JT Condolences Archive Two
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http://www.jakethackray.com
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http://www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/~scs1ec/jakethackray.html
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| Name: | Gwion James |
| E-mail address: | mgij ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | When I found this condolences list I feared it might be mawkish and embarrassing, but I was struck by how dignified and really touching and thoughtful so many of the messages were. Somehow that in itself seemed a tribute to JT too. Still I wasn't inclined to contribute - but just now, listening yet again to Thackray - the actual moment was during Go Lowly Swale - I was just moved to go back here and say something. I only saw him a couple of times, when I was very young, in the 70s in Cardiff. It's unbelieveable when you listen to his so-alive singing, to think he's gone. Also how wonderful that there are those recordings. And of course the buggers bring out a Best Of when it's too late, as it were. What a total joy his work is. As he said of Brassans, 'head and shoulders and knees above' other songwriters. Really, his oeuvre is such a substantial achievement, poetically, humanly - the humour maybe makes people overlook the profundity...I'm going back to listen again now... |
| Name: | Dave Headey |
| E-mail address: | daveh ((at))rmplc.co.uk |
| Comments: | I heard "Remember Bethlehem" on the radio when I was a student way back in the sixties and was hooked. I learned a few of his songs and am proud to say I introduced Jake's music to a fair number of people well before TV made him famous. Sorry to say I saw him live for the first and only time a couple of years ago at a "Poetry & Pints" concert in Usk, South Wales, where the compere was Neil Kinnock. But enough pratting about, as another contributor said, the guy was a genius and is missed terribly, most of all by his family & friends I'm sure. |
| Name: | Paul Morris |
| E-mail address: | paul ((at))liebenrood.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | I was priveledged to see him perform on two occasions. I wish it had been more. |
| Name: | David Cotton |
| E-mail address: | david ((at))davidcottonassociates.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.davidcottonassociates.com |
| Comments: | I was brought up to Jake's music and had the great pleasure of meeting him in the 1970s. Hearing of his death I listened again to some of his songs which I had not heard for years and two things struck me - I could remember nearly all the words and they still made me laugh out loud. My sincere condolences to Jake's family. May he rest in peace. And may he some day be widely recognised for the genius that he was. |
| Name: | Mic Riley |
| E-mail address: | riley.janmic ((at))virgin.com |
| Comments: | My mates said.Who? But you like Floyd n Tull. Correct i said, but genius comes in all shapes and sizes. Cheers Jake and give my regards to Molly Metcalfe. |
| Name: | KEN J BECK |
| E-mail address: | Bevstrawbridge ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | To JAKE,Well met old love.Forever in our thoughts. |
| Name: | KEN J BECK |
| E-mail address: | Bevstrawbridge ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | To JAKE,Well met old love.Forever in our thoughts. |
| Name: | Jeannette |
| E-mail address: | Mikkot37 ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I have been a fan of Jake's from the moment I first heard him. Never had the privilege of meeting him. I only found out a couple of days ago that he had left us. How poignant when I then played "Last Will And Testament". Jake, I hope they gave you the send off you deserved and wished for. My regret is that with his great use of words and music his talent was overlooked by T.V.and radio this last many years. When you think of the satirical songs he could have written about world events of the last two decades!! genius whose talent never truly got the recognition it deserved except by his fans. Jake,your distinctive voice, your wit and charm will be sadly missed. Thank you for bringing such laughter and warmth into our lives. You said make it quick so.........rest in peace, Jake. |
| Name: | tony diamond |
| E-mail address: | tdiamond02uk ((at))yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | jake changed my life. i am so happy to be able to say that i actually played with him one night in a club in brentwood, essex.(he said that his car had been broken into, and, although nothing was stolen, somebody had filled in the crossword puzzle in his newspaper!) i have seen him straining with anxiety, saying "see what you think", and a concert hall totally shook with laughter, people of all ages wetting themselves. no encores, ever, not for jake. very religious, very socialist, he'd soon knock these buggers into shape. and after such a troubled life, because he was troubled, as geniuses are, what a clean smell he has left behind! |
| Name: | Paul Millington |
| E-mail address: | paul.millington2 ((at))btopenworld.com |
| Comments: | I came across Jake in the early eighties by catching him at the local folk club on the Wirral. Each year from then I used to drag my friends along to hear a master at work. He was always different but one night sticks in my mind. He arrived a little late with a terrible cold. He sang one song then announced he would prefer just to mainly talk rather than sing as it was so uncomfortable. He proceeded to perform a 50 minute stand up routine about his boys or as he referred to them 'the chaps'. He literally had the place in uproar with his hilarious tales. It was a real spontaneity and quite awesome. My best wishes to Sheila & the chaps.....Paul |
| Name: | Paul swale |
| E-mail address: | paulswale ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Having attended the same school as Jake, St Michael's College, Leeds, albeit 19 years or so later, I was pleasantly astonished at a gig in Sheffield in the late seventies, to hear Jake refer to a certain Jesuit who it transpired had taught us both! The unwitting master had scolded him for "making up" the contents of his "what I did in the holidays" essay, and populating it with an assortment of unbelievable episodes and people from the Yorkshire Dales - all of which was of course perfectly true! We have been priviledged to share this planet with you Jake. Thanks a million, and rest in peace. |
| Name: | Nigel Gibson |
| E-mail address: | Nigelgibson ((at))ixir.com |
| Comments: | Only found out last week when I was back in Britain. It's hard and sad to believe, especially since I interviewed him after a show in Broadstairs, back in 1993. We realised we had a common love for Georges Brassens. I even played one of my own songs, inspired by Jake, while he sipped a pint. Finally, he signed a cassette - 'Gibson. Well met in Broadstairs. Meet again?' No, I fear not. |
| Name: | David Winter |
| E-mail address: | the.winters ((at))btinternet.com |
| Comments: | To Jake - my childhood friend who brought a light into the darkness. David |
| Name: | Kerry Sullivan |
