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26 Feb 07 - 01:29 PM (#1979989) Subject: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: Mary Katherine From Mark Spoelastra's son Joshua: Dear Friends, Today my father passed away here in his lovely but modest home in the Sierra Foothills of California. There was snow on the ground and we could see the trees which surround the house like sentinels sway with the force of another approaching storm. We held him as he left us and I know he had no fear and felt no pain, and even though his life was cut short he found the strength to remind each of us that he loved us. I will miss him greatly. Regretfully, Joshua Spoelstra I apologize to any and all who would have liked to know but were not notified as to the worsening state of my fathers health, I was only able to notify a few of you last week with the following note: /I am writing to you on my fathers' behalf he has become gravely ill and because of this he has been admitted to the Hospital. Soon we will be bringing him home for Hospice care. What we thought was back pain from years of guitar playing and driving was miss-diagnosed and the cancer spread from his pancreas to his liver and lungs, it has moved very rapidly. / /This disease has affected so many people that we have known and loved over the years and we are humbled by their shared pain and suffering. As our family comes together over our fathers' illness we find him constantly in our hearts, remembrances and prayers just as we hope Mark will be in yours in the coming days./ // /Warmest Regards,/ /Joshua Spoelstra/ http://www.markspoelstra.net |
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26 Feb 07 - 01:37 PM (#1979999) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: Bill D wow...so sudden! All best wishes to his family and friends. |
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26 Feb 07 - 01:58 PM (#1980008) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: Wesley S A sad day. Another great performer has left us. |
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26 Feb 07 - 02:02 PM (#1980010) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: Peace Rest well, Mark. He was a wonderful musician. "Mark began taking guitar lessons at age eleven in El Monte, California. He was thirteen years old when this shy songwriter to be, played his first professional gig with a pick-up band, which involved reading sheet music from a Hawaiian songbook with a slide guitar on his lap. It was at someone's house in San Marino, California alongside their big swimming pool and lavish Luau. But during the following five years his musical tastes drifted to Jug Band music. This led to his memorable second and third professional gigs with the "Mound City Blue Blowers"; a debutant's ball in Pasadena California, then on to the Ashgrove, a folk nightclub in Hollywood, as an opening act for the blues duo, Brownie McGee and Blind Sonny Terry. But wanderlust and new experiences soon led him to Berkeley, then on to New York City where Mark landed his first recording contract with Moses Asch and Folkways Records. The same two albums are now available on CD's with Smithsonian Folkways. A single, not on either albums, was recorded and became a hit in Canada. It is entitled, "Walkin' 'Round town" with "Mark and the Two Timers." Mark went on to play various clubs, folk festivals and concerts including Newport, Big Sur, Carnegie Hall Hootenanny; and to tour both coasts, Europe and Canada. But he says, "something was missing. I couldn't see myself living on the road and raising a family. And I really wanted a family." Nevertheless, while settling down, Mark went on to record two albums for Elektra Records, one for Columbia, and one for Fantasy. Two albums were recorded and never released; one for Kicking Mule Records, and a self produced album recorded in Nashville of traditional Gospel tunes. An album of original gospel songs was released, sold out, and is soon to be repackaged and sold at Mark's concerts. It is entitled, "Gospel Trucker." Sixteen day jobs later Mark can look at his children and grandchildren and say that it was well worth it. He couldn't have been on the road and been their for his family too. But now "the road" beckons again and Mark sees the opportunity as a gift. "Now I have no need to compete to be recognized; now I can just enjoy playing and singing. I am fortunate that I can still do it and have fun doing it." In the early days, Mark usually had just one guitar. It was sometimes a 12 string and sometimes a six. Now he plays three: An old rosewood Gianinni 12-string tuned to open G down to C#; a brand new Gibson 12-string tuned standard down to C#; and a Guild D-30 tuned regular and to pitch. Mark is now retired from day jobs and is songwriting full time." The bio is from his site, but I think current only to 2005. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. |
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26 Feb 07 - 03:04 PM (#1980075) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: WFDU - Ron Olesko He was an amazing guitarist and a great songwriter. While he was a staple on the folk scene during the early sixties, but "fame" eluded him. He eventually left the music business, embraced religion and became a minister, and he held a variety of jobs to support his family. In 2001 he had a "comeback" CD that was brilliant - State of Mind. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark at the time of it's release, and I will rebroadcast that interview in his memory this weekend on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS - Sunday at 3pm ET. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a an artist that more people should have known. Ron www.ronolesko.blogspot.com |
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26 Feb 07 - 03:10 PM (#1980086) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: bobad Very sad news, another good one gone, thanks for the music Mark and my condolences to all those who knew and loved you. |
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26 Feb 07 - 03:20 PM (#1980103) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: fat B****rd what sad news.My sympathies to his family and friends. |
