The War Is Over...

Hoje é dia de recordar Phil Ochs...

Phil Ochs morreu há cinquenta anos...

    

Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 60s and '70s and released eight albums.

Ochs performed at many political events, including the 1968 Democratic National Convention, mass demonstrations sponsored by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events. Ochs initially described himself as a democratic socialist but grew more radical after the police riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs' mental stability declined in the 1970s as he struggled with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. He died by suicide on April 9, 1976.

Ochs's influences included Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, and Merle Haggard. His best-known songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "When I'm Gone", "Changes", "Crucifixion", "Draft Dodger Rag", "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", "Power and the Glory", "There but for Fortune", and "The War Is Over".

 

   

    
(...)
    

Ochs's drinking became more and more of a problem, and his behavior became increasingly erratic. He frightened his friends both with his drunken rants about the FBI and CIA and about his claiming to want to have Elvis Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker or Kentucky Fried Chicken's Colonel Sanders manage his career.

In mid-1975, Ochs took on the identity of John Butler Train. He told people that Train had murdered Ochs and that he, John Butler Train, had replaced him. Ochs was convinced that someone was trying to kill him, so he carried a weapon at all times: a hammer, a knife, or a lead pipe.

His brother, Michael, attempted to have him committed to a psychiatric hospital. Friends pleaded with him to get help voluntarily. They feared for his safety because he was getting into fights with bar patrons. Unable to pay his rent, he began living on the streets.

After several months, the Train persona faded and Ochs returned, but his talk of suicide disturbed his friends and family. They hoped it was a passing phase, but Ochs was determined. One of his biographers explains Ochs' motivation:

By Phil's thinking, he had died a long time ago: he had died politically in Chicago in 1968 in the violence of the Democratic National Convention; he had died professionally in Africa a few years later when he had been strangled and felt that he could no longer sing; he had died spiritually when Chile had been overthrown and his friend Victor Jara had been brutally murdered; and, finally, he had died psychologically at the hands of John Train.

On Christmas Eve 1975, Ochs visited the apartment of Larry Sloman and Dave Peller, which he had done semi-frequently near the end of 1975. On this particular evening, Peller recorded Ochs singing ten songs, five of them new and intended for an album that "would be an unflinching narrative of his psychosis over the past year" which went by the working title of Duels in the Sun. Five other songs were also at some level of completion by this time. A second tape, possibly recorded before Christmas Eve, features additional songs intended for this project. This album would never come to fruition beyond these two recordings.

In January 1976, Ochs moved to Far Rockaway, New York, to live with his sister Sonny. He was lethargic; his only activities were watching television and playing cards with his nephews. Ochs saw a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. He was prescribed medication, and he told his sister he was taking it. On April 9, 1976, Ochs died by suicide, hanging himself in Sonny's home.

Years after his death, it was revealed that the FBI had a file of nearly 500 pages on Ochs. Much of the information in those files relates to his association with counterculture figures, protest organizers, musicians, and other people described by the FBI as "subversive".  The FBI was often sloppy in collecting information about Ochs: his name was frequently misspelled "Oakes" in their files, and they continued to consider him "potentially dangerous" after his death.

Congresswoman Bella Abzug (Democrat from New York), an outspoken anti-war activist who had appeared at the 1975 "War is Over" rally, entered this statement into the Congressional Record on April 29, 1976:

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, a young folksinger whose music personified the protest mood of the 1960s took his own life. Phil Ochs – whose original compositions were compelling moral statements against the war in Southeast Asia – apparently felt that he had run out of words.

While his tragic action was undoubtedly motivated by terrible personal despair, his death is a political as well as an artistic tragedy. I believe it is indicative of the despair many of the activists of the 1960s are experiencing as they perceive a government that continues the distortion of national priorities that is exemplified in the military budget we have before us.

Phil Ochs's poetic pronouncements were part of a larger effort to galvanize his generation into taking action to prevent war, racism, and poverty. He left us a legacy of important songs that continue to be relevant in 1976 - even though "the war is over".

Just one year ago - during this week of the anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War - Phil recruited entertainers to appear at the "War is Over" celebration in Central Park, at which I spoke.

It seems particularly appropriate that this week we should commemorate the contributions of this extraordinary young man.

Robert Christgau, who had been so critical of Pleasures of the Harbor and Ochs's guitar skills eight years earlier, wrote warmly of Ochs in his obituary in The Village Voice. "I came around to liking Phil Ochs's music, guitar included," Christgau wrote. "My affection [for Ochs] no doubt prejudiced me, so it is worth [noting] that many observers who care more for folk music than I do remember both his compositions and his vibrato tenor as close to the peak of the genre.

      

in Wikipédia

 

Phil Ochs nasceu há 85 anos...

    

Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 60s and '70s and released eight albums.

    
(...)
    

