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05 Dec 12 - 01:42 PM (#3447572) Subject: Happy 90th Birthday Jean Ritchie! From: Dan Schatz This Saturday, December 8, our beloved KYTRAD turns 90. Jean has been living quietly in Berea, KY for the last few years, in good spirits and well cared for by neighbors and family. One of the great privileges of my adult life has been getting to know Jean, singing with her, and enjoying her company - most recently this Summer, when several of us joined her in Berea for a long afternoon of singing. The breadth and depth of Jean's music - and its continuing influence - continues to astound me. She is both a national treasure and one of the kindest, most down to earth people I have ever met. Just a lovely human being, in every way. Jean's not on the internet these days, but if people want to leave birthday greetings here, I'll print out the whole thread and send it on to Jean. They may get there a little late, but they will get there. Happy birthday Jean! Dan |
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05 Dec 12 - 01:49 PM (#3447577) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Will Fly Go , Kytrad, go! Best wishes, Will |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:03 PM (#3447589) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Dave Eyre Thank you for your contribution to the world of folk music. |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:11 PM (#3447593) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: gnu Dave Eyre... indeed! When "what is folk" is discussed in Mudcat, she is one of the answers. Happies atchya Jean! |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:15 PM (#3447594) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST Happy birthday to you, Jean. I still have the messages we exchanged about five years back and I still feel honoured that you took the time to write back to me. A fan in Canada. Bruce Murdoch |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:16 PM (#3447595) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST PS I was a fan 50 years ago, too. BM |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:18 PM (#3447598) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Mark Clark Happy birthday, Jean. You are indeed a treasure. I was introduced to your music somewhat late (you were 39 at the time) but I've been an admirer and fan for 51 years. - Mark |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:21 PM (#3447599) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Joe_F Time to read from her book, especially if you haven't read it before. It contains a wonderful Christmas story. |
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05 Dec 12 - 02:57 PM (#3447615) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Mark Ross Happy Birthday Jean! |
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05 Dec 12 - 03:01 PM (#3447617) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,gillymor One of my earliest musical memories is an LP of riddle songs Ms. Ritchie recorded with Oscar Brand. I played it to death. That and those early Joan Baez LP's got me hooked on folk music forever. Happy Birthday, Jean. |
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05 Dec 12 - 03:09 PM (#3447623) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: catspaw49 Happy Birthday Jean! Like Bruce Murdoch, I always enjoyed the interactions on Mudcat and thank you so much for one of the greatest threads we ever ran.......or at least to me. We research trying to find song origins and meanings all the time here and if we can find out what the artist who did it has to say it is a big help. YOU on the other hand started a thread about a song ONLY YOU had recorded which your sister had written and wanted to know where she got the idea or the words in part. That was fun and a challenge......and we all did it together......successfully!!! I spent my college years at Berea and I know even now its still a lovely place. Again, Happy Birthday. Spaw |
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05 Dec 12 - 03:51 PM (#3447641) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Matthew Edwards I still blush at remembering that I asked a fairly basic question about some song on Mudcat some years ago; I got a reply from Kytrad - a name I didn't immediately recognise - and I think I suggested she should check it out with Jean Ritchie! Anyway best wishes to Jean for a very happy birthday, and thanks to you once again for all the pleasure you have so many of us through your songs. I also treasure the wonderful memories you have passed on in your books. Thank you Jean, and God bless you! Matthew |
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05 Dec 12 - 03:59 PM (#3447643) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: CupOfTea What a load of wonderful song Jean has bestowed on us all - I've heaps and heaps of gratitude for all the joy I've had - singing her words - hearing her sing (only once in person, wish it had been more) - hearing others sing her songs - watching so many people drawn to traditional music because of her - seeing her comments here on threads over the years. What a wonderful, generous, singing soul! Best wishes for health and joy! Joanne in Cleveland |
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05 Dec 12 - 04:20 PM (#3447656) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: foggers Beautiful music, beautiful lady; thanks Jean, and Happy Birthday! |
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05 Dec 12 - 05:11 PM (#3447681) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Bob Coltman Jean, Amba and I send our love and our very best wishes for your birthday and every day throughout the year. You and your music sustain and inspire us as always, Bob Coltman |
