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OBIT: Harry Oster has died

25 Jan 01 - 11:36 AM (#382216)
Subject: OBIT: Harry Oster has died
From: Mark Clark

Dr. Harry Oster, Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa, died on Friday, January 19, 2001, he was 77. Dr. Oster was a noted folklorist, author, recordist and founder of Folk Lyric records (now part of the Arhoolie catalog). Harry was also co-founder of the venerable Old Fiddlers Picnic, a festival of folk and old-timey music held near Iowa City each October and of the Iowa Friends of Old-Time Music.

Along with Richard Allen, Harry made the first recordings of Robert Pete Williams at Louisana's Angola Prison Farm and helped to secure a pardon for him that eventually allowed Williams to tour with his music.

He will be missed.

      - Mark


25 Jan 01 - 12:39 PM (#382254)
Subject: RE: Harry Oster has died
From: GUEST,Brian Hoskin

I've read and enjoyed some of his work. It's a shame to hear he's died.


26 Jan 01 - 01:47 AM (#382847)
Subject: RE: Harry Oster has died
From: Mark Clark


26 Jan 01 - 02:02 PM (#383194)
Subject: RE: Harry Oster has died
From: Liam's Brother

I am sorry to read this Mark. I bought a number of Folk-Lyric recordings as they were being issued including Robert Pete Williams, the Angola inmates and the Dominic Behan recording which was probably Dominic's best.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Robert Pete and hearing his intense singing in Berekely when I first came to California in 1965. Harry Oster did a number of great services for folk music and was a great man for it.

Dan Milner