BARBARA DANE - HOMAGE TO AN AMERICAN HERO

Friends, family, fans and I all reflect on the late, very great Barbara Dane

Barbara & Lightnin’ made beautiful music together. Album available on Arhoolie Records CD!

I’m guessing readers of the Yak are aware that the singer and activist Barbara Dane died aged 97 on October 20? If not, well, read on and you will surely be surprised and impressed by her myriad achievements. Anyway, some of you will be aware that I did a phone interview with Dane on Wednesday, October 16, and found her battling for breath. Barbara was straightforward, noting how she was at the end of her life. I wrote up my interview for The Guardian and filed it on Friday morning. My editor loved it and said feature would go online Monday morning – the interview’s hook concerned Maureen Gosling’s feature length documentary The 9 Lives Of Barbara Dane receiving its European premiere at the Doc’ N Roll festival on Sunday 27 October.

A little after 1am on Monday 21^st I received an email from Maureen informing me Barbara had just died, surrounded by friends and family. I immediately emailed my editor and, around 10.30 AM, received an abridged feature from him to check. Obviously, when I filed on Friday everything was in the present tense – “Dane says” – now she was no longer with us it became “Dane said”. He made other changes and I did query him as to whether it might not be preferable to run the original feature as “the last interview” – he declined to do so, which is fine, but it did make me think I would like to share my article with Yak readers. If only because it gives a sense of how, even at the end of Dane’s long life, she remained wise and uncompromising.

Here’s a taster from a remarkable film about a remarkable artist - once you’ve watched it you will be hungry to see The 9 Lives!

I went to the screening of The 9 Lives Of Barbara Dane on Sunday 27 and it is superb – a striking film about a truly remarkable individual, one that captures Dane singing, performing, giving interviews and engaging with friends and family (Gosling shot the doc’ over several years). I get to see so many music documentaries and most veer between mediocre and abysmal, so hagiographic and ill informed (and just plain dull) are they that I have periods where I avoid watching such. A wildlife programme? An arts doc? How to make your wok do wonders? Anything but another formulaic music doc. 9 Lives is the real deal!

Post-screening I introduced myself to Maureen and, after months of emails, it was a pleasure to finally meet her. We shared a mutual pal in the late Chris Strachwitz (founder of Arhoolie Records and, like Barbara – who he was friends with for 60 years – a wonderful, principled person) and there was much to chat on. Not least that Barbara had died through Medical Aid in Dying at her home in Oakland, under the provisions of the California End of Life Act: Maureen informed me that Barbara had intended to end her life earlier but held off because of the possibility of an interview with The Guardian... I’ll now note how grateful I am to have fulfilled the task Barbara hung around on this planet for, even though she was suffering. I’ll also note it was extremely touch-and-go that the feature would happen: I first pitched Barbara to my editor at The Guardian in 2022 after reading her remarkable autobiography This Bell Still Rings: My Life Of Defiance And Son. Their response? Silence.

I wasn’t too surprised – while I believed the paper’s readership would enjoy reading about Dane, even if the vast majority had never heard of her, she wasn’t exactly clickbait. And my editors are younger than me and uninterested in that loose genre I tend to call “roots music” (which can include everything from folk and blues to Mongolian throat singing and Balkan brass bands). Essentially, they want hot young things – yes, The Guardian publishes a Taylor Swift newsletter for her vast fanbase. When 9 Lives was listed in this year’s Doc’ N Roll festival I pitched again. Response? Again, silence.

I had to inform Maureen it appeared unlikely we would get any coverage. Then she dropped me an email stating Barbara had moved into home hospice. She also noted Dane’s 1960 single I’m On My Way was being reissued as a vinyl 45 (due to demand from the Northern soul crowd). I chased my editors, this time emphasising “our very last chance” and they – finally! - said ‘yes” (tho’ I think the 45 reissue might have won them over).

