Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: bobad
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 01:53 PM

Is the program available on the internet?

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 10:07 PM

You can pick up the feed here by clicking on the link "Vancouver" in the list called "West".

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:39 PM

I will be playing all the cuts from Vera's second album "That's What I Believe" on CJLY's show Folks Music this coming Monday April 9 from 10 am to 11 am in the Pacific Time Zone. That's 1 pm to 2 pm Ottawa time and 6 pm to 7 pm in the UK. You can stream CJLY from this link.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Owlkat
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 01:54 PM

Hi y'all,
I haven't been here for ages because of university and graduation (you don't have to be crazy to do this, but it helps) but I'm very glad I dropped in today.
I remember Vera Johnson playing and I saw her on at least a couple of occasions. She glowed with warmth and humour, and she never stopped smiling. If I think a little bit more I might remember when the shows happened. Nonetheless, discovering this thread has been a very touching and happy surprise. I've seen my share of folk legends, and thinking about her now, I remember feeling that we were simply in someone's living room, surrounded by friends, and listening to a favourite and eccentric aunt.
Thank you for starting this thread.
And now, I have to go back to finishing my women's studies research paper on women in prison and institutional and social changes from the second to the third wave.
Oy.
Peace,
Dana (Owl)

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 06:37 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: bobad
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 06:46 PM

Listened to your show on Monday, Bob the Postman, thanks for doing that - I heard some music which I had not heard before, always a treat.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 07:16 PM

An mp3 of the show is available here

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 05:12 AM

Good work, Bob!

Our one-hour piece on Vera will air in BC on CBC (690AM in the Lower Mainland) on "North by Northwest" from 8 to 9 am, Sunday 29 April.

- Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 07:37 PM

Thanks, Jon. Praise from a master is praise indeed. Greatly looking forward to your and Rika's show, and to hearing more songs from Vera. "Jesus Was A Preacher" is one I'm curious about, and also "Battersea Park".

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 07:25 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 08:16 PM

Thanks so much for introducing me to this singer. I'm listening to the mp3 right now.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 16 Apr 07 - 10:11 AM

Hello,

Thanks Bob!

Have listened to the mp3 and thoroughly enjoyed hearing Vera's songs again. Definitely one of the valuable uses of the Internet!

Incidentally...did we ever clear up whether she was living in Chemainus or in the Ladysmith General Hospital?

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 05:15 AM

Hello,

To add to the above....I have now listened to the mp3 a few times and now the songs keep coming to mind at unexpected moments!

Well done Vera....and well done Bob!


Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:13 AM

Peter, check your PMs.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:51 PM

Thanks Bob!

Subject: RE: Vera on NXNW?
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 11:12 AM

Hello, Jon Bartlett. It's Sunday, 29 April, I'm listening online to North by Northwest, and alas, you're not on, your Vera show is not on. Rescheduled?

Subject: RE: Vera on NXNW?
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 01:23 PM

Vera Johnson wasn't on CBC, but the forum thread following this one was Fairport Convention - Now Be Thankful. So I clicked on it, followed the first link to YouTube, and spend a happysad hour listening to early Fairport Convention, multiple configurations of Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, Maddy Prior ...

Oops, off topic.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Fleggy
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:02 AM

Vera was a friend to Redd Sullivan and Martin Winsor who ran the Troubadour folk club in Earls Court London, which is where I saw her a few times in the 1970's. She always impressed me.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 09:56 AM

Hi Arthur, I think CBC rescheduled the Bartlett/Ruebsaat spot because this weekend's NXNW was a remote from Victoria, on account of the BC book awards being held there. I'll keep checking the NXNW web page and post an announcement if Jon doesn't beat me to it.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 10:05 PM

Thanks for the nudge, Bob. Yes, everything got put on hold re the Vera show (which is still coming). We need to fit CBC's schedule, and also, they can only play CD's (they have no capacity for 8-tracks, reel to reel, cassette, LP's 78's, EP's etc.), so we've been madly Cdizing early recordings of Vera and also her 2 LP's. Rika and I are days away from moving from New Westminster to Princeton (3 hrs inland) and so are up to our armpits in 19 years-worth of accumulated crud. Plus we're heading for Mystic, Old Songs and Library of Congress in June, Jon driving and Rika flying, plus Rika is retiring from 23 years of teaching). So what else is new?

