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Sarah Campbell Obituary
The Austin singer-songwriter known for her Bummer Nights at Artz Rib House - a Monday staple on the Austin music scene - died early Thursday morning after a battle with liver cancer.
Campbell's quick wit and magnetic personality attracted some of Austin's best-known musicians, as well as some bigger stars, though she never broke big herself.
"She created her own scene," said Austin musician Marcia Ball, one of Campbell's closest friends who played with Campbell on Sunday at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. "The people which you saw in Sarah's gigs week after week were drawn together because they loved Sarah, and then they became friends. The common thread was Sarah."
Those friends ranged from local singer-songwriters like Ball and Slaid Cleaves to national acts like Bonnie Raitt and John Prine.
For the last year, Campbell played her Monday night set at El Mercado, after Artz Rib House closed down. She changed the name to Mystery Mondays and would welcome a guest each night.
She played her last show Monday and was joined onstage by Butch Hancock and Cleaves, as well as her regular bandmates Christine Albert and David Carroll.
"It was very special timing, really," Albert said. "It couldn't have been more beautiful timing to do two really strong performances and be gone a couple days later and not have to go through more pain or suffering."
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Campbell
127 Entries
Photo at a street jam in Columbia, California aroung 1974
Sheri Putnam-Cline
April 13, 2015
I grew up listening to Sarah sing and she welcomed me to join her a few times at some jams with Fiddlesticks. I admired her so much. See you in heaven!
sheri smith
October 28, 2014
I will miss you sweet cousin.
Ramona Dahlin
July 5, 2014
When I first met you in Columbia in 1982, I was intimidated by your big personality. Over the years that followed I had the joy of getting to know you and the privilege of listening to your music. Many memories...
April 29, 2014
Sarah, we'll always miss you at Strawberry, loved to wander up to the tree people campsite and listen to you sing and joke around. So glad I have some priceless home video of you and Sam Bush Band and John Cowen, what a hoot! You even liked it. Great lady with big heart, big talent.We were privileged to witness and enjoy. Thank you for your songs. Sandy and Walt Schiller
Popeye O'Casey
March 15, 2014
Met you in Sonora,close to 30 years ago. We shared a pint of whiskey and some other stuff I had. We talked about writing songs. You told me never to disregard my lyrics; that they might mean something that I would understand at some time . You blessed me with encouragement close to 30 years ago. Just found out your gone, and I feel there's a hole in the Universe.
February 9, 2014
Sarah stayed at my house in Glen Ellen Ca. back in 1976. I am one lucky guy to have known you dear. I/we love you girl. Michael Ewbank
Sarah stayed at my house in Glen Ellen, ca. two nights back in 1976. I am one lucky guy. Love you Sarah. Michael Ewbank
Mary Champlin
January 9, 2014
You will be missed by so many. I was blessed to be a fan for years. Thanks for all the trips to Strawberry and the Santa Cruz CA area; never missed a show. Rest in peace.
Johnny ~G~
January 8, 2014
May she rest in peace and sing in heaven... Johnny ~G~
kristin mathison
January 2, 2014
oh, the stories we could tell...feel so.blessed to have been a part of your "journey" and that we had that special time in Austin this past October...always in my heart, dear friend...xxxxxyou were my facebook!
Peggy Wade
January 2, 2014
Thank you. Bless you. Love you.
Kim Townsend
January 2, 2014
The weekend that I moved to Austin with my cousin, Steven, we went to brunch at La Zona Rosa and heard Sarah play. I will NEVER forget sitting there... so excited and thrilled at the thought of now being an 'Austin-ite'... with Steven... that first weekend and hearing this woman with such an incredible, warm voice singing a song called "Mexico". It felt so RIGHT, so perfect being there, and hearing that music! I/we met/heard Sarah many, MANY times over the coming years. She was gracious in allowing me to 'open' for her dear friend, Nancy Griffith... and letting me play at her bummer nights all the way from La Zona to the Hole-in-the-Wall and, later, to Artz Rib House, and beyond. Sarah was a wonderful lady, a wonderful talent; and I wish I'd known her better to call her 'friend'. I think the world of her, her mother, and may God bless them both!
Andrew Hardin
January 1, 2014
Sarah, rest in peace... It was an honor to know you and I am grateful I got to see you a few times before you left us. You are an inspiration as a musician and a human being. Thank you for the love and laughter you gave. My heart goes out to the friends you left behind.
