![]() |
||||||
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.
Home | About Chuck | History | Music & More | Photo Galleries | Links
Site Design by Hyperlinked Web Services
Site Design by Hyperlinked Web Services



Comments
Chuck is one of the finest
Chuck is one of the finest people I've ever met... And a great musician too. Chuck played at my daughters wedding reception. Having left the Bay area in 2002 the only other time I saw Chuck was in Portland at Artichoke Music.. He was taping a radio program. There was Chuck, the dj, Jay Howlet and me.
I'm flattered to be in
I'm flattered to be in Chuck's photo gallery but much more flattered to have known Chuck. He had the dryest sense of humor on stage & could calmly disengage anyone who would heckle from the audience. He was a very special part of the fledgling Woodhed right from the start. I was a doorman and later a partime bartender but he made a then 21 year old, a peer. I'm happy to report that The Woodshed is still thriving under the same management(all good friends of Chuck). And the front door of the Woodshed looks the same as the cover of his first album. I also am happy to report that the my wife forgave me for coming home 2 hours late from the photo shoot w/Chuck, when she knew where i was & who I was with. Godspeed Chuck & the East Coast will miss you Mike
Blessed to have known you, Chuck
Linda & I first met Chuck when we hired the Boomers to play at our wedding nearly 20 years ago. Although our paths only crossed occasionally in the subsequent two decades, I had the honor of playing beside him the past few years in Fra's band "Emerald". He was one of the most talented, gracious and humble men I have ever known. Chuck had an enormous knowledge of music from the 1920's through the 60's, and absolutely loved reading biographies of the trail-blazing composers and musicians of that era. One night I loaned him my copy of "Tearing Down the Wall of Sound - the Rise and Fall of Phil Spector". A few months later we compared opinions on Mr. Spector, and laughed as we wondered why so many truly talented people in the music industry were also a bit crazy. We agreed to try and figure out, before the next gig, which category the two of us belonged in.
Chuck, we all know which category you were in. And it wasn't just your talent that shined like a beacon in the night...it was your love, your spirit, and your optimism that touched all of us. Our prayers are with your family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Bob & Linda Derbacher
Not ready for this...
... like for so many others, I'm sure... this news comes hard and fast. I will forever remember Chuck with a smile... always. I was actually looking forward to working with him in the studio again... so many good memories of previous projects... and what a talent for setting our everyday foibles and fears to good humor and poignant music. Nobody better.
Will miss you much, Chuck.... sigh*
Chuck
A quiet, gentle, sensative & loving man with an unusual wit. I will not forget and will think of him fondly & often.
GREAT FRIEND
Yes , My name is Really Chuck McCay ... Whenever I had a chance to work with Chuck it was always a blast because they would yell for Chuck and we would yell back , WHICH ONE and they would sort of yeal back , Chuck Mc and he and I would look at each other and wonder which one of us they wanted ....LOL...What is really funny , both of us Grew up in Santa Clara,Ca. Who Knew ?
I was very Blessed to of meet and worked with Chuck as a Sound Guy up in Redding,Ca. It seemed like everytime he came into town his good friend Mike would call me and say , WE have a Sound Job with Chuck and the boys From Santa Clara . It was always alot of fun to work with him and the boys .
I will miss Chuck's wonderful smile and Friendship .
GOD BE WITH YOU MY FRIEND ...
My hometown of Redding, CA. will miss a very talented man.
Hi to all of Tom's family, cohorts, and friends,
We have all lost a truly talented man, and I can't thank him enough for the beautiful song he wrote, "I'd rather be in Redding." This is my hometown and I've lived here all my life. When I heard that song, I was so pleased and then when we seen his video he made while singing the song, I truly became a loyal and sincere fan.
Our hearts go out to all of you and especially to his wife Cindy and immediate family.
God bless him and my his star shine brightly over all of us, while he sing his heart iyt to God and all in Heaven.
Sincerely,
Charlene and Lindy
my facebook friend
I befriended ChucK last year on Facebook -at the time I had a boyfriend that sang ballads the same style as chuck-I wan't him to learn Chuck's song I'd rather be in Redding to sing at the post office saloon. Chuck had a great sense of humor as I found out on the instant message Chat line-
I had no idea he was ill. May he rest in the arms of Jesus forever till we see him again.
Sometimes " I'd rather be in Heaven"
Love
I first heard about Chuck from my friend and fellow musician Scott Bailey, who played and recorded with him, and from that point I was a big fan. I feel that Chuck has written some of the most memorable songs about life that have ever been written. I asked him to play at the 3rd Pine Mountain Festival and for 2 days he brought his wonderful love and energy to the event. I also had the privilege to have Chuck and the guys play in the store - wonderful tears of joy. I have never met an individual as humble as Chuck who was so talented. He was LOVE!
Sweet Reunion Chuck
His gentle style of living was exactly that, gentle He was a humble man with a wonderful smile. He taught me how to look at life with a giggle and for that, I am blessed.
God's Speed Dear Friend !
Dear Chuck-----
You are still my friend in my heart through your unending generousity of spirit and your friends you were so willing to share--- Georgia, Jay, Steve, etc.
You are still my colleague through concerts with the County Line guys, at the Espresso Garden, and in the studio just last month.
Your music will always live at my house, because "My house is your house, too"!!!!!
(and will always be!)
God's Speed dear frind......
We'll be jammin' and writing again one of these days soon.........
To Cindy and the McCabe family------
My prayers are with you now and always. My life was much better for knowing Chuck and will always be grateful for his friendship.........