I’m honoured I had the opportunity to speak with Barbara Dane, an artist whose music and politics I admire. The reaction to the feature was one of people either stating thanks that I’d written it, as they loved Barbara’s music (but hadn’t heard of her for decades) or that they’d never heard of her before (but were now definitely going to check her out). Oh, my pal Mike Hall, who has been a soul/funk DJ since the late 1970s, told me he knew her name due to that one magical 45. Mike also said he always thought she was an African American vocalist.

Barbara is gone but, like John Brown, her spirit marches on (and her music is again widely available and will surely be embraced by new generations of listeners). Hopefully this means there is a growing audience to read both her fine autobiography and to watch The 9 Lives Of Barbara Dane (Gosling is currently doing the rounds of film festivals while seeking distributors for different territories). Streaming will be the last port of call (as it pays fees akin to Spotify’s): don’t expect to see 9 Lives on Netflix or Prime anytime soon.

Anyway, I reached out to Barbara’s friends, family and admirers (some new) for their thoughts on an artist who was a true American hero. Their comments are below.

After that its my original, unabridged feature – I’ve now extended it by adding in more of the interview (I was on a strict 1200 word limit for The Guardian). The interview will only be available to paying subscribers – journalism is my job: if you like the work I do here then please subscribe (£5 a month).

REMEMBERING BARBARA

“Barbara was an inspiration during my whole life and taught me how to pay attention to everything (large and small)—especially to people as unique beings, and to listen to music as the breath of life. Her inner strength was unmatched — her appreciation for everything sensual, especially what ever provides sustenance in nature—was illuminating. Barbara always found something of interest in every person she met anywhere in the world (even in the emergency room) and made a personal connection with them. She identified with people’s struggles in an authentic way, and was always willing to speak up/stand up for solutions, right up to the end. What a strong human being. What a sense of humor! I loved her with all of my heart.”

JULIE LAZAR

“Great article on Barbara Dane. I’m saddened to hear about her passing. I recently dug out an interview she did with my father. Hearing The Chamber Brothers recollections about her raised my curiosity. She was someone who I ignorantly didn’t know much about. This program was something I planned on replaying on a future show. Now I’ll have to air it as a tribute.”

ALLEN LARMEN

“I first heard Barbara Dane sing in 1960 at the Ash Grove in Los Angeles. I was just a novice and she, thirteen years older, seemed - and was - so confident and comfortable with her music. Warm and friendly, she was a wonderful singer, as powerful in voice as she was in her beliefs. It was a long time ago but, the memory is strong and treasured.”

BONNIE DOBSON

“My name is Osamu and I am the grandson of Barbara Dane. My grandmother was a tireless fighter for just causes, racial equality and women's rights. She was also a spectacular artist and singer. She always took care of the family and was the one who inspired me the most in my career as a musician. Her legacy will live forever in me.”

OSAMU MENENDEZ

“The amazing story of Barbara Dane, a powerful radical citizen-artist whose magnificent voice, and uncompromising dedication to freedom, justice and global liberation continues to ring.”

DANNY GLOVER

“Yes, I knew Barbara. The first time I met her Chris Strachwitz brought her by my place on the South Side of Chicago. It was surprising because it was such a rough neighborhood  hardly any white people ever ventured to my place, but I opened the door and there they were. We had a nice visit. Years later we did perform together a few times. One time I clearly remember was some kind of street fair in Berkeley where I backed her on harmonica. We also exchanged quite a few emails. She told me about having a son who lives in Cuba now and is a musician there. She was a wonderfully radiant being. I'm glad to know she had a long life and stuck to her principals. The world could use more strong folks like Barbara Dane.”