| E-mail address: | tenbears ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | When I heard of Jake's death I hurried to the computer to se what sites were available to commemorate his work. I was sadly disappointed to discover very few references at the time and no mechanism to make my own thoughts felt or to offer my condolences to his family.I felt it typical of the shallow times that his passing went almost un-noticed. Thank you all at this website for changing that. Jake was a star in my firmament, an incomparable entertainer and raconteur. I saw him live three times and cannot believe how much laughter he packed into his sessions. I remember crying helplessly over two stories in particular. One was about his friend Reggie, ending up on the outside of a hovercraft on a school trip to France and the other involved swedish furniture, a staffroom and an elderly teacher's handkerchief. I also remember the poignant and tender lyrics, the rapier stabs at the abuses of power in society and a series of articles in the Catholic Herald that could do with re-publishing. Thank you, Jake. You were a true gentleman. Whatever bar you're propping up in Heaven will be recognised by the crowds, the laughter and the sly digs at St. Paul! |
| Name: | Rob Carter |
| E-mail address: | earlofw ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I was extremely saddened by the news of Jake's passing. I only met him the once. Bought him a pint of Guinness between sets when he performed at a Blackpool hotel in the early 70's. I bought every J.T. album I could find after that and I have a great many of his songs memorized. A unique talent, great performed and writer, and he seemed like a real good bloke too. |
| Name: | Alan Bewley |
| E-mail address: | a.bewley ((at))virgin.net |
| Comments: | Listening to LastWill & Testament as I type this......"Go Go Go & get the priest, and then go get the booze boys" Good luck Jake...wherever you are ! |
| Name: | Peter Beales |
| E-mail address: | Peterbeales ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I have been a fan of Jakes since I was a young lad, I still sing the occasional snatch of Sister Josephine or Lah Di Dah in the bath, but that was Jakes appeal laughter one minute then pathos the next. He was still in my mind one of this countries most underrated acts, somehow not enough people got the message, I suspect in part to Jakes humility and lack of self promotion. I suspect also that he will, rather like many good painters enjoy a posthumous renaissance, his lyrics are sheer poetry and fire the imagination. I have a son aged 14 who has fastidiously practised guitar for hours a day for nearly three years, a great fan of Metallica, Nirvana, and Hendrix and Clapton, but to my astonishment even he listened and chuckled at Sister Josephine, emphasising Jakes timeless appeal, somethings are just right whatever the age group or the age that they are enjoyed in. I like to think Jake had requested The last Will and Testament of Jake Thackray to be played at his funeral as that sums up in my mind the mans view on life. Thankyou Jake for many hours of sheer pleasure Peter Beales |
| Name: | Brian Rosete |
| E-mail address: | silurian22 ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | Sorry no pratting about, the man was a genius |
| Name: | Ken Sterling |
| E-mail address: | the.sterlings ((at))btinternet.com |
| Comments: | Saw Jake twice, loved the songs, especially the more wry and thoughtful ones. Ken Sterling |
| Name: | Colin Rampton |
| E-mail address: | ramptons ((at))netvigator.com |
| Comments: | I was so sad to hear about Jake's premature death. It makes the Last Will song all the more poignant. I have had so much pleasure from listening to his songs over the years.Such a sad loss of a really funny and talented man. |
| Name: | darren finizio |
| E-mail address: | darrentwo ((at))mail.com |
| Comments: | i bought "jakes progress" in a dollar bin at a local store which,evidently,stopped selling vinyl...that was january '02,i have been listening to it alot lately and didn't realise he had died this past christmas...i put him up there with any outsider folky and must say i am highly moved by his spirit and would've liked to have met him...jakes music was very very special and i will try to find more of his work,,,this world is going to miss a very special human being. |
| Name: | Marc Donaldson |
| E-mail address: | plopy ((at))orange.net |
| Comments: | I first came across Jake in about 1995 when at aged 15 my gran gave me a readers digest christmas compilation tape. She gave me something from readers digest every year, be it book, music or bored game. Now as a 15 year old boy the prospect of four tapes with christmas songs didnt exactly appeal, so having played one side of one tape, to placate her, the four tapes were placed in a cupboard where they would remain for some time. That was of course until i found out that i had run out of blank tapes, and so with a piece of cellotape i covered the anti record hole you find on tapes and happily recorded over 3 and a half tapes with a selection of 'popular' music. But for some reason one side of one of the tapes remained intact, and purely by chance i started playing it, after five minutes i was taken aback by a voice, the like of which i had never heard before. After a few listens i thought i had to find out who this was, which resulted in pulling the contents of my cupboard to try to find the readers digest inlay card. When i finally did the man was, obviously, Jake Thackray and the song 'Remember Bethlehem' At this point i also found there was another of his song 'Joseph' further back, so i gave that a listen too. After the appeal of hearing but two songs wore off and the prospect of spending the limited funds of a 15 year old on a CD of, who i ignoratly thought to be a purely religious singer. But the name stuck in my mind none the less. Fast forward to Summer 2002 and finally getting the internet in my flat, and for some reason one day rembering Jake, and deciding to do a bit of research. One page suggested downloading from kazza.com, which i duely did and was taken aback by his use of language and humor but i think i admire jake for most was the rythmic way he sang his songs, some of it is truely outstanding. The best snapshot example of this in my opinion is in On again! On again! with the lines 'concragation passed out, the vicor passed on and the choir boys passed through puberty' amazing! I know its a bizzare connection to make but i think jake would have made an execellent rapper! I wish I had found him earlier and had the chance to meet him or see him live, but it will never be. RIP Jake Marc Donaldson |
| Name: | Keith Tompkins |
| E-mail address: | Keith.Tompkins ((at))bbc.co.uk |
| Comments: | Dear Jake, I was never lucky enough to see you live, but love listening to your records and cd. Thankyou for the pleasure your music has brought my family and I. Enjoy the peace! Keith |
| Name: | Daz |
| E-mail address: | gillanddaz ((at))btinternet.com |
| Comments: | After many years of being told by a good friend of mine that Thackray would be "right up your street". I recently got hold of some of his material, and he wasn't wrong!!! He was certainly a "one off" as far as English songwriters go and definately on a par with Noel Coward in terms of his comedic value. Having only just become aware of his music, I was sad to hear of his recent death but I'm sure his songs will live long in our affections for ever. Condolences to his family, God bless...... Daz, Bury, Lancashire. |
| Name: | Anne Batchelor |
| E-mail address: | noemail ((at))noteveryoneisonline.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://None |
| Comments: | What a talent for painting word-pictures in the mind's eye! What a talent for surprising rhymes, dry wit and unexpected tenderness! The world is poorer for his going so soon, but so much the richer for his having been here. Thank you for the music and the laughter. God bless, Jake entered for Anne Batchelor, Leeds, Yorkshire (address edited by DH) |
| Name: | paul linley |
| E-mail address: | wakner47 ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | a genius, a world class performer remembered with great affection. |
| Name: | Andrew Manasseh |
