Studs Terkel Dies

Louis Terkel arrived here as a child from New York City and in Chicago found not only a new name but a place that perfectly matched--in its energy, its swagger, its charms, its heart--his own personality. They made a perfect and enduring pair.

Author-radio host-actor-activist and Chicago symbol Louis "Studs" Terkel died today at his Chicago home at age 96.

At his bedside was a copy of his latest book, "P.S. Further Thoughts From a Lifetime of Listening," scheduled for a November release.

Beset in recent years by a variety of ailments and the woes of age, which included being virtually deaf, Terkel's health took a turn for the worse when he suffered a fall in his home two weeks ago.

It is hard to imagine a fuller life.

Keep reading Rick Kogan's obituary for Studs Terkel in the Tribune.

Read Huffington Post Chicago blogger Edward Lifson's recent interview with Studs on the 2008 election.

Watch this compilation of Studs discussing work, politics, art and his career (h/t Progress Illinois):

Comments

[arnray]

I wish we were all talking about Studs Terkel rather than Joe the Plumber. He was a man of great intelligence, insight and heart. Never met him, but I'll miss him.

[Daveip1966]

Glass duly raised.

[paixa3]

... hear, hear....

[Tinsdale]

With hats off and standing..­.

[ResistanceisFutile]

He has moved many people with his stories. He has moved me to tears, with his passing.

[rroy]

As a retired Chicagoan living up here in Northern Michigan,if asked what things symbolize Chicago,and it's chracter the most I would respond,in no particular order of signifigan­ce,Depress­ion Era"Post Office"Murals,Carl Sandburg,Studs Terkel,Mike Royko,and Irv Kupsinate.
Every one of them touches a warm spot in my heart for "The Windy One"!

[jeffp26]

I am truly sorry we have lost this great american patriot and champion of the working man.

I hope he voted early.

[ShinjiIkari]

I now want to believe that there's a Heaven; not for me, though. I want Studs to get there and find fifteen billion people he can interview, from Shakespeare to Shakespeare's tailor.

"Don't mourn; organize."

[scottowego]

It was at the San Diego Rerertory Theatre in the eighties that I became aware of Studs Turkel. The group ran "Working" as a musical. It was wonderful. Full of compassion for the average American worker, firemen, waitresses amongst others. I loved it. He was a wonderful author and human being.

[jackie4444]

A wonderful man. "Will the Circle be Unbroken?" is an extraordinary book also. Interviews with people about their perspectives on death - everyone from Emmet Till's mom to fire, police, AIDS workers, military leaders, those bereaved and those with near-death experiences.

[BMBTHC]

First: My sympathies to Mr. Terkel's family. He was a truly great American, a real liberal with a small "l."

Second: Huffington Post editors should move his story to the top of the page. If anyone deserves being paid the highest honor on HufPo, it is Studs Terkel! Give Palin and all the GOP ghouls a rest give us some inspiration and move a hero to the top.

[Fez]

Amen. Losing Studs Terkel is a huge blow and HuffPo should show the proper respect by noting his passing as its main headline. A man like Terkel comes by once every few generations and if anyone epitiomized the best aspects of being an American, it was Studs Terkel.

[ella52]

Studs Terkel was a hero of mine... a great listener, a man who strove to understand and convey the voice of Americans and a wonderful historian.
He was a man ahead of his time and he will be missed.

[Enzo]

Bon voyage, Studs.

[SEQUOIABISON]

I learned so much from Studs, he was the quintessential liberal progressive who always supported the underdog, I have not seen a more tolerant truly compassionate human being on the literary scene for quite some time now.

Farewell my friend your profound words will live on.

Obama/Biden

[alima]

I came from England to graduate school in the US in the late 1960s. Living in Chicago, I listened with joy to The Midnight Special on WFMT every Saturday night. Studs was a big factor in my falling in love with this country and staying here. I have followed him and his wonderful books ever since. He was truly a National Treasure and we will miss him. Let's hope he has a blast at the Election Night party in "heaven."

[VOTER]

Very nice.

[sak]

I love that last part. Truly, if there is a Heaven, Studs will be there. My husband and I have all of his books and traveled to see him twice when he was on a speaking tour. A truly great and empathetic individual. We will miss you Studs.

[BigHeadTodd]

Studs Terkel is an American hero. "Hard Times" and "Working" are indeed two books that are evergreen and have poignancy in 2008, if you're so inclined to try his style.

[Gdebs]

To make reading Stud's books even more enjoyable read James T Ferrell trilogy "Studs Lonagan." It is a book Studs constantly carried around and how he got his nick name "Studs" It is a story about a boy growing up in Chicago. First line as I remember, Well, I'm kissing the dump goodbye tonight."