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE

“Barbara Dane had such a strong, long, earthly presence it's odd to speak of her as no longer amongst us. I am now a senior myself so fortunate to have known her in music, peace & social justice activism, and in later years as friend & neighbour. She’s always been here. a steady life-force, a conscientious example of how to live. For me it started with Barbara's remarkable voice - I still have a vivid memory of the day I first heard Barbara Dane's voice: in the ‘50s there were record stores with big Megaphone speakers pointed out to the sidewalk luring you inside. A headstrong toddler, I broke away from my father in search of The Lady singing. He caught up with me at the counter & patiently explained that she was on the record player. I pressed on as only toddler tyrants can ‘til finally, with the clerk's help, my father bought the record right off the turntable: Barbara Dane Trouble in Mind. It would be some years later, when I was following Barbara’s powerful voice into the Civil Rights movement, that I would understand how well my four year old self had listened. And, yes, I still have my copy of Trouble In Mind and the memory of sitting with 90 yr old Barbara in an Oakland cafe talking kombucha, The Weavers, eye drops, and finally sharing how we first met.”

LAURA LEE WELLS

“Barbara was one of the most steadfast True Believers I’ve ever encountered. She knew how stay true to herself and her beliefs, no matter what the cost. When people ask me how someone of her talent could not be a worldwide name I answer that that was not her priority (fame). She was about authenticity and strove to use her music in the same way her African American mentors did - as artistic expression to ease the pain in the world and heal together. Barbara could not untangle herself from justice - she was on a mission, that’s what rang true in her voice, there was no faking her feeling. Dane was in my mind, the heaviest blues, folk, gospel and jazz singer - up there with the greats like Bessie Smith & Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She had the same drive & vocal punch. There’s a whole slew of white women singers that owe her a huge debt - Joan Baez, Linda Ronstatt, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Nelson, Maria Muldaur. And others of that generation. Barbara was the first. She was a mother, singer, activist and friend to many and I’m honored we stayed friends for 44 years. I’ll miss her dearly.”
MARK HUMMEL

“This tells you all you need to know about Barbara Dane - my mother's bass players:
1. Willie Dixon
2. Wellman Braud
3. Red Mitchell
4. Pops Foster”

JESSE CAHN

“Barbara Dane was as pure and powerful as a woman as she was as a singer. She spoke truth to power, she was a person of deep integrity. The story of her as a child, defying her father (and convention) and serving a soda to a Black customer in the family drugstore, affected me so deeply and really stayed with me. Her music deserves so much more recognition, honour and respect.”

ANGELINE MORRISON

"I am sorry to say I didn't know of Barbara Dane until Garth's sadly all too timely - but crucial - Guardian feature and advocacy of the new documentary about her remarkable life, work and commitment. I'm especially pleased she also gives a warm shout out to the late, great Phil Ochs, whose lyrical gifts and radical engagement remain woefully under-appreciated by wider audiences almost fifty years after his own(untimely) passing."

GARETH EVANS

“Over decades of interviewing people, many blur into a haze. That never applied to Bernice Johnson Reagon of the all-black female unaccompanied ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock - a complete joy and inspiration to interview. She had been a founding member of the Freedom Singers in the midst of the Civil Rights struggle during very - neutral word - fraught times. It was at Collet’s Record Shop on New Oxford Street in London that I discovered Paredon Records. They were probably the most politicised record company of the period in the United States. Barbara Dane and her future husband Irwin Silber co-founded the label. They put out Bernice’s Give Your Hands to Struggle. And that was how Barbara Dane, at one remove, came into my life.

“Over the next decades Barbara surfaced again and again. I remember reading a telling review in The Conscience of the Folk Revival (a collection of Israel Young’s writings) of the 1959 Newport Folk Festival. He wrote: “Barbara Dane then came on with blues and folk tunes. She made a hit by composing a blues, on the spot, about coming to Newport.” Enough said.

“It was decades before Barbara and I spoke. Exactly why and when we wound up talking is hazy now. Damn, she was feisty. She was a hoot and very, very amusing. I remember her talking about her admiration for the English political songwriter Robb Johnson. She positively glowed down the phone when I said we were old friends and drinking companions. To have this woman who was so important for the political song movement singing hosannas about Robb Johnson and Leon Rosselson felt like a fillip. She was indefatigable and inspirational. And at an age when, as they say, ‘she should’ve known better’ she was flamin’ incorrigible.”