At Julio's Cafe in Austin, Texas in Sep, Julio's cafe2008
Shuichi Iwami
December 31, 2013
Thank you so much, Sarah. I well don't know what I can write here now. You…yourself is a part of Austin.
Jeffee Palmer
December 31, 2013
Rest in peace, Sarah. Your voice and personality was pure Austin and will be part of what makes this community special for years to come. It was nice knowing you from our Maroon days and seeing you grow over the years to touch so many.
Helen
December 31, 2013
will miss you, girl...
Vera Hernandez
December 30, 2013
Sarah, my dear next door neighbor of several years.I just found out that I have lost a wonderful friend to the Heavens above. I will miss our conversations. I'm glad I had the pleasure of meeting you. I will truly miss you.
Joan
December 30, 2013
What a precious little girl you were when you and your mother, Sudie, lived next door to us. You had to hold your own with our two little boys and you did it with ease. Sudie and I would drink coffee and watch the three of you try and out do each other in the yard. I am so sorry I didn't keep in touch these past 50 years....from the messages I have read, you were a shining star. Bless you, sweet Sarah, and tell your Momma she done good!!
Kara
December 30, 2013
I did not have the pleasure of getting to know her or hear her play live, but she meant a great deal to someone I care about very much, and her music is exquisite . She was and is a beautiful soul . Any one whose life was touched by her and her music was truly blessed.
Billy Paul
December 30, 2013
Was glad to have known you God Bless Bp
Randy & Mary Jo Dees
December 29, 2013
Sarah was something special to Austin. We have many good memories of the Tuesday bummer nights at La Zona Rosa.
December 29, 2013
A song never had a better friend...the absence of your presence will remain with everyone fortunate to have experienced your life-force.No more sad songs sweet songbird.RIP
Meredith
December 29, 2013
My sons learned about music at Strawberry with you and the tadpoles in the lake. Thank you for all you are,
December 29, 2013
Love you Mama. We will miss you and Tweety at the salon. Xoxo
Leo Baldonado
December 29, 2013
Sarah Elizabeth Campbell, Big Spirit, thank you for all you shared, you are remembered.
W2
December 29, 2013
Night owl, moon lover, phone friend from midnight ‘til four in the morning. Always gorgeous; rich in color and texture, with a voice like a hot fudge sundae on a summer evening. Fly away, my friend, and join the other birds on the wire. We're still listening.
Barbara Aldis
December 29, 2013
I always looked forward to hearing you sing on Monday nights and now I will be remembering you on Monday nights. You are cherished by many. Thanks for the wonderful songs and the camaraderie you brought to my life.
Louise Preston
December 29, 2013
I'm a huge fan, thank you, Sarah Elizabeth
Anita Ball
December 29, 2013
Let your love light shine
~Anita Ball
December 29, 2013
You will always live in the Strawberry hearts ~Anita
Dale and Marilyn Barcellos
December 28, 2013
Sarah, Marilyn and I had an hour's drive ahead of us and we began to cry about loosing all the things you were in our lives. As we marveled, we silently vowed to try our best to be some of those things to those around us.
December 28, 2013
Give that girl a banana!!! Heaven has a new angel.. God speed.
Mike L. McDonald
December 28, 2013
Sarah helped in building the foundation of our glorious world of Strawberry and she is much loved and will be deeply missed. I'm just glad I was able to share so many of her birthdays with her :-)
Ginny Gelczis
December 28, 2013
Sarah Elizabeth, Your songs touch my heart, and I'm so glad I have your recordings to listen to. I'm so sad you had to leave us so soon, but I'm glad you went on your own terms--singing and playing until almost the end, sharing the love. We will miss you at Strawberry but we'll never forget you or your amazing songs and humor.
Miz Linda
December 28, 2013
Good Night Moon... Godspeed Sarah. You showed me how to be me by being you. I'll never forget you.
Robert Barcellos
December 28, 2013
Thank you "Sayra" for your music. Your friends will remember you always, Strawberry Music Festival will not be the same without you...
Cecily Johnson-Underwood
December 28, 2013
Strawberry will never be the same without you, but it's comforting to know that your bright, beautiful spirit-star will always shine brightly over the music meadow. You are our Strawberry Angel.
Thank you for being you & for inspiring us all.
