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Folksinger/Storyteller Bruce “Utah” Phillips 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, but be advised that prices are cheaper and more of that money will go into Utah’s hands if you order directly from him.
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
Filed under: Action Alert!, activism, Anti-War, Art, Favorite Muses, Labor, original music, Peace, Political Websites, Press Release, progressive politics, rants, Recommended Music, Recommended Poetry, US Politics Tagged: | ani difranco, union, utah phillips
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