Condolence: I grew up in West Virginia, and recently moved home after 9 years in cities around the country. As a young woman from West Virginia who cares alot about justice in this world, Hazel Dickens was without a doubt my biggest hero. Hazel's songs kept home alive for me the whole time I was away...not just the beauty and wilderness of the West Virginia landscape, but the realities of mining and the incredible labor history this state has. I moved home 3 days before Hazel died, and I think somewhere in my mind I just thought now that I was home I'd get to meet her, get to invite her to the girls' leadership program I grew up in and now work at, so that she could inspire more young West Virginia women through her unstoppable voice for justice. I didn't ever know her but I feel like I've lost one of the most important inspirations to me. I had the chance to attend her funeral, and felt very lucky to get to hear family members and friends tell stories about Hazel. I hope those who knew her are all doing ok with the loss. I can't imagine how hard it must be having known her well. I feel aware of the loss of her every day, I'm sure that if I'd had known her personally it would be overwhelmingly present.

Condolence: Early in his live radio broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, on Saturday April 23rd, Garrison Keillor and his guests performed a delightful comic parody of "Hello Stranger". I thought "isn't this neat, a reference for and tribute to Hazel and Alice Gerrard".
My pleasure turned to dismay when he announced a little later that Hazel had just died.
Hazel...an absolute icon for and troubador of American miners, is no longer with us. Very sad.
Her musical direction in "Harlan County USA" helped make Barbara Koppel's 1976 documentary film one of my all time favorites.
I still play her 1972 vinyl recording of "Hazel and Alice" for many people who never knew her skill and strength as a mysician.
Jim Heidere, Princeton, New Jersey

Condolence: REMEMBERING
by Lyle Paulsen October 1993


"No one really dies
until he is forgotten.
Memory can resurrect
a living presence.
Not only of events,
places and happenings
But feelings and experiences
can surface in remembrances.
So we have that mystic power
to bring alive again
through the simple act
of remembering.

Hazel will live forever. Our hearts goes out to all who love her.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hazel Dickens. Her music always brings me back to my roots. My father was born in McComas and raised in the Crane Creek coal camp, and my mother was from Speedway. They were both proud to be from a region that fostered such soulful talent, and luckily they passed that appreciation on to us. We will miss Hazel, but will remember her through her recordings and stories.

Condolence: Many condolences to all of the friends and family...Hazel was a Lovely and Beautiful Lady who will be sadly missed..She was an icon in Bluegrass and Country Music and her memory and her music will live on;especially in the mountains of West Virginia and in the nhearts of those of us who loved her..Rest in peace Dear Hazel and may God keep you in his loving arms!

Condolence: Buddy,

I am so sorry that Aunt Hazel passed away.

Love
Jennifer

Condolence: Buddy,

I am so sorry about hazel, if u need me just call.

Always
Jeannie

Condolence: My dear family, I wish could be there with you, as we say goodbye to our sweet Aunt Hazel..my heart cries with you, and I will feel the loss for a long time I know, but she has taken Our Jesus' hand and made the journey already home to God, so we will remember her as she was and her legacy she leaves behind is huge, to the world...the world was a better place with Aunt Hazel in it..and it will miss her as we will, but ours will be in much love for her...may God Bless Hazel as she walks through those Heavenly Gates..and God Speed to her...with all our love to all our dear family we are, sister Carol and family...

Condolence: I can still remember Hazel and her sister Sally when we were neighbors and friends. Times were hard back then. My Uncle married Hazel's sister Dovie and I will always remember all the good times we had. My daughter Beth became interested in music and sang many of Hazel's songs and the words to those song will forever speak volumes. All my thoughts go out to the family. Shelby you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dorothy Collins

Condolence: It was a sad day when Hazel Dickens passed away on Friday. Her voice brought pleasure, solace and strength to all who heard it. She will be missed by bluegrass fans and working men and women everywhere. Thank you and R.I.P Hazel...