Charlie
December 28, 2013
I always loves her rendition of Desperado in Columbia in the old days I would yell desperado from the crowd and she would usually do it some times mistake my voice for someone else and looking in the crowd for us
jamie ellison-krieg
December 28, 2013
I knew Sarah in high school, at Austin High. Things I remember best about her were that she got along well with just about everyone and, she was witty.
Sometimes, when I had a free period, or before school, I occasionally "stood" with a group of friends outside the school. Sarah was there, too, hanging out with some of her friends. - - A nice memory...
Wish I could have heard her sing after we finished school - but, I will look for her records.
She will be missed!!!
jk
Sharon Smales
December 28, 2013
You will always be a special part of my life.
Jo Anne Fortuna Casey
December 28, 2013
Lovn You Sarita!!!
Sing loudly so that we can hear you !!!
David Webb
December 28, 2013
One night at Artz, Sarah and I were talking and I accidentally spilled part of my Coca Cola on her. She smiled and said, " You know, you're lucky that I love you..."
Indeed I was. Rest in peace, dear heart.
Lynn Daniel
December 28, 2013
Sarah,
I'm glad I got to know you a little. You always made me laugh. Thanks for lifting us spiritually.
Stephanie Brown
December 28, 2013
Her voices reaches into my heart. Thank you, Sarah. Condolences to friends and famiily.
Terry Mann
December 28, 2013
To my cousin, Sarah (how many times removed, we couldn't figure out). Sing with the angels and give our family love up there. You are missed and loved.
Wes Van Horn
December 28, 2013
My old friend and roommate. Will miss you!
December 28, 2013
I remember seeing Sarah at the Austin Outhouse, adding a song to the second last Blaze Foley Gig. I asked what her name was because I knew we would all hear more from her. Her songs live on forever.
Kathy Collins
December 27, 2013
I loved hearing Sarah at Artz, w Chris Gage at Donn's, and at El Mercado. Wish I had met her sooner, but she was a special talent with an incredible voice.
Dave Ring
December 27, 2013
My friend Kate recommended that I go see Sarah play when I was in Austin. I don't think I ever missed a Bummer Night on any Monday I was in town during the 90's and 2000in and 2001. I also caught her join the Troubadours at a number of their shows at Threadgills. In addition to hearing lots of great music and eating well (I miss Artz' ribs), I made lots of good friends at Sarah's shows. She may not have been well known, but she was well loved.
Kathleen Davies
December 27, 2013
What a true friend to so many. I loved that Sarah. could make running boring errands into an adventure. She will always be remembered while a grinning, and that big brick that was the first cell phone:)
December 27, 2013
The sweet girl next door, that was
Sarah when we were Celeste, Camille and
Baby Carrie..four young ladies all
playing in the small front yard and
watching TV together. One day she
even said..."If you girls ever won
Miss America, you would say...:"I would
like to thank my Momma." After 50
years those sweet words still linger in my mind.
We lost track of each other when she moved away and we built our home and moved but I wish that we had maintained our friendship. Sometimes we shared storms and scary stories and had fun playing with kittens.
Sarah, sweet neighbor, please give
our oldest, Celeste a big hug and
let her know you are still her
neigbor. Much love, The Neuvars
Ted Applewhite
December 27, 2013
So glad you were playing Armadillo with Marcia Sunday. A great show, as always! Heaven's Band has gained a great new voice!
Anne Whitehurst
December 27, 2013
I slid in to the Slide Inn one Summer night in Long Barn, and Sarah was belting them out for a crowd of five. I had my guitar and she said, "You gonna play that thing or just use it to hold up your beer?" I looked around to see who she was talking to. Me? Oh holy crap. "Come on! Get up here!" Then she made me feel like we'd played together for years. What an honor. What a loss we have suffered here. What a party on the other side!
Karl Heinz Siber
December 27, 2013
Whenever Anneli and I visited Austin (which we regularly did for more than a decade from the mid-1990s on) we took it for granted that we could see Sarah Elizabeth perform. She was an integral part of our Austin experience, and we never imagined that this might ever be different. We will miss her a lot.
Shaela Leggett-Wilson
December 27, 2013
Golden Slumbers, Dear Sweet "Auntie" Sarah. Hug Uncle Jeff for me. He's been missing you a long, long time. And now it is our turn to miss you.
Cindy Hause
December 27, 2013
She has been at the core of our Austin family for so many years... she will be greatly missed. So many fond memories of her and her mother Sudie :) I feel so blessed to have know them both.