We want to make the show a good one. We normally do it live, but I think this time it will not be possible. As soon as we put the show in the can, and get a date from Sheryl McKay, the show's host, we'll let everyone on this thread know. Thank you all for your patience!

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 30 May 07 - 07:58 PM

YES, we have a date! The show is in the can.

Sunday 17 June, 8 to 9 am, on CBC-1 (690 in the Lower Mainland for local folks). Rika and me are really sorry for the delay but it's been a completely loony last two months.

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 31 May 07 - 12:30 PM

Excellent Jon,

Thanks!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Kevin Littlewood
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 08:29 AM

The other day I was trying to remember the words of a song by Vera Johnson; searching the net I picked up this thread.
Vera was one of the people I remember at an early folk festival in Keele Uni in the 1960s; the protest she was engaged in at the time (mentioned above as a message pinned to her clothes) was -- I think -- a hunger strike for Biafra. She hadn't eaten for some time and obviously looked bad, but she still insisted on singing. A very strong, committed woman.

I saw her at folk clubs round the north-west, she was a great entertainer and musician and there were a couple of songs I really liked, one was Homer Johnson -- about her father? -- and a love song, which was the one I was trying to recall, about England and the soft rain, with a chorus beginning 'Tell my love that someday I'll be with him/ her, Where the hills are ?low and misty green...' I know the tune; anyone know where the words are? I had one of her LPs, but someone half-inched it years back...

Subject: Lyr Add: THE GENTLE RAIN OF ENGLAND (Vera Johnson)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 09:40 AM

I found a site with unattributed lyrics matching those you've quoted: Is this it?

If a Mudelf would be so good, he or she could change this to a Lyr add with proper attribution to Vera Johnson once we are sure it's the right song.



THE GENTLE RAIN OF ENGLAND

On the banks of the Riveried Prairie,
In Quebec at a place called Shaumaday,
All the trees are bare of leaves,
And a lonely robin grieves,
For his friends have spread their wings and flown away,
I 've watched the cold black waters running eastwards,
And my thoughts are flowing with them to the sea,
So I whisper to the waves,
What my hungry spirit craves,
And I wish they'd act as messengers for me..

CH:
Tell my love that one day I'll be with her,
Where the hills are low and misty green,
And the roads wind between the hawthorn hedges,
And we'll walk in the gentle rain of England.

In the sky southern clouds are drifting slowly,
There's a chill in the air that smells of snow,
And in every window box, there are empty flowers stalks,
Where geraniums and pansies used to grow.
All the leaves are red and gold and yellow,
Crumpled carpets till the breezes set them free,
Then they twist and turn and spin,
By the river, then fall in,
And they set out on their voyage to the sea.

There's a West wind that's cold and full of bluster,
Roaring threats that the snow is on its way,
Then it snatches at a kite,
Lifts it almost out of sight,
As if pausing for a moment just to play,
Then it rushes towards the great Atlantic,
And I wonder if somewhere over there,
Swooping down from up above,
It will find the one I love,
And will take delight in tangling her hair.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Kevin Littlewood
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 10:02 AM

Thanks very much, that's so swift! Amazing. It's 3 pm here...

Yes, it is the same song -- I didn't know there were 3 verses, that's even better. I think in the first verse, maybe it should be Riviere de Prairie? and Chomedey?
Now, get singing folks, it's a lovely tune too.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 10:07 AM

Kevin, Mudcat is often this way--a new thread appears or an old one is revived and you can have your answer soon. You may want to lurk a while and find other subjects of interest. Use a consistent name when you post as a guest, and consider joining the Mudcat.