| E-mail address: | a.manasseh ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | There is now a great void in the lives of all of Jake's fans. He was without doubt the funniest and most poignant song writer I have ever had the pleasure of seeing live and listening to. His superb talent was unequalled and he will be sorely missed. On his own instructions, there will be "no tearing of hair, no wringing of hands, no sighs, no lack-a-days, No woe-is-mes and none of your sad adieus." And Jake, the boys got the booze! Adieu! |
| Name: | colin s grimshaw |
| E-mail address: | colin ((at))slade3233fsnet.co.uk |
| Comments: | thanks old pal see sum day |
| Name: | jeremy banham |
| E-mail address: | jeremy.banham ((at))aeat.co.uk |
| Comments: | I have laughed with you since i was a smmal boy, Thanks for so many fantastic songs. Goodbye Jake. |
| Name: | Kevin McClure |
| E-mail address: | kev ((at))bellport.fsnet.co.uk |
| Comments: | I remember Jake Thackray from semingly frequent television and (to a lesser extent) radio appearances when I was a child. His ideosyncratic style and failure to cultivate a trendy image did not endeaer him to all but I always found myself drawn to watch and/or listen when he was on. I kind of forgot about Jake for a few years. In the late 1970's I found myself a bit out of step, as an adolescent, with prevailing musical trends. The pop music charts were full of processed pop (ring any bells?)and Soul. Then came Punk, I was damned if I was going to follow another music trend like the rest of the sheep, although I did enjoy the opportunity that this movement gave to interesting acts who would have been squeezed out of the previous hegemony of blandness. I was always on the lookout for something different Elvis Costello, Ian Dury and The Boomtown Rats were favourites but always looked back to see what could be rescued from the past. Then Neil Innes came to the rescue. The Innes Book of Records television series was a strange mix of Neil's songs (set in what we had yet to come to call music videos)each week he had a guest appearance the only one of which I can remember was Jake Thackray singing On Again, On Again. The shear joy of the song and the craft in the word play was a reawakening for me. I raved obout this performace to friends, who were initially unconvinced, until I went to what was at that time Dundee's best mainstream record shop, I & N Records (a now defunct local independent record shop in Crighton Street), and found the album, On Again, On Again. When I got it home and played it I foud gems galore, not just the title track but The Ballad of Billy Kershaw, The Widow of Bridlington, The Poor Sod... Funny, clever entertaining and sometimes achingly poiniant (often at all at the same time) I have remained a fan ever since and saw Jake live in Edinburgh during the Festival in the 1980's, where he was always a big hit. I got the recent Best of... re release as I had nothing on CD and, as is my custom, popped it into my CD Walkman on the way home on the bus. I found myslef almost overwhealmed by the toching beauty and afore mentioned poiniancy of these songs. we have lost a National Treasure in Jake Thackray and I hope tha the guardians of his legacy, both audio and video recordings will, in time, do him proud. He deserves to be cellebrated and have the evidence of his genius shared and spead to new audiences. |
| Name: | Malcolm Blowman |
| E-mail address: | mblowman ((at))louth47.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Just read through all these tributes to The Master. Can't say any more - lump in the throat. |
| Name: | Anthony Upton |
| E-mail address: | ajgupton ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | A unique, and sadly underated talent. One of the funniest men i have ever had the pleasure of seeing live. With his passing goes a (brilliant) sense of humour never to be repeated, copied or beaten. Thank you for all the times you made me cry with laughter. |
| Name: | John McCormack |
| E-mail address: | euripides92 ((at))tiscali.co.uk |
| Comments: | I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Jake Thackray. His humour is so perceptive and warm, gentle, poignant and funny. His music has real humanity. The world genuinely seems better because of some people. Wish I had heard him perform, would loved to have met Jake. When I was fourteen a brilliant elderly Engish teacher, Mr Doyle, played Lah-Di-Dah to the class and urged never to marry until we had seen our beloved with a heavy cold and still wanted to go through with it. I never forgot Jake's voice but it took me twenty years and a chance radio performance before I finally knew who he was and could lay hands on a CD. Wish I had discovered him earlier, he would have made being a teenager a lot easier! Condolences are easy when you are a stranger, but I hope memories of all the laughter and inspiration Jake Thackray gave to so many people helps his family at least a little. What a wonderful talent! |
| Name: | Trudi Taylor Gray |
| E-mail address: | trudi.tg ((at))btopenworld.com |
| Comments: | Having just heard an old tape-dub of an album by JT,I decided to see what was available on cd....on teh way, I discovered that this lovely, gentle man had die,on Christmas Eve of last year....how truly sad that he should die so young.....what a loss of an original one -off entertainer in the true meaning of the word. He was a person that I always wished that I had known.........my sincere wishes to his family. Trudi Taylor Gray |
| Name: | Peter Barrs |
| E-mail address: | barrsp ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Always so entertaining |
| Name: | Margaret & Tony Smith |
| E-mail address: | tony.smith34 ((at))btopenworld.com |
| Comments: | We felt we should like to add our sorrow at hearing about Jake's death. We saw him perform a number of times over the years and have his voice on record and CD. What a wit - it's difficult to choose a favourite song - Sister Josephine and The Bantam Cock spring to mind and I was partial to The Blacksmith & The Toffee Make being a romantic! We are sad we won't be able to see him again. |
| Name: | geoff purvis |
| E-mail address: | geoffpurvis ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | a colleague at the collegewhere I work in Singapore told me last week (April 2003) of jake's death. what a stunner. i was amazed at how much the news affected me. i dashed downstairs straightaway to our college computer room and ordered the only 2 cds available on amazon.com and dug out my old cassette tape of all the old glorious wonders: 'worried brown eyes', 'leopold alcocks', and la di da etc.what great stuff it all is. only heard him once live - at Gateshead Public Library of all places! - and yet it somehow seems a very appropriate venue for a brilliant wordsmith.There's a great deal of talent still hidden in libraries. I'vecarried round in my head for years the great great witty lines about leopold: 'I brought home my bird for some turkish moussaka, Up looms old leopold, I know when I'm knackered; He spills the vino, the great eager beaver- Drenching her jumpsuit and my joie de vivre!' Fantastic stuff. Used these lines many times in poetry lessons to illustrate cleverness in rhyme. How sad that he's gone. How sad that he should appear to have become so disillusioned. Great, great, great comic writing. Bless you Jake. Hope there's plenty of 'rosebuds' wherever you are! |
| Name: | Bob Campbell |
