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JOHN WILLIAM
BALDRY - January 12, 1941 - July 21, 2005 - |
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A
Message from the Premier - Long John Baldry -he
was a living legend,
a man who significantly influenced the world of
music internationally for several decades. His
voice carried the sounds of blues, rock, pop, folk
and jazz, and his musical tree included the likes
of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Elton John, Rod
Stewart and many others across the spectrum of
musical voices. Long John Baldry -- he was a
living legend. He was an inspiration, a leader and
a role model to all those involved in music and to
the listening audiences. He lived in Canada for
the past 25 years, most recently in Vancouver, and
we all mourn his loss as we remember his
significant and influential contributions. May he
rest in peace. Sincerely,
-GordonCampbell/ Premier of
British Columbia |
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'The world mourns the passing of a great Bluesman,
the public figure with a reputation for kindness, the
benevolent mentor and statesman of a great art form. But
some of us are mourning the passing of a dear friend.
When I lived in England in the early ‘70s, John
befriended me with a generosity that is unforgettable.
When I was down and out, he allowed me to stay at his
house with his goat 'May'. I was permitted to
attend all the recording sessions for his 'Good
To Be Alive' album at Olympic Studios;
he introduced me to industry people in London, and later
connected me to management when I was trying to further
my career in Canada. I shall treasure the one short BC
tour we played together, and how he would graciously
introduce his band members as though they were all stars
making guest appearances with him. He often referred to
his gigs as 'public appearances', a most
dignified description. While the accolades continue as
to John’s mentoring of others’ talent and success, how
proud he was of his friendships with his own mentors
such as Blues great Willie Dixon. John was once
kind enough to guest lecture for me at Capilano
College—I suggested a loose outline on British Blues
and its connections to Chicago & Delta forms. Instead he
took his 12-string and delivered a combination concert
and spoken-word auto-bio that surpassed all
expectations. We all know he was kind
and giving to his myriad of friends, yet he I’ve had to
remind myself that I was not the only beneficiary of his
kindness when he once called me his 'Canadian
Ambassador' in reference to his emigrating to
Canada. He could make one feel very special indeed. His
eloquent speaking voice and vocabulary helped shape my
own attempts at speaking proper English—the closest
thing he came to an expletive was, 'Goodness gracious!'
No doubt we all feel the time was far too short; we
didn’t have the opportunity to spend enough time with
this wonderful man. I always comforted myself with the
thought that I really should call John soon for an
afternoon cup of tea. Now we can only cherish the times
we did have together. I hope you find comfort in the
words John sang: '(He) ain’t dead, he’s only a-sleeping;
patiently waiting for Jesus to come'.
-
Al
Harlow/PRiSM
Allow me to express my deep
sadness of our loss of Long John Baldry. He was very
dear to my late husband Ronnie Lane. Most sincerely,
-Mrs.Susan
Lane |
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