KEN HUNT

“I was watching Alfred Hitchcock (1962) when I heard Barbara singing solo on the guitar as the villain walked into a jazz club. Ironically, I thought I would see Aretha Franklin, but it was Barbra Dane! Since then every time I listen to blues on shuffle play, I find her added to the mix. I was even more surprised when I saw a picture of her surrounded by the band, what an icon and creative talent. She had phenomenal vocals and I can see why people would associate her voice with gospels (like her 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' tune for example- you'd want to join in!). She deserves the title 'unsung heroine' for being outspoken in a competitive music industry. My favourite tunes are 'It Isn't Nice' and 'When I Was Young'. It reveals a lot about her growth as an artist.”

DR SHEREEN SHAW

“I’ve taken a deeper dive than most into the world of music and politics, but somehow was completely unaware of Barbara Dane. Thanks to Garth’s Guardian piece and Maureen Gosling’s brilliant new film I now realise what an unfortunate oversight that was. Barbara Dane is an absolute inspiration! She was a huge talent who decided to put political integrity first. The world urgently needs more artists like her. Rest In Power Barbara. Solidarity!”

DAVE RANDALL

“Barbara Dane had many opportunities to chase the fame that her fine singing could have earned her. Instead, she stood up for what she thought was right, and she never wavered in her nine decades of using art as a vehicle for activism. Kudos not just to Barbara for a life well lived, but also to those in her circle who made sure that her important story was so well documented via her 2022 autobiography and the new documentary. Barbara's story will be a great lesson in humanity that we will always be able to learn from.”

NOAH SCHAFFER

“I actually met Barbara through Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records back in the '90s. (Interesting factoid: Barbara knew Chris before he even started Arhoolie Records! So they followed each other's careers). She always jammed with other musicians at his bi-annual Arhoolie parties (where Chris' extended musical family were feted). I loved hearing her, especially her blues. And knew she was ‘somebody’. But it wasn’t until Nina hired me to edit a promo video for the release of Barbara’s new CD at the age of 89 that I realised what an amazing life she had had. When I heard there would be a CD release concert at Oakland’s Yoshi's Jazz Club, we decided we had to film it: who knows? Maybe, it would be her last concert?? Instead, it launched the film. Additionally, when Producer Jed Riffe jumped in, I knew I could do this film. Nina was our third partner in Protesta Productions, as key Executive Producer. Among many other things, we filmed five more concerts over two years, including at SF Jazz in San Francisco, Joe's Pub in NYC, UCLA Royce Hall in LA, Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA and at Casa de las Américas in Havana, Cuba.

I felt Barbara was a kindred spirit. And as such, and also because I try to do this with documentaries I make, I tried to represent her in the most authentic way possible. I am greatly touched and appreciative that she and her family have given the film their stamp of approval. The film was also part of the dream and mission that Nina had with her Barbara Dane Legacy Project, which included the concerts, the film and the book.

“Our film had its World Premiere in Oct. 2023 at the Mill Valley FF in CA, two sold out shows. We also had a live concert at a venue called the Sweetwater, again sold out, with Pablo, his son Osamu, Tammy Hall, a guest bass player, drummer Daria Johnson and guests Willie Chambers, (who tore down the house!) folk singer Holly Near and Barbara's son Jesse Cahn. Barbara didn't sing, but she sat next to the stage with a mic and chatted with the musicians, told stories and entertained folks between songs.

“The film has been very well received in North America, though it is still making the festival rounds. It earned two Best Documentary Awards at the Julien Dubuque FF in Iowa and the Vermont Film and Folklore Festival. It has distribution in Canada with FilmsWeLike and we are courting US and international sales agents and distributors.

“Barbara stuck by her principles and did it from the beginning, even as a young girl. It was just her nature. I love that she felt she had no boundaries in terms of her music, that she loved songs that resonated with her, no matter what genre.”

MAUREEN GOSLING

BARBARA DANE – THE FINAL INTERVIEW

Young girl blues: Barbara Dane in the 1950s.

Barbara Dane suffers a coughing fit then, gasping, calls to her son Pedro, requesting he fit her oxygen mask. Our phone line goes silent.