Willie P. Bennett dead at age 57
 

Canada lost one of its folk music pioneers yesterday. Willie P. Bennett passed away, apparently of heart failure.

Willie P. wrote many wonderful songs which combined his somewhat offbeat sense of humour with explorations of some very dark and personal topics. When he wasn't performiing solo he was with the Fred J. Eaglesmith band or folk /rockers Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

I know that there is more than one Willie P. Bennett fan on this board and wanted to share this unfortunate news.

Many of my folk music friends in Canada and the midwestern USA would often make a special trip to catch a festival or gig where Willie P. was performing.

He will be missed.

Jerry

Gannetmusic - thanks so much for the news. I had heard from a mutual friend of Willie P.'s, but was waiting for official news before posting.

Canada and the world has lost a great man and a great inspiration.

In his own words:

Baby if I'd have been a gambler
Life might of turned out a different way
But lately everywhere I go
I have to use the highway
And if I'd been born sometime else
This could be a different day
But like the rise and fall of a country squall
I'm getting ready to fade away

Sometimes I feel like I should be in a different place
Somebody else's mind in somebody else's face
Cause lately I've been feeling low
With nothing to do and no place to go
And like the rise and fall of a country squall
I'm getting ready to fade away

Leaning on a birch tree
Staring up at a winter sky
Listening to the blackbirds sing
There's no tears left to cry
And no reasons that I can think of
Why you should end the race
And like the rise and fall of a country squall
I'm getting ready to fade away

(Country Squall http://tinyurl.com/2gtlnw)

Well chosen.

Thank you.

Jerry

I remember the first time I saw Willie P. It was here in California and he was playing with Fred. He had such a presence on the stage, even when he was in the background. After the show, I found him taking down the stage. When I spoke with him, I found him to be so kind and friendly and the impression he made on me will continue on.

In 2005, I got the opportunity to see him perform his own music in Peterborough. It was amazing and I still can't believe that there are people who have never heard his talent. My nieces will always remember him as the "laughing man" (Restless Wind).

I truly believe he represented the best of Canada - kindness, understanding of all people and things, and talent.

He was a great asset to the music scene here in Canada and he will be missed: the news was out on CBC radio this morning and they played one of his quirky songs and I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes, I am sure.