Monday, May 26, 2008





9 comments:

sassypants said...

I grew up on Nile Street. Back is the day, I'd see Utah on many occasion on my walks down to the park...and little league games as a kid. I grew up with Nick and Brendan. Didn't realize how exceptional it was to know this character until I left NC and got into Folks music as I was older.

My thoughts are with you all. Please express my regards to Brendan and Nick especially. I'll continue to wear my "U. Utah Phillips for President" button with pride!

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences to all. Utah's music was one of those changing moments for me (going back to the days of KFAT for those who remember the station), and I was privileged to eventually meet him in person once when he updated his IWW dues about 10 years ago. Travel in peace, fellow worker.

Rattlebone said...

Deepest sympathy to Utah's family and all who loved him. May our grandchildren carry his name in their lifes efforts for peace and justice.

Ride the Wind Utah!

Anonymous said...

It's been thirty years I've listened to Utah singing his songs and telling his yarns. Somehow it seems too short. He's helped make me who I am, and I thank him.

JT

Baruch said...

My condolences to Utah's family and friends. I will feature him on my next radio show. What a person! I met Utah a few times in Vermont in the 1970's when I was a free-school kid and he did some benefits for us with Rosalie Sorrels. The school was connected to Philo Records where Utah had his caboose, so there was a sort of extended family feeling. Utah was friendly and real and sang/told great stories. Thank you Utah for walking your talk.

Hobocamp Crafts said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I met him once, but was a little too star struck by him to say much! He was a great inspiration to me. I was just introducing my husband to his music and will continue to do so. A One-of-a-kind individual- the world won't be the same.
peace be with him and his family~

Anonymous said...

Sunday's paper had half a page on Dick Martin (of Rowan and Martin) and waaaay down in the corner, "Bruce Phillips." Utah, an American treasure that America didn't know it had. I still carry around one of the Aschroft-inspired "Spy" buttons he handed out at the Boston Folk Festival a few years back (next to the UFW one).

"Looking back, along the road I've traveled
All the miles could tell a million tales . . . "

The did, and so did Utah; who knows how many learned about Dorothy Day through him?

Peace to beautiful Nevada City. And Hallelujah for Utah Phillips.
JB (a New England westerner)

Anonymous said...

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Utah Phillips at Strawberry Music Festival last year. He was the highlight of the Festival for many of us and my claim to fame is the photos of Utah with his arm around my shoulders. He was a larger than life figure that magical weekend and one, for many different reasons will not soon be forgotten. Bless you kind sir.

Jeff,
Newhall CA

Anonymous said...

The summer I turned 13 years old, I was "drafted" by a family friend to be a volunteer in the Folklife Festival at Expo '74, in Spokane, WA. Utah was such a huge part of that summer! I and several of my friends would hang around whenever he sang or told stories, just soaking up the tradition...OUR tradition..OUR heritage. I learned of his death only yesterday, and I just want to say: Utah, thank you. Thank you so much. Your stories...your songs...they left such a mark on my life. I found my voice that summer. Your songs and stories made me laugh and they made me cry. Most of all, they taught me that one voice, at the right place and the right time, can change the world...or, at the very least, the life of another human being.