| E-mail address: | soupster20032003 ((at))yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | I named my son after jake. Not through any dreamy admiration, but because i want him to see the world as it realy is. Daft and drab, noble and ignorant, funny as a belly laugh and poignant as raindrop. I have performed jakes songs myself...and so I have good reason to be grateful to him. Shameless though my mimcry was, I am both unashamed and grateful for knowing the sound of laughter at my own bidding, but wholly laid at jakes door. I come from a musical family, and in my family we discuss the merits of music in many forms. Noel Coward, Debussy, Paul Simon, Percy Grainger, Scott Joplin......and Jake Thackray. The average discussion might well include these artists. We are fond of them all, and we do not let the fashions or whims of the media distract us. Jake belongs in this company for us, and we don't care whether anyone else agrees or not. One of the many forms of sadness is a hopeless greed for more...so i am sad, but shamelessly grateful. |
| Name: | Tim Little |
| E-mail address: | tim.little ((at))blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | What great sadness that he has gone. The world is such a better place because he lived in it.His music will live for a very long time, yet his lyrics are irreplaceable. |
| Name: | Mike Williams |
| E-mail address: | mikey ((at))donkeybuggery.co.uk |
| Comments: | Jake will never know just how much pleasure he brought, and still brings to a 33 year old child and his 7 year old son. I was so sad to read just now that he had passed away. The world mourns a genius. |
| Name: | Peter Kannalie |
| E-mail address: | pk ((at))hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.fearmypower.com/ |
| Comments: | Greetings from the other side of the world. |
| Name: | Thomas Madden |
| E-mail address: | thomas ((at))madden123.freeserve.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thomasbuffyverse/ |
| Comments: | Jake was a great singer and I hope his funeral was like he wanted it to be in his "Last Will and Testament" song. The world will not be the same without him.It's very sad that he died at Christmas.His music lives on. |
| Name: | Ged Widders |
| E-mail address: | strider12_uk ((at))yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | My deepest condolences to all Jake's family and friends. Like many thousands of other people, Jake gave, and still does, many hours of hilarity with his unique humour and wit. I'm sure that heaven's gates stood wide with a cheering laughing crowd to greet him, and celestial agents with pens at the ready to book him for countless concerts. My kindest thoughts to you all, Ged (Gerald) Widders, Manchester. |
| Name: | Nick Lee |
| E-mail address: | atwaba ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | God bless you old son! Enjoyed your version of music immensely! |
| Name: | Patsy and Terry Hall |
| E-mail address: | Patsyh ((at))tesco.net |
| Comments: | We were so saddened to hear of Jake's death and that things had not been going too well for him. We were privileged to have seen him live many times, each time the performance was an absolute joy. He is probably the most underestimated songwriter of all time and should be as well known as Cole Porter etc. What musicality, what blistering wit and so unique! We will miss him greatly. Write to the BBC and demand a tribute show, we have. God bless you Jake. |
| Name: | John L. Chapman |
| E-mail address: | johnlchapman ((at))supanet.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.google.com |
| Comments: | "The proof of God's existence A Posteriori" Whoever could come up with a line like that was a true lyrical genius. I had the honour of seeing Jake Thackray perform at Manchester Royal Exchange many years ago. Truly wonderful. |
| Name: | Richard Taylor |
| E-mail address: | richardtaylor ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | I saw Jake at the "Golden Slipper" in West Bridgford Nottingham in the (very) early 70s - an intimate venue and an excellent show. Is he really dead or...."You see that big black bugger up there....." |
| Name: | paul bennett |
| E-mail address: | paul.bennett ((at))pgen.net |
| Comments: | i know it's late but i thought i ought to sign this when i came across it. i once saw him in Burton on Trent and it was a lovely gentle evenings entertainment. so sorry he's gone. |
| Name: | Ian Sharp |
| E-mail address: | iandavidsharp ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | My brother-in-law and myself saw Jake only once at the Poynton Folk Club in maybe the early 80's; his acid wit, clever and cunning lyrics coupled with his unique delivery and guitar playing made it a night to remember. We were sat very near the "stage" and had the chance to talk to Jake; we shared a joke and a fag and remember feeling like "soul brothers". We were saddened to hear of Jake's premature death last Christmas and pass our condolences to his wife and family. A real man who will be sadly missed but who will not be forgotten. |
| Name: | Matt Forbes |
| E-mail address: | mattforbes_thor ((at))yahoo.co.uk |
| Comments: | My life has never been the same since hearing La-de-dah for the first time about 12 years ago. What a terrible loss to the world of real music. Matt Forbes, 32 (Canterbury, Kent) |
| Name: | Angela Lovsey |
| E-mail address: | angelamary49 ((at))hotmail.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://books.dreambook.com/g8ina/jtcondolences.sign.html |
| Comments: | Sitting in Pakistan where I live and work, I found out today that Jake passed away. I remember him from my teen years when I would track him down to The Boggery near Birmingham and enjoy the wickedness of his words and the clever intonation ; cheeky words plus innocent face....ummmmmm Shall always love him |
| Name: | Rod Forrester |
| E-mail address: | rod ((at))rod58.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | My most endearing memory of Jake was when he performed at the Victoria Hall in Hanley in about 1977. The hall was practically empty except for his avid fans who were scattered throughout the Hall sitting in their allocated seats. When Jake came on stage he politely asked all those who had shelled out for the best seats at the front if they minded if all the others in the audience could come and sit with them. Of course there were no objections and with that he dispensed with the sound system (after apologising to whoever had set it up) and talked and sang to a very appreciative audience for over two hours. I, like many others became addicted to Jakes work after seeing his appearances on the Braden Beat. From then on any opportunity to see the man in action live or on TV was compulsory viewing. I saw Jake perform live on several occasions and he never let us (his fans) down and it is with great sadness that I read of his troubles towards the end of his life. He was unique, a genius and a gifted entertainer and philosopher. More than this, his love of people was unsurpassed. I hope he knew how much we loved him too. My deepest condolences to his family. We will all miss him. |
| Name: | Phil Blewett |
| E-mail address: | philblewett ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I was privileged to see Jake perform live many times and to meet him once. Trembling in awe at the prospect of meeting this man I revered so much,I'll never forget the first words he spoke to me - "Is there somewhere I can have a shit". This summed the man up - no edge to him, just a great bloke. I'm a mature man but I make no excuses, I wept when I read of Jake's death. I'm trying to get hold of a copy of Remember Bethlehem to play in church next Christmas. I think it would be a great first anniversary of his death if this was widely played next Christmas |
| Name: | mark chambers |
| E-mail address: | m.chambers ((at))lmu.ac.uk |
| Comments: | saddly missed. |
| Name: | Steve Brown |
| E-mail address: | bullpointer ((at))juno.com |