LINDA GROVE LYNK
December 27, 2013
I was devastated to hear of Sarah's death. I'd known her since she and my baby brother were boy and girlfriend...more than 35 years ago. She will definitely be missed.
Sarah with John Prine at the Strawberry Spring 2013 Music Festival.
Tim Konrad
December 27, 2013
The world won't be the same without you in it, Sarah, but it's a better place because you were here. Thanks for all the memories.
Kathy Lynch
December 27, 2013
My heart is saddened to learn of Sarah's passing. She was a shining light and an inspiration. She will live forever in her heartfelt songs.
Kevin Carnes
December 27, 2013
You were a key component in making Strawberry a magical place. Your voice will always float in the meadow. Move over
other angels. The Queen has arrived.
Doug Huebner
December 27, 2013
Thank you for sharing your love and joy while in this world. It was a special treat to camp and hang with you at Strawberry Festival. You will be missed.
Joanna Palacino
December 27, 2013
Sayra, your beautiful light is gone now from this physical world. It feels like a hole in my heart. I'll miss you so much, especially at Strawberry. With love from your "Lovely Lemon Sister"
Paul Walhus
December 27, 2013
Bless her heart
Liz Razovich
December 27, 2013
My heart to you forever my sweet Sayraralizzie .. your heart and spirit surround us .. always..
Karen Cameron
December 27, 2013
Blessings on you Sayra. I will never forget your kindness to me when Byron died. You led me on an adventure that only you could have orchestrated! I love you. Hug Sudie for me.
Shanda
December 27, 2013
Damn, we sure had some good times, didn't we? I was a longtime Fiddlestix fan, and a bit star struck when I first met you at Strawberry. I said you were the Pride of Tuolumne County, and you scoffed at me, but we soon became friends. You were clearly the Queen of Strawberry, and Ron DeLacy was the Court Jester. To lose both in one year is unfathomable. I will raise a toast to you at every festival, to honor your memory.
Bob Kovner
December 27, 2013
My Dear Sweet Girl, you truly became a sister in my life and I will carry you forever in my heart, Thank you my love for all the music, laughter, guidance,joy you brought me and us all. I will see you smiling at me everytime I say goodnight to the moon, everytime I help a stray cat or find a home for a puppy, every time I hear a joke I will share it with you as if you are by my side. I won't say I miss you I will keep you with me always. Hey and while your at it tell my mom I know I'm her fav as well!<3 ? <3 ? <3 ? <3 ? <3 ? <3
December 27, 2013
RIP sweet girl.
Karla Bonoff
Santa Barbara, CA
Peggy "Richmond" Huckeba
December 27, 2013
Sarah always full of life and laughter. I remember all the music in the streets of Columbia, Ca. Fiddlestix in the Jack Douglas and St Charles salons. Although I haven't seen you in years I am sad that you have left us but happy you are singing with the angels.
Kevin Welch
December 27, 2013
Sarah, thanks for always being kind and funny. I'm glad so many people loved you. We'll miss you kiddo.
Gram Leonard
December 27, 2013
Thank you Sarah ... We will continue to share your love for many moons to come... Goodnight Sarah
Douglas Ferguson
December 27, 2013
Thanks For Keeping
All Those Campfires going
At Kerrville Sarah
DougFerguson&Elvis
Old Settlers Family
Roy Heinrich
December 27, 2013
I'm very saddened by her passing. Sincerest condolences to all her friends and family.
Jackie Gaston
December 27, 2013
Peace to you, our dear Sarah. We miss you more than we can express. Thanks for all the music, wit, and fun.
Kayla Bryan
December 27, 2013
Sarah has been in my life since before I was even born. She help my momma when she was pregnant and even before. I grew up listening to her solo album, as well as with fiddlesticks, some of my favorite songs. I met Sarah for the first and last time at Denise's service and Sarah was everything I thought she was going to be. Funny, a lil crude, but just an all around awesome person. I am lucky to know here and to have her in my life she was/is a beautiful soul, now she's above with all the angels. We will miss you forever Sarah. Mom and dad were heart broken to hear the news, but we all know you're in a better place. ??
Conni Hepting
December 27, 2013
Thank you beautiful lady, for many years of music and laughs <3 <3 Love you forever
Bill Bloomer
December 27, 2013
I planted a tree in your honor today. Right where the moon will find it. It's a little tree , it'll take a long time to fill the void you leave behind. Thanks for sharing your gift of time here.
john Arthur martinez
December 27, 2013
Such a loss for the Austin music community. Rest in Peace Sarah Elizabeth.
