[78-L] Mike Seeger Gravely Ill

[Michael Biel]

From: Cary Ginell <soundthink at live.com>
> I met Mike at the ARSC Conference in Philadelphia
> a few years ago and was fortunate to have the chance
> to speak with him for about 10 minutes. Very humble,
> friendly, and receptive. 
 
In addition to ARSC I had a chance to meet him several times at the
Appalachian Folk Festivals we used to have at my old Kentucky workplace,
Morehead State University.  I might have some videotape of him there.  
 
> I think it is unfair to compare his value to music
> with that of his more famous half-brother, Pete.
> They had different kinds of influences in the same
> field and both are absolutely indispensable.  Cary Ginell

Especially considering the workshops and performances he did at
Morehead, as well as the NLCR, he was more involved in the traditional
mountain music than Pete is.  Mike's famous last name helped people
notice him, but being less prominent than Pete helped him travel around
and interact more personally with the ordinary folk like us.  We knew he
was a great talent, but there was less awe then there is when Pete shows
up, so the relating was easier.  I think he liked that.  Cary, could you
imagine the scene at ARSC if that had been Pete there?!  

Mike Biel  mbiel at mbiel.com  



 
From: csintala79 at yahoo.com
 > I indeed feel fortunate that I chose to attend the farewell concert
of the New Lost City Ramblers this past spring in Wilmington, DE. While
having several of Mike's videos and the New Lost City Ramblers song
book, which I also was honored to have him autograph, I had never seen
him or the NLCR in person before.
 > His is indeed a national treasure, and he will sorely be missed.
 > ChuckB
 > 
 > ________________________________
 > From: Bill Knowlton <udmacon1 at hotmail.com>
 > THIS IS A POST FROM ALICE GERRARD:
 > I don't know if you've heard the news re Mike Seeger but I thought
you should, and also pass it along to anyone you think should know. Mike
has been fighting non-Hodgkins lymphoma for a long time as you probably
know, but very recently it kind of morphed into a multiple myaloma
leukemia that involved blood, bone and throat. He underwent radiation
this past week but it didn't work, and he's opted to go home and receive
hospice care. It is probably a matter of days according to his wife,
Alexia. Her email is alexia at rockbridge.net and she prefers to receive
emails rather than phone calls. They will leave the hospital where he's
been receiving treatment and go home tomorrow.
 > 
 > Sad days...
 > 
 > Alice
 > 
 > Mike Seeger's contribution to the preservation, promotion and
protection of oldtime country music is priceless. As a member of the
pioneer "New Lost City Ramblers" Mike and his partners literally
recreated and introduced the wonders of the Carter Family, Gid Tanner,
the Blue Sky Boys and Uncle Dave Macon to new and enthusiastic listeners
in the 50s and 60s. His accomplishments are his epitaph. God bless him. 
 --BK   BILL KNOWLTON