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In Memoriam: Chuck McCabe - August 24, 1944 - July 23, 2010
Chuck McCabe passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, July 23, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier in the year, and chose to walk through the final stage of his life privately with his wife Cindy, close friends, and Blah Blah Woof Woof musical cohorts at his side. The aggressive nature of this disease made his last days blessedly swift. The outpouring of love from Chuck’s fans and the greater folk community around the world has buoyed his family and friends during this time and they are deeply grateful.
If you wish to make a donation to assist Chuck's wife Cindy with expenses please see the donations page for more information.
Please sign Chuck's guestbook and share your memories.
Woodshed Productions, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd. STE 109-161, Los Gatos, CA 95032 - chuck@chuck-mccabe.com.
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Comments
Though I've been away for 10
Though I've been away for 10 years now, I still remember Chuck so well; a very kind and caring man, and good friend. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Love to you, Cindy. Roger
Was Looking for an old friend, Uncle Rhythm.
I was e-mailing a songwriter in Austin about "Uncle Rhythm Cosmic Riff" and sending some YouTube URL's too with Chuck McCabe. As I surfed further to find Chuck's contact information I found the Memorial to this fine human being.
I did some promotional stuff for Chuck and The Boomers, twenty-plus years ago and he remained warm and friendly each time I called on him.
As I say: "HALLELUJAH, Chuck beat us home!" What a good and consistent friend, who was always there to put a smile on your face.
Re: Chuck
Thank you so much for the songs and thank you for being a friend. Gonna miss you on both counts. Love ya.
What's it like, cruising the universe......
Dude Chuck, do you have any more of the paper backs that Tom Wayne & I did the cover illustration. Miss your crazy ass.
One of the Good Guys!
So very sad to learn of Chuck's death. I knew him way back in his Woodshed days on Cape Cod. Even with the wildness of the early 70's, Chuck's talent, sense of humor and genuine interest in others shown through!
Sail on, Chuck! We have lost one of the good guys!
One of the greats
Chuck was truly one of the greats in every respect. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. He deserved to live forever.
Chuck
Though I didn't know Chuck well, I saw him perform and spoke with him briefly on a number of occasions. He is one of the friendliest and kindlier musicians/persons I've met. And his songwriting is so very enjoyable and fun. He's a wonderful talent--we will miss him greatly.
What an Inspiration
I met Chuck back in the 80’s when I was working with the Northern California Songwriters Association (now the West Coast Songwriters). Chuck started leading monthly workshops to help others with their songs and continued on with that effort for many years after I had moved on. Hearing him sing his incredible songs and perform with Lightnin’ Leroy Cheney and later with Rolfe Wyer was food for my soul. Chuck always put so much of himself into his music and into his interactions with others. What a gracious, tolerant and hopeful man he was. I wasn’t among his closest friends, and yet I have been profoundly blessed by him.
In his bio Chuck said “I care deeply about a lot of things and yet I’m the last guy who should preach. I hate to sit through a sermon as much as anybody.” And yet he preached such an eloquent sermon with his life and songs about how to treat one another and about how to navigate the waters of this uncertain world with class. I count it a great honor to have known him.
respond
All people deserve wealthy life and home loans or car loan would make it much better. Just because freedom relies on money.
Thanks Chuck
First tune I ever played up on a stage for folks was "Prayer for the Living"
Played it again for you last Friday - and for the folks that haven't heard your songs - yet.
I have been one of the lucky ones to get to hear and play your songs
Maybe you can show me the cool way you played the intro should we meet again.
Thanks Chuck
-Joe
AUGUST 24TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE
Tribute to Chuck
In August, Independent Songwriter Magazine will be paying
tribute to Chuck McCabe. We are asking fans, friends and
family to send their "audio diaries" of special times and
special memories to us in an MP3 format.
What specific memories do you want to share with the world
about Chuck? What made him so special? Funny? Genuine? What
will you miss most? Tell us any "Chuckisms" that he was so
famous for...
Send your "Audio Diary MP3s" to us at:
main@independentsongwriter.com. On each MP3, introduce yourself,
and explain how you knew Chuck. Then tell us your special
memories and thoughts. Try to give specific examples and
details. And please try to keep the message between 2-5 minutes--
no more, no less. You may send up to 3 MP3s per person.
Thank you for helping us pay tribute to this legendary songwriter.
