loss and sadness

I found out that U Utah Phillips died yesterday. If you don't know who he was you don't know what you missed. A story teller and fine folk singer and song writer and a wonderful man. I remember when I was young at fox hollow 2 things he did. He wrote a song because he was playing on children's day one year called the child liberation song, I don't think he ever sang it except for at fox hollow, but I have made it part of my folk song list that I play from. the other thing he did that is forever in my mind is when from the stage at fox hollow folk fest he announced the resignation of Nixon as president. " this is the first time I have seen a sinking ship deserts the rat. I have the comment on tape if you don't believe me. I had the chance to hire him for the Hampshire college folk fest in the late 70's and have fond memories of him at other shows I did sound for. 73 is too young to die and we have lost so many of our great folk voices too young. If you remember their songs they can go on forever. The golden voice of the great southwest may be silent but in my heart he will live with me.