Showing posts with label Jackie Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jackie Washington. Show all posts

Thursday, 21 June 2012

News Roundup (Awards, Wilson Family Forgery, Bill Bourne)

Local
Canada
World
Funny/Weird Stuff
Blasts From the Past
Featured Videos


Links: Wilson Family Forgery, More Wilson Family Forgery stories, Video courtesy of Wilson Family Forgery



Links: Bill Bourne, More Bill Bourne stories, Video courtesy of LoneyTunes

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Sunday, 1 April 2012

Vote for the Canadian Music Party


HBL (Hamilton Blues Lovers) Inc doesn’t usually get involved in politics but we’ve decided to help spread the good word about the newly formed Canadian Music Party. A few local musicians were tired of the current political climate and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Our very own blogger, Lou, was put in charge of propaganda. “We think it’s about time musicians had a say in how this country is run,” he explained.

“At our last meeting, we chose singer/songwriter/artist Tom Wilson as our leader and hopefully, the next Prime Minister,” Lou added, “There were many worthy candidates. In the end, it was hard to ignore Mr. Wilson’s passion and commitment (not to mention his height) when the final tally was counted.”

Mr. Wilson and the party have already outlined the main points of their future election campaign:
  • Immediate decriminalization of marijuana
  • All government business will only start after 2 pm.
  • Groupies can now be listed as dependents on income tax
  • Instruments can now be listed as dependents on income tax
  • Requesting “Mustang Sally” or “Freebird” is punishable by life in prison
  • Stealing musical instruments will be punishable by death
  • Musicians to get LCBO tax discounts
  • Hamilton will become the Canadian capital
  • "Oh Canada" to be replaced by "Oh What a Feeling" as the national anthem
  • The Queen will be replaced by King Biscuit Boy on all money
  • Frankie Venom will be put on the $50 bill.
  • Jackie Washington will now be on the $100 bill
Even though the next election is still far away, the party have already started hiring for various positions:
With this many musicians in one place, Lou says they were going to advertise a groupie wrangler position but luckily, local music fan and videographer Jill Johnson graciously accepted the job as an unpaid volunteer. “We’d like to thank Jill for her selfless act and for saving us some money. I’m sure she’ll take real good care of those groupies!”

So please remember to vote for your local CMP candidate when the next election rolls around. We need to put some more groove into Canadian parliament.

If you’d like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ms. Luigi at 905-555-5555. For all other information, please call our secretary April Fulcilli at the same number.

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Book Club - Jackie Washington: More Than a Blues Singer

This will be the first in an occasional feature where we'll discuss books written by local musicians.

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The late Jackie Washington was an amazing storyteller. During his live performances, he often told jokes and interesting stories.

In 1988, Jackie and local author James Strecker decided to put some of those tidbits onto paper and released Talks with Jackie Washington. The book was the result of James' interviews with the legendary bluesman.

The world was treated to more of Jackie's tales when the book was expanded (thanks to more interviews) in 1996 - now with the title More Than a Blues Singer.

The musician's warmth and humour comes across wonderfully in the conversational tone of the book. Interesting stories about his eventful life are mixed in with talk of his long-time musical career. You can hear his unmistakable voice as you read.

Unfortunately, this book is also now out of print but can be found at used book stores. There are copies available at the Hamilton Public Library. They also have a copy of the original, Talks with Jackie Washington, which includes additional photos and a chapter on Jackie's guitar style.

Blast From the Past: Reaction to Jackie Washington's passing

Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories, More Books We Reviewed

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

Jackie Washington News Roundup

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, Reverend Francis Chisholm called him "Dr. Washington, specialist in music therapy.

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

Previous (Videos: Randy Steele Tribute, Part 3) - - - Next ((Videos: Randy Steele Tribute, Part 4)

Monday, 29 June 2009

Jackie Washington Gets Front Page Treatment


On the Monday, June 29, 2009 edition of the Hamilton Spectator, the late Jackie Washington received the recognition he deserved. His life and career was the front page story.

Washington passed away Saturday June 27.

Graham Rockingham's touching article (no longer available) included a description of his final moments, Jackie's biography, highlights from his career, and quotes from important Hamilton figures such as Lincoln Alexander, Sheila Copps, and more.


More media stories about Jackie: CHML - London Free Press

The legend's passing has also been felt on the Internet as many musicians and fans have posted their thoughts on different web sites.

Here is a sampling:

Mark McNeil (Spectator Reporter)
"I've never known anyone who had more of a positive outlook on life and so genuinely loved being around people. He was a pleasure to spend time with and he was a treasure of information about the jazz world and local history. We all learned by his example and our lives were enriched by his musicianship."

Alfie Smith
"The world seemed a little brighter with Jackie Washington in it. Your music and the joy you brought to so many people will always live on. I feel lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my friend."

John Crawford (Strange Cargo)
"I am devastated, I just found out that the great Jackie Washington of Hamilton Ontario died yesterday. My heart goes out to the Washington Family. I was deeply moved by Jackie's music and he influenced my music for the better. Thanks Jackie and God bless you.!!!!!!!!"

Fix Our Word (Charity)
"Jackie Washington, a cultural icon who spread joy through his music for more than 80 years, has died. He was funny, sweet and unique."

Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation)
"A Hamilton icon gone. Jackie Washington's memory will live on. Special mention to all of his dear friends who helped him in his final years."

All our Jackie Washington stories.

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Links: Jackie WashingtonMore Jackie Washington Stories

Saturday, 27 June 2009

Jackie Washington: 1919-2009 (R.I.P.)

Beloved Hamilton blues legend Jackie Washington has died at the age of 89.

With family and friends by his side, Jackie passed away at Joseph’s Hospital at 1:22 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. The cause of death was complications from a heart attack.

He was an inspiration to generations of musicians and a Canadian treasure.

Links: Jackie WashingtonMore Jackie Washington Stories

Monday, 1 June 2009

News Roundup (Kelly Jay, Jackie Washington, Koko Taylor)

Not only will the patrons of the first annual Blues with a Feeling cruise be treated to some great music (courtesy of Trickbag and Sonny Del Rio) but they will also be attending a wedding.

Crowbar singer, Kelly Jay (pictured on the left) has announced he will marry on the boat during the sold out event - a tribute to the late Crowbar member, King Biscuit Boy (right)

Links: CrowbarMore Crowbar Stories
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At the end of his June 4, 2009 Spectator column (no longer available), Graham Rockingham reported that local blues legend, Jackie Washington has handed over many of his important memorabilia to McMaster University's archives.

On June 3,2009 at Convoction Hall (McMaster), “A Celebration of the Music of Jackie Washington” was held to to honour the bluesman at the unveiling of the new archives.
The Jackie Washington Collection includes recorded music, paintings, diaries, songbooks, awards, photos, sketches and more.


Links: Jackie WashingtonMore Jackie Washington Stories

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Koko Taylor recently passed

Click here for the full story

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