Cape Cod
A true and genuine friend.We all wish we saw more of Chuck. Bernard Barry
You will be missed
It is with a sad heart that I learned of Chuck's passing. He and the Boomers are responsible for bringing Shelly and I together in 1990 and they played at our wedding. We cannot hear Brown Eyed Girl without grinning and dancing to our song as we remember it sung by the Boomers. Chuck brought music and joy to so many and I know there is a special seat at the musician's table up above for him. Thank you for all the memories Chuck!
Shoe
Via con Dios
Via con dios amigo...
To my friend
Charles,
In a weeks time we should be standing side by side celebrating our birthdays once again, as we have for over 30 years.
I love you and miss you my friend. I will hoist a Nukie Brown in your honor.
a light...
Chuck McCabe welcomed me into the "fold" in 1985. He talked song writing in his living room, the hows and whys, always an encouraging smile at the ready. Like water to a thirsty soul in the desert. Funny how he set the expectation for kindness...
Our ways crossed many times over the years and I am happy to feel we were friends. There was a feeling I had when we got together of comfort one finds in the the company of an old friend...I see there are many who feel the same.
"But for the ones whose journey's ended, though they started so much the same, in the hearts of those befriended burns a candle with a sliver flame".
Love ya' Chuck, shine on
Ginny & Marty
My dad's dear friend and compadre
Our family, extended family and friends all knew and loved Chuck, what a talented spirit. My dad
would always refer to Chuck as the core of the Boomers. I remember Chuck from when i was a kid to my dad's funeral where Chuck dug into his soul to sing a last song to his good friend. I am shocked and saddened by his passing, but I do know there is some great music in heaven right now. Chuck, we love you, give my pops a hug when you see him.
Cindy, please let us know if you need anything, I always thought we would see each other soon, so Uncle Chuck could see little Joey Cambra. Please don't hesitate to call.
510-406-4536
My deepest condolences
I just received word about Chuck's passing. I'm so sorry to hear about it, and I'd like to express my heartfelt sympathy to Chuck's family. Chuck was a wonderful person and a great musician and songwriter. And he was a terrific friend to my brother Joe, who played music with him in various bands and band configurations for more years than I can recall. I listen to Chuck's music regularly and think of him often. His music touches my soul as I'm sure it has for countless others who've had the pleasure of hearing him. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Jim Cambra
The Boomers
Chuck introduced me to my husband, 20 years ago! We were both at LABAG in Los Altos to hear his then-band, The Boomers. When we married in '92 he played at our wedding, and sang "our song," Brown Eyed Girl. Chuck will always be remembered with a smile on his face because that's how he always greeted us. We love you, Chuck. Rest easy.
I first met Chuck in the late
I first met Chuck in the late '60s in SF at the "Drinking Gourd". He was with Leroy and the Slippery Rock String Band. In the early '70s they were performing at the "Frigate" in Burlingame across the street from the "Bit Of England" where we were performing. During a break, I went over to listen and steal a few banjo licks from Chuck but ended up stealing the"Rindercella" bit from Leroy. Since then I been blessed to have shared a great friendship with Chuck, and had many memorable moments together, whether on the stage, just jamming and sharing songs and stories or just listening with envy to his uncanny ability to use the English language. Chuck could always make me laugh. He was so very gifted as a human being, musician, writer, humorist, teacher and friend to us all. His versatility for writing music in so many different styles defined his talent. He was the consummate ambassador of music. That said, he was an even better human being. I know there's a stool with a spotlight at center stage waiting for him. He'll have a new song to sing. And . . . . we'll all be listening.
My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, the McCabe family and all his many friends who shared in his life.
Chuck - Pick a song. When I get there, I'll join you on the second verse.
Love Ya, Miss Ya
Tod Brendlen
Chuck
It seems like Chuck has always been one of the musicians I've listened to -- can't even remember how long I've known him. I was listening to KPIG's live music show on the Sunday after his passing, and DJ Arden Eaton dedicated that show to Chuck McCabe, a great loss to our music community and a true friend to KPIG -- that's how I heard the news. I talked to Arden for a few minutes at the station and we shared memories of Chuck, how deceptively easy he made music and songwriting seem, masterful at it all, how comfortable and happy to be there he made his audiences feel. Somehow it seemed like he would always be there, good humor and all. I'm glad his songs were recognized for how good they were. And a book writer too! Time to get out my copy and read it again. Such a gentleman and always with a smile and twinkle in his eye and notes springing from his guitar like sparkling gems. I'm glad and privileged to have known him--he definitely had a reservation in singer-songwriter heaven! My heartfelt condolences and best wishes to Cindy, his family and many friends and fans.
goodbye my friend we will miss you
me and my family offer our condolenses in the passing of chuck mccabe, we will miss you.
