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02 Mar 07 - 07:04 PM (#1984421) Subject: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Murray MacLeod I don't know whether this topic has been covered before on Mudcat, but personally I am in awe of musicians such as Doc Watson, who, in their eighties, still play with the same fire, fervour and finesse that they displayed in their twenties. I am trying to think of other musicians (past or present) who come into this category, but the only one I can think of at the moment is Ralph Blizard, a wonderful longbow fiddler, now sadly deceased, whom I had the privilege of meeting and hearing back in 1997. Nobody listening to him play then would ever have guessed that he had turned 80. So, who are the other musicians who have kept going into their eighties ? (and who have retained the same level of performance skill) No names, no pack drill, but I could name several names who should have hung up their instruments and retired gracefully long before they reached 60, never mind 80. Here's hoping that Doc keeps on picking going well into his nineties. |
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02 Mar 07 - 07:19 PM (#1984442) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jim Lad Buddy MacMaster comes to mind. He's probably the best example I can think of. I have met him at many gigs and have often passed him on the highways in Cape Breton when we were each heading to our respective venues. The man shows up, to work every time and is an outstanding mentor to the younger generation(s). |
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02 Mar 07 - 07:25 PM (#1984448) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Deckman This is a very good topic. |
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02 Mar 07 - 07:47 PM (#1984467) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jerry Rasmussen Joe Evans, bass singer in my quartet, and his younger friend Frankie, who sings baritone, are still going strong. Joe will be 83 in March, and Frankie 82. Joe had his heart stop and almost died a couple of weeks ago, but he didn't miss practice a couple of days later, and has performed with us twice since then. They had to use an electrical shock to get his heart going. Seems to be working fine, now. Jerry |
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02 Mar 07 - 08:31 PM (#1984487) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: lennice it is a great topic! not quite 80: Willie Nelson is creeping up on 80 and still going strong, and Johnny Cash kept going until the last minute, in his 70's, and I think some of his best stuff was towards the end. How old was Margaret McArthur? Elizabeth Cotton? Mississipi John Hurt? |
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02 Mar 07 - 08:36 PM (#1984492) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan Scottish/Canadian traditional singer Enoch Kent, who is in his mid-70s, did a splendid set at last week's Folk Alliance conference in Memphis. Fiddler and African-American string band legend Howard Armstrong was still performing well into his 90s before passing away a couple years ago. |
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02 Mar 07 - 09:37 PM (#1984540) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: DulciPicker Lonnie Austin, best known as one of Charlie Poole's fiddlers, played great fiddle and phenomenal stride piano up until a few months before his death at age 96. Lonnie didn't "play out", but loved living room sessions where he amazed everyone. Stranger Malone, who played clarinet,flute, bassoon, and string bass with everyone from the Skillet Lickers to symphony orchestras, was playing and singing great until shortly before his death (also 96). He was a fixture at the Swannanoa Gathering the last few uyears of his life, jamming with everyone from fiddlers to swing bands. When he was in his 70's, he learned to play really solid swing guitar, since he couldn't find anyone to play rhythm guitar to suit him! I've seen a number of older musicians who still play at a very high level at fiddlers' conventions. Unfortunately, some old-timers have lost a good deal of skill...Seems to be a matter of luck as much as skill and dedication. |
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02 Mar 07 - 09:38 PM (#1984541) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: wysiwyg BB King Ralph Stanley Billy Joe Shaver ~S~ |
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02 Mar 07 - 09:43 PM (#1984543) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Leadfingers Johnny Silvo still tours UK regularly - And he is well into his seventies ! And my mate John Summerville is eighty and still playing great fiddle -AND running a Ceilidh band ! |
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02 Mar 07 - 09:52 PM (#1984557) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Charley Noble Jean Ritchie is still going strong, and she's over 60. Peggy Seeger must be pushing 50 or so. And I'm well over 30! Charley Noble |
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02 Mar 07 - 09:59 PM (#1984564) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jim Lad How old is Scrump? |
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02 Mar 07 - 10:55 PM (#1984602) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Louie Roy 3 of the fiddlers I play with at least 5 times a month are over 90 and I'd put their talent up against anybody in the musical industry today.They still call me kid and I'm 82 |
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03 Mar 07 - 12:26 AM (#1984640) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: KT Faith Petric |
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03 Mar 07 - 12:30 AM (#1984641) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: katlaughing Ya beat me to it, Louie! I was going to say Mudcat's own Louie Roy! |
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03 Mar 07 - 12:32 AM (#1984643) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Elmer Fudd I'm going to hear Lonnie Brooks tomorrow night, age 73 and still ripping. |
