Utah Phillips RIP

Gary Sisco · May-26th-2008, 10:51 AM

Utah Phillips died May 23 in his sleep, confirmed on his website.

The last of a kind.

My favorite-ever pre-gig blurb said "Last time Sisco played here a customer commented, 'Hardwick's [VT] answer to Utah Phillips.'"

One Big Union

Squaredancecalling Steve · May-26th-2008, 12:11 PM

R.I.P. He called himself "A rumor in his time", but he was a great folksinger in the classic mold, committed to social activism and a repertoire grounded in the lives of working people.

Chris D · May-27th-2008, 11:07 AM

The guy was the real deal. Once a club I frequented brought in Utah and Ramblin' Jack on back-to-back nights. You never heard so many tales being spun (and I'm sure at least a couple of them were true).

Root Doctor · May-27th-2008, 11:21 AM

A genuine untamed American. RIP, Mr. Phillips.

Gary Sisco · May-27th-2008, 11:35 AM

That's why they call him Ramblin', Jack.

Xavier · June-11th-2008, 03:02 PM

I heard Utah in a couple of coffee house concerts in upstate New York back in the 70's. He was a warm, wonderful performer with a deep, expressive voice. The first time I saw him I didn't know who he was, the house was packed. At the end of the night everyone walked away with a smile. Great performer. Sorry to hear he died.

groover · June-11th-2008, 04:14 PM

Last time I saw him, at the Philly Folk Fest, he started out by saying "You folks don't know how happy I am to be here tonight. At my age, I'm happy just to be anywhere!"

An old joke, but Utah could get a laugh out of it.