The great folksinger and storyteller Utah Phillips (
http://www.utahphillips.org) has had to retire from
performing due to chronic and serious heart problems
that have plagued him for years. In recognition of his
great love for and work on behalf of the union movement
and working people of the United States, several union
locals have passed resolutions honoring Phillips and
attaching donations for his "retirement fund." Unable
to travel or stand the rigors of performing a two-hour
concert, Phillips has seen his main source of income
vanish just when his medical problems are demanding
more money for treatment and medications.
In response, Local 1180 of the Communications Workers
of America (NYC), and both the Detroit and the James
Connolly (Upstate New York) Branches of the Industrial
Workers of the World (IWW) have recently passed the
following resolution:
Bruce "Utah" Phillips is a truly unique American
treasure. Not just a great folksong writer and
interpreter, not just a great storyteller, Utah has
preserved and presented the history of our nation's
working people and union movement for audiences
throughout the world. His recorded work keeps these
songs and stories alive. He has spoken up against the
injustices of boss-dominated capitalism and worked for
peace and justice for more than 40 years.
Now Utah finds himself unable to continue performing
due to severe heart problems. We wish to honor and
recognize his great talent, spirit and love for the
working people and the union movement of the United
States. Therefore, we move to pass this resolution in
gratitude for all he has done and will continue to do
in his work and life. We also wish to contribute $____
to Utah Phillips in appreciation and in solidarity as
he and his wife, Joanna Robinson, deal with his health
and the loss of his ability to work.
This news is being released with the hope that other
unions, anti-war and labor-affiliated organizations
will respond in kind by passing this or similar
resolutions in appreciation for all Utah Phillips has
done for the cause of unions and peace.
Another way that organizations and individuals can help
is by purchasing some or all of Utah's vast catalog of
songs and stories. All of his CDs and more information
are available at his website,
http://www.utahphillips.org, and Utah has begun posting
podcasts up there that you can download and listen to!
You can also order his CDs online (credit card sales)
through
http://www.cdbaby.com, b ut be advised that
prices are cheaper and more of that money will go into
Utah's hands if you order directly from him. More info
on his website.
Here's the address for CD orders and to send a
donation:
U. Utah Phillips No Guff Records P.O. Box 1235 Nevada
City, CA 95959 (530) 265-2476
Utah has given so much of himself to the labor and
peace movements. It is great news that some unions and
many have chosen to give something back to him, to
allow him and his wife, Joanna Robinson, to rest easy,
work on his long-term health, and not have to worry
about where money will come for the medicine and bills
he has to pay. Please forward and post this release
widely!
In Solidarity,
George Mann