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05 Dec 12 - 05:25 PM (#3447689) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Elmore Happy Birthday Jean from a long time fan. |
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05 Dec 12 - 06:19 PM (#3447728) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Derek Schofield More best wishes from England! I only heard you sing in person once - in Chester over 20 years ago - but I remember it well. And those early recordings of ballads are just something else! Happy birthday! Derek Schofield |
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05 Dec 12 - 06:44 PM (#3447737) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: frogprince Happy Birthday to one of the most talented, and best-hearted, people we've ever had "here" with us. Dean Elkins, in Michigan. |
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05 Dec 12 - 07:17 PM (#3447758) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: The Sandman happy birthday, I rem ember you at Norwich festival, England , thanks for your music |
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05 Dec 12 - 07:32 PM (#3447765) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Sandra in Sydney birthday greetings from sunny, summery Sydney, Australia to a Tradition Bearer |
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05 Dec 12 - 07:34 PM (#3447766) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Little Robyn Happy Birthday Kytrad. Love from Robyn in New Zealand. |
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05 Dec 12 - 08:26 PM (#3447788) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: ChanteyLass Happy birthday, Jean. I will always remember hearing you in Rhode Island. I think Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly helped get you up here so the rest of us could finally hear you in person. |
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05 Dec 12 - 11:20 PM (#3447842) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: open mike Happy Birthday and thanks for all the music! |
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06 Dec 12 - 02:12 AM (#3447877) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Haruo Happy Birthday, Jean! Still enjoy singing Amazing Grace to your Old Regular Baptist tune. Also "Now Is the Cool of the Day" which I found in the 1996 Quaker hymnal. Thanks! Blessings! Haruo aka Leland |
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06 Dec 12 - 11:08 AM (#3448045) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Stilly River Sage Jean, Happy Birthday greetings from the Dwyer clan of Washington State and Texas! SRS |
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06 Dec 12 - 01:02 PM (#3448135) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Philippa in Ireland Happy Birthday, Jean! I'm glad to read news of you. |
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06 Dec 12 - 01:46 PM (#3448160) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Don Firth And Happy Birthday greetings from Seattle. When my interest in folk music first became active in around 1952 or so, I went to Campus Music and Gallery, my favorite record store, and browsed through the folk music bin. Not very many in those days, no more than seven, all 10" LPs. A couple of Burl Ives, one of Susan Reed, one of Pete Seeger, one of Richard Dyer-Bennet, one of Kathleen Ferrier (classical voice, piano accompaniment)—and one of Jean Ritchie. These were the days before "shrink wrap," and the store had listening booths, so you could listen to the records and decide if you wanted to buy them or not. All good stuff. But when I got to the Jean Ritchie record, something inside me said, "This is for real!" I blew my limited student budget and bought the whole stack. And began learning songs from them. And I have a well-thumbed copy of Singing Family of the Cumberlands on my bookshelves. Well do I remember sitting over coffee with a friend, discussing, puzzling, and speculating over the strange symbolism in "Nottamun Town." Thank you, Jean, for many hours—years—of enjoyment. And for showing the way. Don Firth |
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06 Dec 12 - 02:53 PM (#3448192) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Ed Brown Happy Birthday, Jean. I am pleased to share my birthday date (Dec. 8) with you. I am also thankful for my many opportunities to enjoy your performances in concerts, workshops, and on recordings. My wife, Beth, and I played your wonderful "Kentucky Christmas" again this year as the first Christmas album to welcome another holiday season. So we wish you not only a Happy Birthday but a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well. |
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06 Dec 12 - 02:58 PM (#3448197) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: topical tom Happy Birthday, Jean! Thank you for the beautiful voice and music that you contributed to the wonderful world of folk music. |
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06 Dec 12 - 10:14 PM (#3448395) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Ross Campbell Happy Birthday, Jean. Thank you for all the songs, and specifically for "Loving Hannah" which you kindly gave me nearly forty years ago at Norwich Folk Festival. Hope to sing it again tomorrow! |
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07 Dec 12 - 02:30 PM (#3448822) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Dan Schatz Don, I'm especially struck by your comment. "This is for real!" Jean's music is so deeply rooted in tradition that even her newer songs have a timeless quality to them. Lately, as Christmas comes near, I've been humming "Brightest and Best," and my all time favorite Christmas songs, Jean's own "Wintergrace." "Peace Round" has been on my mind, too. What a simple and beautiful sentiment. Dan |
