Book of Memories for Hazel J. Dickens

Condolence From Rachel Garringer

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:11:38 EDT

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 From JIm Heidere

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:58:10 EDT

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 From MaryElizabeth Isom

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:00:34 EDT

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 From Allison (Landreth) Albert

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:12:54 EDT

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 From Debbie Shumate

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:26:57 EDT

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 From Jennifer Asbury

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:22:34 EDT

Buddy, I am so sorry that Aunt Hazel passed away. Love Jennifer

Condolence From Jeannie Garrett

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:14:47 EDT

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

Condolence From Carol and Craig Rutledge and sons Bobby Joe and Patrick and grandson Cody

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:59:54 EDT

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...

Story shared: Thinking of you Today

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:39:03 EDT

I'm running through the memories in my mind, there are so many. My name is Sara Jane, aunt Hazel gave me that middle name and her mother gave me my first name. I put up a pictorial tribute to her and wanted to share it with anyone interested. Go to http://saraj63.wordpress.com/tribute-to-aunt-hazel-1925-2011/ and while you are there feel free to hit the link that tributes my dad or his memorial website as well. He loved Hazel so much and was very proud of her. She came to visit him in his passing days and it was too late for him to talk to her but I know he knew she was there!

Memorial Candle lit by molly andrews

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:31:42 EDT

Molly Andrews

Story shared: Two Ol' West Virginia Gals

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 04:06:16 EDT

Hazel and I would talk on the phone for hours. She couldn't believe that I used canned beans for my baked beans and proceeded to give me her recipe for "scratch" baked beans which was her "dish of choice" for family get-togethers. We would chuckle about how people thought we sounded so much alike and how we never could hear it. She would say: "Well, that's because we're just two ol' WV gals with that "mountain sound" coming out of us." She was funny, talented and honest to a fault and cared so much for people. I loved her. I miss her. I'm really sorry for the family for their loss. I wish I could be there for the services but my husband is very ill. Love and prayers to you all.

Story shared: Pen pals

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:19:32 EDT

At a concert featuring Hazel at "The Old Schoolhouse" in Lucketts, VA, in March of 2010, I was too late in line to buy two copies of her book. She offered to mail them to me, autographed, along with a bill, once she got home. She did. Along with my check, I sent her some pictures I had taken at the concert that night, and she wrote back, highly complementary of them - even suggesting I send one to Rounder Records as they were looking for shots for use in her new CD. We wrote back and forth several times, with her kidding that we've become "pen pals," and always signing "Your Friend." I'll never forget Hazel's down to earth kindness and willingness to communicate with "just a fan," such as I am. Rest in peace, Hazel, my friend, we'll see you on the other side.

Condolence From Dorothy Collins

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:50:22 EDT

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 From Bruce Mountjoy

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:09:22 EDT

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...

Condolence From Charles & Ida Whitstein

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:57:40 EDT

We are deeply saddened at the loss of this great musician and woman. Hazel was like family to the Whitstein Brothers. She was there all the time during our career, offering advice and support. The times we spent with her, on the road and sitting at home as friends, are treasured memories. She always said she and Ida were "soul sisters." Her family and all her other friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Debra Jacobs

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:35:47 EDT

Peace to all who knew her or her music. She is a National Treasure.

Condolence From Betty Jo Richards

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:18:55 EDT

Hazel was a very special person to say the least! I'm sorry I never met her but being from the Coal Fields of Logan, WV she seemed close to me and i will always treasure her music especially Momma's Hands and West virginia, My Home! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in Peace Hazel! Hank and Betty Richards

Condolence From Suzanne Ives Dunkley

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:07:42 EDT

I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Hazel when my husband and I performed at a tribute concert for her in Alexandria, VA last December. She was one of the sweetest people I've ever met, but when she heard the name of our band (BumpKin Pie) she just looked at me, puzzled, and said, "Couldn't you think of a better name?" I could only laugh. I have a feeling that people always knew exactly where she stood on any issue. My sincerest comfort to her family and friends. The world is less for her loss.

Condolence From Chuck Hatfield

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:06:49 EDT

I am so sorry for your loss, Ms. Dickens was a special lady... I never met her but Ms. Dickens music has a special place in my heart. We will be prayin' that God eases the family's pain.

Condolence From Jean Johnson

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:09:49 EDT

A great pioneer in bluegrass has gone to that Bluegrass Heaven in the sky. Although I have never met Hazel, as a DJ I do know how she has influenced the ladies in bluegrass music. May God be with all her family that she leaves behind to join her one day.

Condolence From Frances Evans- Miller

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:19:43 EDT

With deepest heartfelt sympathy, Another one of the greatest is gone.But her memories will always linger on.

Condolence From Deborah Brightwell

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:58:22 EDT

Hazel was a most gracious and special woman. I had the pleasure of interviewing her in 1999 and from then on she never failed to say hello to me...and always remembered who I was. She's always inspired me with her music, but knowing her, even from a distance, has made me a wealthier person. I'l miss her terribly, but her music will forever keep her dear.

Condolence From Mike Honig

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:37:16 EDT

Wishes for strength and peace to the Dickens family. Hazel's light burns bright, and will endure as an inspiration forever.

Condolence From amy johanna stenberg

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:36:32 EDT

...until we meet where there's no more sad parting...godspeed, hazel.

