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Ronnie Gilbert
1926 - 2015
Ronnie Gilbert
1926 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1926
DIED
2015
Ronnie Gilbert Obituary
Gilbert died of natural causes Saturday at a retirement community in the San Francisco Bay Area suburb of Mill Valley, said her longtime partner, Donna Korones.
With the Weavers, whose other members were Pete Seeger, Lee Hays and Fred Hellerman, Gilbert helped spark a national folk revival by churning out hit recordings of "Goodnight Irene," ''Tzena Tzena Tzena," ''On Top of Old Smokey," ''If I Had A Hammer," ''Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" and "Wimoweh."
The group was hugely popular before its left-wing activities were targeted by anti-Communists during the McCarthy era. They were blacklisted, unable to record, appear on television or radio and perform in many concert venues, and eventually disbanded.
Gilbert went on to pursue a solo career as a singer, as a stage actor and psychologist.
Gilbert's memoir, "Ronnie Gilbert: A Radical Life in Song," which is the same title of a one-woman show she performed for years, will be published in the fall.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa, and Korones, her partner of 30 years.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
59 Entries
Jo Ruprecht
July 7, 2017
I was fortunate to meet Ronnie Gilbert twice - once in Iowa when HARP performed at a huge (and rainy) music Chatauqua and later at a solo performance in St. Louis. She was quite gracious about my fan-dom and somewhat tickled that I had an LP of her "Come and Go with Me" that she autographed many years after its release.
What a voice! and attached to this warm and caring person. Sad to lose her and yet, WHAT A LIFE!
Edward Rankin
March 17, 2017
In my humble opinion, the greatest Alto to ever put voice to music. I grew up listing to this wonderful lady and her band members. The world has indeed lost a wonderful voice and the great beyond has gained one.
Harry Simpson
June 6, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
How you can show support
R R
September 26, 2015
My sincere condolences to your family. May you find comfort in John11:11-14&25. May God (Ps 83:18) give your family peace.
Poinciana
July 8, 2015
Mrs. Gilbert was a strong woman with a sweet smile that captivated and attracted anyone's heart. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. The eyes of God are always upon the righteous ones and His ears listen to their cry for help. May He always place His comfort and strength upon the family to help them deal with their loss.
Wendy Schmidt
June 25, 2015
To those who are left behind especially Donna and Holly, I spread healing light. P this wonderful life that was taken and know Ronnie lived what she believed in. She sang what she believed in and she lived for what she believed in. Please accept my sincere to those who she was close to! Your songs will be here, for ever, Ronnie.
Kristina Brown
June 24, 2015
Since I rarely read news anymore to keep my Life lighter, I only heard of Ronnie's passing last night when Peter & Paul announced it at their concert in Folsom, CA. The PBS special, "Wasn't That A Time!" Introduced me to Ronnie and the Weavers, and like others, I thank Holly Near for bringing Ronnie to a somewhat younger generation. Ronnie and the Weavers stood for what was right, and what needed to change in our country. They paid a price, yet accomplished so much, through music and how they lived their lives. God Bless you and your loved ones, Ronnie. I will listen in the Heavens for your songs.
Pete Eriksen
June 19, 2015
I heard the weavers during the group's glory days about 1950, when I was about 10 years old. All those hits made a lasting impression on me, but most of all "The Saints". And within that song, most of all when the lady opera singer was hitting the high notes with feeling. It was many years later I researched who the actual members of the Weavers group were, and now I know that lady was you. Thanks for the memories, Ronnie.
"When The Saints Go Marching In
- The Weavers 1951
"We are trav'ling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
And we'll all be reunited,
On a new and sunlit shore,
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord how I want to be in that number
When the, saints go marching in"
Ecclesiastes 12
"And the dust returns to the earth as it was; and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, said Kohelet; all is vanity."
Olivia
June 16, 2015
I came of age during the folk revival of the '60s. When I first heard the Weavers sing "Good Night, Irene," it was dear Ronnie's voice that I loved most--not that I didn't also cherish Seeger's, Hayes' and Hellerman's voices. Back then I would have gladly added The Weavers' records to my growing folk collection of records by Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, Judy Collins et al. What an awful commentary it is on the 50's and early 60's when artists and others were blacklisted because of their politics. Silly and inexcusable. Thank you, Ronnie, for continuing to sing anyway. Loved your voice, loved your values, loved you!