Most sincerely,
Chuck Cline
County Line Trio/SDC
Napa, CA
you could count on Chuck to
you could count onh Chuck to have a good word to say
to make the sun come out on a cold and rainy day
while hiding in the shadows behind his warm smile
was the knowledge that we're only here for a short while
the softness of his voice
the sparkle in his eye
the song on his lips
make it hard to say goodbye
he was more than generous to me with his time
and helped me out if ever I got stuck for a shyme
always eager to share a new song of his with me
riding high on music and creativity
the softness of his voice
the sparkle in his eye
the song on his lips
make it hard to say goodbye
he was a fine musician who cared about the world
and loved the people in it, every boy and girl
now when I hear someone sing a haunting melody
I'll know somewhere Chuck's spirit is singing harmony
the softness of his voice
the sparkle in his eye
the song on his lips
make it hard to say goodbye
Onward and Upward
Chuck,
You will be missed - incredibly missed. Your rapport, humor, musicianship, and most of all, you open and honest FRIENDSHIP were the greatest.
- Alan Land
Regards
We met Chuck here in Redding after speaking on the phone several years ago. What a great guy, a wonderful spirit. We saw Chuck and his band play at The Post Office Grill, bought just about every CD he had (not to mention a couple he gave us), and have stayed in touch ever since via email. We were hoping to catch another show. That will have to wait for a while now. Keep em smilin' up there Chuck. God willing, we will meet again. You will be missed here in Redding, CA.
I worked with Chuck "McNabb"
I worked with Chuck "McNabb" on the tradeshow floor for many years. The best days were carpooling together and he would laugh so hard at his own jokes he would cry before he got the punch line out. I will miss you Chuck, so talented and funny and kind. May you rest in peace.
Sweet, funny, cherished, missed
I only had the pleasure of meeting Chuck once, maybe twice, for brief moments. Always laughter and good juju when he was surrounded by friends. His music, however, has reached into corners of my heart and spirit and has nestled up for a long stay. Peace, kindness and friendship to all who knew him better than I did. We have a bit of him to carry forward and make more people laugh and feel good. Cheers - Peggy
Chuck, I'll miss you. You've
Chuck, I'll miss you. You've been a sweet and kind friend all these years. I'll miss playing music with you like we would do when I'd visit Uncle Jer.
Love,
Mary
sadness
Chuck and his music/presence remains a bright spot in my life and will remain with me, even though he's gone. This reminds me, and should remind us all, that life is a gift - its short - its precious - and its fleeting. Safe journeys Chuck.
travis
Next time, we'll come see you...
In 1971, a friend of mine told me about at great band performing at the Winery in Palo Alto, Pensacola Flash. I went to hear them often and got to know both Chuck and Cindy, his number one fan. Over the years, our paths have crossed many times, but sadly never enough. Chuck always had a big smile and a warm greeting. He made this world a better place with his music, his insight, and his humor.
Whenever Tunes shuffles a Chuck McCabe song, I will be thankful that I was honored to know this man.
Bye Chuck
I was fortunate to know Chuck for time during the 80's and early 90's through a good friend of mine. I hadn't seen or heard Chuck' music in a long time when one Friday evening I was driving home and heard him playing and being interviewed on KKUP radio. It brought back a lot of memories and I called in to say hi. Not having seen me for quite a while I figured I'd have to work to jog his memory.....not so. Chuck was easily able to recall a moment specific to me and made it a funny and friendly conversation. Very like it always seemed to be with him. My thoughts go out to Cindy, my friend Phil and the whole family. Peace.
From Redding
Chuck's generous spirit, bright talent and wit will be missed here in Redding. His enthusiasm and his encouragement buoyed our local songwriting group and meant the world to me. Cindy - my heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you. Erin Friedman
Thanks, Chuck, for touchin' down
Chuck, we all had some great times playing at the Grog back in the 70's--you and Leroy had Julie and me wetting our pants with laughter. Well, the years since then became decades, and I lost touch with you--then a few months ago, you were in a dream I had. Two nights later, I walked into the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, and there you were, singing "Gone to Utah", which hit me like the proverbial freight train.
So great to make contact after all that time, and thanks for your permission and blessing to do "Gone to Utah", which will stay in my top handful. You were so accessible to all of us--yet I can't help feeling there was a part of you that "was only passin' through"...
Rus
Rest in peace, buddy
Chuck, thanks for the friendship, the music and the smiles. The world is a sadder place today.
Oh no...
Maria and I were surprised and saddened this afternoon to get the news of Chuck's passing. I feel privileged and honored to have known Chuck and to have helped produce some of his shows with the Oaksong Music Society in Redding and Oak Run (...Barbecues in old Oak Run!...). His song, "I'd Rather Be In Redding" (and many more!) will always be cherished up here in the northstate. Thanks again for all that you gave us!
Pete and Maria Angwin
Heard the new today... oh boy....
I am a better man for have known Chuck. His smile laugh and positive attitude made me look forward to seeing him every year in Sisters. Peace to his friends and family.
go in peace chuck
sending love and light to you and cindy, how you will be missed...
love to all
caren
Chuck
We send our condolences. Chuck McCabe became a household word to me 20 years ago. I saw him at a house concert and fell in love with his music and wit. His music will live on in my heart.
chuck
recorded and played with chuck...great talent...sweet guy...good author....writer...wish I would have know him better......he was in my studio a few times working on some Gems...I'll miss you bro....scotty smith
Goodbye Chuck
I met Chuck at Sister's Folk Festival the year he won for best song. He was a sweet, kind guy I liked from the start. Seeing him over the years from time to time and listening to his great talent was always a treat. I will miss seeing his sweet smiling face in the future.
Chuck is a folk hero
Chuck is one of my musical heros. Chuck's music is so intelligent and clever, he is one of the best songwriters ever showcased on Click Your Heels Together. I will miss you Chuck. Thanks for the great music.
Mara Noelle
aka Ruby Slippers
kvmr-fm
Sign the Guestbook