U. Utah - In Remembrance

(http://www.utahphillips.org/)
Utah Phillips (storyteller, folksinger, activist, poet)

I just posted about Utah Phillips and Mario Savio. I think I'd like to say a little something about Utah. I learned of Utah through the work of my favorite music artist Ani Difranco. In 1996 she released an album entitled "The Past Didn't Go Anywhere". This album featured stories from Utah himself. She contributed some vocals, sounds, and other edits to back up Utah's true tales. I fell in love with it and was pleased when Ani released another collaboration in 1999 entitled "Fellow Workers". Unlike the first album where Ani simply (or not so simply) collected some of her favorite Utah stories, Fellow Workers was set in a living room of a 19th-century mansion/studio in New Orleans’ French Quarter. There Ani and Utah performed for two evenings of intimate and informal performances before an audience of about forty invited guests. What a treat that must have been!


(righteousbabe.com)
Utah and Ani in 1999


Ani Difranco interviews Utah Phillips in 1997 (5min 9 sec)

Bruce U. Utah Phillips ran away from home in his teens, rode the rails with bums, hobos and tramps. He taught himself to play the guitar and began writing songs about the hobo life. He found odd jobs to support himself. He had joind the Korean War only to find himself convinced that pacifism is the only sane way to live.

Following service, he returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, and joined Ammon Hennacy from the Catholic Worker Movement. Utah often spoke of Hennacy at his shows. Hennacy had established a mission house of hospitality named after the named after the activist Joe Hill.

During the 1960s, Utah worked as a state archivist and founded the Poor People's Party in Utah. In 1968, he ran for the U.S. Senate on the Peace & Freedom ticket. A leave of absence from state service turned into permanent dismissal. He decided to become a folksinger and storyteller. In 1997 he received both a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Folk Alliance and a Lifetime Service to Labor Award from the American Federation of Musicians, Traveling Musicians Local 1000.

Phillips was a proud member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW or Wobblies). He often sang union songs and spoke affectionately of the IWW community.

Utah released many albums that consisted of his stories and songs and often live performances. He spoke of the hobo life with great nostalgia and of politics with great passion.

Utah toured for 40 years but died of congestive heart failure in his home on May 23, 2008. He died at the age of 73.

I continue to listen to Utah's albums todays. He delievers with gentle humor, and earnest sincerity. He made a point of giving thanks and praise to his "elders" and reminded us that it is important to look back. He was a gift to folk music the folk community and is certainly missed.


Utah Phillips - 2004 interview with Amy Goodman from Democracy Now. Utah speaks about feminism and non-violence. (8min 23 sec)


Utah Phillips - Your Body Is Your Ballot (40 seconds)


Utah I will remember you. Not only for your gifts but because we share the same day of birth. May you rest.


"And I've said before the long memory...is the most radical idea in America..."
-------------------U. Utah Phillips



For more information on Utah Phillips:
Utahphillips.org