We just received word that our friend Johnny Collins passed away in Gdansk, Poland where he was performing for their Tall Ship Concert this week.  Since the 50's Johnny has been a mainstay on the shanty music scene, performing all over the world with many recordings to his credit.  We were very privileged to have performed with him at the Chicago Maritime Festival in 2007 and at the Liereliet Festival in Workum, The Netherlands in 2008.  Despite his world-wide renown he was a very warm and approachable person who was quick to share an anecdote, share a song or share a joke.  In 2007 we shared a music panel about Pirates and Scoundrels with Johnny.  At one point, as we're all given to do, Johnny stopped himself having forgotten lyrics.  Gina promptly hung our "Weakest Link" sign on him, which took him aback, then he found enormously amusing.  In 2008 at the Liereliet festival his long-time partner Jim Mageean stumbled on some lyrics and Gina promptly hung our "Weakest Link" sign on him!  Johnny was delighted at the razz!  "Ha!  Now HE'S the Weakest Link!"  Over the last fifty years Johnny has made many, many friends who all have some story to share about him.  He will be much missed.

Tags: bounding main, johnny collins, legend, loss, shanty, sorrow
Current Location: Home office
Current Mood: pensive
Current Music: Bound for the Rio Grande by Johnny Collins