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03 Mar 07 - 01:09 AM (#1984652) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Art Thieme Elmer Fudd, Did you get the obit/remembrance I sent you? All the best, Art |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:34 AM (#1984681) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Liz the Squeak The Freebie press this week had an article about the Fairport Convention members who, despite only being in their 60's, qualify for this thread. I can't remember names, or the whole article - I was reading it over someone's shoulder and apparently it wasn't in my newspaper, even though we had the same one! LTS |
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03 Mar 07 - 04:47 AM (#1984700) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Wolfhound person In their 70's: Johnny Handle, and more particularly, Colin Ross, still playing, and making pipes 14 years after a heart bypass. |
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03 Mar 07 - 01:14 PM (#1985057) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: The Sandman elizabeth cotten was still playing inher 90,s as was etta baker,and junior crehan,paddy cronin is still going well too,loius killen and hughie jones as well. |
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03 Mar 07 - 01:28 PM (#1985064) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Bill D Pete Seeger ain't exactly a spring chicken any more...he still does ok, when he chooses to. |
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03 Mar 07 - 01:31 PM (#1985066) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: gnu Bob... you got that right.... excellent thread! |
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03 Mar 07 - 01:35 PM (#1985072) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Tootler Saw Tom Paxton recently at the Sage Gateshead. He was in as good a form as ever and must be well into his 70s |
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03 Mar 07 - 02:53 PM (#1985125) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Murray MacLeod Liz, I have to take you to task there, being in your sixties does not qualify you for inclusion in this thread. Jeez, I am in my sixties (just ) and no way do I consider myself an oldtimer. I just hope I can play guitar like Doc when I am eighty ... |
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03 Mar 07 - 02:56 PM (#1985126) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Murray MacLeod btw, when I say " I am in my sixties (just)", I mean I am just recently out of my fifties, not that I am imminently approaching my seventies .... |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:05 PM (#1985134) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Murray MacLeod and how could I have forgotten the late Stephane Grappelli, who still still displayed a phenomenal command of his instrument well into his eighties. ( this thread is also for oldtimers who have departed, btw ) |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:12 PM (#1985141) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: BlueJay Vassar Clements, who I saw perform with "Old and in the Gray", about five years ago. Whatta show. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:13 PM (#1985142) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jean(eanjay) Fred Jordan |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:17 PM (#1985148) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jean(eanjay) Bo Diddley will be 80 next year and he is still going strong. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:21 PM (#1985153) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST Louis Killen will be at the Sea Music Festival in Mystic in June. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:27 PM (#1985158) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Ebbie Ray Price, country and honky tonk singer, born in 1926 and still touring. A friend of mine saw him perform recently and said that he's in great voice. Kitty Wells, born 1919. I don't know how active she is in music these days but not long ago I saw her in a video and she still had that distinctive sound. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:29 PM (#1985162) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Guest Les Paul still is performing. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM (#1985165) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jean(eanjay) It's just dawned on me that you asked for musicians and Fred Jordan sang unaccompanied. |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:49 PM (#1985177) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Little Robyn Charley Noble said Jean Ritchie is still going strong, and she's over 60. Peggy Seeger must be pushing 50 or so. And I'm well over 30! Charley Noble Wow, time travel. Did you write that 10 or 15 years ago Charley? If people in their 60s don't qualify, that's me out. Robyn |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:50 PM (#1985180) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Bill D I just saw Martin Carthy last night....he is 'only' 66, but he has energy I was I had... |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:51 PM (#1985181) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Little Robyn And don't forget Peggy and Pete's brother Mike Seeger. I'm sure he's still performing and he must be getting close to 70. Robyn |
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03 Mar 07 - 03:57 PM (#1985184) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: frogprince Outside the "folk" realm, I saw Eubie Blake playing killer ragtime piano on TV well along in his 90's. He finally quit when he died, though. On his 100th, someone asked him how it felt like to be 100. Approximate quote: Like I'm 35, but something is terribly wrong with me. |
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03 Mar 07 - 04:24 PM (#1985191) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: kendall Tom Paxton is only 67. And, I'll have you know that I'm not a man my age! |
