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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.
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
Peace, Chuck
I first met Chuck and Jay in 2003 at a house concert hosted by my new boyfriend. Five years later, Chuck, Jay, and Rolfe played at our wedding - it meant the world to me.
I always looked forward to seeing Chuck - onstage or off. Not only was he an extraordinary musical talent, he was also a good man, kind and genuine (with an endearing dash of charm). God does not make many men like Chuck McCabe. My husband and I will miss him very much.
My heart goes out to his wife, Cindy, and the Blah Blah Woof Woof family. Know that you will be in my thoughts in the days and weeks to come.
Ouch!
A true Buddha
Fond Memories of Chuck
Whether you were a "big shot" or a "no name," whether Chuck knew you well or not, he would greet you like you were a good buddy. As a musician, his performances were all about the music, not the ego, and would always transport the listener to many different places and moods.
Fond memories of Chuck include the slow night at a club (when I first knew him) and he invited me to sit in when he could have just played solo--it was like jamming with an old friend. There was also the amazing memorial concert/fundraiser that he organized for mutual friend Joe Cambra; opening for him on KKUP's Friday Folk-Off; and our chat a few years ago about "just" being middle aged and having "all the time in the world" (wish it were true!). And of course, there were his fabulous concerts.
Some people are remembered for their accomplishments and talents, and others are remembered for being genuine, giving, nice people. Chuck will be remembered for both.
Chuck McCabe
I met and heard Chuck at the Boston Folk Festival songwriting contest finals some years ago and liked both him and his music enough to buy his CD, which I played several times in the car. I was impressed by his warmth and his genuineness. I'm so sorry to hear that he has passed away.
Devastating
Chuck was a great writer and even a greater person. What a loss.
Chuck's Passing
Judy and I enjoyed Chuck and his music. He played with brother George and we made trips to Sisters Oregon just to hear him and to visit with him. We will miss him greatly....
Chuck McCabe
Chuck could do things with a guitar and a lyric that most of us in the songwriting game can only dream about. He taught us not to take ourselves so seriously. I consider it an honor to have known and worked with him.
Goodbye to a man of many dimensions
I greatly admired Chuck's ability to be funny and I made the mistake of introducing him to an audience as a very funny person a number of times. I'd later come to understand that he was a man of many dimensions and didn't want to be pigeonholed by any one of them. He could be funny, but he could also be moving and I admired that as well.
At his best, he was both funny and moving at the same time and that was something I admired more than anything else. When my then fiance' and I heard "My Prayer For You" for the first time, both of us instantly knew that would be the song we wanted to get married to. Chuck was there for us in person with his bandmates to perform it as we tied the knot. We'll be forever grateful.
His songs have been in my playlists for years and they'll always have a place in my diet of music and storytelling. I have his CDs and I'll remember Chuck by the evidence of his craft that I can keep, but as he was more than just a very funny man, he was more than just a performer. He was also a very sincere person and his great sincerity is something that will not soon be forgotten.
You will be missed, Chuck
Chuck,
I had the pleasure and honor of opening for you at a songwriters' gig at Old City Hall in Redding in 2004, I think. You were a brilliant talent, a very generous performer, a very affable man, and a general, all-around class act. I think of you every time I say "the flavor is in the fat" and since I sell bacon and beef, I think of you often.
With gratitude for who you were and the love an beauty and light that you shed upon all of those who were fortunate enough to be your audience.
Spem Longam, Vita Brevis Est
Yours in song,
Brian J. Kenny
Chuck
Although I met you only once last October, I was an instant fan of your music. I recently received two more of your C.D's and listen to them often. You will be missed by all. My sympathy to all your family and many, many friends in the music world.
Bette
Will miss Chuck's friendship, gone way too soon. :(
His music will live on.
Karen
Thinking of Chuck
To the family, friends and fans of Chuck I am so sorry for this loss. I know we have all been touched by Chucks kindness and insite to the human condition. For now Chuck gently rests, we"ll all see him again some day. peace
Chuck's passing
Dear Cindy and Family
It was with great surprise, disbelief and sorrow when I heard of Chuck's passing. I was not aware of Chuck's illness, but respect the wishes of both of you for privacy. I've known Chuck, although not intimately for more than 35+ years. We both shared a love of playing music going back to the early Los Gatos, Grog & Mt. Charley's days, and we would see each other ocassionally throughout the years, and always enjoy a warm exchange. I know I do not need to tell you what a special and talented man he was.
I just wanted to pass on my condolences, and hope that his memory, and the warm wishes of the people he touched will help to ease your loss.
Warmly,
Rich Schmidt
Chuck..you were always one of
Chuck..you were always one of the truly easy & mellow people to be around…I could listen to you all nite, talking, singing, telling jokes…………….it was the best of times for me & I wasn’t kidding every time we played, I’d say to you while we’re wrapping cables what a treat it was for music babies like us to play with giants like yourself…………
Ireland was a lot of fun too.. I wish you’d given us all the ultimate laugh on the golf course, but you & Pat McManus were busy yakkin & takin photographs !
My friends in Belfast will never forget the impromptu house party you put on for them that nite : precious.
Chuck… I know you rest in peace, but I just wish I could have one more word with you, sing one more song with you : I think even Jimmy would be asking for one more…………..I know you guys had a great connection.
