Thanks, Studs!
I had only a confused familiarity with the name 'Studs Terkel' when I moved to Chicago 25 years ago, but through his radio program, writings, and other events (chili competitions!), I was soon to learn what a pleasure and treasure to American life and letters. He was one of the great listeners, oberservers, and had a gritty, honest knack for putting his experience into words. Literature in corderoy, he seemed. And what a Mensch! He was out and about a lot, and it wasn't hard, especially if you wanted to, to meet him. He seemed to have all the time in the world, to listen, banter, laugh. An American gem.
Thanks, Studs, for being so great!
Thanks, Studs, for being so great!
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Would have meant a lot to him to have lived to see our country, knock on wood, elect our first African American President on Tuesday.
October 31, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought the same thing after I hit the submit button! Maybe the long campaign season just ground him down (I can't wait for 11/4!).
October 31, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, AD, I think you're right; I think Studs Terkel would have liked to have been around for another week. Sometimes the folks we remember live full lives even when they see but never enter the Promised Land, or when their trip to the mountaintop is the product of a dream.
October 31, 2008 9:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderfully expressed, bslev.
October 31, 2008 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Apart from having the coolest name ever, he also told stories and got people to tell their stories about life better than anyone. He listened to people. Better than Charlie Rose or Dick Cavett or even Oprah (Studs is tied with Springsteen).
I've been wondering what he had to say lately about Barack Obama. I could never find any quotes in the papers/blogs about what he thought about this election. He called race "the American Obsession." I'm sad he didn't live long enough to see Tuesday.
He'll be looking down and guiding the way for many I'm sure!! Love ya Studs!!
October 31, 2008 7:35 PM | Reply | Permalink