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976.
     

in Wikipédia

 

Saudades de Phil Ochs...

Música para recordar Víctor Jara, no seu aniversário...

Víctor Jara nasceu há noventa e três anos...

     

Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez (San Ignacio, 28 de septiembre de 1932 - Santiago, 16 de septiembre de 1973) fue un músico, cantautor, profesor, director de teatro, activista político y militante del Partido Comunista de Chile.

La figura de Víctor Jara es un referente internacional de la canción protesta y de cantautor, y uno de los artistas más emblemáticos del movimiento músico-social llamado «Nueva Canción Chilena». Su ideología comunista se refleja en su obra artística, de la que fue pieza central.

Tras el golpe de Estado que derrocó al gobierno de Salvador Allende el 11 de septiembre de 1973, Jara fue detenido por las fuerzas represivas de la dictadura militar recién establecida. Fue torturado y posteriormente asesinado en el antiguo Estadio Chile, que con el retorno de la democracia fue renombrado «estadio Víctor Jara».

Muerte
El golpe de Estado encabezado por el general Augusto Pinochet contra el presidente Salvador Allende, el 11 de septiembre de ese año, lo sorprende en la Universidad Técnica del Estado. Fue detenido junto a profesores y alumnos. Lo llevaron al Estadio Chile (actualmente estadio Víctor Jara, lugar en el que hay una placa en su honor con su último poema), donde permaneció detenido durante cuatro días. Lo torturaron durante horas (entre otras torturas le realizaron quemaduras con cigarrillo y simulacros de fusilamiento), le cortaron los dedos y la lengua, y finalmente el 16 de septiembre lo acribillaron junto al director de la Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado. El cuerpo fue encontrado el día 19 del mismo mes con 44 impactos de bala.
Estando preso escribió su último poema y testimonio «Somos cinco mil», también conocido como «Estadio Chile».

Somos cinco mil
en esta pequeña parte de la ciudad.
Somos cinco mil
¿Cuántos seremos en total
en las ciudades y en todo el país?
Solo aquí
diez mil manos siembran
y hacen andar las fábricas.
¡Cuánta humanidad
con hambre, frío, pánico, dolor,
presión moral, terror y locura!

Víctor Jara, «Somos cinco mil»

in Wikipédia

 

Blowing in the Wind...

Mary Travers morreu há dezasseis anos...

Mary Allin Travers (Louisville, 9 de novembro de 1936 - Danbury, 16 de setembro de 2009) foi uma grande cantora americana integrante do trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Travers fez sucesso nos anos 60 com as populares músicas "If I had a hammer", "Lemon tree," "Leaving on a jet Plane" e "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" e foi também defensora dos direitos civis, juntamente com a sua banda. Morreu aos 72 anos, vítima de leucemia.

in Wikipédia

 

Phil Ochs suicidou-se há 49 anos...

    

Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 60s and '70s and released eight albums.

   

    
(...)
    

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976.
     

in Wikipédia

 

Phil Ochs nasceu há oitenta e quatro anos...

 
Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and '70s and released eight albums.

Ochs performed at many political events during the 1960s counterculture era, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a "left social democrat" who became an "early revolutionary" after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and died by suicide in 1976.

Some of Ochs's major musical influences were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, and Merle Haggard. His best-known songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "Changes", "Crucifixion", "Draft Dodger Rag", "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", "Power and the Glory", "There but for Fortune", and "The War Is Over".

 

     

in Wikipédia

 

Música para recordar um cantor assassinado, no seu aniversário...

Víctor Jara nasceu há noventa e dois anos...

     

Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez (San Ignacio, 28 de septiembre de 1932 - Santiago, 16 de septiembre de 1973) fue un músico, cantautor, profesor, director de teatro, activista político y militante del Partido Comunista de Chile.

La figura de Víctor Jara es un referente internacional de la canción protesta y de cantautor, y uno de los artistas más emblemáticos del movimiento músico-social llamado «Nueva Canción Chilena». Su ideología comunista se refleja en su obra artística, de la que fue pieza central.

Tras el golpe de Estado que derrocó al gobierno de Salvador Allende el 11 de septiembre de 1973, Jara fue detenido por las fuerzas represivas de la dictadura militar recién establecida. Fue torturado y posteriormente asesinado en el antiguo Estadio Chile, que con el retorno de la democracia fue renombrado «estadio Víctor Jara».

Muerte
El golpe de Estado encabezado por el general Augusto Pinochet contra el presidente Salvador Allende, el 11 de septiembre de ese año, lo sorprende en la Universidad Técnica del Estado. Fue detenido junto a profesores y alumnos. Lo llevaron al Estadio Chile (actualmente estadio Víctor Jara, lugar en el que hay una placa en su honor con su último poema), donde permaneció detenido durante cuatro días. Lo torturaron durante horas (entre otras torturas le realizaron quemaduras con cigarrillo y simulacros de fusilamiento), le cortaron los dedos y la lengua, y finalmente el 16 de septiembre lo acribillaron junto al director de la Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado. El cuerpo fue encontrado el día 19 del mismo mes con 44 impactos de bala.
Estando preso escribió su último poema y testimonio «Somos cinco mil», también conocido como «Estadio Chile».