Linda
June 15, 2015
When someone you love dies, we need to go God for comfort. (Jeremiah 29:12) says " And you will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you ". His words can equip you with "power beyond what is normal" to go from one day to the next.
Sandy Osborne
June 13, 2015
I am sure you will miss her always. She was a wonderful woman and I will always remember her love of life and how much fun she was to be with. I remember you all fondly
Dianne
June 12, 2015
So sorry to hear about Ronnie's death. It is obvious that she and her voice were highly valued and greatly adored. May the Sovereign of the universe who truly cares for you become your refuge and your strength during this time of sadness. Cherish the good times!
L P
June 12, 2015
Deepest condolences to family & friends.
Sing on, Ronnie Gilbert!
Christine LaRae
June 12, 2015
Thank you for the joy you brought to this world. Thank you for the bright spirit you shared with us. You shall never be forgotten.
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 11, 2015
rip
J W
June 9, 2015
We express our condolences to the Gilbert family, many friends and extended family. Have confidence that the God of love does not overlook those trusting in him . May you find comfort in your many fond memories together, God's promise to undo all tragedy and the words of the greatest man who ever lived: "Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29-31
NORMAND BELL
June 9, 2015
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFULL SONGS
June 8, 2015
Last time I was with Ronnnie, she, her husband and I attended a Belafonte Concert at the GReek Theatre in L.A. Some time before, or after that, she was at a Hootenany at my house in Laurel Canyon with Josh White, Sam Garry, Terry Gilkyson and I think Will Hayes. No one had a sense of humor like Ronnie, nor the full throat for her incredible voice. Of that era, outside of Hellerman, I think I'm the only one left, at age 95. Bless you, dear lady, you made life special for many of us. Katie Lee
Marian Lees
June 8, 2015
Lift up your head and sing for the life of Ronnie Gilbert
Randy Phillips
June 8, 2015
I remember a Weavers documentary a long while back on PBS in which Holly Near said that Ronnie 'gave a whole lot of women permission to throw their heads back and sing at the top of their lungs!' I've never forgotten that. RIP Ronnie Gilbert
Hank Tuber
June 8, 2015
I remember as a small child seeing her on TV and feeling her musical presence before I even knew her name .she forever affected the way I saw and felt music. Rest well my, m'lady.
Marty
June 8, 2015
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that she will return to the days of her youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Paula Grant
June 8, 2015
Your life has been a blessing
Julie Roberts
June 8, 2015
My mother LOVED the Weavers, Peter, Paul, & Mary and other fantastic folk musicians. They all added a lot to my childhood and adult life! Ronnie was a beautiful and fun, very expressive woman, who fought for what she believed in. Now she, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and Mary Travers are together in Folk Heaven entertaining the masses there, including my mom. She will never be forgotten!
Larry Nicholas
June 8, 2015
I attended a graduate psychology program with Ronnie in San Francisco in the early 70's. I got to know her well at that time; we both lived in the east Bay then. I found her to be unusually loving, compassionate, and nurturing; great qualities for a therapist. I lost touch with her after we graduated. Now that she is gone, I realize I miss her soft, caring soul and I wish her well on the next leg of her journey.
June 8, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Ralph Jones
June 8, 2015
"REST IN PARADISE" YOUNG MAN..........
gretchen
June 8, 2015
Sing on, Ronnie!
Oliver Scofield
June 8, 2015
Thanks for giving all you had and more! We will miss you but never forget you. You live on in countless songs, in countless heart across the world.
Marni Rosner
June 8, 2015
My earliest memories include hearing Ronnie singing with the Weavers, the old '78s sit on my shelf and I can't part with them. I can count five generations of Ronnie Gilbert fans in my family. Yes, I notice someone else has thanked Holly Near for enticing Ronnie back on stage. The power of song, and of optimism in times of fear and sorrow are never more needed. Switch off the news, every now and again, and listen to Ronnie sing.
Patricia Smith
June 8, 2015
I, as hundreds more, loved what Ms Gilbert stod for, loved her beautiful voice, and I'm sure she and Pete are leading their friends in song wherever they are now. Thank you, Ronnie for gift of beautiful music and important causes.
