Friday, January 22, 2010

Candian, Candians (for Canadian*)

Kate McGarrigle, half of the dulcet-toned Canadian folk duo often known as "The McGarrigle Sisters," died this week after battling a rare form of cancer for several years. Anna McGarrigle wrote on the family blog: "Sadly our sweet Kate had to leave us last night. She departed in a haze of song and love surrounded by family and good friends. She is irreplaceable and we are broken-hearted. Til we meet again, dear sister." Kate and Anna (along with their sister Jane) grew up in St.-Sauveur-des-Monts, Quebec, where they learned French and English songs from their parents, and piano from the local nuns. Kate was married at one time to Loudon Wainwright III and was the mother of musicians Rufus and Martha Wainwright. She leaves behind grieving fans the world over, but her spirit and art will surely survive. I'm not sure if I was at this particular concert or not, but I did have the pleasure of hearing the McGarrigles play at Caffe Lena and many other venues back in the day. Adieu, Kate, may God bless you and keep you. Thanks for the music and the memories. (Candian was found 24 times in OhioLINK, although a few of those were personal names, and Candians once.)

(Kate McGarrigle at the Ottawa Bluesfest, July 13, 2008, courtesy of Flickr.)


Carol Reid

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