U. Utah Phillips, who died May 23 at age 73, once described himself as a "ne'er-do-well, wino, tramp philosopher, typical family man, folk intellectual and conversation assassin." Phillips was widely revered for his witty blend of storytelling and song. After returning from Army service in 1950s Korea, he fell in with a group of labor activists who gave his life new direction fighting for the downtrodden. Phillips ran for the Senate in 1968 and for president in 1976 and started a homeless shelter. He performed at coffeehouses and festivals into his 70s.
Hear Utah Phillips Perform "Joe Hill's Last Will", "The Preacher and the Slave" and "The Timberbeast's Lament"
Music courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways, the non-profit record label of the Smithsonian Institution. Please click here to purchase or for more information
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Comments (2)
It was a joy to hear Utah Phillips again. He performed at URI two years ago, wonderfully, with Faith Petric, and I'm glad you remembered him in the August Smithsonian.
Posted by Marilyn Malina on August 10,2008 | 10:52 PM
His music and his spirit will live in the hearts of many that have listened to his performances, and for those of us who's lives were touched by him we were left enriched.
Posted by Ruth A. Swan on August 10,2008 | 03:04 AM
For many of us who take pride in knowing that at sometime in their lives we have had the privilege and pleasure to have stood in the presence of such an individual as Bruce "Utah" Phillips. I would like to testify that there are very few people among us who give of themselves willingly to their fellow humans and even more so to their own conscience, as he did. He is quoted in saying that "one should be sure that their heroes are dead so they can't blow it." Well for many us, his heroics preceded him in life and will continue well beyond his time. Hopefully, his inspiration will live in the consciousness of those who see only possibilities. To his family and closest friends, thanks for what you have shared with all of us.
Posted by Larry Capra on July 28,2008 | 06:29 PM