Another stellar Canadian woman gone, another massive loss to our cultural life. Kate McGarrigle has died. I’m off to listen to Matapedia, and then perhaps to move on to listening to some Martha and some Rufus Jr., reminding myself of what a legacy Kate and her sister Anna have created.
Nothing sadder than a sweet voice silenced. I know the music will live on but . . . .
She was much loved by many of us on this side of the Atlantic too so can only imagine what a loss she will be to Canadians.
There's a moving tribute by Anna here:
mcgarrigles.com/uncategorized/kate-mcgarrigle-1946-2010
Have just listened to Complainte pour Ste Catherine and, yes, there were quiet tears.
Oh my goodness. They were iconic, those sisters.
Oh my what a loss. I'm off to rustle up the albums and have an afternoon's listen.
Ahh–not to sound like a "me too" record, but I also have this clip saved to show my students tomorrow. (Yes, we're studying Canadian lit and film–a new and beloved class for me!)
Interesting that all three of you non-Canadians (Miss C not included, of course) know the McGarrigles but not P.K. Page — both cultural forces to be reckoned with, but that music sings across borders more easily. But I'm sure Miss C is making sure some American students know a bit more about Canlit AND learn to love it!
That's a bit of a shock, I just got home from work and listened to a CD instead of the news…thank you for your lovely post on PK Page as well.
As of today, my students are conversant with Stephen Leacock, Sinclair Ross, Margaret Laurence, W. O. Mitchell, and Alastair McLeod. And they know how to make beaver tails!
Hostess: Yes, what a sad loss. . .
Miss C: I know how to eat beaver tails, but I've never tried to make them. And really, they're more an Eastern phenomenon — we don't see them here on this West Coast. as for the rest of your canon, what a good survey you're giving them — my 1st-year Lit and Culture class just read McLeod's short story "The Boat" — and I've told them they really should read his novel. Such a good writer!
Such a loss, a month of losses for Canadian culture.