It Ain't Easy To Say....Long John's Gone!

JOHN WILLIAM BALDRY - January 12, 1941 - July 21, 2005

John Baldry's family and friends would like to thank everyone at the Vancouver General Hospital for the care and love they gave to John. Special thanks to nurses Deb Hamilton, Susanna and the many others in the Intensive Care Unit for making it possible for John to pass on with dignity and peace. God bless you all. - Frank Garcia


'For me, just shaking his hand – knowing all the great musicians whose hand he’d shaken before – was mind-blowing. But so was John. Picture this elegant man with a proper English accent, never without a tie, a towering six-foot-seven. I was a huge fan and I was intimidated by his offer. Rod Stewart wasn’t in demand in those days; no one was interested. I immediately said 'yes'. John had a knack for discovering talent. Ginger Baker, Jeff Beck and Brian Jones all worked with him early on. Elton John played piano in one of his bands, other Rolling Stones too – Charlie, Ron Wood, and Keith. In 1962, when the Rolling Stones were just getting started, they opened for him in London. Eric Clapton has said many times that John was one of the musicians that inspired him to play the Blues. And for their internationally televised special in 1964, the Beatles invited John to perform his version of 'I Got My Mojo Working'. In those days the only music we fell in love with was the Blues, and John was the first white guy singing it, in his wonderful voice. It was the true Blues and everyone looked up to him'. - Rod Stewart

'I am very glad I sat 15 feet from him in November before a packed house, one of his last London performances before his illness. With Dave Kelly on guitar and harp player Butch Coulter, he delivered, as he always has, and the hushed fans lapped it up. At one point some heathens at the bar spoiled the intimate listening pleasure…John stopped and stood from the stool he was leaning on and with his trademark hat now towering over us at around 7ft 2 he bellowed...
'Don't you know when culture is being thrust upon you!' - UK Bob WRFG/ Atlanta Ga

'Deepest condolences to you and all that were close to John. The few times I got to be in his presence were fun and precious. I'll always be flattered he invited me to record with him and will fondly remember doing his Leadbelly show at the Edmonton Folk Fest two years ago'.-Amos Garrett

Dear Frank: This is very sad news. There are a few people in this world who can considered touchstones. John Baldry was one of them. His spirit of generosity towards his fellow musicians and fans never wavered. His honest approach to his craft and his willingness to share his gift with others is the true measure of his life. He, his family and friends are in my prayers. Thank you for informing me of his passing and for all your communications these past months, -Tom McGivney

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