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26 Feb 07 - 04:26 PM (#1980169) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: Phil Cooper RIP, Mark. No one could play the 12 string like him. |
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26 Feb 07 - 04:33 PM (#1980184) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: WFDU - Ron Olesko correction - Mark's last CD was "Out of My Hands", not "State of Mind". |
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26 Feb 07 - 05:55 PM (#1980256) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: johnross Another good man done gone. Ron, is it fair to say thar Mark "embraced religion" after he left the music business? It's my memory (correct me if I'm mistaken) that he was a conscientious objector doing alternative service during the years of his peak popularity as a singer. This would suggest that he had been observant in his religion before he left the music business. |
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26 Feb 07 - 06:32 PM (#1980301) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) Another regretful farewell to a fine person I never knew but whose music I much admire and respect. Joining the many who celebrate his life and work. Jean Ritchie |
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26 Feb 07 - 06:36 PM (#1980311) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Mark Spoelstra was a major influence on guitarists the world over. It is so sad to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered... bob |
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26 Feb 07 - 07:00 PM (#1980331) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: WFDU - Ron Olesko John, he did become a minister of music with a church in California after he left the music business. You are correct, he was a conscientious objector and did alternative service to meet his obligation. |
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26 Feb 07 - 07:25 PM (#1980357) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: GUEST,Greycap My deepest sympathies - he was one of my inspirations when I first recognised the musical direction I needed and a driving instructor. We never met, 4000 miles separated us but we were joined at the guitar. |
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27 Feb 07 - 06:39 AM (#1980624) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: Bonnie Shaljean I always loved his music, and am so sad to hear of his loss. Josh, he brightened up a lot of people's lives. R.I.P. Bonnie in Ireland |
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27 Feb 07 - 08:22 AM (#1980697) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Frank Sellors I loved Mark's music. I remember buying his classic album " 5 and 20 Questions" back in the mid-60s. The music was great, and the album cover depicting Mark, with guitar in hand, walking down a dusty road really caught my young imagination. I wrote to Mark a few years' back and got a lovely reply - which, of course, I'll always treasure. |
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27 Feb 07 - 10:08 AM (#1980767) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: Mark Ross I am going to sit down, pull out my 12 string and play JESSE'S JUMP one more time, what a loss. I never knew him, but listened to his albums a lot 40 years ago. |
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27 Feb 07 - 04:34 PM (#1981117) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Tunesmith I listened to Mark's recordings a lot in the 60s, and I used to perform a number of his songs at my local folk music club in Liverpool,UK. I recently purchased the re-issue of "Five and Twenty Questions", and it still sounds terrific. He was a very special artist. I never met him - but I'm going to miss him. |
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27 Feb 07 - 04:49 PM (#1981136) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Cary Ginell Just a note: Mark's comeback CD was "Out of My Hands," not "State of Mind." I co-produced "Out of My Hands" for my label, Origin Jazz Library. I last saw Mark a few months ago at a gig he was playing in Altadena, California. It was an old-fashioned coffeehouse, sure to bring back many memories for Mark. Although only a handful of people came to see the show, Mark had a great time. His only worries were financial ones. He told me he was happy doing what he loved to do and that he was proud of his grandchildren. Cary Ginell Origin Jazz Library www.originjazz.com Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 26 Feb 07 - 03:04 PM He was an amazing guitarist and a great songwriter. While he was a staple on the folk scene during the early sixties, but "fame" eluded him. He eventually left the music business, embraced religion and became a minister, and he held a variety of jobs to support his family. In 2001 he had a "comeback" CD that was brilliant - State of Mind. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark at the time of it's release, and I will rebroadcast that interview in his memory this weekend on WFDU-FM's TRADITIONS - Sunday at 3pm ET. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a an artist that more people should have known. Ron www.ronolesko.blogspot.com |
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27 Feb 07 - 05:17 PM (#1981162) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Thanks Cary. I did make a correction earlier - "State of Mind" was one of Mark's albums from the 1960's. You really did a superb job producing "Out of My Hands". It is one of my favorite CD's of recent years. I wish Mark had more opportunities to record, he had such a wonderful touch and a refreshing point of view. He will really be missed. |
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27 Feb 07 - 06:57 PM (#1981266) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Richard Ludmerer I only corresponded with Mark Spoelstra via email, but I had the pleasure of reviewing his "Out of My Hands" cd for both Folkwax and Blueswax, where it was a featured article. When I was a youngster Mark Spoelstra's music helped shaped my musical tastes. I will miss Mark and his music will live on, but I wish more people could have heard him. Here is a link to that review, I'm sure that those who are reading this were as effected as him as I was. http://www.nybluesandjazz.org/reviews/mspoelstra.htm |