Somos cinco mil
en esta pequeña parte de la ciudad.
Somos cinco mil
¿Cuántos seremos en total
en las ciudades y en todo el país?
Solo aquí
diez mil manos siembran
y hacen andar las fábricas.
¡Cuánta humanidad
con hambre, frío, pánico, dolor,
presión moral, terror y locura!

Víctor Jara, «Somos cinco mil»

in Wikipédia

 

Mary Travers morreu há quinze anos...

Mary Allin Travers (Louisville, 9 de novembro de 1936 - Danbury, 16 de setembro de 2009) foi uma grande cantora americana integrante do trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Travers fez sucesso nos anos 60 com as populares músicas "If I had a hammer", "Lemon tree," "Leaving on a jet Plane" e "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" e foi também defensora dos direitos civis, juntamente com a sua banda. Morreu aos 72 anos, vítima de leucemia.

in Wikipédia

 

Phil Ochs morreu há 48 anos...

    

Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 60s and '70s and released eight albums.

    
(...)
    

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976.
     

in Wikipédia

 

Phil Ochs nasceu há oitenta e três anos...

 
Philip David "Phil" Ochs (El Paso, Texas, December 19, 1940 – Far Rockaway, New York City, April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and '70s and released eight albums.

Ochs performed at many political events during the 1960s counterculture era, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City's Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a "left social democrat" who became an "early revolutionary" after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs's mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and died by suicide in 1976.

Some of Ochs's major musical influences were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, and Merle Haggard. His best-known songs include "I Ain't Marching Anymore", "Changes", "Crucifixion", "Draft Dodger Rag", "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", "Outside of a Small Circle of Friends", "Power and the Glory", "There but for Fortune", and "The War Is Over".

 

     

in Wikipédia

 

Música adequada à data...

Víctor Jara nasceu há noventa e um anos...

     

Víctor Lidio Jara Martínez (San Ignacio, 28 de septiembre de 1932 - Santiago, 16 de septiembre de 1973) fue un músico, cantautor, profesor, director de teatro, activista político y militante del Partido Comunista de Chile.

La figura de Víctor Jara es un referente internacional de la canción protesta y de cantautor, y uno de los artistas más emblemáticos del movimiento músico-social llamado «Nueva Canción Chilena». Su ideología comunista se refleja en su obra artística, de la que fue pieza central.

Tras el golpe de Estado que derrocó al gobierno de Salvador Allende el 11 de septiembre de 1973, Jara fue detenido por las fuerzas represivas de la dictadura militar recién establecida. Fue torturado y posteriormente asesinado en el antiguo Estadio Chile, que con el retorno de la democracia fue renombrado «estadio Víctor Jara».

Muerte
El golpe de Estado encabezado por el general Augusto Pinochet contra el presidente Salvador Allende, el 11 de septiembre de ese año, lo sorprende en la Universidad Técnica del Estado. Fue detenido junto a profesores y alumnos. Lo llevaron al Estadio Chile (actualmente estadio Víctor Jara, lugar en el que hay una placa en su honor con su último poema), donde permaneció detenido durante cuatro días. Lo torturaron durante horas (entre otras torturas le realizaron quemaduras con cigarrillo y simulacros de fusilamiento), le cortaron los dedos y la lengua, y finalmente el 16 de septiembre lo acribillaron junto al director de la Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado. El cuerpo fue encontrado el día 19 del mismo mes con 44 impactos de bala.
Estando preso escribió su último poema y testimonio «Somos cinco mil», también conocido como «Estadio Chile».

Somos cinco mil
en esta pequeña parte de la ciudad.
Somos cinco mil
¿Cuántos seremos en total
en las ciudades y en todo el país?
Solo aquí
diez mil manos siembran
y hacen andar las fábricas.
¡Cuánta humanidad
con hambre, frío, pánico, dolor,
presión moral, terror y locura!

Víctor Jara, «Somos cinco mil»

in Wikipédia

  

Música adequada à data...

Mary Travers morreu há catorze anos...

Mary Allin Travers (Louisville, 9 de novembro de 1936 - Danbury, 16 de setembro de 2009) foi uma grande cantora americana integrante do trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Travers fez sucesso nos anos 60 com as populares músicas "If I had a hammer", "Lemon tree," "Leaving on a jet Plane" e "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" e foi também defensora dos direitos civis, juntamente com a sua banda. Morreu aos 72 anos, vítima de leucemia.

in Wikipédia