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Hazel Dickens Obituary
Dickens died Friday morning at a Washington hospice of complications from pneumonia. Her death was confirmed by Ken Irwin, a founder of Rounder Records, her label for about 40 years.
Dickens, a vocalist and double-bassist, became a fixture in the bluegrass circuit in the 1960s and 1970s with her musical partner, Alice Gerrard. The duo performed as Hazel & Alice and released several albums, emerging as some of the earliest prominent women in bluegrass and paving the way for other female folk singers.
Dickens's music was later featured in the "Harlan County, USA," Barbara Kopple's 1976 Oscar-winning documentary about Kentucky coal miners.
"She cared a great deal for working people and the downtrodden and wrote about issues that generally were not addressed in bluegrass or country," Irwin said.
Among her honor s was a 2008 induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
44 Entries
roger stroupe
July 13, 2014
Hazel as a native West Virginian from Mercer County you make us very proud to be a hard working mountaineer I am sorry I didn't know of your works until recently but you make me proud to be a mountaineer from neighboring Bramwell wv and as I listen to you songs they make me homesick for the mountains and I know that is where I belong and by Gods grace that is where I will be.
Ephesians 1:4~ just as he chose us in union with him before the founding of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love.
Monica Henry
June 24, 2011
Elizabeth McD
June 7, 2011
Hazel took me in when I was down and out and alone in D.C. She was kind and had a warm and generous heart. We used to work together at our day jobs in the '70s. I will never forget the light that was Hazel.
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Jack Platter, Sr.
May 1, 2011
Many years ago I had the opportunity to meet Hazel Dickens, back in the early 80s at an event. Being young and naive I had no idea how much pressure Ms. Dickens must have been under. Not only did Hazel Dickens take the time to hold a conversation with me about the social issues of the day but Ms. Dickens took more time to be patient and chat with my five year old daughter which had accompanied me. Hazel held a real conversation with my girl and not just a “pat on the head” type chat.
She seemed like such a humble, caring, and kindhearted person. I have read that the dead do not wish to return to this earth. But somehow, because of the love toward humanity and attempting to right the wrongs of society perhaps this earth may just someday become a place that those who have crossed the curtain of death may consider returning to. Ms. Hazel Dickens: many people have gained inspiration, fought hard, and gained a better life because of your hard work, honesty, and bravery. Jack Platter, Sr
Rev. Dr. Nicholas V. Gamvas
April 28, 2011
May her memory be eternal!
April 28, 2011
I am very sorry that you have lost a love one, Revelation 21:4 gives us hope that one day death will be no more.
ROSA JOHNSON
Jim Heidere
April 27, 2011
Early in his live radio broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, on Saturday April 23rd, Garrison Keillor and his guests performed a delightful comic parody of "Hello Stranger". I thought "isn't this neat, a reference for and tribute to Hazel and Alice Gerrard".
My pleasure turned to dismay when he announced a little later that Hazel had just died.
Hazel...an absolute icon for and troubador of American miners, is no longer with us. Very sad.
Her musical direction in "Harlan County USA" helped make Barbara Koppel's 1976 documentary film one of my all time favorites.
I still play her 1972 vinyl recording of "Hazel and Alice" for many people who never knew her skill and strength as a mysician.
Peggy Watson
April 26, 2011
such a loss to earth, but heaven's gain; a truly great and wonderful lady; she's gone, but the music will live on; I love her songs; so soulful, heartfelt and real; such a hero to female Bluegrass musician/singers; she will be missed;
Greg
April 26, 2011
Ever since first seeing "Matewan", one of my favorite movies, I've loved the voice and lyrics of Hazel Dickens. As a Communist, she has been a great inspiration to me and my comrades with her songs about the struggles of working people.
Kevin Ryan
April 26, 2011
Hazel, I didn't know you very well personally; however I have frriends who did. I'll never forget sharing popcorn with you one evening at Elkins, WV. RIP. You were a gigantic talent.
tom O'Neil
April 26, 2011
dear hazel, such a wonderful performer. hardly strictly will be a bit less forcefull this year. but still looking foward for it!
Lisa Husted
April 26, 2011
Thanks for the music, the songs and their strength,and for all the love you so graciously shared - you remain a National Treasure.
Steve Chandler
April 26, 2011
It was such a blessing to know Hazel for so many years, she was such a pleasure to be around and her music and songs will indeed last forever.
My thanks to Ken Irwin for introducing Hazel to me many years ago.
I will miss her dearly!
james heath
April 26, 2011
she'll be missed
Glen
April 26, 2011
Peaace to the family and friends of
Hazel Dickens.
Allen Anderson
April 26, 2011
Bless you and all the joy you brought.
April 26, 2011
A great singer that I enjoyed hear her songs.
maderos
April 26, 2011
my daddy was a cole miner/and he love bluegrass music.r.i.p.
