Even casual Fans of folk music will likely know the name Jean Ritchie and a little something about her role in popularizing the traditional ballads of her Kentucky family and ancestors,  as well as the lap dulcimer.  She was recorded by Alan Lomax in Hazard KY in the 30’s, and by the mid 40’s (after graduating from college) she had moved to NYC and met Oscar Brand,  Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and others.

In Sept 2005,  the debut of a theatre piece about Jean Ritchie’s musical life SINGIN’ THE MOON UP: THE VOICE OF JEAN RITCHIE debuted in State College.  The cast included Susie Glaze in the lead role,  and Kenny Kosek on fiddle.  An original cast recording was later released and continues to be played during the Folk Show.  Web visitors can hear an interview with Susie Glaze about the play by clicking the INTERVIEWS tab at the home page.

In late Dec 2009,  Jean Ritchie suffered a stroke and is now rehabillitating at a nursing home in Long Island.

John Platt from WFUV in New York,  passes on this info,  and invites fans to mail get-well cards via his address below: 

Keep Jean Ritchie and her family in your prayers. I visited her on Monday at
a nursing home on L.I., where she’s rehabilitating from a stroke she
suffered in December. Some days are better than others. It may be a long
recovery, but she comes from strong Kentucky stock - and she’s an American
treasure.

John Platt
Dir. of Communications & Special Projects/
“Sunday Breakfast” host
WFUV
Fordham University
441 E. Fordham Rd.
Bronx, NY 10458

Latest update:

Jon Pickow
04 Feb 10 - 01:20 AM

Hi everyone,

Mom is making slow but steady progress. She is beginning to be able to communicate more, and is being weaned from the ventilator. She has enjoyed the cards, flowers and good wishes from everyone. That has been very uplifting for her. We printed out excerpts from the previous thread about her, and brought them to the rehab.

I have been bringing her dulcimer and singing and playing with her. She mouths the words along with most things. Only two weeks ago, she didn’t seem to know certain songs which she should have, but it seems that she remembers them now. She especially likes to “sing” Twilight ‘A Stealing.

I sing anything that pops in to my head. I skipped a verse to The Shoemaker’s Song the other day, and she started slapping the arm of her chair. It’s great to see her laugh. We sing hymns too. She was able to strum the dulcimer a little the other day.

We don’t know if she will recover fully, but we are pleased with her progress. Thank you all for your caring and concern.

All the best, Jon

more at mudcat.org

Attended the Albany Ducimer Festival this past weekend.. Jean Was There- in her music, in her spirit,  on the lips of every player there.. we ended the evening with her Peace Anthem.. Hopefully someone will share this with her.. Prayers for her and family.. Lord let her be surrounded with the blessings that she has given us.

Got an update on Jean from her son Jon:

Jon Pickow
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 06:57 PM

Great news! Mom is coming home tomorrow. She has surpassed all expectations and is talking, laughing and in general being herself. Thanks to all of you for your good wishes. I’m hoping she’ll be online soon herself.

All the best, Jon

The conversation continues on mudcat.org

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS UPDATE!!!
cONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HER CONTINUED RECOVERY

LINDA- FROM RI

This thread is just superb !

Regards

jelly18

God’s bless

Jean is back posting to mudcat.org.

mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=135612

She seems well.

Max