| Comments: | What a wonderful man. I'm just glad Jake lived long enough to see what the JT Project had achieved, showing him that there were many people out there who still loved him and his music. We'll miss you, Jake. |
| Name: | Paul Green |
| E-mail address: | ululangat ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I, like many who have signed this book of condolences, first saw Jake on Bradens Week and That's Life. I'd be about 10 or so at the time. I used to watch both programmes just for Jakes' song in the middle. My Mum and Dad never 'got the joke', but I'd already tuned in to his wavelength, and if any one can tell me in which song he says "I went to the fish shop, to get some fish and chips"(or something like that), I'd be eternally grateful. I had Bantam Cock bought as a present around '74 by a mate, but then lost contact with Jakes' whereabouts, but then in '85 I heard he was playing in Rotherham, and dragged a girlfriend along to watch him, and it was a cracking night - he was on form. I got to see him twice after that, the last time was in wakefield around '92. Sadly on that last gig, he failed to finish a couple of songs, and my heart went out to him. I sat and had a drink with him after the show, and he was very down and introverted, reflecting on how "he should have been a writer" rather than a singer. Thing is, every now and then someone appears on the scene whos lyrics just manage to 'hit the spot'. Jake was a genius and eccentric, as genius' often are, and totally unique; there will never be anyone who will be remotely like him, and we are all the worse off for his passing. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family, and just say I'm glad I shook his hand. |
| Name: | stan shepherd |
| E-mail address: | sawfish ((at))totalise.co.uk |
| Comments: | jake was cool as you get. |
| Name: | David Gomm |
| E-mail address: | david.gomm1 ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | I'd like to (very) belatedly add my note of tribute/respect to this book. Jake captured my attention as a young boy, and his musical wit never grew stale. I was sad to hear that his fire seemed to burning less brightly later in life but maybe he was determined to live the life of his choosing, uncompromising to the end. Here's hoping that, like so many heroes, his work will become evermore popular with future generations and Jake will continue to allow us into his world - a world less troublesome than our own. |
| Name: | Alan Mountford |
| E-mail address: | alan ((at))famount.fsnet.co.uk |
| Comments: | I used to love Jake's 'On the Braden Beat' spot but I must have been watching and listening to all the wrong things since because I'd lost track of his career. There was a 'punchline' in a song I have only ever heard (on one of those 60's TV shows) once in my life. I don't even need to close my eyes to still hear Jake's unique voice vividly in my head as he delivered the line... '...with a boot up the landlord's... backside'. That's impact and staying power for a lyric, in my book. I couldn't forget Jake and his 'landlord' if I tried - and I have no wish to try. |
| Name: | Will Morgan |
| E-mail address: | willandchris ((at))crestwoodpark.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | watching Jake on the Braden Beat after a late night gig as a drummer and seeing him at folk venues inspired me to become a folk club entertainer using some of Jakes superb material. What student of human nature he was and his masterful use of the hard consonent gave all his performances that special bite. It was both a privelidge and a pleasure to have known him and to have been allowed to sing his songs. Thank you Jake and may you lie as still as grandad! |
| Name: | brian ingram |
| E-mail address: | brianbji ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Sadly missed. Jake seemed to be every week in Lancaster town or the Uni in 73-74 and he is a theme for me of that time and after. Even now i can hear his voice, intense, sincere and unique. Talent costs and he paid the price. |
| Name: | Boo Kirby |
| E-mail address: | bookirby ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | ....All i know is my life would be the poorer had I not discovered Jakes wonderful music - no matter how many times I hear his songs they never fail to move me literally to laughter or tears. A true artist, I'm deeply saddened by his death but eternally grateful to him for the legacy he has left to us. I will enjoy his unique music until my very own last will and testament. |
| Name: | Neil Hillier |
| E-mail address: | hillierleeds ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | At a time when I needed it your songs made me smile, laugh, and be happy. Songs last longer than the man, but without the man there would not be the songs and as I read your words or hear your songs the man will be remembered. cheers and thank you. |
| Name: | Edward Taaffe |
| E-mail address: | eddie.taaffe ((at))ceg.org.uk |
| Comments: | I saw the obituaries for Jake at the turn of the year and was devastated that he had left us. I've only just come across this website, have read the heartfelt tributes and am overwhelmed - enormous sadness still, of course, but also gratitude that he was so deeply appreciated by so many people. His work was full of outstanding craftsmanship and, even more important - warmth, wisdom and wit. Jake, you were, are and always will be cherished for your skill, your humanity and for the joy you gave us. With deepest condolences to his wife and sons. |
| Name: | Jonathan Bardell |
| E-mail address: | JonathanBardell ((at))AOL.com |
| Comments: | I was saddened to learn of Jakes death on the teletext last Christmas and clicking on the recent photos of him on the Topica page presented such a different image of him to that fixed in my mind for so many years. Like meeting old school friends, not seen since childhood, at a school reunion we were presented with a real update of the real Jake. And this update has been informed by so many comments posted since his death which have illuminated our hero since our memories of his glory days on black and white TV or when we saw him in folk clubs in the 1970's. What we see in Jake's after-he-was-famous life is what happens to all of us in various degrees: A decline from a personal zenith,dwindling of self-confidence, self doubt, depression, drinking too much, divorce, separation, financial problems and so on. The sort of things that private health insurance could never cover you for. Real life. But great artists in words, music or art give us strength if only in so far as knowing that someone has gone down the same path before us. We are not the only ones to have suffered. And his music. The big blockbuster comedy/outrageous songs such as The Gorilla, The Bantam Cock, Miss World, Sister Josephine etc but then the so tender and sad and empathetic songs such as The Poor Sod, Molly Metcalf, Left on the Shelf etc. And it was clear that Jake was a deeply passionate man when it came to women and there is understated eroticism in such songs such as Lullaby, The Kiss. Even for those who are familiar with his work there is still stuff which we haven't yet heard and are hoping to download off the net. Please forgive me if you find any of this stuff I have written over the top or pretentious. It is not meant to be. Thank you Jake, God bless you and yours. |
| Name: | James Peterson |
| E-mail address: | Mail ((at))sport.tdcadsl.dk |
| Comments: | I have only seen Jake Thackray once on television,on Bradens Week BBC1 ca 1968 when I was 8. Ive never forgot the part of the song he was singing, now Im 43! Proof of his hitting power if anything is. The song was about a mans wife who had died saying "If you marry again, I´ll scratch my way out of my box and haunt you". The man remarries and the song ends with the man saying by the graveside, "You can scratch and hack as much as you like, I´ve had you buried face down!" Simple songs, we all understood. A great talent lossed to a world full of non-people. God bless you Jake. |