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07 Dec 12 - 03:50 PM (#3448866) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: maeve Dear Jean, When first I heard you singing your songs more than forty years ago, I knew I had found what I was looking for. Thank you for years of music; old songs, new songs, lovely tunes and insightful, flowing words. Thank you for the young faces filled with delight and dawning recognition in hundreds of children who listened to and sang your songs for the first time in my classes. Thank you for loving your family and raising your children to be kind and able people. Thank you for being true to your hopes and dreams, your family history, your own wise self. May your 90th birthday be filled with light and laughter, family and friends...and a river rush of music. Maeve, in Maine |
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07 Dec 12 - 06:52 PM (#3448966) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Ben from Germany Dear Jean, thank you so very much for the beauty and grace you brought to folk music! You introduced me to the dulcimer and to many songs that have found a place deep in my heart. I turned my facebook profile into a Jean Ritchie shrine for the weekend :)All the best for you! You are a huge inspiration to me! BEN |
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07 Dec 12 - 07:25 PM (#3448987) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Lonesome EJ A very Happy Birthday, Jean! |
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08 Dec 12 - 09:39 AM (#3449205) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Dan Schatz Today's the day! Happy birthday Jean! Dan |
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08 Dec 12 - 10:52 AM (#3449239) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: katlaughing I hope I am not too late for the printout. Thanks for doing this, Dan. Happy Birthday to you, Jean. You are one of the best treasures this world has ever had. Your kindness, time, and effort in sharing with us has been deeply appreciated, fun, and your postings are a big part of the best of Mudcat's legacy. Thank you. I shall never forget your kind words about my book and also your sister's sweet, clear, angelic voice (so like your own) as I listened to her tape the first night after open heart surgery. It was not an easy night and I am convinced I made it through it with the guidance of love and beauty in the songs and her singing. What blessings...both of you. So, one more turn around the sun. May your day be filled with family and friends, happines, peace and tranquillity. Thank you, again, Dear Lady Jean! With much love, Kat LaFrance |
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08 Dec 12 - 11:05 AM (#3449241) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Arkie Happy Birthday wishes from this little spot on the tail bone of the Ozarks. Have been inspired by your music and especially your dulcimer playing for many years. Elliott Hancock |
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08 Dec 12 - 11:21 AM (#3449248) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Dan Schatz No, Kat, I'll hold off a few more days and we can send it to her belated. More important that she get the good wishes than that they come on the day (after all, why not spread out the joy?) Besides, I should have put the date in the thread title. Dan |
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08 Dec 12 - 11:41 AM (#3449260) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Thomas Stern Best wishes to Jean Ritchie on her 90th Birthday - happiness, health and good friends! Thomas. |
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08 Dec 12 - 12:31 PM (#3449274) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Uncle Phil Happy Birthday, Jean. You are a treasure. - Phil |
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08 Dec 12 - 01:27 PM (#3449309) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Suffet Jean, Have a happy 90th birthday. And have a merry Christmas and happy New Year as well. --- Marilyn & Steve Suffet |
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08 Dec 12 - 01:40 PM (#3449314) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Carly Dear Jean, When I acquired my first dulcimer, no one I knew had even heard of such a thing, much less how to play it. Your dulcimer book, dear Jean, opened a musical world for me. I was about 11 years old. Not long after, I heard you sing, and since then, over the course of almost 50 years, I have been privileged to have heard you sing and spend time with you on several occasions. I am among thousands who have learned songs and tunes from you, keeping the music alive. You have also provided a clear and loving picture of the place from which you brought these treasures; your family and the Cumberlands. You have quietly, profoundly influenced me in many ways, as you have done for many, many others. Thank you for that. And Happy Birthday! Carly Gewirz |
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08 Dec 12 - 01:44 PM (#3449316) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: RolyH The lady is a legend - thank you |
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08 Dec 12 - 03:16 PM (#3449365) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: foggers Dear Jean Happy 90th birthday. I came to your music through a meandering route, from being an english folks singer and lover of ballads, learning about Cecil Sharp's visit to the Appalachian area and learning about the musical legacy of the Ritchie family. Finding your singing and music inspired me to learn dulcimer and inspired my partner to try his hand at building some too. You are such a gracious and generous lady; thanks so much for a lifetime of music and sharing. I hope your birthday is full of love and laughter, and music. Jane Foggin England |