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03 Mar 07 - 04:26 PM (#1985192) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: kendall Sandy Paton, 75 Gordon Bok, 67 |
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03 Mar 07 - 05:26 PM (#1985232) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Charley Noble Robyn et al- Well, I was actually born in 1942, according to my mother, but I'm still less than mature. And I'm willing to give Jean Ritchie and Peggy Seeger the benefit of the doubt as well. Has anyone mentioned Ramblin' Jack Elliot? He's about 120 and still performing. Stan Hugel was still belting out shanties in his 90's, and slugging down rum as well. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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03 Mar 07 - 07:29 PM (#1985335) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) If us oldtimers didn't keep on singing, how would the little kids learn from their grandmas & grandpas? Charley, I can't be coy about my age anymore, not since my old book (SINGING FAMILY OF THE CUMBERLANDS) was first printed- and is still in print at U.Press of KY- The first sentence is, "I was born in Viper, Kentucky...on the eighth day of December, 1922..." I am enjoying my twilight years, singing and traveling when I feel like doing it, enjoying all the old and new music surrounding, and Lord! What a host of memories keep me company in the quiet hours! |
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03 Mar 07 - 07:48 PM (#1985348) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: RangerSteve Wade Mainer is still alive, I think. I saw him sometime in the early '80's, and he sounded like his original recordings, made in the 1930's. |
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03 Mar 07 - 07:55 PM (#1985355) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: DADGBE Lee Hayes used to say, "I'm not as young as I used to be and, furthermore, I never was!" |
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03 Mar 07 - 08:10 PM (#1985367) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: pdq Bascom Lamar Lunsford as born in 1882 but was still playing and teaching in the mid 1960s. (d. 1973) |
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03 Mar 07 - 09:01 PM (#1985401) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Alice Ibrahim Ferrer of the Buena Vista Social Club. died in 2005 From Wikipedia bio, he was born at a dance (1927) and his mother died when he was 12, forcing him to busk in the streets to earn money. |
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03 Mar 07 - 09:11 PM (#1985408) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Beer Good thread but a tough one to answer. Where does Old Age begin? Would Kris Kristofferson consider himself as being old at 70? I think that is his age. What about Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings? Beer (adrien) |
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03 Mar 07 - 09:39 PM (#1985426) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Midchuck Has anyone mentioned Ramblin' Jack Elliot? He's about 120 and still performing. I got the impression that he was only in his 70s, probably. It's his liver that's 120. Peter. |
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03 Mar 07 - 09:47 PM (#1985432) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Deckman The late David Spence used to say: "I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was!" CHEERS, Bob |
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03 Mar 07 - 10:10 PM (#1985448) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Ref Bruce "Utah" Phillips? And above, I think you've got Peggy and Mike Seeger reversed. I believe Mike's the youngest. |
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03 Mar 07 - 11:04 PM (#1985472) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: pdq Pete Seeger was born in 1919, son of ethnomusicologist Charles Seeger. Seeger re-married and, with the help of his new wife Ruth Crawford, produced four more children. Mike was born in 1933, Peggy in 1935. I believe (not sure) Penny was next (Married John Cohen, produced Sonja Cohen) followed by Priscilla. Priscilla chose not to be active in folk music. Penny passed away in the 1990s. |
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03 Mar 07 - 11:53 PM (#1985490) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: open mike i just saw ralph stanley last week!! he just had his 80th birthday Tom Paley. another original member of the New Lost City Ramblers is still touring and performing. How about Kenny Hall? Glenn Ohrlin performs these days too. of course Utah Phillips and Ramblin' Jack are also active still |
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04 Mar 07 - 01:17 AM (#1985531) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Joybell Australian Smokey Dawson is 93 and still singing. (Ramblin' Jack Elliot is 76) Cheers, Joy |
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04 Mar 07 - 03:44 AM (#1985557) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Elmer Fudd Art Thieme, No, I didn't receive it. Oh dear. I will call you. Elmer |
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04 Mar 07 - 03:44 AM (#1985558) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Roger the Skiffler Pinetop Perkins performed into his 90s as well, Othar Turner seemed to go on for ever. Humphrey Lytelton is still blowing as well as ever at 85. Sadly, George Melly is still performing but not very well now, at 80. Most of the jazz heroes of my youth are in their 70s, many still performing. RtS (approaching 60 - but from the wrong direction) |
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04 Mar 07 - 03:50 AM (#1985559) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Jim Lad Funny you should say that, Roger: At 76, my father-in-law is one of the younger members of the Bastion Jazz Band in Victoria, BC. They play every Sunday night at The Blethering Place and I was going to hear them long before I met his daughter. |