June 8, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Many who have lost a loved one in death often feel the pain of loss for years.
May these comforting words lighten your heart, "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." ~Ps. 37:10
Calla WElls
June 8, 2015
"There was music in my mother's house..." continues to be my absolute favorite moment of hearing Ronnie sing...such a loss~
June 8, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. Please know that: Our days ebb away because of your fury; And our years come to an end like a whisper. The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; They quickly pass by, and away we fly. Psalm 90:9,10.
June 8, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Maryland Admirer
June 8, 2015
Thank you, Ms. Gilbert, for sharing your talent and commitment to vital causes with us. RIP. Condolences to family, friends, colleagues, and admirers everywhere.
June 8, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this
time of sorrow.
June 7, 2015
I count as precious the two times I heard Ronnie sing in Sonoma County with Holly Near! Thank you, Holly, for bringing Ronnie back to perform and be honored and so loved by all of us who so cherished her courage as an activist and her remarkable spirit as a singer. She was a radiant human being. Watching her throw her head back and sing was one of the greatest joys of my life! I feel so fortunate that as she signed my album cover, I was able to tell her how absolutely beautiful she was inside and out! And she was!!! Love you dearly, Ms. Ronnie. Go, now, with peace and love to your newest venue! We will remember you with gladness and a song!!!!
Linda Krantz
June 7, 2015
What a enormous loss! Condolences to all her friends and family.
Susan GABRILSKA
June 7, 2015
Thank you so much for your music and booming laughter! The world is a better place with your influence
Randell W. Sanders
June 7, 2015
She stood for what was right!!
Edward Elbers
June 7, 2015
She was a wonderful woman and I will always remember her great laugh and her love for Jackie Alper. My love to all the family.
June 7, 2015
Thank you for the music, the joy, and your devotion to making this a better world. You will be missed. Sad, but oh what a life!
Scott Chamberland
June 7, 2015
Rest in Peace
June 7, 2015
To dear Ronnie - Remember this remarkable woman and singer! She made America a better place to live.
June 7, 2015
I loved Ronnie many years before I met her personally and then I became so in love with her when she joined the exercise class. She was a gift to me.
It will be a long time before I know anyone like her with her beauty, strength and honesty
love susan larkin
Helen Torode
June 7, 2015
Thanks for so many years of wonderful music. My mom was a huge fan and I grew up listening to your amazing voice. Rest in perfect peace. You will be forever missed.
June 7, 2015
Thankful for Ronnie. May she experience some of the holy harmony she gave us.
David Schlow
June 7, 2015
Thank you for all of the songs you sang and the joy you brought to this ountry
Elouise BELL
June 7, 2015
Like all who are ahead of their time, Ronnie paid a price for the freshness, insight, and pure fun that she brought to all of us. Just hearing three notes from her records now makes me laugh, cry and cheer. It was as if she shared with all of us who loved her and the Weavers, a special secret about life and how we could enrich it day by day. I offer my sympathies and thanks to Ms. Korones and to all of Ronnie Gilbert's countless admirers. E. Bell
Adrian Barnette
June 7, 2015
We'll miss you !
June 7, 2015
RIP, Ronnie. I miss you already. You were one of the originals, jump starting the folk revival. God bless you and your loved ones.
Chuck Mason
June 7, 2015
My husband and I saw Ronnie live once when she performed with Holly Near in Arlington, Virginia about 15 years ago. She had a wonderful voice and I actually enjoyed her solos more than the rest of the concert. I am sorry to hear that her wonderful voice has been silenced. Our sympathy goes out to her daughter and partner. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Mason
Springfield, VA
June 7, 2015
Ms. Gilbert's talent and accomplishments will not be forgotten. May the peace of God comfort you during this sad time. Phil. 4:6&7
cindy skidd
June 7, 2015
God bless you Ronnie. You were a very courageous woman whose heart was seen in song
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 7, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
June 7, 2015
Loved her singing. Thanks for sharing such joy and hope for the future.
June 7, 2015
My condolences to The Gilbert Family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Ronnie. Draw close to GOD and he will draw close to you.
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