Hazel Dickens, 1935-2011

The death of Hazel Dickens of West Virginia was announced yesterday on the original Bluegrass Blog by David Morris, who has since posted an appreciation. Much of her life was an unyielding struggle with adversity, and her passing is a severe blow to those who value the toughness at the roots of traditional bluegrass.

Thanks to Sharon Loughrin for this link to Hazel Dickens's singing of 'The faded pressed rose'. Sharon says: 'This is a beautiful song that I've had on the CD player a lot lately.'

Thanks also to Richard F Thompson for this link to Hazel Dickens's entry in the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. In the very first line, Ireland is named among the countries in which she has sung. We recall that some years ago she was booked to appear at the Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival at Omagh, but unfortunately was then obliged by health problems to cancel the trip. Does any BIB reader recall seeing or hearing Hazel perform in Ireland on some other occasion?