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04 Mar 07 - 05:01 AM (#1985576) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Little Robyn Has anyone mentioned Packie Byrne? And in the Seeger family, what about Barbara? She sang on the Folkways record FA2005. Robyn |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:14 AM (#1985647) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: kendall Utah is younger than I.But not much. |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:16 AM (#1985649) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Deckman And ... Paddy Graber, from the Vancouver, Canada area. Bob (He just recorded his first CD about 3 (?) years ago) |
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04 Mar 07 - 08:32 AM (#1985678) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: SouthernCelt How about Ian Tyson and Gordon Lightfoot? Both are into their 70s now and the last time I checked schedules, still had a lot of shows lined up. SC |
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04 Mar 07 - 08:40 AM (#1985685) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: wysiwyg I notice Jerry Rasmussen mentions his band mates' ages, and not his own-- but don't be fooled by the white hair and long line of great folksongs. Jerry is actually a spring chicken! :~) ~Susan |
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04 Mar 07 - 09:05 AM (#1985706) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: mrmoe Tony Bennet comes to mind.....and Bear Acker..... |
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04 Mar 07 - 02:12 PM (#1986021) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: pdq corrections Yes, Barbara Seeger makes five children for Ruth Crawford and Charles Seeger to go with half-brother Pete. Barbara is also on "Animal Folk Songs for Children". Also, Penny's daughter's name is spelled Sonya Cohen. |
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04 Mar 07 - 04:50 PM (#1986163) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: vlmagee Lightfoot is "only" 68. Another who comes to mind is Oscar Brand. He is 87, and is still performing and hosting his decades old radio show in NYC. I saw him perform in January, 2005. The man is amazing. He has the energy and voice of someone much younger than he is. Perhaps folk music keeps you young? |
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04 Mar 07 - 05:39 PM (#1986208) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Stringsinger Y'all only mentioned the "folk stars". There are a whole lot of folks who are actively performing into their 70's and 80's, some make 90. They don't make the cover of Sing Out! or show up on Mudcat but their contributions are just as viable as the "stars". How 'bout my friend Sam Hinton? He still plays a mean harmonica in his late eighties. Burl Ives did his vocal excercises every morning 'til the time he left the planet. Unfortunately, many are like Joe "King" Oliver who die in obscurity after a lustrous career. One thing about musicians, if they take care of themselves, the music keeps them young. Frank |
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04 Mar 07 - 06:51 PM (#1986280) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Russ Joe Thompson (NC), Marvin Gaster (ND), Lester McCumbers (WV) |
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04 Mar 07 - 07:03 PM (#1986289) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: greg stephens An excellent thread. it is making me feel remarkably young! |
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04 Mar 07 - 09:18 PM (#1986412) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Effsee How about the late Compay Segundo, still in harness when he passed on at 93 IIRC? |
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04 Mar 07 - 09:33 PM (#1986427) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Charley Noble Wasn't it Si Kahn who wrote the song "People Like You Help People Like Me Go On"? The song may have some relevance to this thread. Now Bill Morrisey sounded like he was in his 70's when he was in his 30's! Since then he's made up for lost time. ;~) Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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04 Mar 07 - 11:06 PM (#1986491) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: iancarterb Louis Killen is a spring chicken of 74. Rosalie Sorrels a mere 75. No one in their 60s wants 70s to be OLD! and it's not. Stoppped enjoying life is old. We all know 40 year olds like that. |
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05 Mar 07 - 04:45 AM (#1986623) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Waddon Pete We should aslo make mention of the Rev. Ken Loveless. He was a very accomplished concertina player and champion of Morris Dancing in England. He also had a tremendous singing voice. He was at the core of the morris dancing movement for many years and had the honour of holding the concertina that once belonged to Bill Kimber of Headington. I can see him now with his cap, pipe and concertina playing as part of the Broadstairs Folk Show! Best wishes, Peter |
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05 Mar 07 - 07:55 AM (#1986745) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: nickp Guest Russ's mention of Joe Thompson prompts me to add old time fiddler Benton Flippen. |
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05 Mar 07 - 08:07 AM (#1986758) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GLoux I saw Stephane Grappelli a couple of times in his eighties and he was amazing... Marvin Gaster is from NC, by the way, Russ (I know you know that). -Greg |
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05 Mar 07 - 11:06 AM (#1986981) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Fidjit Okay, I'll come clean. I'm a 1933 model July YDD. (work that out for yourselves.) Although I'll be at Miskin unofficially this Easter, I'll still be giving it a go. I O.D'd my voice there last year so plan to take it easier this time. Even pay for my ticket!! I sing, Pete Seegers, "Get up and go" as often as I can. 'Cos I like to remember where my get up and go has been. Thinking of a little tour round the English club sceene in 2008. When I get to a serios number. Better book me whilst I can still do something. Chas http://chasclark.net |
