Chris Timson Posted April 1, 2004 Share Posted April 1, 2004 Just heard the news on BBC Radio 4 that Bob Copper has died. It is good to say that they gave significant prominence to the item on what is one of BBC radio's prime news programmes, including a sizeable chunk of Bob singing Banks of the Sweet Primroses, accompanying himself on the English concertina. Bob's importance to the English folk music revival cannot be overstated, and he was himself a charming person and a great performer. He will be sadly missed. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Booth Posted April 1, 2004 Share Posted April 1, 2004 I, too heard the news of Copper's death this morning and became curious. I had not heard of Mr. Copper before and would like to know more about him and his work. What can you tell me? Rbt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Day Posted April 1, 2004 Share Posted April 1, 2004 Sad news Chris thank you for passing on this news. A wonderful old singer of folk songs many of which would have been lost but for his memory,but will live on with his family who are carrying on his tradition in Kent. Shirley Collins was probably most famous for singing his songs outside of the family. A sad loss Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Read Posted April 2, 2004 Share Posted April 2, 2004 (edited) Alan, The Coppers are based at Rottingdean in Sussex. Bob continued a long tradition of singing of the family songs, sung in harmony usually. Edited April 2, 2004 by Paul Read Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Timson Posted April 2, 2004 Author Share Posted April 2, 2004 What can you tell me? If you possibly can, get a copy of his book "A Song For Every Season". It tells the story of his family and also contains words and music for many Copper Family songs. It's also beautifully written. If you've not read it you have a real treat in store. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Day Posted April 2, 2004 Share Posted April 2, 2004 Thanks Paul, I thought that they always sang in a little pub in Kent.Sorry for the misinformation. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Digby Posted April 2, 2004 Share Posted April 2, 2004 Those seeking to know more about Bob Copper and the enormous importance of his family in traditional song over the last 100+ years should start at their website www.thecopperfamily.com Best wishes Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Booth Posted April 2, 2004 Share Posted April 2, 2004 Chris and Roger, Thanks for the tips. I'll surely get ahold of the book and visit the site, for the pleasure of adding to my education. Speaking of my education, the folks here have been tremendously important in helping me learn more about my chosen obsession and the musical traditions (and possibilities) in which it lives. Thanks, everyone! Yr. Obt. Svt., Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Wild Posted April 2, 2004 Share Posted April 2, 2004 The Times newspaper of 1st April carries an obituary, which features a photo of bobcopper with 3 other family members. Bob is playing the concertina in the photo. I have scanned this and can post it if it is allowed. I assume either the Times or the Copper family will claim copyright on the photograph. The obituary can be read by looking at the times website. I have forgotten to note what that is, but it comes up first on a search for the TIMES. the obituary refers to Bob learning songs from his grandfather, who told of singing them with his grandfathers, and Bob himself has passed them on to his own grandchildren, a proven history of 7 generations. - John Wild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Thorne Posted April 3, 2004 Share Posted April 3, 2004 I'd just like to second Chris's comments on 'A Song For Every Season'. A lovely book and compulsive reading. Not only does it talk about the songs, its an insight into a whole lost way of life. Clive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becky Nankivell Posted April 4, 2004 Share Posted April 4, 2004 Among the many accomplishments of Bob's are that he took up the English concertina at age 70. He started during his wife's final illness, and used to practice with the instrument inside the leg of a pair of sweatpants as a mute. An inspiration on so many fronts. ~ Becky in Tucson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wes williams Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 It was The Young Tradition's "wall of sound" that first made me realise there was something unusual and interesting - but it was Bob and cousin Ron singing who totally hooked me. The first non blues/rock LP I ever went out to buy; 'Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy' the first tune I ever learned on the concertina; and 'Come Write Me Down' the first song I ever heard sung 'live'. Thanks Bob! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken_Coles Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Wow, Becky, HI! and nice to have you aboard. Are you adding concertina to your many other interests? [Note to all: Becky is an accomplished contra dancer, among many other things.] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Hi Becky, Welcome. Thanks for the news about him starting at age 70. Kinda blows away any of my excuses. Course, I could WAIT until I'm 70. Nah. Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becky Nankivell Posted April 8, 2004 Share Posted April 8, 2004 Hi, Ken, I sporadically look in on concertina.net and may be back more frequently now that the forum is more user friendly. I'm an English player (should have been in the Pinewoods Folk Music Week photo last year, but didn't get there on time). I've been playing since taking John Roberts's concertina workshop at Pinewoods in 1998. Don't know that my progress is proportional to the time elapsed, but... The Copper family was at Folk Music week in 1999, the second time I attended, and I was very lucky to be there that year. I think that the first time that they came to the States was to come to Folk Music Week, a number of years earlier, where they were bowled over to find a group of folks that could join right in on their songs. (Folks, you should check out the programs at www.cdss.org.) And to my further great good fortune, Bob and the family came west twice in the next couple of years, for the Folk Alliance meeting in Albuquerque, and the Summer Solstice Festival outside L.A.. ~ Becky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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