David Mallett

I believe the first I heard David's music was on Mike Flynn's "Folk Sampler" heralded as "From the Foothills of the Ozarks" Then bought several albums. Saw him live 2 times in Greensboro VT and also once in Madison ME. A type of folk I really liked, kind of bordering on country with a rhythmic beat, happy music. A unique person for sure. How short life is. So very sad to hear of his passing.

I'm so sad to learn of Dave's passing. I've loved his music since first hearing him at Stanley Park in Westfield, MA and have since learned several of his wonderful songs. I've introduced his music to my guitar group who meets each Thursday in FL and feel priviledged to have passed on his name and legacy to others. He will be truly missed by me and so many others. Thank you for so many years of wonderful music.

I heard belatedly of David's passing. I'm so sorry to hear of it. My condolences to his family. I've been listening to his songs since the early eighties although I never had the chance to see him live. I just want to say what a tremendous artist I think he is. His songbook is second to none in my opinion. It is incomprehensible to me how he is not better known. He is tremendously underrated. It always annoys me that people only seem to know of him in connection with "The Garden Song". True, it's a great song but there is so much more to him than that. I would really love to see someone put together a tribute album to him even though those recordings would never match the original.

I have just learned of Dave's passing. Condolences to his family and friends. I am sorry for his loss and I pray that his music and his life reverberate throughout the rest of our lives and beyond. He was an amazing and gifted singer-songwriter. I first heard his music in the mid-70s when I lived in Maine. I've listened to it ever since. We have lost a great performing artist. Thankfully, he left us with an incredible legacy of his recorded work. I am sure Dave's love of life, his deeply cherished knowledge of Maine living, and his wonderful, musical storytelling will be heard for generations to come.

Years ago I had the opportunity to open a folk concert at Portland City Hall, Dave was one of the headliners, it was a great night. That was many long years ago, but his songs are still floating out there.
Now... I live in Ireland these past 20 years and this past summer at an open music session in County Clare, a local Irish farmer stood up and began singing the Garden song, I joined in and we sang loud and clear, afterwards I said to him, `I know the guy who wrote that´, he told me he didn´t know how he learned that song but it was his favourite.So I guess the seeds took root and Dave is still out there somewhere.
All the best to his family,
Tony Owen, co Kerry, Ireland

Came across David's music in the passed year and have listened constantly. Just saw he passed last week. So thankful for his music. What a blessing!

My deepest sympathy to David´s family and friends during this difficult time. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. May the fond memories of your beloved one always be remember.

I am playing a CD in memory of David.

Dave Mallett, about 11; and brother Neil, about 16, performed at Husson College auditorium in 1962 when my Freshman class had Orientation. I knew "underclass Neil" but didn´t know of his and 11-year-old Dave´s entertaining experience! Thoroughly enjoyed the surprise and great music! I have followed Dave´s career since returning to my home state of Maine in the Seventies! Dave will be deeply missed by ALL!!!

My condolences.

In 1969-70 I used to howl the Unicorn Song with Dave in his dorm room as we drank enriched orange juice from the cooler he had in his room. Dave sang - I howled, but he didn´t complain - he was always gracious. My favorite performance by Dave was sometime in the 70´s in Bar Harbor in a small place - maybe a church - he filled the room with his magical blend of poetry and music to paint a masterpiece of life´s memories. One song in particular he sung about a stairway in an old home - the worn treads telling the tale of the feet and the changing lives of those climbing through life. Thank you Dave - I´m glad you didn´t become a lawyer. The world is so much better off with your timeless gifts. Blessings and condolences to his family - he left us too soon. KM

David's music has meant a lot to me over the past four decades. I caught him in concerts in Salt Lake City, UT, and in Orono, ME. I performed with him at a festival in Portland, OR, and hosted him in concert in Rock Springs, WY. As a singer/songwriter myself, I learned a good number of his tunes. He was the voice of rural Maine to me--weathered, poetic, earthy. I am glad to have his music accompany me through life, and I am saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and close associates. Sincerely, Chris Kennedy

Such an incredibly talented songwriter, especially for children. So many enjoyed his work over the years. Sincerest condolences to the Mallett family, so very for your loss. May God be with you all as you endure this very difficult time of your loss.