John Aengus
December 27, 2013
Goodbye honey. Cannot believe it really. While it has been a few years since we talked, I always loved our friendship. I well remember our talks. I remember the beginning of bummer nights. I remember all those gigs where there were only a few of us there listening. Sarah honey, you know your voice always bowled me over. I am so sorry you are gone..... I will never hear your laugh again.... late at night.... echoing over the camps at Strawberry.... like some kind of beacon letting me know where the best picking and best times could be had. I remember so fondly sitting back stage with you talking with all the songwriting gals in a little circle while Hale Bop comet streaked overhead. I remember sitting quietly with you and Champ... both of you with those little Collings guitars.... playing and swinging sweetly at Thanksgiving at Tom's...... sigh.... goodbye sweet Sarah. you always treated me with such kindness and love. I don't know why. Until we meet again in the jam in the sky. I tip my cup to you and toast to all the great music you gave us. Goodbye honey..... I really cannot write any more. too many tears now as I recall all the times..... John Aengus
SJ Jacobson
December 27, 2013
RIP Sarah <3
Becky Cavanaugh
December 27, 2013
Heartache I am tired of being your best friend. Lyrics I related to and loved. We will miss your flair. Love, Becky and Randy
Dave Younger
December 27, 2013
There are angels among us...we are poorer now that a great one has returned Home.
Susan Strobel
December 27, 2013
I will miss you, Sarah. Your music got me through some very rough spots in my life, and I will never forget that...
Debbie Wertheim
December 27, 2013
A Mother and Child reunion... Sudie and Sarah... neither one in pain or sadness any more. We will miss her beautiful voice and energy, but we'll celebrate that we got to know her at all. Peace to all who are missing her.
Bob Carroll
December 27, 2013
Thankful for frienfship from a dear one I never met. I will miss the "moon".
Thomas Greener
December 27, 2013
Sarah's friends at kvmr in Nevada City will miss Sarah greatly. Several years ago when Sarah & Nina Gerber (now there's a pair to draw to) performed at the Miner's Foundry, they did a show of shows, and still stands out in many memories. Love & RIP Sarah, from your many friends and fans.
Sarah at Donn's Depot
Sheree Rabe
December 27, 2013
There is a great reunion in Heaven today as Sarah and Sudie are reunited. I have never seen such love between a mother and a daughter! Sudie the loving mother of us all. Rest in peace, Sarah, in the arms of your mother and let her sing you a lullaby. You will be missed on earth, but not half as much as you have been by your mother. I am sure there is an Art's in Heaven with a table big enough for all of us right in front that Sudie has been saving for everyone.
Christa Taylor
December 27, 2013
So many wonderful memories, my Strawberry Friend. The Angels in heaven will be in great company. We'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places..... Rest easy, Dear Sarah, and thank you for everything.
Jeff Tveraas
December 27, 2013
Another fallen star gone from the Texas sky. Our lives are richer for her sonorous presence and by how easily she called you 'friend'. Sharing her stage was always an adventure. Goodnight moon, you are missed...
John Gordon
December 27, 2013
So long old friend.
It was a bummer night, but you're riding off into the dawn.
Give mama a hug, say hi to others we miss.
Margaret Clegg
December 27, 2013
I'd been in Austin 10 days, sitting alone in Artz. You & Sudie spoke to me, invited me to your table - and I feel that I never left. I'll remember your laughter, your smile .. and everything else that made you Sayra Liz. Sweet dreams x
Jamie Rhodes
December 27, 2013
I feel so lucky to have known such a light in this world.
Christina Fajardo
December 27, 2013
Sayra, our bright shining star I pray you are at peace with Sudie this morning. You will be missed my Taurus soul sister. I don't know anyone that understood my flavor of clothes and jewelry as much as you. I will miss our phone conversations that were always a little to the left of normal. What will I do without your infectious laughter and honesty? I love you from here to the moon, Sissy
Danny Santos
December 27, 2013
I always loved the way you sang your song. I'll forever miss that.....
Nina Herrold
December 27, 2013
I will never forget the laughs we shared...Peace and Goodnight Moon
December 27, 2013
She taught me so much about living life to the fullest. Her spirit is contagious and her love will forever live in the hearts of all she touched. You cannot hear the name Sarah Elizabeth Campbell without breaking into a great big grin! She will be missed.
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