A few weeks ago Percy Sledge died, an artist whose work was stolen by many and he never received the royalties. His most famous song was "When a Man Loved a Woman," what producer Jerry Wexler called "a holy love hymn." This song was the part of the soundtrack of many lives.
His obituary: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/15/percy-sledge
The song:
It was on the airways when I met Norm Darwish and it was our song, and you know what that means.
Norm Darwish my husband of nearly 40 years (I know you guys don't really think we were married), died on May 9. He was cantankerous, a curmudgeon, outrageous and a fine photographer. He was a meticulous craftsman in the darkroom. He loved me. We earned our living at art fairs from 1978-2006, when he lost his will to create because of chronic depression. If you can't create you just make products. Products were not his goal.
Thanks to all of you who have said such kind words about his body of work, ethereal and luminous -- cute kids, landscapes, still lifes, creative studio work and lots of nudes -- as he loved women. At a show director's conference a few years ago I was "outed", not as an artist's partner, not as a show director, but as the art.
He'd beaten back prostate cancer for 20 years but this winter it reappeared with no good end in sight. He was able to end his days at home with his daughters and grandsons at his side. Lucky man.
His obituary: http://wtvbam.com/blogs/obituaries-blog-wtvb/67/obituary-norm-darwish/
As I write this today I'm streaming Sirius radio's B. B. King's Bluesville, as we lost B.B. yesterday. Luckily I got to see him at the Wiltern in LA a few years ago. B. B. toured his entire life, he was in the bus. That evening he could hardly walk, but he sat on that stage and leaned out toward us and took us all in. He loved his audience and we loved him back.
We loved Percy, we loved B.B and Norm, a singer in his youth, is hopefully joining them today.
B.B.'s "Why I Sing the Blues":
To celebrate Norm's life we're hosting an open house at our home on Sunday, July 19, and you are invited to join us, whether you knew Norm or not. It will be a gathering of people who are brave, resilient and ready to take on life on its own terms -- you road warriors.
Comments
Oh, Connie, I am so very sorry to hear about your sad loss . . . A terribly difficult thing to endure for all of you. Please accept my condolences, and find strength in those who surround you with support and love . . . .
Connie, I and touched by your post and, more so, by your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family the best.
Judy
I did not know your husband but enjoyed learning a little about him. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I will help you get set up for the memorial. You can count on me.
And while Norm may have been cantankerous he became soft as a puppy dog after he retired. I was glad I got to see that side of him.
I have to say, I did not love matting the garbage pictures! lol
A lovely tribute to three amazing talents, Connie. Thanks...we'll try to make it on the 19th.
Connie, again, we are so sorry for your loss. We didn't realize as we have not had the pleasure of meeting Norm that he had such wonderful talent! I am sure the heavens are full of music with Norm & B. B. King!
Thank you, Connie. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautifully written tribute to all three!
Thank you, Ray. Those cibachrome photos of garbage were his trying to make something in color because "everyone said" you can't sell black and white. He only knew black and white and was trying to get into this art fair marketplace with something people would buy. That didn't work too well, when one day he added a black and white to the mix and it started to sell he returned to what he loved.
I remember that day, you and Norm, playing in the stream. It was a good day.
Nancy and I are so sorry for your loss Connie.
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