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08 Dec 12 - 04:11 PM (#3449411) Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8 From: GUEST Jean, Happy, Happy Birthday! Ralph Lee Smith |
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08 Dec 12 - 04:32 PM (#3449440) Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8 From: Stringsinger Jean should be celebrated as one of the best songwriters in the country. Her songs are classics in the folk style. Blackwaters, The L.and N. Don't Stop Here Anymore, In the Cool of the Day, .........she should be the model for many folkies who write songs. They contain: 1. authenticity 2. specificity 3. important social messages 4. accessibility (anyone can learn them) 5. intelligence 6. simplicity and directness 7. singability Happy birthday Jean |
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08 Dec 12 - 05:03 PM (#3449458) Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8 From: Anne Neilson Happy birthday to a lady I've never met (but have heard and have read -- mightily inspired!). And couldn't agree more with Stringsinger! |
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08 Dec 12 - 08:50 PM (#3449569) Subject: RE: Happy Birthday kytrad-Jean Ritchie Dec 8 From: Dan Schatz I'll add these. :) D |
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08 Dec 12 - 10:42 PM (#3449571) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: katlaughing Thanks, Dan, excellent idea! |
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08 Dec 12 - 10:55 PM (#3449576) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Beer A great celebration indeed for you. Just look at all the friends you have. You are truly blessed. From Adrien in a small corner in Quebec who is also surrounded by friends like Bruce Murdoch and Topical Tom. |
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08 Dec 12 - 10:59 PM (#3449579) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: IvanB Happy birthday, Jean, from another fan. Your songs in "Celebration of Life" and "Singing Family of the Cumberlands" were some of our family's favorites in our evening singalongs. Thanks for sharing them with us and enriching our family life. Ivan |
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09 Dec 12 - 05:15 PM (#3449876) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: EBarnacle Welcome to another year and many more to come. |
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10 Jan 13 - 10:57 PM (#3464366) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Dan Schatz Well, the birthday greetings went out late, but they did go out, and Jean enjoyed them very much indeed. I'm told she read them multiple times. Thanks to the Mudcat for being such a great community! Dan |
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11 Jan 13 - 06:01 AM (#3464437) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: maeve Thanks for coordinating this birthday project, Dan. Would that I could chat with Jean once more. |
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02 Feb 13 - 02:02 AM (#3474761) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Lissa Ritchie Happy belated birthday, dear cousin! I know that we have never met, but you were a cousin to my grandfather. A few years back when I was doing family research you were so kind as to email me stories about my great grandfather and such and I am eternally grateful to you for that. It was always nice growing up sitting around the table with my father's sisters, listening to them sing. And so much more wonderful knowing where that came from. It was a Ritchie thing! Wonderful to know being a Ritchie came with more than just being ornery and stubborn! I love listening to your records. It reminds me of being a child and listening to my Aunts. Anyway, I hope you did have a wonderful birthday and a happy holiday season with your family! I think of you often and please know that you are in the prayers of all of my Ritchie aunts and the like :-) Sending my love from California ♥ Lissa Ritchie |
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02 Feb 13 - 03:55 AM (#3474769) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST I have some beautiful photos of her on my old vinyl covers |
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04 Feb 13 - 01:12 AM (#3475499) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Haruo Tell her I'm planning on including the Old Regular Baptist tune for Amazing Grace that she shared with me years back in a hymnal supplement I'm putting together for the Evergreen Region of American Baptist Churches; it's to be called Evergreen Sings and should be out in a year or so. If I had an address for Ms. Ritchie I'd send her a copy. |
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22 Jul 13 - 11:20 PM (#3540623) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: GUEST,Nick Royal I taught a folk music class in the late 1970s at UC-Santa Cruz, and Jean Ritchie and her husband, George Pickerow (sp?) spent two weeks w. the class one year. I'd like to write her a note. Is there an address for her now? Nick Royal Santa Cruz, CA July 22, 2013 |
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23 Jul 13 - 03:06 AM (#3540669) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Joe Offer Hi, Nick - Send me an e-mail and I'll make sure you get an address for Jean. -Joe Offer- joe@mudcat.org |
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23 Jul 13 - 08:21 PM (#3540998) Subject: RE: Jean Ritchie Turns 90 From: Felipa i was just telling someone about Jean tonight it was wonderful to Jean and family when they lived in Long Island so very late or very early = little over halfway point - birthday wishes to Jean |