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Mallett's death. I have been a fan for many years, and became even more of one when I found out just last year when I had the great pleasure of attending one of his concerts (at last!), that Jean Ritchie's beautiful song "In the Summer of My Dreams" was actually penned by Dave in the town next door to mine. It is that kind of sharing of music that make the folk world what it is, and Dave was right in the heart of all that. I am sharing your sadness.

My wife and I, along with our close friends, have followed Dave Mallett for 45 years. Throughout that time, he has provided the principal soundtrack to our lives. We´ve shared and sung his songs with scout groups, school children, folks at funerals, and around our own campfires. We´ve attended more of Dave´s concerts than we can count, often several times a year. Every time, his performance captivated, entertained, and inspired. We tracked down every album, then CD, and now in the streaming age, have our playlist filled with everything we can find. Knowing we can no longer sit and watch him pour out himself on stage, strum his guitar with his distinctive driving energy, and engage us with stories both new and oft-repeated is a loss we will likely not be able to replace. Dave was the most gifted songwriter we know. Dave´s songs are both simple and complex at the same time. He could create images, weave themes, and tell stories with a simplicity and ease that belied the craftsmanship beneath the lyrics and melodies. I have often imagined that it would be fascinating to listen to Taylor Swift and Dave Mallett talk about the process of developing a tune and write a song. They belong in the pantheon of American singer-song writers, along with the likes of Dylan and Cole Porter.

In recent years, I often wandered up to the stage when Dave was done singing, in hopes of thanking him for the many years of pleasure he has provided us. The imagined conversation never went quite as I´d hoped. Dave was always drained at the end of a show and didn´t really want to chat. So now I´ll say it, too late for him to actually hear: Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful music and so many nights of joyful listening.

My husband and I first heard David Mallett on Prairie Home Companion, many years ago, and were immediately drawn in by his poetry and music. His music often was our accompaniment on our trips up to the North Woods of the Adirondacks. We were lucky enough to see him twice in concert at a small venue here in Richmond-the intimate setting was perfect for him and the audience, and we were kind of amazed that such a presence in the music world was playing 10 feet away from us! His music--his poetry-will stand the test of time, and I hope people will continue to be drawn in by his musical storytelling. We send our deep condolences to his family.

My husband and I are both so sad to hear of David Mallett´s death. What a storyteller and musician, with such heart. We especially listened to his albums going up and down the road to the Adirondacks from Virginia, in anticipation of being in our North woods and leaving them behind. We were lucky enough to see him in person at a small venue here in Richmond, and marveled at being able to be in such an intimate venue, but it absolutely suited him. His voice lives on in his poetry and music. We send our deepest condolences to his family.

He and his band practiced in our loft in Portland getting ready for Horsefeathers. I continue to this day to listen to his albums, the world has lost their Troubadour.

Condolences to his family

I listened to him decades ago as a folk performer. I extend my sympathy to his family. It's such a loss of someone still so young.

I purchased a few used pieces of "high end" stereo equipment back in 1983 while a student at UMM. One piece was a linear-tracking turntable. The seller included a used Dave Mallett LP in the sale. I´d never heard of the guy, but I figured I may as well give it a listen. I´m so glad I did; he´s been my favorite artist ever since! Attended around 15 of his shows over the years at venues from Fort Fairfield to Bath. Saw him one time in a potato house in Benedicta. Then seeing him decades later when he would mention to the audience, "I once played in a potato house!" I used to race kayaks on his Sebec Lake every July 4th and would hum his "Midnight on the Water" as I paddled-my favorite DM song! God´s peace to David´s family.

David Mallett is my all-time favorite musician. In 1979, an unknown to me, I saw him at the University of Maine where I taught for four years. It was love at first hear and I had an affair with his voice and proceeded to see him where I lived all over the country. I later produced him in Seattle. He could sing old or new songs, didn't matter ... he always moved me, sometimes to tears. I will listen to his music always!