| Name: | Des |
| E-mail address: | des ((at))magnificent.tv |
| Comments: | Poor Jake. I discovered him as a student 18 years ago and have found his music a great comfort and joy since then. I was lucky enough to catch him playing live 10 years ago...having read some of the obituaries I see he was not having a happy time then and you could see this in the shows when he struggled through a few of the songs. However, the brilliance and his wonderful non-judgemental view of humanity shone through nonetheless. My girlfriend had been preparing her art degree show with Jake as the soundtrack and had made a little wooden figure of him playing guitar for him as a thank you. I'm glad we gave it to him...he seemed very pleased. Anyway...just wanted to say he was scandalously unrecognised in his own country. I fear the worst from the obituaries, but hope he did not suffer and my heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends...and all of us who were touched by his gift. I was in LA when I heard the news on holiday and I was genuinely upset. To his family: you should be proud to have had such a wonderful artist in your family. He really has affected other people and few of us can claim that. Des x |
| Name: | Dave Kent |
| E-mail address: | nosedrill ((at))tiscali.co.uk |
| Homepage URL: | http://nightglass.co.uk |
| Comments: | I once sat in front of Jake in a small club. I kicked his mike stand mid-song and he smiled. A real gent and an undervalued artist. Rest in peace, Jake. |
| Name: | Jim Templeton |
| E-mail address: | templetonj36 ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Just a note to say how sad I was to hear of Jakes's passing. Although I never new him personaly I felt that his songs conveyed eloquence, a rapier wit and a self depreciation that could have you rolling with laughter one minute and smiling wryly the next. Thanks Jake |
| Name: | David Layfield |
| E-mail address: | David ((at))cud13.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Funny thing...I have two,nearly smooth, vinyl albums of Jakes stuff... and since the spawning of the evil CD lots of quality LPs have been put out to pasture (sorry old mates!) ...the point!! On again,On again...on again as it were! Then a sad realisation...why?...most likely? So all it takes is untimely demise to get a play on main stream Radio! Sorry I'm ranting but you know how it is! Now I'll have to dust down my turntable and find out how to make your own styli! |
| Name: | Felicia |
| E-mail address: | feliciadavis_burden ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Jake is one of my favourite songwriters, one of the handful to prove that memorable and memorably funny songs don't have to be banal and predictable. Unfortunately, I only know him from searching out LPs and it is more than just sad that none of his albums have been released on CD. I hope this might be rectified in the future. For now, my best regards and sympathy go to his family. God bless, Jake. and thanks for some wonderful, unforgettable music. |
| Name: | John Pearce |
| E-mail address: | heljon ((at))blueyonder.co.uk |
| Comments: | I have read these condolences with tears running down my face; to be loved and admired like Jake is perhaps what going to heaven actually means. If I had to choose one word to describe this man it would be "genuine". I saw him perform twice. The first time was at the Buddle Arts Centre in Wallsend, where I glanced over my shoulder in the drinks queue at the interval and found him queuing behind me with his money ready in his hand. The other was at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle where he put down a heckler who interrupted him during a song intro by shouting "You're talking too much" with a growled "So are you, pal". But I don't think any other performer would, after he had sung the song, have apologised to the heckler for having been so rude to him. Wholly without pretence he would have been ribald or worse about such fond words about him as are found on these condolences. Perhaps that is why so many people who never met him feel personally diminished by his loss. Even his anger was generous - remember in The Bull "these well known men, so over glorified/there's one here tonight, his name's on the poster outside"? He was a good man, a man of integrity, with a loathing of pretension and bullshit: he taught me a lot, mostly about how it was OK to be scornful of pretension and bullshit. At both the concerts I went to he made me laugh until I cried (The Bull), and weep (That was a couple of shakes before/we got killed in the war). Sleep sweetly at rest, old friend whom I never knew. You have earned your repose. Love to Sheila and the boys. |
| Name: | Tony and Margaret Ingall |
| E-mail address: | ingall ((at))beeb.net |
| Comments: | A man of huge talent, his recordings still enliven many a long car journey, and never fail to amuse, no matter how often we hear them. Thanks Jake. We shan't forget you. |
| Name: | Tracey Minkin |
| E-mail address: | tminkin ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I never saw Jake Thackray live, and it is a disappointment I will live with for the rest of my own life. I loved taking my Thackray CDs with me on long drives; one time I asked the very Engishman who introduced me to Thackray to "translate" an entire song , so distant to my American ears, so rounded off and near-buried were the strings of slang inside his velvety crooner's voice. Who else has ever--will ever--possess that voice? Intimate and jostling, sweet, randy, even sentimental--Jake Thackray got under my skin from the moment I heard him. What a loss. How much he must be missed. How much he is. |
| Name: | Nigel Gore |
| E-mail address: | ogron2 ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | A black day. As long as he was alive there was always the faint hope of new songs and the odd live performance. Sadly that possibility no longer exists. I feel as though we have lost a great bulwark against banality. I will remember those late Saturday nights with Braden's Beat, a gig at the Tramshed in the late seventies and, after I moved to the States, finding a copy of Jake's Progress in a second hand record store in Nashville TN. It has been a pleasure to play his music to people over the years and I'm sure he would be deeply gratified at the tremendous response his music continues to evoke in new listeners. Condolences to his family. Condolences to us. It is a great loss. Nigel Gore. |
| Name: | Chris Phillips |
| E-mail address: | chris.sally ((at))btinternet.com |
| Comments: | Hats off to Jake. I have let it be known that when I pass away I insist on having On Again! On Again! at the funeral service. Imagine those elegant triplets, a pause, another set of triplets,a few ladies sniff into their handkerchiefs then "I love a good bum on a woman it makes my day". A song which like the man himself punctures the pompous and gives me a right good laugh every time I hear it. Yet Jake could also conjure up an image of the bleak English countryside as powerfully as Thomas Hardy. It's sad to think we'll never get the chance to see him again, but as he said himself, we'll have none of that sentimental nonsense: open a beer for him instead. |
| Name: | Keith Spicer |
| E-mail address: | kshd28vs ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | To all of Jake's friends and family - thank you so much for sharing him with us, then as now. I'm still learning new chords and inversions thanks to that unique guitar playing style. And if it hadn't been for Jake, I'd probably never have looked up "perfunctory" in the dictionary. God bless, Mr Thackray, Sir. Must go. I've got some carpets to roll right back ...... |