Condolence From Celia Millington-Wyckoff

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:30:31 EDT

Farewell to a great singer, woman of courage, and inspiring songwriter. You made a difference in many people's lives, and will be missed!

Condolence From Phyllis Erck

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:25:23 EDT

You, my dearest Hazel Dickens, are my bluegrass musical inspiration! My thoughts are with your friends and family today. Love, Phyllis

Condolence From Caroline MotherJudge

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:02:57 EDT

Dearest Hazel - Meeting you and picking with you has been a high point of our musical lives. But the best part of knowing you is your wicked sense of humor. You have brought such laughter and joy into the world. Conversely, you have given a voice to the struggles of the working class, and for that you surely have made a place in Heaven, for there is no nobler pursuit. May your soul soar high above this mortal coil! We are just one of many in your sea of admirers, yet you have touched our lives as deeply as if you were our own kin. Godspeed, Pretty Bird. Caroline & Sten Isachsen Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

Condolence From David Barker

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:50:58 EDT

Hazel will be missed by this Bluegrass fan. Her music was an inspiration to me. I am so grateful that I was able to see her perform her music in NYC a couple of years ago.

Condolence From Burr Beard

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:48:16 EDT

Thank you for your music, your song-writing and your conviction. You are such an inspiration to many of us in musical performance and radio. You are missed.

Condolence From dan harden

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:46:06 EDT

hazel was one of music's greastest ladies.her soulful songs will live forever.

Memorial Candle lit by Patricia Crooker

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:15:01 EDT

Pati Crooker and the Thomas Point Beach Family

Condolence From Peter Noorman

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:11:13 EDT

My thoughts are with Hazel and her relatives. We all will surely miss this musical legend. RIP Hazel. Peter Noorman (The Netherlands)

Condolence From Bertie Lambert

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:08:30 EDT

Sympathy to the family and friends of Hazel Dickens. She was a great singer and will be missed.

Memorial Candle lit by Robert M. Williams, III

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:03:05 EDT

Robin and Linda Williams

Memorial Candle lit by Rhonda Vincent

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:17:37 EDT

Rhonda Vincent

Condolence From Tony Trischka

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 02:04:42 EDT

It's hard to believe that Hazel is gone. She had an indomitable spirit that, to me, imbued her with a sense of immortality. I would see her only rarely in recent years, but I have fond memories of life on the road with from years gone by. She had a quick and disarming wit and though she might be nervous, she'd go out on stage and deliver her plainspoken and eloquent songs with a power that would leave you breathless. We'll miss her, but her music lives on, and she'll reside forever in "West Virginia, my home."

Condolence From Tim Stafford

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:09:49 EDT

Hazel was an inspiration, a wonderful person and a powerful singer and songwriter. I was fortunate to have performed with her several times. To say she will be missed is an understatement. My deepest condolences to the family.

Condolence From Florence Dickens

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:14:36 EDT

You are all in my prayers

Condolence From Becky Johnson

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:51:14 EDT

I know I have a heart, because it's breaking...precious Hazel was a mentor, my personal cheerleader, and a cherished friend. I admired Hazel's raw courage and steady resolve, her strength as a woman in a man's world, both in music and in life in general. Her refusal to break under the will of a man, to survive the personal ravages of King Coal; I was able to draw an elevated sense of self-esteem from Hazel. In fact, she demanded it from me! The moment we met was magical. My friend, Mike Seeger introduced me to her one year at the International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, in Owensboro, KY. I remember feeling shy meeting her! Hahaha! I feel blessed that Hazel took me under her wing. She was clear and blunt, hurtful sometimes, but it was surrounded by a layer of love, respect, and tenderness unmatched by anyone else I have ever met. Plus, Hazel was just so much fun to be around, I couldn't help myself! I was drawn to her like a magnet. In time, Hazel shared many personal bluegrass memories with me; I found myself having to suppress hysterical laughter, while at a Folk Alliance Showcase in 2009, in Memphis, as she whispered in my ear her many exciting, and fun adventures. What a gift she gave to me, and everyone who met or knew her. Hazel paved the way for women like myself in bluegrass music. it is because of Hazel's friendship that I am a Bluegrass DJ featuring the First Generation of Bluegrass.[WMMT, 88.7fm] I honor all the founding mothers and fathers of bluegrass music. Thank-you, Hazel for everything you taught me. I am a better person because of you, thank-you for loving me, and seeing my inner beauty..... The world is a better place because of you. You will never be forgotten. Loving and missing you already, but we'll meet again someday. Becky Johnson

Condolence From Art Menius

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:04:19 EDT

I'll never forget her courage, inspiration, and friendship.

Story shared: memories of my aunt

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 03:21:18 EDT

Our family has lost a wonderful person Aunt hazel was kind and loving, Growing up I rember all the time shared with her. My most favorite would be when we sat and had long talks about the music she loved and the stories she would tell me about how much fun she had singing and preforming threw the years . she would tell of all the wonderful places she had been ( my favorite being Japan )She was a wonderful joy in my life and i will miss her very much.

Memorial Candle lit by Mrs rochelle Ball

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 02:28:28 EDT

Rochelle and Jeremy Ball And Daughter Sara.

Photo shared: hazel_dickens_photo.jpg

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 23:18:42 EDT