I just read an announcement on the FOLKDJ-L that singer/songwriter Keith Pitzer has died of cancer. Keith, who most recently recorded with his wife Joan, was dedicated to the Appalachian region and recorded for Falling Mountain Music. He was Executive Director of Friends of the Cheat, an organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the Cheat River watershed. The family is asking those who wish to honor Keith to donate to this organization.
I looked for a formal obituary but could not find one.
There will be a public celebration ceremony honoring Keith’s life sometime this spring, according to the announcement. No date has been set.
Seminal folk archivist and performer Bess Lomax Hawes has died at age 88. Bess Lomax Hawes is probably best known to casual folk fans as the cowriter of the classic tune “The MTA Song,” but her involvement in folk music represented so much more. Peter Dreier submitted a fine remembrance to Huffington Post for those who would like to learn more about a woman who lived a remarkable life.
19-year-old folk musician Taylor Mitchell, nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category, died after being attacked by coyotes at Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
I just received this press release from MC Records:
With heavy hearts M.C. Records announces the death of Gospel legend Marie Knight. She died in New York City on August 30 due to complications from Pneumonia. Marie first came to prominence in 1946 when she met and started working with Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Together they would be one of the most popular gospel artists of the 1940′s and make music history through a string of gospel hits including “Didn’t It Rain,” “Up Above My Head,” and the gorgeous “Beams of Heaven.” Marie Knight and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would tour frequently together through the 1950′s. In the 1960′s Marie had several R&B hits, but in 1970′s Marie rededicated herself to Gospel music and became a minister at the Gates of Prayer Church in New York City.
Marie Knight’s recent comeback began in 2002 when producer and M.C. Records owner Mark Carpentieri invited Marie to record on Shout Sister Shout Sister, A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Mark recalls the phone call. “Gayle Wald who was writing the liner notes for the project asked me if I had contacted Marie Knight about participating in the project. I didn’t know she was still alive! I called Marie and she sounded so vibrant that I arranged studio time and we’ve been working together ever since.”
After the release of Shout Sister Shout Sister, A Tribute To Sister Rosetta Tharpe (MC-0050) tour work came in regularly for Marie Knight. In 2007 Mark Carpentieri put together Marie Knight’s first full length album in over 25 years, Let Us Get Toegther. The project was a tribute to Rev. Gary Davis and was co-produced with Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Ollabelle Levon Helm). The record was a critical success with great reviews from The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer and many more.
You can listen to a live recorded concert featuring Marie via The Woodsongs Radio Hour recorded in February 2008, http://www.woodsongs.com/showlist.asp and click on show number 470.
Mike Seeger, longtime advocate for and performer of old-time music, has died. Lots of other obituaries will give you reminiscences of his graciousness and performing skills. I never encountered Mike Seeger personally, or saw him perform, and sadly, I never will.
Folk legend Odetta has died at age 77.   Odetta has been a leading voice in folk musif cofr over 5 decades. Odetta had a powerful voice and presence, as well as a passion for bringing traditional African-American music to the people. She had a great influence in the struggle for civil rights, having sung at the March on Washington and other major civil rights events, and is credited as having influenced Bob Dylan to take up folk singing.
Some reminders below of Odetta’s greatness, courtesy of Youtube
“Midnight Special” at Woodsongs in 2005:
On the Tennessee Ernie Ford Show – “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
