I got a call this morning from Red House Records president Eric Peltoniemi, saying he heard that U. Utah Phillips died last night in his sleep. A legendary folksinger, storyteller, Korean War vet, labor organizer and poet of the rails, Utah blessed us with countless stories, songs and performances that were filled with humor and humanity. Utah had heart disease and had been unwell for awhile. We at Red House had been planning a CD project to assist him with his medical bills. This album, recorded by his dear friend Rosalie Sorrels, is still planned for release in July, but I'm unsure what organization will be the beneficiary of the project now that we have lost our dear friend.
For some moving words from Utah himself, read a letter he wrote on May 14, 2008 here.
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