Stilly River Sage

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:42 AM

Hello Kevin,

Thanks for re-awakening this song for me too. Can you share the tune?
As suggested above...join us! It's free and you will get so much in return!

Best wishes

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Kevin Littlewood
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 03:53 AM

Hello Peter

I only have the tune in my head I am afraid. The song was on an LP/ vinyl; I think it was a black-and-white cover, with a drawing? Sorry to be vague, it's a while since I had the record.

I have found anotherr ecording, a website with CDs for sale, oddly enough it's by someone from up the coast from me in Liverpool, Jacqueline McDonald (of Jacqui and Bridie).
Go to http://www.jacquiandbridie.com/cdsforsale.htm
It's on Jacqui's Best Loved Songs Vol. 2.

Best wishes

Kevin

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 03:59 AM

Thanks Kevin!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Gentle Rain and the CBC
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 11:02 PM

Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat's radio show about Vera will air on Canada's CBC radio this Sunday morning, 8-9 am. Perhaps they'll play the Gentle Rain of England.

If not, one of Vera's daughters donated some materials to the Cowichan Folk Guild, and I'll have a look in those for the song.

Arthur

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 17 Jun 07 - 03:30 PM

Thanks Arthur!


Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Vera Johnson on CBC's North By Northwest
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 02:16 AM

Long promised, finally aired, here's a tribute show to Vera Johnson, put together by Rika Ruebsaat and Jon Bartlett, and aired in June 2007 on CBC's North By Northwest.

http://www.sqwalk.com/media/CBC_Ruebsaat&Bartlett_VeraJohnson_20070617.mp3

Bob "the Postman" Stubbs earlier put together a radio program, aired on Folk's Music, on Kootenay Co-op Radio, in April 2007.

http://www.sqwalk.com/media/CJLY_EvaDeFoor&BobStubbs_VeraJohnson_20070409.mp3

Monster files, both of them - 71 mb and 26 mb - but if your computer is able to stream them you won't even notice.

Enjoy. Arthur

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: countrylife
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 02:32 PM

In case anyone is interested, the website for the CBC Radio programme, North By Northwest is

North By Nortwest

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 18 Jun 07 - 03:18 PM

Thanks for the mp3 of the latest broadcast Arthur! It was well done, I thought.

The website is interesting too, countrylife.

It would be good to have these songs on a CD...I wonder if any of our CD gurus on mudcat could help?

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Guest. Wendy Price in Whitby
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 02:11 PM

I've been searching for information on Vera Johnson for at least the last five years, as we were very good friends in the 60/s - late 70/s . My husband Bill Price and myself met Vera when we were living in Canada and this friendship continued when we returned to Yorkshire in the mid 60/s. She was always a very popular guest at the folk club we ran in Dewsbury, and we even found her on the Town Hall steps one day singing to a load of young students! She was never afraid of whipping out her guitar and giving a song to anyone who would listen - she was found under a tree at Vancouver Festival entertaining the crowds not hiding in the artists compound with her peers, and I also remember her standing behind the bar at our local folk club giving the landlady a private concert (after closing time). I think my interest in crocheting was fostered by Vera who was well known on the British Rail Network as the "crocheting" woman. We stayed in the little room she rented in London once and were amused that she had even crocheted a "fire escape" which was attached to the window with instructions on how to use it.

Why I missed this thread I do not know, but I am leaving for Vancouver Island in the morning, and will make every attempt to look up Vera in Ladysmith. Incidentally, I have a book of her songs, which was one she put out herself, I believe.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Bob the Postman on vacation
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 03:10 PM

Camping in Saskatchewan so I missed the North by Northwest broadcast. Looking forward to hearing it on the squalk site. Thanks Arthur.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Monique
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 07:59 PM

Hello,

I am one of Vera's granddaughters. How grea

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Monique
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 08:15 PM

whoops, i'll try that again.