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05 Mar 07 - 01:43 PM (#1987200) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Seamus Kennedy Tommy Makem. |
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05 Mar 07 - 01:48 PM (#1987204) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST Hughie Jones, in his 70's I believe |
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05 Mar 07 - 01:57 PM (#1987225) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: dick greenhaus When you reach that age, what in hell else do you have to do? (been there, doing that) |
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06 Mar 07 - 01:40 AM (#1987788) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Bugsy Derek Brimstone must be pushing 74 this year. Cheers Bugsy |
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16 Mar 07 - 12:44 PM (#1998738) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Kevin L Rietmann Andy Conroy lived to 88, and was an uilleann piping bricklayer who took up karate in his 80s, to fend off muggers, natch. I'm leaving out a few details, though. "Andy Conroy, Master piper, composer, former flute and whistle player, bricklayer (retired), musical, local and social historian, commentator, wrestler, boxer, weight lifter and Karate practitioner, is unquestionably an outstanding contributor to the social and cultural life of this country." Very witty too. Here is an example of his inimitable playing of the reel Boys of Ballisodare. RIP. Apt that I came across this thread on St. Patrick's Day. |
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16 Mar 07 - 12:46 PM (#1998739) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Kevin L Rietmann That reel was recorded the year before he died, also. He's playing the chanter of the set which the famous vaudeville piper Patsy Touhey used. |
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16 Mar 07 - 01:20 PM (#1998772) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Mark Ross John "The Yank" Harrington, born 1903(I think). Died 2004. Started playing the button accordian when he was 7, learned from his Irish immigrant parents. Kept playing until the end. Mark Ross |
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16 Mar 07 - 05:44 PM (#1999024) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: GUEST,Stooball Mose Allison |
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16 Mar 07 - 06:18 PM (#1999052) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: BanjoRay I was playing with Tom Paley in a London session a week ago - he's still as young as he ever was, with a fine fiddle style and a great sense of humour. Ray |
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16 Mar 07 - 08:15 PM (#1999162) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Greg H Ukulele player Bill Tapia is 99 and still doing gigs. |
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16 Mar 07 - 09:45 PM (#1999213) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Bert Melanie is still going strong but she's still a young 'un at 60. |
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16 Mar 07 - 11:13 PM (#1999253) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: PoppaGator Some of the most amazing stories, to me, are those of the oldtimers who were "rediscovered" in the '60s and began their real careers, in the big-time limelight for the first time after lifetimes of obscurity, at fairly advanced ages: Libba Cotten, John Hurt, Skip James, all those other blues characters, and then the whole country contingent, Bascom Lunsford, the Stanley Brothers, etc. In many cases, these musicians were notable enough in their youth to record a few sides just before the Depression hit and sent them back to the farms and factories, and they (presumably) kept up their chops as complete amateurs for decades and decades until some young kids who had heard their long-forgotten recordings suddenly showed up, heaped adulation upon them, and brought them to the big city for a long belated helping of fame and fortune. What great, true stories! I know this happened over and over again in the US in the mid-60s. I know they had the Depression on the other side of the ocean, and similar folk revivals also occurred much later and roughly simultaeously, too. So I have to wonder if there are similar stories in the folk-scene histories across the pond... |
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17 Mar 07 - 10:13 PM (#1999904) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Folkie101 PoppaGator, it's good to see you are still around! :) Odetta, Joan Baez and Judy Collins are still going at it! |
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18 Mar 07 - 01:59 AM (#1999956) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Genie I can't count people like Joan Baez, Paul McCartney, and Barbra Streisand as "old," since they're all approximately my age. ;D But a few who are at least a few (5 to 15) years older than I and still going strong are Miriam Makeba, Leondard Cohen, Eartha Kitt, Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne (I think Lena's still singing). Of course, Chet Atkins kept on playing that guitar (amazingly) right up to the end, and wasn't he about 80 when he went to join that angel band? Wasn't Marijohn Wilkinson (sp?) over 80 when she passed away, not long ago, and wasn't she still active in music till then? |
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18 Mar 07 - 09:18 AM (#2000123) Subject: RE: Oldtimers who just keep on keeping on From: Midchuck Genie said: I can't count people like Joan Baez, Paul McCartney, and Barbra Streisand as "old," since they're all approximately my age. Me too. I'm actually in between Joanie and Mr. Zimmerman. Scary thing is, Muhammed Ali is the same age as all of us - in years, anyway. Peter. |