Henry Townsend

For Henry...You played the blues
through 8 decades right, into
the hearts of thousands.

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

For Henry...You played the blues
through 8 decades right, into
the hearts of thousands.

Dear Robert King,

I was sorry to read about your Grandfather's passing.

Reading about his "Career" in the Wikipedia, I see that you're grandfather was an influential man who was active in learning about, and encouraging others to listen to and enjoy the "Blues."

Yes, losing someone that special to death is heartbreaking.
Your grandfather will be missed by those privileged to hear his music.
Acts 24:15

Our Condolence to the Henry "Mule" Townsend family

Music, when soft voices die

Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.

By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation

The last couple of weeks have certainly been hard for I'm sure the world but most and foremost, family. I am Henry Townsend's grandson and I can tell those of you who never had a chance to be blessed by his presence, he was and will forever be a true gift. Big Daddy and I talked often but now that he's gone, it feels like it was never enough. I was just reading absolutely every page I can find on him from the internet and came across this page. Thank you for whomever created this in his honor.
I will never forget the man who pushed me to become the person I am today. Although he tried for many years to teach me how to play music, I guess the child in me just couldn't focus on it. However, as far back as 1986, I can remember him always telling me that computers were going to be the future. He'd buy me computers, I'd break them and even at such a young age, always seemed to be able to come to resolve whatever it was I had done. What I could not do musically, he aided me in focusing on what I was good at.
When I was at his funeral, I meet a very special woman who had given me a DVD documentary which featured my grandfather and I playing and singing together. I may never see her again but maybe she will check this site too one day and see my sincerest gratitude for giving me not only a piece of history but the most priceless gift anyone could ever give me.

[email protected]

The family of Henry Townsend,
My husband and I never had the honor of meeting him but heard many many stories about him. We are good friends with a friend of his from southern Illinois. He would sit with us over dinner telling us stories of playing with Henry or visiting him. Henry meant so much to our friend.
May you find comfort in knowing that he will be greatly missed and was loved and enjoyed by all ages. God bless you and your family at this time

God Bless his family.

Although I didn't know you personally, I think you were a courageous man and a find musician. I have no doubt that you are in heaven enjoying the blessings that you so deserve.

When Henry spoke, we all listened, for his words and wisdom were like gold. Once, when warming up at BBs before a show, he called me down from the stage and said, "Don't give them (the pre-show audience) too much, make them wait for it. They will appreciate it more." Henry was a gentleman and a gentle man. The patriarch of the blues in St. Louis will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.

It is amazing that Henry Townsend, the last of the first generation of blues recording artists, as his recording debut preceded 1930, lived to perform in the 21st century. I was pleased to meet and talk with him in 1991, at the National Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. I know that he will be missed, by his family and by fans, but we can be thankful that he lived for 96 years and left a substantial recorded legacy.

Dear Mr. Townsend,
If you where here today,This is what I would say to you.

Thank You! My brother for paving the way for sisters like me. Although
I am not an artist, But I am a
34 year old talk radio host. And people like you have paid your dues
for men & women like myself. If you
were on my radio show. I would say Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

God has a place in heaven for musicians, may your soul rest in peace!!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

REST IN PEACE

We'll miss you much Hank, but we will all be happy that at least you'll be playing with all the greats up there.

He was a great friend and a awesome player.

you, will be missed,

Mr.Henry Townsend Was an Icon,He will be missed,but his music will live on.

No one could phrase it better,he was truly a "pioneer" of our heritage in the music industry. Farewell to a grand gem.

we have lost a pioneer

My parents remember him. They would dance to the music,now he came sing up high.
Daniel and Walker
Family

To the Townsend Family
A man and his music, Oh what a combination. Mr. Townsend must have lead an exciting and wonderful life to have been on GOD's earth for 96 years.

Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us!

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Love Your Music

i know you're playing beautiful music up in heaven rest in peace.

You were the greatest

SUCH A LOSS OF AN AWESOME MAN

Rest in peace .
We love you but God love you best.