How great this is to find such a large forum topic on my grandma! After listening to the CBC radio show with my 2girls (Vera's great-granddaughters)I realized what a big impact she has been in the folk world. I'm very proud of my Grandma Vera! As my daughter said,
"She's famous mommy!"

Just to clear up a couple of things. Vera is in Chemainus, not Ladysmith. She has family come to see her often. Including her 3 daughters, sister, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My mom mentioned that Vera would love to have members of the folk guild visit her there. So please feel free to stop in and see her!

Cheers,
Monique

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 29 Jun 07 - 04:14 AM

Good to hear your news Monique,

Give Grandma Vera all our love!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 29 Jun 07 - 01:18 PM

Lovely to see your post, Monique. Thanks.

Following Monique's correction I want also to correct a wrong statement I made at the beginning of this thread.

Vera is visited regularly at her residence.

It just happens to be at a different time of day than my visits. I made a wrong conclusion. I apologize.

I have received emails from family members pointing this out. I appreciate the gentleness of the corrections - they have every right to be quite angry.

Man is the queerest critter of all.

Arthur

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Sarah Ewanyshyn
Date: 09 Jul 07 - 03:02 AM

I am elated to have come upon this thread about my Aunt Vera. I am the youngest daughter of Vera's youngest sister. My memories of Aunt Vera are all positive. My mother always referred to her as "a character" and I thought to myself that I hoped one day I would be referred to as "a character" also.

Her arrival at family parties meant that music would begin and she often started a performance out of the blue with a single chord which commanded the party to turn towards her. If she forgot a lyric, she would laugh and try again and always use this opportunity to share an improv witty remark. The comedic interludes were part of the performance. I remember sitting on the floor looking up at her, amongst my young cousins. She might suddenly turn to us "little ones" and get us all joining in chorus in "There was an old lady who swallowed a Fly"... or sing something adult and political. Sometimes I didn't understand the lyrics yet, but I was felt the emotion in me. And I loved the rhythm. Knowing she was born in Birmingham enabled me to live in Coventry for 2.5 years in my early 20s.   I am very proud of Aunt Vera and it feels great to read about all the people who care about her.   And a hug to Monique out there....I haven't seen you since we were little girls!
Sarah Marie Ewanyshyn

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Lorna Dowling = Guest
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 12:36 AM

Here is a blast from the past for you, Jon. Ha! Just wanted everyone to know that Wendy Price, wife of folksinger Bill Price, is at my home in Port Alberni visiting from Whitby, England, and we spent yesterday afternoon with Vera. The facility is very nice. Staff appear to have more than a little affection for our Vera. Vera did not remember us but we were delighted when she joined in on verses of her songs that Wendy sang to her. Wendy said "you wrote that, Vera," and she said "I did?" She seemed to recall Bill Price and when I told her Wendy was his wife (I should have said widow) she threw up her hands and said "Congratulations!". We also spoke with her about the song she wrote for Billy Graham. We could not remember all the words and Wendy said, "Oh, what was that song about, Vera" and she said "Well, it was about Billy Graham, I presume". It is true she has little memory of the past but she appeared to take great pleasure in our visit and the three of us had lots of laughs. She is expressive and still speaks her mind . She is a delight to visit. I knew Vera in the very late 60's - early 70;s. We were in Summerland running a coffeehouse known as Chatauqua 333. Josef Benson, George and Norma Ryga, Dick Clements and myself. Vera sang for us.    I reconnected with her in Vancouver after moving there and getting involved with Vancouver Folksong Society, Jon Barlett, Phil and Hilda Thomas, Barry Hall, Adrian Duncan , etc. Jon...do you know where any of these folks are now? I know Phil has passed away. Dick Clements called me.   I am so sorry I could not make it over for the gathering to celebrate his life.   Certainly a recorded collection of our BC folksingers would be wonderful. It would be such a pleasure for Vera to be able to hear this before she joins Phil. Jon...over to you. You were always so good at making sure things really happened and I know that has not changed.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 08:16 AM