An Honor to Have Known and Worked with you, Chuck
You were a class act, Chuck. We enjoyed every minute that you played with our band. It is sad to know on short notice that you won’t be with us this Oktoberfest season. We’ll miss playing together with you – both your kind and genuine nature as a human being and your contribution to our music together. Our deepest sympathies go out to Cindy.
Joe Domitrowich, Matthew Medeiros, Margot Turrell....AlpinersUSA Oktoberfest Band
You were a sincere friend and an accomplished musician and songwriter. Your compositions made me laugh and they made me cry. When you came by the house a few months back and gave of your talent, it was obvious that everyone was moved by a profound connection to something deep in your music, yet we were unaware of the seriousness of your illness. I treasure the memories I have in listening to your music and I am honored and fortunate, in particular, to have been able to contribute to the recording of your composition, Partisan Polka, ....a work I can turn to that will evoke fond memories of you and the talent you shared with the world.
The world has lost a talented musician and a fantastic human being.
Joe Domitrowich
I love Chuck, A great
I love Chuck,
A great American and voice for the greatest American music.
Goodbye Chuck, see ya next time.
I knew Chuck in Los Gatos in the '70's when we a lot of us hung out and played music at the Grog and Sirloin and Mtn. Charley's. I hadn't stayed in touch, and that's my loss.
Gayle Zeiler, Howard DeVilbiss, Juice Newton, Otha Young, Lightnin' Leroy, Steve Kritzer, Dale and Marilyn, Joe Ortiz, Julie Chailleux and Russ, a lot of other names I can't remember.
Rest in peace, Chuck. You're in the Angel Band now.
Chuck McCabe
I met Chuck and the boys of Blah Blah Woof Woof by invitation to someone's front yard in Redding by a mutual friend, Mike. I laughed and I cried and was an instant fan of all 3. The song that caught me early that evening was the "Flavor comes from Fat". I was instantly transported back to the farm house my grandmother lived in. That was Chuck's gift: to write songs that touched us in profound ways. I feel fortunate to have seen them play several times and once in Chico. One night my friend Don and I drove in the pouring rain to see them at a trailer park in Shasta Lake. On my Sweet Reunion CD Chuck did not forget that and wrote: Thanks for driving in the rain to see us. It is a treasured item. He was a treasure to many.
He will be missed and my thoughts are with his family, friends and the boys of BBWW.
"I wish, I wish, I wish my
"I wish, I wish, I wish my friend,
that we could sit simply, in that room again,
ten thousand dollars, at the drop of a hat,,
I'd give it all gladly, if our lives could be like that..."
RIP
The world has lost one of the good guys. Your presence will be dearly missed and our memories of you cherished. Rest in peace, Chuck.
Sincerely,
Brian Hazle
The Oaksong Society for Preservation of Way-Cool Music.
www.oaksongs.org
Chuck McCabe
Wow, where to begin, wild nights at the Woodshed in the early 70's, to just special times together in recent years in Boston when Chuck came east for the WUMB songwriter's contest. Of course he always won the crowd pleaser award which was picked by the audience! In between all that there are precious memories of the man, the music, and of friendship. I will miss you Chuck terribly and I thank you so much for being a loyal friend to Paul these past 40 years. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt love to Cindy and family.
Friend and mentor
To Cindy and Family
I first met chuck in 1990 . He was playing a solo gig at a bar in Los Gatos Ca. A place called O'Sheas pub which is no longer around. I was 19 and had just graduated from high school. A mutual friend of ours introduced me to him outside the bar and I immediately was taken back by his warm and friendly personality. We talked and I told him that I was a guitar picker but had never performed in front of anyone , but would love to some day. He invited me to a jam night
hosted by another friend Dave Nolan, the next night at O'Sheas. I have been performing ever since !
Over the years chucks encouragement, friendship and inspiration guided me. I have met so many great musicians and friends through him and his kindness and will always be grateful to him for taking the time to encourage a 19 year old wanna be to follow his dream !
Chucks talents were endless. An amazing songwriter, author and poet.
Chuck was and always will be one of the nicest men I have ever met. It has truly been a privilege and an honor to know him!
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