Both a musical celebration and memorial service will be held in memory of the late, great Jackie Washington.On Monday, July 6, 2009 at 7:30 pm, a New-Orleans style band will be joined by many performers at the Jackie Washington Rotary Park on at Wellington and Simcoe. All musicians are invited to join in.
Facebook page for the event.
Music will also be an important part of the memorial service (which is open to the public) to take place Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Stewart Memorial Church, 114 John St. N.
Facebook page for the Memorial.
There were some tears but also a lot of music, fun and laughter at the Jackie Washington tribute on July 6, 2009.
Jackie Washington Rotary Park was packed with friends, family and fans remembering the life of this late, great Hamiltonian. Trains tooted as they passed the park, reminding everyone of Jackie's fascination with locomotives.
Local politician, and radio personality Bob Bratina hosted as poems were read, songs were sung, and stories were told.
Close friend and former manager, Bill Powell spoke of how Jackie's live music helped bring a woman out of catatonic state at a retirement home.
Organizers from various Ontario festivals spoke of the dedication the legend had to their events.
Poet and co-writer of Jackie's biography, James Strecker, read a poem he wrote in memory of his friend. Poet Holmes Hook also followed suit.
Jackie's frequent musical partners, Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley played amazing songs as did many other performers.
The evening ended with a big jam session of When the Saints Go Marching In. The performers marched into the crowd as people grabbed tambourines, harmonicas and kazoos to join in. A great sendoff for a wonderful man whose laughter and music brightened many people's lives.
Over 300 people packed Stewart Memorial Church, on July 8, 2009 to pay their respects the late, legendary bluesman Jackie Washington.
Among the attendees were former Ontario Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, whom the Spectator quoted saying that there would never be another like him again.
In the article, former manager Bill Powell spoke about how Jackie turned down a lucrative deal opening for Harry Belafonte because it would take him away from his family.
Also,
More stories about Jackie: About Blues, CBC, Toronto Star, Spec Video Interview with Jackie for 89th Birthday, Spec Story about the 2 tributes., Wikipedia entry,
Join the Jackie Washington Facebook Fan Page
Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories
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