Another classic Mudcat thread! I'm glad for Vera that her situation isn't as bad as it appeared when this thread was started. Also great to hear Wendy Price is well. I never met her either, but I've got the album Bill Price recorded for a German label before his untimely death.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Lorna Dowling = Guest
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 02:46 PM

By the way...I have some words to that song Vera sang to Billy Graham but not all. Wendy remembers: Religion was the opiate of the people. Marx declared it loudly long ago. You'll always feel alive , now Billy's on your side. He's a man you really ought to know. Chorus: Come and get your daily shot from Jesus. Don't rely on pot or lsd. Christ can give a thrill like the needle never will. Come and get your kicks from Calvary. That is it. Vera could not understand why Billy was not enchanted with her song when she got up and sang it to him and his evangelical audience. She was not being disrespectful. Vera was , and is, a sincere Christian . Anyhow...anybody have the rest of the words to this song?

Subject: RE: last posts
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 03:01 AM

How wonderful these last posts have been from Monique, Sarah and Lorna!

---

Please remember to put a consistent poster name in the "from" box when you post a message. Anonymous messages risk deletion.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 11:40 PM

I fondly remember a concert Bill Price did for us through the organization "Come For To Sing" in Chicago many years ago. And also at the Winnipeg Folk Festival about 1972. Fine memories of great music times...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Wendy Price
Date: 19 Aug 07 - 03:39 PM

Wonderful to see Vera again when I was in Chemanais last month. Back in UK, I checked my song books and indeed have a copy of "The Vera Johnson Song Book No.1" published in 1974 by Zax Music, Langley, B.C., and has 31 of her songs in, including her most popular ones. Am I the only person who has this wonderful book and was there ever a "No.2"?

I read Art Thiemes note about my late husband, Bill Price who he saw in Chicago and Winnipeg in the early 70's, Never met you, but remember the name from those days. Incidentally, you might be interested to know that his daughters, Ruth Price and Sadie Greenwood, are keeping many of Bill's songs alive in clubs and festivals throughout the UK and are currently performing here at the Whitby Folk Festival where their dad used to sing. It's a great source of satisfaction to me that they are carrying on the tradition, which even young William, Bill's grandson, now participates in.

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Arthur Caldicott
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 01:57 AM

Vera died peacefully last night, on November 9.

A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, November 25, 1:30 pm, at the Eagle's Hall, 921 1st Avenue, Ladysmith. Music will certainly be a part of the celebration.

Vera is probably already writing songs about the place, wherever she is.

I'd like to remind readers about two radio tributes to Vera that were done in 2007.

Rika Ruebsaat and Jon Bartlett hosted a show about Vera on CBC's North By Northwest in June.
CBC_Ruebsaat&Bartlett_VeraJohnson_20070617.mp3

Bob "The Postman" Stubbs put together a wonderful show about Vera on Eva DeFoor's Folk's Music program on CJLY, Kootenay Co-op Radio, in April.
CJLY_EvaDeFoor&BobStubbs_VeraJohnson_20070409.mp3

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: GUEST,Sarah Marie-Ewanyshyn
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 11:44 AM

This is to let everyone know that a video of Auntie Vera has been put on YouTube. I've placed the link below, but if that doesn't work, just search for Vera Johnson. This is a poor quality home video from our living room one Christmas. It was likely in 1981/82. My nephew posted the video, but I'm pretty sure he got the name of the song wrong, "Big bright barbie, the bouncing baby" so if somebody could provide the correct name, we will alter the name on YouTube.

Hope you enjoy seeing her perform in a very relaxed and noisy setting!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vnjldk0N-Q

Subject: RE: Canadian folk icon Vera Johnson
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 12:14 PM

Hello Sarah,

What a lovely video! Thank you for posting it for us to enjoy. It brings back many happy memories.

Best wishes,

Peter