| Name: | Stephen Barnard |
| E-mail address: | stephenbarnard ((at))write-line.co.uk |
| Comments: | A wonderful songwriter, great performer, hilarious raconteur. Nobody else's songs have ever moved me or made me laugh as much. I caught him in concert six or seven times. I remember one in particular: Welwyn Garden City, 1976, a couple of weeks before Christmas. He was telling his story about Leopold Allcox, his friend the walking disaster area, when the venue manager came on stage to say there was a bomb scare and we'd have to vacate the building. We did, and he came and joined us outside for a very cold half hour. When we were allowed back in, he walked on stage and stood looking at the audience for a full minute before saying 'the bugger's here!'. He hated cliches like 'he was a true original' but what else can you say? |
| Name: | Tina Mathews |
| E-mail address: | tinamathew2sf ((at))aol.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.4guests.com |
| Comments: | God bless.. |
| Name: | Carl Jervis |
| E-mail address: | jerv ((at))cluster31.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | On his disliking of encores, I remember Jake saying something along the lines of, "..if it pleases you to see a grown man walking on and off stage with a guitar, I would have started earlier on and given you a right good night." Well there aren't going to be any encores, and nobody can fill a gap which simultaneously leaves us without a huge talent and, with his abhorrence of nose-lifting pomposity and arty bluster, a fine example of a human being. Much of this remains in his songs, however and is there for the taking. The messages in this book indicate that Jake's work, and humanity was more widely appreciated than he could have realised. Being one in a million sounds great until you really think about it. A terrible loss, but how much more so for his family and close friends, to whom I should like to extend my heartfelt condolences. |
| Name: | Richard Moore |
| E-mail address: | richard ((at))mint35.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | I discovered Jake after he was recomended to me by a teacher when I was 14. I then tracked down everything I could. I just wish there could have been more! A major talent with a turn of phrase that nobody else could match. |
| Name: | Ian Pace |
| E-mail address: | ian.pace ((at))cis.co.uk |
| Comments: | Jake was unique in his ability to combine wit, pathos, sarcasm and clever use of language and all delivered in such an idiosyncratic manner. A true great! Ian |
| Name: | j. edward gordon |
| E-mail address: | gordonjavier ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | i was very upset to hear of the passing away of such a fantastic singer -songwriter as jake.he brought a lot of joy not only to me but to many fans all over england and abroad.he was very talented the way he fused his guitar playing together with the lyrics that said so much had so much humour and performed in a way only jake could. unfortunately i never had the chance to see him live,however ,when he played in milton keyenes i saw him coming out of the train station,chatted for a bit with him and gave me his autograph which i keep together with my la di dah cd. i hope his wife and children find comfort from the many people who loved what he did and that through this difficult time they can find some solace in reading how much jake enriched our life with his work.rest in peace jake,we will all miss you dearly. e.gordon(israel) |
| Name: | Murray Nicolson |
| E-mail address: | m.nicolson ((at))ieee.org |
| Comments: | Odd coincidence. Was here in Massachusetts at the weekend and suddenly had the urge to search for "Jake Thakray" on Google, and was very sad to find he had just died. Haven't heard his songs for many years but remember them in England with great affection - "Country Bus" and so on. He must have been a wonderful schoolteacher to have had, with his wit and off-beat humour. I'll collect and treasure any CD I can find of his songs; Jake can live on with us that way. |
| Name: | Didier Agid |
| E-mail address: | passagebrassens ((at))wanadoo.fr |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.georgesbrassens.org |
| Comments: | Just heard about Jake's passing. The gorilla lost his brother Very few in France knew his adaptations of georges Brassens songs. Our association, PASSAGE, devoted to make know Brassens work outside France, will not forget him. Not only he adapted Brassens, but he was probably in England the closest person to Brassens attitudes, in his songs as in his life. Let's hope posterity gives him the importance he deserves. |
| Name: | Richard Stilgoe |
| E-mail address: | Richard ((at))orpheus.org.uk |
| Comments: | His was a wonderful, unique talent. Nobody else wrote songs like him (though a lot of us tried). Nobody else sang like him. And no other performer had that strange mien of a singing peregrine falcon perched on the stage. He once sat in my kitchen and sang songs to my dog, who admired him nearly as much as I did. I'm delighted I worked with him, and bitterly sorry that I'll never work with him again. Being unique is bound to be lonely. |
| Name: | Mike |
| E-mail address: | mike ((at))lawleritu.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | A good friend of mine told me of Jake's passing on new years day, and I felt the loss as I felt the power of his songs. I haven't listened to them for some time but will do so again in tribute. I can remember how to count to 20 in that old style and he also taught me something about the emotion within a song...fantastic. RIP |
| Name: | AJ Reeve |
| E-mail address: | aj.reeve1 ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | I only heard the sad news today. Upset me, which is strange as I never knew him. Great writer. Made me laugh more than a few times. First heard him a lifetime ago on TV when I lived in S Yorkshire. Like many others, I 'rediscovered' him recently and often play his songs. More like renewing an old acquaintance really. Songs from a lost age... My deepest sympathy to his family. |
| Name: | Andrew JR Cooper |
| E-mail address: | acooper ((at))squire-technologies.com |
| Comments: | Known by the few, but passionately known by these few, he provided me with many hours of mirth and now three generations of my family plus a large gaggle of friends (whether they like it or not) continue to enjoy his fantastically unique contribution to the world of music. |
| Name: | Dominic Madden |
| E-mail address: | POPDOMINIC ((at))AOL.COM |
| Comments: | God bless you Jake. When I was sad your songs made me happy. The last of the great British folk singers who entertained but always remained close to their folk roots. |
| Name: | Richard Tree |
| E-mail address: | treefamily ((at))tinyworld.co.uk |
| Comments: | I was so shocked to hear on Mike Hardings show of this great mans passing -it seemed to have escaped the general media news? Nobody can ever replace him.I will now dig out my old lp's and play him on my own Hospital Radio Folk show as my own tribute . |
| Name: | Rosemary Hoyes |
| E-mail address: | rosemary.hoyes ((at))pgl.co.uk |
| Comments: | A master of wit but who could also be very moving. It is so sad to know that we will never hear his live voice again - I would loved to have gone to his funeral in Monmouth (I am in Ross) but did not know about it. A lifelong hero and I can't believe he's gone - every sympathy to you Sheila and your family - a huge gap |
| Name: | Tom Povey |
| E-mail address: | tom.povey ((at))virgin.net |
