have most all of her albums, and listen to them frequently.   They never grow old. She was a whole lot more than just the female singer for the Corries.

I am sorry to hear of her passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:49 PM

Sad news. I listened to Paddie Bell and the Corries a lot in my early exposure to folk music.
Nick, great website. Thank you.
We have a lot of friends in common. Kieran Manning, Ray McAreavey, Gogie et al.
Here's hoping we don't see their names in the obits in the nea future.
I hope to see you in CO in September.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:24 PM

Still have my "Corries" LPs and still love to hear Paddies voice! Her memory will live on with me....and many others I suspect.
Rest in Peace.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: GUEST,theballadeer
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:19 PM

There is information about Paddie and the Corrie Folk Trio on my website.

Nick

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:12 PM

Sixties ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:11 PM

For those reading this who may be unaware of Paddie Bell, she was the female singer with the Corrie Folk Trio, who achieved massive fame in the folk boom of the early Sities.

She was also a most lovely person, a joy to be with, and her memory will live for ever among those who knew her.

Condolences to her husband Sandy, and to her daughter Morven.

Subject: RE: Obit: Paddie Bell
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 05:04 PM

Just got the phone call from Sandy, Nick.

Sad news indeed, but a merciful release.

RIP Paddie, you will be sorely missed by so many.

Subject: Obit: Paddie Bell (8/3/05)
From: GUEST,theballadeer
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 04:59 PM

I just received this sad new from Bill Smith (leader of the Corrie Folk Trio)...
"Sadly, I just had word that Paddie Bell died this evening at six o'clock, a couple of hours ago, following a three month spell in hospital."

Nick