Charles Joseph Murphy Jr.

Charlie was such a blessing in my life. As a colleague, he made me stretch and consider other perspectives. As founders of Power of Hope, he and Peggy enriched my children's lives in ways that led to their adulthood as activists and artists. He remains of blessed memory. Hope turned to action and art continues to change the world. Thank you, Charlie.

The loss of a truly great spirit!! Charlie lives on forever in his music and his actions!

Charlie and Rumors of the Big Wave played at our school's community meeting on a couple of occasions in the 1980's, and that music and his charisma and passion have always remained with me. I am late in finding out about his passing, so my grief at the loss is quite fresh. You will be dearly remembered, Charlie, by all your friends and family and the people you touched on so many occasions. You leave us all an example of a life truly well lived!

3Dear Family and Friends of Charlie,

I know I can speak for many, many of us who are community leaders and extended family in Olympia and at the Oregon Country Fair in saying Charlie had a huge positive impact well beyond the work he did.

I am so pleased to read of his later work but bringing Charlie and Rumors of the Big Wave to play at the Evergreen State College will always rate as a spiritual, political and personal highlight- again, for many, many of us.

I just...

My deep condolences to Eric. Charlie deeply inspired me with his dedication his love and his amazing training program for youth. Rest in peace dearest Charlie. You have deeply touched many of us

Hey Charlie! It's Dar from behind the scenes of Rumors back in the mid 80s. You will always be a mentor and heart guide for me. I still have my Love Glove teeshirt (!) and a hundred great memories of you, Jamie, Amy, and Rockin' for love and justice. May goodness and kindness follow you and us, in your wake. Peace :: Dar

Charlies music let me know I had community! I first saw Rumors in a church in Seattle when I was 19yrs old! It opened my life!! Thank you Charlie for your life and for all you have inspired!!!!

I have a vivid and happy memory of leading the procession at the Spiral Dance in the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park back around 1982. One weekend when he was here he and I walked to the base of Coit Tower and, surrounded by 360º beautiful view of the bay, he taught me "Calling on the Spirits." I have shared that song many times in the years since. "with visions of the past and memories of the future..." is one of my favorite lines.

We've also sung "Light Is Returning" at...

Many good memories of Rumors. The concert at the Paramount with Total Experience Gospel Choir I will never forget. A life lived well.