Our Dear Studs Terkel

Sing a spiritual for Studs.

I'm so glad I called him the other day and posted what he said here on the Huffington Post. He read your comments and they pleased him. When I spoke with him he sounded so good.

He wanted to live to see Barack Obama elected President of the United States. What a shame that Studs didn't make it. He took us close to the Promised Land.

"It will be always howdy howdy
It will be always howdy howdy
It will be always howdy howdy
and never goodbye."

Studs' friend, the late great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, sang that song, Move on Up a Little Higher. I hope she's singing it to him now. He liked to listen.

A little more here.

 

Comments

[CriticalDune]

09:37 PM on 11/02/2008

Some years back, my youngest son and I were shopping for groceries at the Treasure Island on Broadway in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. As we were checking out, I spied Studs, resplendent in red checked shirt, waiting near the entrance for his ride. I approached him to introduce my then 8 year old to him so he could shake his hand. Of course, Studs was terrific. "Hi ya, kiddo. Nice to meet you."

It was just a moment, but I just reminded my now 13 year old this week that he met Studs personally. I'm sure he didn't remember the brief encounter a long time ago, but I did and now he does. I hope in one of his classes down the road, he is assigned one of Studs great works (like I was long time ago by some really sharp Jesuits).

[johnnygoodwud]

07:55 PM on 11/02/2008

he's watching, just looking down at us is all.

[Jesster]

12:31 PM on 11/01/2008

Studs Terkel has always been a genuine hero and I'm so glad you had the chance to share recent responses to his wise words and that he was happy. I cried when Tim Russert died so prematurely, know how this election would have been a highlight in his already illustrious life.

I will weep even more over Stud's not being here to see Obama become our next president - so unfair - but somehow I have a feeling that he will indeed be watching and celebrating with us. Bless this fine man who's life was a blessing for us all.

[CodyJarrett]

06:22 PM on 10/31/2008

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

[tuttlemsm]

05:54 PM on 10/31/2008

RIP, Studs. Chicago, America and the world mourn.