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John Renbourn
1944 - 2015
John Renbourn
1944 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1944
DIED
2015
John Renbourn Obituary
His manager, Dave Smith, confirmed the death and called Renbourn "a huge character."
"He was always playing and teaching. That is what he loved doing and he never stopped," Smith said.
Scottish police said his body was discovered Thursday night at his home in the Scottish Borders region. They said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Smith said Friday he believes Renbourn suffered a heart attack.
Renbourn teamed with the late Bert Jansch and others to form Pentangle, which enjoyed a wide reputation for playing both contemporary and traditional folk songs.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
46 Entries
Lyle Gatchel
January 13, 2022
A friend turned me on on to John's work in the 80s-I know late to the party.
Changed the direction of what I knew or thought I knew of music at the time.
I saw John in a little bar in Columbus Ohio, The "Thirsty
ear" . I gathered the courage to speak to him at a break, told him how big a fan I was and he sensed my nervousness, he put ME at ease and talked about his son's encounter with his own luminary.
So beautiful his music, a master of masters.
Harry Simpson
March 26, 2019
Godspeed John, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Peter Harris
August 6, 2015
I first met John in about 1967; we invited him to play at the London Hospital Folk club. He and Jacqui McShee simply sat on the floor of a small meeting room, played and sang - wonderful live music. I have seen him lots over the years, attended many workshops, most recently last year in the UK. I play as nearly as possible to his inimitable style. He was such a nice person and I deeply mourn his loss. John, you jumped the queue too soon. Rest in peace with your heavenly music.
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James Millon
May 2, 2015
A wonderful player. He was one of the performers I would,nt want to miss when he appeared in concert. Looking up his tour schedule on the internet is how I found out he had Passed Away. Very Sad. Remembering his Concerts, however, makes me happy.
John with his guitar
Kenneth Zwick
April 24, 2015
On March 31, 2015, I discovered to my shock that my friend, the guitar wizard John Renbourn, died the day a few days before. John was the greatest finger-style guitarist I have ever heard. When I was 18, I found his amazing album Sir John Alot Of Merrie Englandes Musyk Thynge & Ye Grene Knyghte at a local record store. I fell in love with it, and began collecting everything John did, both on his own and with great groups like Pentangle. Then 20 years later, I met John at McCabe's, a guitar shop and concert venue in Los Angeles. He was so friendly and outgoing that he gave me his home address to write him for some unpublished sheet music. I made him laugh when, after asking him an abstract question about a portion of one of his instrumentals, I just pulled a guitar down from the wall to make my question quite concrete, We became good friends after that. I eventually put him on in concert for the first time ever in Orange County, California. The show was amazing, the sales outstanding, and I managed to get him a front page cover story in the LA Times Calendar. Later I helped arrange another show at a friend's guitar shop in Mission Viejo. John was so kind to me over the years. He was always quick with a kind smile and witty remark, and his shows were invariably a delight. My heart is sick over losing this great man and gentle friend. Today I will play a medley of my favorite compositions & arrangements by John on my guitar as a tribute. God Bless you John! May you have Great Dreams in Heaven!
Stuart Powell
April 22, 2015
I was fortunate enough to meet John in the late 60's and again in 2012, when I was able to shake his hand and thank him for the great pleasure his music had given me throughout my life...so sad he has gone from us, the world is a much poorer place now.
RIP
Tom Doughty
April 11, 2015
I,m lucky to have spent time with John, the weekend before his death. We were in Derbyshire playing music of course. His zest for life was infectious and I truly loved him and carry his music in my heart and hands, although I couldn't hold a candle to his skill.
Darrell Jones
April 6, 2015
RIP John Renbourn
Claralynn 'Clare' Nunamaker
April 6, 2015
Dear friend, my heart sends prayers on towards you and your family on the wings of love. May they reach you and bring benefit. There's a new plum tree planted for you here in Forres- may its blossoms shower blessings for a long time to come.
Gyan Bansal
April 5, 2015
rest in peace my dear friend you will missed
April 5, 2015
" Rest in peace" but wherever you are,that you have mild earth, and you can find a way to play again.
Vincenzo Barrella ITA
Carter
April 3, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. John Renbourn will be fondly remembered with appreciation for all the lives he touched. May the God who gives peace comfort you and grant peace to all his loved ones, friends, and fans as you face each day without him.
Henri Schmitt
April 3, 2015
RIP John, you were one of the great figures in the Pantheon of guitar players, and someone I had the chance to talk to in Cambridge during a gig. I cannot forget the kind way to talked about the late Marcel Dady, a french guitarist. I was extremely moved by this conversation.
April 3, 2015
Robin Gibson, lived near to St. Catherine's, which I visited many times. We used to listen yo the ''greats' in those days on his Grandmothers record player. Pete Seager, big Bill Boonzey and Mano others. I remember 'becky' very well. Such a sad loss.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 3, 2015
rip
Patrick Clerkin
April 2, 2015
I had the pleasure of having breakfast with John after a gig in March 2014. I saw him again on 10th March in St Neots and he kindly came to speak to my partner who he knew had been unwell last year.