| Comments: | I too remember Jake from his TV appearances in the 60's. As a student in '70 or '71, I went along with a friend to the wedding in France of a lecturer at the North East London Polytechnic and who should be there but Jake. He may even have been best man. I was struck by his warmth and personality. He performed (at least) one song, The Golilla. I never saw him again but have listened to Bantom Cock every now and again. It always make me smile and remember a bright summer day in France. |
| Name: | Adrian Scarborough |
| E-mail address: | scarbs ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | My Son is named after this great man and when he's old enough to understand the wit and philosophy of this fallible, oh so human master of song,his life will never be the same again. Melton Mowbray College Theatre twice and the opening of a Bristol Folk Club where he played "The Poor Sod" and we all wept, are three of the most profound and lasting memories I will treasure in my lfetime. He would loathe me being so "fullsome" but it's true. Thomas Gray and Jake Thackray:- a prophetic match made on earth. Lawks I'll miss him! Shine on. |
| Name: | Christopher Slade |
| E-mail address: | cjvs ((at))gmx.de |
| Comments: | I remember so wlel, at the age of about 12, watching Jake Thackray on Bernard Braden's late-night Saturday show. His genius will find no equal. His songs are evergreen. His like comes only once. I only wish I had had the opportunity to see him in a live performance. He will live on, finding new fans day after day. God bless you, Jake, and many thanks for your legacy. |
| Name: | Robert Browning |
| E-mail address: | B.Browning ((at))ukgateway.net |
| Comments: | I have only just heard the sad news that Jake has passed away. His music brought me much joy and I am saddened to know that he is no longer around to write more of his wonderful songs. I agree with Jonathan Madden when he wrote …. “a sad loss to the world, he was a gem and a fantastically original talent, made me laugh and made me sad. I will miss him.” Rest in Peace Jake. |
| Name: | roy and pauline goodman |
| E-mail address: | roy_goodman ((at))hotmail.com |
| Comments: | Dear Sheila, I have written a letter but am not sure of your address, so I thought I would just cover myself by writing here too. Our deepest sympathy to you and your boys. I have many happy memories of Jake from Leeds University days. He was a truly original and wonderfully talented writer and performer. Sorry to have lost touch with you over the years. kindest wishes to you from Roy and Pauline Goodman |
| Name: | Pete and Anne Skinner |
| E-mail address: | pete ((at))skinner72.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Only realised Jake had died this evening listening to Mike harding on Radio 2. I just love leaving the computer on random play. Pink Floyd taking themselves oh so seriously immediately followed by Jake doing the opposite. Bugger |
| Name: | Grahame Arnold |
| E-mail address: | mekydro ((at))bushinternet.com |
| Comments: | Thanks for bringing us many hours of enjoyment through your daft songs! Rest In Peace, make sure you get a contract signed first before St P gets you to sing along with his harp. |
| Name: | Neil Ridge |
| E-mail address: | neil ((at))ridgegoon.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | Twenty or so years ago I aquirred a copy of one of Jakes albums, two days ago I found it again and began wondering if it was still possible to obtain his recordings, so I began a search on the net, as I don't read papers and rarely hear the news, it came as a bit of shock to find out Jake had died, how I used to torment my wife singing 'Lah-di-dah'. If Jake trully wished to be forgotten after his death he hadn't got a chance, when he penned 'Last will and Testament', he became immortal. God Bless. |
| Name: | marilyn rawlings |
| E-mail address: | marilynrawlings ((at))ntlworld.com |
| Comments: | Only recently heard the news. My father was a great fan of Jake's and used to play his records all the time. I deeply regret not going to see Jake when he cam to our local theatre some years ago, but at least I can still play his wonderful songs/monologues. Why has the media practically ignored his great talent!! |
| Name: | Jonathan Madden |
| E-mail address: | jonathan.madden ((at))citigateaf.co.uk |
| Comments: | I only just heard the news this weekend, what a sad loss to the world, he was a gem and a fantastically original talent, made me laugh and made me sad. I will miss him. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Jonathan Madden |
| Name: | Andrew Foulis |
| E-mail address: | af ((at))feburman.co.uk |
| Comments: | Jake was a great source of amusement. I especially remember him appearing in Bradens Week as a young boy. I have stuck with him throughout. |
| Name: | Tim Turner |
| E-mail address: | tim ((at))timturner.com |
| Homepage URL: | http://www.timturner.com |
| Comments: | Some time last year I "rediscovered" Jake; having been a great fan in my 'teens, and seen him twice in concert; once in North Wales and once in Leeds. I particularly remember his comment on "encores" ; it went "Do you think the stage manager has to run down the road in the pouring rain to the bus stop and say "Hey, lad, would you mind doing another song; only the audience are still clapping?" and I run back the road, take off me coat, get out my guitar, and come back on stage like I didn't expect it or summat?" A great man, and none the less of a great man for his avoidance of the media hype and limelight. He's going to be missed so much. |
| Name: | GordonScott |
| E-mail address: | gordongreenkeeper ((at))tinyworld.co.uk |
| Comments: | I must admit I came late to discovering the talents of of jake and his brilliant songs. I too used to watch him on "THATS LIFE" and once at a london club. May you rest in peace jake, The worlds a sadder place with your passing. |
| Name: | Jonathan Williamson |
| E-mail address: | jpwilliamson ((at))freenetname.co.uk |
| Comments: | Couldn't believe it when I heard about it. Sadly hardly enough mentions in the media about the great man. I have Lah-di-da! All friends to whom I have loaned it have gone out and bought their own copy. |
| Name: | Mark Baskerville |
| E-mail address: | marklbaskerville ((at))aol.com |
| Comments: | I just heard on Radio 2 that Jake Thackray had died. Just heard! Stuart Maconie played On Again! On Again! and those nights as a youth in front of the TV in the 70s came flooding back. I'm not as familiar as I should be with Jakes work, but his dry wit, wonderful voice and musicianship always stayed with me. I look forward to, all too belatedly, discovering his work in more depth. But I have to ask - have I missed the TV or radio tribute, or is broadcasting in such a shameful state in this country that there hasn't been one? My condolences to Jake's family. |
| Name: | Norman Boyes |
| E-mail address: | norman ((at))the-boyes.freeserve.co.uk |
| Comments: | I remember Jake from the 'Thats Life' programmes when I was a nipper - well 10ish. I never had the good fortune to see him giving a live performance. The early memories must have programmed me because although many years have passed I was greatly saddened to hear of his death. I feel guilty that I ordered La di Dah from Amazon immediately. Guilty that I had not bought his music while he was alive. Well if its any compensation ( and I know he wouldn't care less) I have played that CD during my one hour each way commute in the car every working day since it arrived - I just bloody love it. My regret - I wish I had been that bit older when I saw him on TV - maybe I would have followed it up and got to see him live - I bloody well lived up t'North too! Heres a rosebud I gathered earlier Jake. NormanB |