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Thread: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

  1. #1
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    I'm sorry to report the passing of Gene Shay, longtime MC of the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and 'the dean' of Folk Radio, of complications from COVID19. He influenced a ton of musicians and made the term 'folk music' an expansive one.

    I produced a short interview Thursday at the PA NPR News station where I host Morning Edition. You can hear that HERE. And click at least for the wonderful portrait by photographer Robert Corwin, (used with permission).

    And I'm sure that more comprehensive coverage is on the way.
    BradKlein
    Morning Edition Host, WLVR News
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  3. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    Three days ago they announced he had passed and then had to retract it as he was still alive. Did he finally pass?

    https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/...-20200415.html

    I'll answer my own question, it looks like he finally left us yesterday.

    https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/...-20200418.html
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  4. #3
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    Yes. The organizers of the Philly Folk Fest, apologized for announcing that Gene had passed on Wednesday (he was in hospice care at the time) beginning with the words, 'always the practical joker...'. And that's from folks who deeply loved him.

    A colleague of his at WXPN told me he was the master of the 'dad joke' before the term was invented.
    BradKlein
    Morning Edition Host, WLVR News
    Senior Producer, Twangbox®
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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    Wednesday his passing was all over my FB feed but his actual passing wasn't there yesterday or today. RIP.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  6. #5
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    Yes. Gene has passed. I worked at the Philly Folk Fest for 17 years. from 2001 - 2018. I have so many good memories of the music I heard, the people I met, and experiences shared there. Gene was very nice. He loved not only the music but the people who made it. He invested of himself in getting new artists out to the larger world.

    We had thought he was doing great when they were bringing him off the vent but he had had a stroke and was moved to hospice care. I went out with a friend earlier this week (after the first erroneous announcement) and visited the site to say our goodbyes.

    He lived a good life and leaves a great legacy.
    Jamie
    His Green Room under the main stageClick image for larger version. 

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    My friend sitting at the emcee locationClick image for larger version. 

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    The main stageClick image for larger version. 

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    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    That's really nice Jamie. Thanks so much for sharing those pictures.

    Lise and I were dining at World Cafe Live several years ago, and heard a very familiar voice at a nearby table. We knew Gene's voice well from being long-term listeners to his Sunday night folk program on the radio. There he was dining with two or three young people who he was obviously mentoring. What an opportunity for them! He certainly will be missed by a great many people.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

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    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: RIP Gene Shay - Philadelphia Folk Music Legend

    I remember meeting Gene at WXPN, I was taking phone pledges,Gene noticed my mandolin case and asked me about it. We had a nice conversation about music as I was on to a practice after the pledge period. Gene exuded the same warmth and wit privately as he did on his radio show or on stage as an MC. He will be missed.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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