Mrs Alexander
April 26, 2011
To the Dickens family, I am truly sorry for the lost of your love one, May the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Elaine Purkey
April 26, 2011
She was a great singer/songwriter/friend. Such a loss to the world. My sympathy, love and prayers go out to the family and friends she left behind. She was one of a kind and there'll never be anyone who could come close to that voice.
Mike
April 25, 2011
Rest in peace Hazel. Your voice and songs are a national treasure. I discovered Hazel while watching the movie "Matewan" and heard her singing a coal miners song..."Fire In The Hole". It was love at first note.
And I'd like to thank Hazel for kindling an interest in discovering my roots. My Grandfather was a coal miner in Thorpe,WV and Welch,WV and he died in 1927, 25 years before I was born.
I always wanted to write her and thank her for that, and now this "public thank you" will have to do. Thank you for leading me to my Grandfather.
Bob F
April 25, 2011
She told stories that few ever bothered to tell. Her voice was earthy and carried far in this world. Our hearts go out to her family and her fans. We have lost a true legend.
Homer Gribble
April 25, 2011
Was she any kin to Little Jimmy Dickens?
Jenna K
April 25, 2011
Our sympathy's goes out to all the friends and family of Mrs Hazel Dickens.
All though she is sleeping in death, those who knew her will remember her for her contributions towards those working in the coal mines.
May she rest in peace.
Revelations 21:3
yd
April 25, 2011
Sorry to hear that Ms. Dickens' has passed away. May the family and friends find the peace and comfort from God's Word the Bible. (John 3:16,17)
April 25, 2011
she was a great singer and she was great for coal miners.She sure helps us on some strikes. thanks gerald mabe coal miner.
Joe Finney
April 25, 2011
She was a great singer and fighter for the working class. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Limida Facalon
April 25, 2011
Hazel was wonderful. I've seen her perform at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. She brought much joy to many people. RIP.
Betty Westmoreland
April 25, 2011
Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard sang the songs of working men and women, coal miners, and the downtrodden. We shall never forget Hazel's contribution to folk and bluegrass music. Fans of this wonderful music will sing her songs far into the future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hazel Dickens family.
John
April 25, 2011
Hazel is going to be a sadly missed National Treasure. Her life and times were heard through her words and in the songs she sang. I hope to meet her again in the land of forever and be one of her accompanists.
Laverne
April 25, 2011
Hold on to all the happy and loving memories of Hazel. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you through your Pain and sorrow. Psalms 146:5,6
Heidi Smakula
April 25, 2011
To Hazel's family, your loss is mine as well. I had the pleasure of hearing her at many a folk festival that I went to as a child. I still hear those songs in my heart. Peace be with you in this time of sorrow.
R Golay
April 25, 2011
To the the family of Hazel Dickens - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ Hazel will be missed by many.
Sharon
April 25, 2011
To the family of Hazel Dickens,
I am sorry for your loss. I would like to express my condolences. May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this difficult time.
2 Corinthians 1:3,4
April 25, 2011
She was a wonderful musician and was great in "Songcatcher". I hope she is singing us up when we all go home.
valerie valentine
April 25, 2011
My condolences to the family of Hazel Dickens, friends and fans. I was not familiar with her music but from reading her guest book, she was well loved. May God's promise of a world without sickness and death comfort you until you see her again.
Dione Taylor
April 25, 2011
Matthews: 6:9
You must pray then this way:
Our Father in the Heavens, Let your name be sanctifed, Let your Kingdom come, Let your will take place as in Heaven, also upon earth.
John: 11: 25. 26
Jesus Christ. who is the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me even though he dies he will come to life and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me. will never die at all. Do you belivie this, Trust & Belivie.
Delores
April 25, 2011
I'm so sorry for your lose. I hope that you can find comfort in John 5:28,29
Tillie Moore
April 25, 2011
My condolences to Hazel's family, friends and loved ones, she is my most favorite musician, I loved her singing "Faded Pressed Rose", of all her songs, it's my most favorite poignant song. I thank you, Hazel for way you sang your songs, they meant so much to me.
Gail Gamble
April 25, 2011
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Hazel Dickens, I did not know her but I know the loss of a family member. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a human can face. I find much comfort from the Bible where it assures us that "Our Heavenly Father is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Ed & Carla Bickel
April 25, 2011
WV is our second home Blessings and much love to her and her family
Kenny Eckhardt
April 25, 2011
So sorry to hear about Hazel's passing.
She was somethin' else. My condolences to all her friends and family.
Nedra Bradley
April 25, 2011
Thank you for your caring for the downtrodden people. There needs to be more of your character. God bless your family. We'll meet again.
Nedra Bradley
Macon, Georgia
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