He was a gracious man and a brilliant guitarist. There was no genre of music he touched that he did not adorn.
My sympathy to his family and friends.
Rebecca Skinner
March 31, 2015
I'm John sister, alas a long way away in Australia, but was due to spend time with him in a few weeks time.Alas now it will be for his funeral. Thank you on behalf of the family for all your wonderful messages and condolences, they are so very much appreciated - Rebecca
Tanesha Burns
March 31, 2015
I know this is hard for the family, God can help you. Support from family and friends will help you as well to ease the pain you feel of losing John.
n. g.
March 31, 2015
thank you john for your unforgettable music
James Lindstrom
March 30, 2015
Mr. Renbourn's passing has hit me very deeply. I never saw him perform, never saw him in person, But his music had a profound influence on me. All of us can say how music makes our lives better and fuller, but I can say that his music changed my life. It was through The Lady and the Unicorn that I discovered Medieval and Renaissance music. In that was the first blueprint of my life. I followed the music into the academic study of medieval and renaissance history and literature, which was a large part of my life and still is. Somehow, just knowing he was out there was a comforting thing to me. My world and the world of music has grown a little quieter.
March 30, 2015
March 30
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. John. May loving memories strength you, and kind words help you heal the loss of your beloved one. Remember that Our Heavenly Father cares for you. 1 Peter 1 Peter 5:6,7 you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
L. Walter
March 30, 2015
I would like to express my condolences to your family during this most difficult time. I can see that John was such a talented person. May you be strengthened by the fact that God can be our comfort in distressing times if we turn to him who loves us. [Jeremiah 29:12,13]
Robinson
March 30, 2015
My condolences to the family. May God strenthen the family during their time of sorrow.
Steve
March 30, 2015
John Renbourn illuminated the world with his music. Now he will illuminate heaven. God bless you, John. Your music lifted my life in so many ways. I will always be grateful for your friendship and the Bourbon.
March 30, 2015
My sympathy to your family during this time of grief.
March 30, 2015
Condolences to the family.
March 29, 2015
My condolences to friends and family
March 29, 2015
Very sad news to hear about his passing. I hope to meet him in Paradise.
Susanne
March 28, 2015
One of my very favorite musicians. I loved Pentangle, and always will. There were many groups I enjoyed in my 60's daze; only a few remain in my current collection. John Renbourn's music is exquisite. The world of music has lost a rare treasure, but this celestial guitar will remain immortal.
Nancy
March 28, 2015
Say hello to Pan for me, as well.
March 28, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy. God promises to give us thoughts of peace and to listen to our prayers. May the words of Jeremiah 29:11,12 bring you comfort during this difficult time.
March 28, 2015
Thoughts of condolence,may you keep God ever before you, and may He provide the comfort that you need...........
March 28, 2015
My condolences to the family,
"6Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God"
Elizabeth
David Harsh
March 28, 2015
I had the privilege of taking a guitar lesson with John about 16 years ago, and found the man to be a very gracious gentleman with a deep knowledge of music. I owe many of the acoustic fingerstylings in my Christian compositions to his folk influence. He will be missed.
D
March 27, 2015
My heart goes out to the Renbourn family on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that others feel for you. May our loving heavenly Father heal your hearts and give you peace and the strength to cope in the days ahead. (Php. 4:6,7)
Sara
March 27, 2015
Always my favorite guitarist. Last saw him perform at Wolftrap in Vienna, Virginia. Had always hoped to see him return. A true world treasure was he. Heartfelt condolences to John Renbourn's family, friends and colleagues. The world will miss you.
Chuck
March 27, 2015
The Pentangle offered music of simple beauty and contemplation to its listeners. Thank you Mr. Renbourn and RIP from this fan from way back when.
Becky Gutierrez
March 27, 2015
My condolences to the family may you find strength in god prayers for you all *RIP*
Graham
March 27, 2015
I learned to play the guitar primarily through listening to John's LPs and reading his sheet music books. His music was truly inspirational.
March 27, 2015
sounds like he was a lovely man, my condolences, may you find comfort in family and friends
J&M Fisher
March 27, 2015
To the family, God is the Creator of life to all living creatures and he is certainly capable of restoring life to someone who has died. (Acts 17:24, 25) The God who made the world and all the things in it, being, as he is, Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples; 25 nor is he served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. Please find comfort in that hope.
Susan
March 27, 2015
Thank you for Basket of Light.
B Lucas
March 27, 2015
It's not the way we want things that matters it's what we make of our circumstances. To change is to be like a beautiful flower, it blooms an wilts away, wait a little while it happens again, so beautiful. Your family and friends will find some comfort in Johns fond memories. My sincere condolence.
Adtian Barnette
March 27, 2015
We'll miss you !
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
March 27, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
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