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

[phrogg1]

Studs, Kup, and Royko . . . . . . the eternal lively art of conversation.

[adjam]

and a little Siskel thrown in

[adecker31]

He was amazing. He insisted on the voice of the person living the history as being the most important. Not the partisan. Not the political leader. Not those who floated above events under the illusions they controlled things - but the actual people, who in living their everyday lives, made history as a people and as individuals in their struggles, joys, fears and hopes.

I feel upset he won't see Obama elected, a leader who, so far, seems to understand that leadership comes from the people.

As a Chicagoan, I'm prouder of where I'm from because he loved this town too.

[jneems]

I am just now reading his book on the great depression, "Hard Times". (A very timely book in the present shaky economic climate).

Good bye Studs! We'll miss you.

[Alaska2]

"Hard Times" is one of my favorites. I first read it years ago with my mother, who lived through tough times on the farm even before the great depression.

I, too, will miss Mr. Terkel. My heart goes out to all who loved him.

[jerrypenguin]

As one who grew up on the South Side of Chicago; I will always cherish the memory of Studs Terkel as a respected elder. His words, deeds, and character will live on.

[JayeSF]

This makes me very sad....Stu­ds was awesome...­.

[xenophon]

I'm really happy Studs Terkel lived a long life. He deserved to.

He was a lover of truth unadorned, a respecter of the suffering of others, a promoter of the advancement of all of us together, a story teller, he was a Homer telling the stories of America.

He told the stories of the US Navy enlisted people who were subjected to the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests against their will, of welders, and steel workers, and people whose work made the world function properly and productively.

He told the stories of people who built bridges, and highways, and worked in steel mills.

He was an exceptionally good man, and an outstanding American.

God bless him.

[darthdarcy]

A great voice for the common man is gone, God Bless you Studs..you won't be forgotten and, Rest in Peace..

[obelus]

This working man has lost an irreplaceable friend. My condolences to his family. Thanks Studs for the work. May you rest in peace.

[MagisterLudi]

'Working' was one of the first book I read when I was beginning to learn American English. I still recall its matter-of- fact narrative power. RIP.

[functor]

How long it has been that you took refuge in US from (I guess ) Middle East ?

[exxonmobil4prez]

shoo fly functor

[MagisterLudi]

M0r0n child. I was born and raised in Europe. Anyway, who let you out of the cage so late at night?

[argent1]

Never was there a voice as true for the history of our common bond

[Harry Scrote]

*wince*

[MelRoy]

R.I.P.

I have never been so thoroughly engaged by an interview than I was the one Stephen Sackur did with Studs Terkel for the BBC's "Hard Talk" earlier this year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/hardtalk/7226682.stm

You should be able to watch it yourself if you click on the link.

[mam]

A truly great American. His book, "Working," should be required reading in every high school.
I hope there's a fantastic bar in heaven where he and Molly Ivins are having an uproarious time sharing great stories and great drinks (including, I pray, a toast to Obama come Tuesday)!

[autmarfcvsmom]

I am not a religious person but I love this thought and think I'll adopt it as my own. Cheers to Stutds Terkel (you too Ms. Ivins)

[IncredulousGeezer]

God, he was a great character!

His interviews of real people were gems. I remember listening to him in Chicago on radio and TV with Irv Kupcinet almost 50 years ago as if it was yesterday.

Rest in Peace, Studs. You were truly one of a kind!

[bdaved]

That was a man who respected labor and valued work, and could talk about it credibly to anybody. That's a voice we desperately need now.