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28 Feb 07 - 09:47 AM (#1981754) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,GUEST,Kiyohide Kunizaki I am listening to his music from 1960s. I correspond with Mark Spoelstra via e-mail from Tokyo. www.tokyofolklorecenter.com |
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28 Feb 07 - 09:59 AM (#1981762) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Kiyohide Kunizaki I am very sad. |
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28 Feb 07 - 12:43 PM (#1981927) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Joshua Spoelstra Thanks to all who have taken the time to acknowledge my fathers work and spirit. It is comforting to know that so many people came to know him in the way that we were accustomed. We are putting together final arrangements for a memorial service this Saturday, (March 3rd, 2007) at 1:00 p.m. near my fathers' home in Pioneer, CA. The Sierra Baptist Church (28355 Buckhorn Ridge Rd. just off HWY 88) has graciously offered us their sanctuary for the memorial and we are going to have some of Dad's friends speak, and if we are lucky play a little music. We would love to see as many of Dads' friends who would like to remember him please spread the word to anyone we have been unable to notify directly. Today I received this article written by Brian McCoy a friend of Dads who is an editor at our local paper. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070228/A_NEWS/702280325 |
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28 Feb 07 - 03:00 PM (#1982056) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Brian Smith Mark was a great guy and an amazing guitarist. He was also a good friend of many of us in Yosemite and we will miss him. So sad... |
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01 Mar 07 - 04:52 PM (#1983203) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,David Reinstein Mark's music played a tremendous role in my development as a person - and as a musician. I am saddened to hear of his death and feel, frankly, foolish that I just recently sent a note to him at his address asking if he ever had his lyrics published anywhere. (I am learning the 12-string and want to use his old stylings as a place to begin.) Knowing, now, of his death , I am embarrassed at having sent such a trivial question on or about the day he died. Although we never met, I always felt that He Was A Friend Of Mine. With the best of memories and best wishes to his family and loved ones, I am most sincerely, David |
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05 Mar 07 - 12:22 AM (#1986533) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST I knew Mark, we shared a few years together as man and wife. I have not spoken with him in more than thirty years... but will never forget the time we had together. He must have been a wonderful father and grandfather, he was such a gentle soul. My heart goes out to his family for their very great loss. Kathleen |
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21 Apr 10 - 11:41 PM (#2891813) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Joley I hope this gets to Joshua more than 3 years later... I was 5 or 6 years old, I think, when a new record album showed up at my granny's house called "Somehow I Always Knew." I memorized big hunks of Scripture because of those straight-out-of-the-Bible lyrics, and I still can sing the guitar licks to the note even though I grew up on piano. Wish I would have thought to tell Mark what a musical and devotional Christian life he inspired me to live. Far from perfect, but joyfully forgiven. And fun as a songwriter and performer! Many surprise blessings even now to you who knew Mark Spoelstra well, Joley |
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24 Aug 11 - 01:28 AM (#3211834) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (Feb 2007) From: GUEST,Jon Adams I did get to sing at Mark's celebration in the snow. Utah Phillip's Hymn Song. I believe if I lived my life again I'd still be here with you. Earl Crabb was there. Glad to read responses from Jean Ritchie & Kathy, among others. Mark left his imprint behind, in his musical footprints. |
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18 Jul 12 - 10:12 AM (#3378288) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (1940-2007) From: GUEST Phil Fitz I have been playing and listening to Mark's songs from his first two albums for over forty years. We last corrsponded by email in 2006. Now 7/18/12 I learn he no longer makes music here. I am sad. If anyone has the chords/tab for his ealr songs please send to me at bgaldoflife@yahoo.com |
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03 Sep 12 - 09:36 AM (#3399441) Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Spoelstra RIP (1940-2007) From: GUEST,Marty Cantor Five years later, yesterday, I came across a site announcing Mark's death. I am devastated by the news; for, even though I have been off and on searching for Mark for some time, this is the first I have heard of his passing. See, I knew Mark whilst he still lived with his parents in Arcadia, California - and I remember the day when he announced to me that he was going to move in with me. Which he did - and we did some guitar playing together. Indeed, I still have Mark's first 12-string. Further into the 1950s we played jug band music with a variety of friends. And, after I opened my tobacco shop in Fresno, lo and behold, not too long after that, Mark shows up as he was doing his Alternative Service in that town. I once did visit him when he was living in the northern part of the Napa Valley, but we eventually drifted out of touch. I certainly did not want to see news like this as my first news of Mark in 50 years. I hope that this belated missive gets to his family, letting them know that I have been missing him for decades and that, at one time, he was one of my dearest friends and boon companion. - Marty Cantor martyhoohah (at) sbcglobal (dot) net |