So, say Hi to Jimmy & Maureen for all of us Chuck : I’m sitting here in Nazareth, Israel … already said my prayers for you to Big G (local phone call)
play the Tennessee Waltz, Chuck.. it’s one of Jimmy’s favourites…………..play it in A, and you guys will make a great duet
Fra
And say Hi to Joe….
Respect
Thoughts are with you all. Having shared this experience with a loved one, I realize that there are no words that can penetrate the loss. It is a blessing that his passing was swift and peaceful.
Peace,
Stephen
He was a friend of mine........
Why is that song running through my mind right now.... "The tears they fell like raindrops, the night my old friend died....He was a friend of mine"?
Why is it that so many of the truly talented musicians left us so early? Dave Guard, John Stewart, John Duffey, and Chuck McCabe?
President John Kennedy used to quote the familiar saying "Life is not fair". Chuck McCabe's passing is definitely not fair. He did so many things right. For all his wit and creativity and dedication to his music, he never had a critical word for anyone. He was always as interested in you as you were in him. He never wore his talent on his sleeve.
One night, after dinner at our house, we got to watch him jam with Jim Nichols, another monster Bay Area jazz guitarist. The two traded songs back and forth in mutual admiration. What a rare treat!
Chuck used a lot of jazz chords in his music which, along with his insight and humor, lifted his songs a couple of cuts above most of the rest. I was motivated to compile a dictionary of simplified jazz chords, which he dubbed "Jazz Chords for Folkies". That will be the name.
And we'll always be listening for the rain in Murphy's yard....
Bob & Paula
Sing for the angels now.
Sing for the angels now. Peace, to you and to Cindy.
The Gold Standard
Everyone who was fortunate to have known Chuck (whether through his songs, his friendship, or both) instantly knew what an amazing gift he was to us. He probably cringed out of humility every time I referred to him as The Gold Standard, but he knew I meant it. (And I'm sure lots of us would agree.)
We've lost another one of the good ones. I just count my blessings and feel extremely grateful that this amazing person crossed my path for as long as he did.
I was Chuck's room mate in college
I just heard about Chuck's passing. I had no idea he was sick. I was just listening to one of his CD's last night. We have lost a very talented man whose music was enjoyed by many for five decades. I have many fond memories of Chuck and I will never forget him.
Chuck - thank you for being my friend.
Chuck One of a Kind
I had the opportunity to know and play music with Chuck in a group know as Hard Travelin'. He added so much to our group with his talent, wit, sense of humor, and his friendship. Chuck was one of a kind; a true gentleman, I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolence to Cindy, his family, and closest friends. He will be missed.
Bob Collins
A songwriter's legacy
is what Chuck McCabe will be remembered for, at least by the likes of me. Thanks to Chuck's East coast pal Paul Cass, Chuck's return visit to his old haunts on Cape Cod included an interview and live in the studio performance on my radio show, The Old Songs' Home, on WOMR, Community Radio on Cape Cod. Chuck had mastered his craft, a compliment I do not offer very frequently. He could bring you to tears even when he had his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, a marvelous talent for any person, and especially so for a songwriter. Yesterday's set in his honor included some of my favorites:
The Flavor Came From Fat
Contractor
The Minstrel Boy
Gone to Utah
A Prayer For the Living
There's a lot more good ones where those came from.
Thanks Chuck...guys like you feed guys like me the best kind of Chicken Dinners, the ones that feed the soul.
Til we meet again...........
Condolences from New Zealand
We'll miss receiving wondrous and congenial new musical insights from Chuck, but we'll keep on playing his songs on radio down here in New Zealand. I'm glad we did exchange a handful of emails; I got a sense of the lovely person behind the writer-performer. Peace. - Eddie O'Strange
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.
Sincerely,
Jan Best
Senior Editor
Independent Songwriter Magazine
Honored to have known you
I always looked forward to getting together with Chuck and sharing the stage for an evening.....or taking in one of his performances. He was an entertainers, entertainer. Such a talented songwriter, instrumentalist, humorist and friend. I'm having a hard time believing this sudden end, but will alwaysr be grateful and blessed that you walked into my life.......your memory and the fun times we've had will always live on. It just seems like yesterday that we all got together on stage for the finale of our show in Redwood City......and after talked so enthusiasticlly about your new found excitement and our common interest in the tenor guitar. After knowing you most of these past 40 years in this local scene, it just somehow won't be the same.
A special musical talent, a special person and a special friend. My prayers and thoughts are with the McCabe family.
God Bless,
Dean
Chuck in Campbell
I first saw Chuck at a coffee shop in Campbell on a girls nite out. He was so funny and the songs were so great I told all my friends to go see him. We always had a blast and he always treated you as a long lost friend even on the first meeting. That and his songs were the gifts he left for us, and as I listen I'm sad I won't get to see him again till I get to that coffee shop in the sky. Too soon to go, too late to say goodbye. Heartfelt love to Chucks family and friends, thanks for sharing him for a little while. Chuck, I wish you peace. No more pain, no more sorrow. Fly free.
Chuck
My condolences go out to Chuck's family & friends, and I know He had many friends. I had the fortune to be able to play with Chuck these last 5 years or so and when I met Chuck, it was like I had known him all my life, almost like an instant "best friend" He was a quick study onstage, full of wit and humor, and had some good "musician's" stories at hand to tell us, always "clean" stories! (ahem) I will miss playin' with Chuck.
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*
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