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

[WisconsinBruce]

Studs was one in a million. Before his health and hearing got so bad he was entertaining us with hour long interviews with Kathleen Dunn on Wisconsin Public Radio. They were great. He'll be missed.

[naschkatze]

Even higher. That would mean that there are 350 other Studs out there. Maybe just one of a kind.

[stepintothelight]

Tonight my shoulders don't feel so big in Chicago. Thanks for all the insight Studs. Just wish you could have stuck around about 3 or 4 more days. I know you would have really enjoyed the little guy taking it to the establishment on Tuesday.

[derekw007]

I agree. He would have seriously enjoyed that.

Studs on HOPE: "I think it's realistic to have hope. One can be a perverse idealist and say the easiest thing: 'I despair. The world's no good.' That's a perverse idealist. It's practical to hope, because the hope is for us to survive as a human species. That's very realistic.­"

[buggedabouttheus]

We have lost a good American. In his honor I will repeat his suggestion to Barack Obama: "Read FDR's second inaugural address." We really should all read it too. R.I.P. Mr. Studs Terkel.

[mitchoz]

Thank you for the many gifts or wisdom. Sleep well Studs. Till the morrow.

[1sparrow]

im not one to understand this. -a girl in high school a had a book called "the true believer" or something like that... im the son of a long shoreman. i got into the jesus movement in the early seventies.­-- i read "the true believer" just like i read"1984" was (sorry) a lacking of the utopia that could be. (based on lord jesus). ... ok so i found out later --people aren't deities. and if they dont work hard... you work hard 4 them...? somewhere in between 4 sure. but no gsus nope glory g to bsus

[HamletsMill]

I think you are thinking of Eric Hoffer here not Studs Terkel. But, strangely, I often hear them together in my own head too. Hoffer's book very much lives right up to the second now too in the current amazing dysfunctional psychopathology of the Republican Party that has handed the election to it's opponent if everyone comes through this Tuesday. A lot of the Republican fundamentalist Kool Aid drinkers should start reading Hoffer over the next 8-16-100-1000 years starting Wednesday morning. Maybe I'll send a copy to Todd and Sarah Palin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Hoffer

[Palemoon]

First, I offer my heart and condolences to his family.

As anyone who knows me, knows that in the last couple of years, I've gotten to reading alot about philosophers and philosophy. Reading about the many numerous ideologies and the people behind them as well.

I cannot explain why I never came across Studs Terkel before. He sounds like such an eloquent man. And I don't know where to start with my post because I am just in awe after reading his full obituary. To Rich Kogan, I thank you for giving us so much wondeful background and information on him. You wrote a very touching and moving obituary. I plan on finding out more about Studs and collecting his books. To me he sounds like some of the great philosophers I've been reading about. He will definitely be added to my list right away.

And I love this quote "But just as important, Studs sought the daydreams and 3 a.m. truths of many a person who never made a headline. They were all somebodies to him. Terkel looked down on none of them."

That is such a great statement. I can only hope to accomplish just half of what this apparently great man accomplished in his long life. Thank you also HuffPo, for carrying this news story and letting all of us know about people such as him!

[Heavenhound]

Palemoon, please read "Working" and "The Good War." True masterpieces. I wish I had the opportunity to discover Studs all over again.

[decolonizeme]

I met Studs Terkel at a screening of "The Bicycle Thief" about ten years ago in Chicago. He spoke a little about it afterwards to the audience, and teared up over how much the film meant to him. The whole crowd was silent, and moved.

What a great man for the everyman.

[khiva]

RIP Studs. May my life be half as well lived as yours.

[Jackalheadedgod]

Studs will be missed dearly. 96 is incredible. What a life.

Bottoms up,
Jack

[cbeenthere]

Studs Terkel learned in Chicago, Sen. in Obama learned in Chicago. Both cared and care about working persons. I don't think Mr. Terkel would mind me making the comparison.

[Chip W]

Read his books.

[BlueAsh]

I second that!

[CoriMM]

I was sad to hear that Studs passed away today. I grew up listening to his radio program and learned a lot from him. Studs has gone to a much better place and a bigger audience.
Farewell friend, you will be greatly missed.

[AnalyzeIT]

Sleep well Stud's you've lived a great life; so proud to have known you.

[Paris68]

He may not have been the Great American Writer, but he was the GREAT AMERICAN LISTENER. He will be missed.

[HamletsMill]

Very well said. Thank you.

[gradLady]

How terribly sad. What a wonderful, insightful, and truly thoughtful man he was. I really hoped he would make it to the next election, and would be rewarded his expectations. Studs, you willlive forever in our memories and through your writing.