Thoughts on Butch’s passing…
Butch Baldassari’s passing yesterday, far too early at the age of 56, has brought out just the mix of sadness and praise that you might expect from his mandolin peers.
He touched the lives of countless mandolinists, from his fellow professional practitioners, to the thousands of students he taught through workshops, books and instructional tapes and DVDs.
“Butch was a very good friend. Never knew anyone more dedicated to educating and entertaining about, and with a mandolin. I have always been inspired by his work ethic and talent.
Saddens me deeply and just too close to home to talk about now. Our deepest sympathies to Sinclair, Blake and all of Butch’s family and friends.”
Sam and Lynn Bush
January 10, 2009Along with the entire acoustic music community, I’m saddened by the news of Butch Baldassari’s untimely passing. Butch was one of the rare individuals who, while adhering strictly to the Monroe doctrine, also had the artistic depth and breadth to embrace many other musical styles wholeheartedly ‚Äî with passion, grace and wit. He was a friend, a colleague and an inspiring presence in our world. Rest in peace, Butch ‚Äî you did a great job.
David “Dawg” Grisman
I hope we can all celebrate the life of a true gentleman, a great mandolinist as well as an awesome teacher. But most of all a dear friend. I had the pleasure of recording, teaching and just hanging out with Butch on many occasions. The last time we spoke, he talked about the time he asked Don Stiernberg and I to play Monroe’s Evening Prayer Blues with him at Kamp Kaufman, and that the only thing better than two mandolins was three mandolins! I was honored he asked and feel very fortunate to have known him. We’ll continue to keep his family in our prayers. Rest in peace my friend.
Alan Bibey
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Here are some more reflections on Butch Baldassari from members of his musical family.
It has been nearly 20 years ago that Butch and I moved to Nashville with Chris Jones and Ward Stout to pursue our musical endeavor in Weary Hearts. I have known Butch since I was probably 15 or 16 and that is...
We are saddened to note that Butch Baldassari, mandolinist, business owner and bluegrass entrepreneur, passed away earlier today (1/10) in Nashville.
Butch had fought a long and hard battle with a pernicious brain cancer, by all reports remaining upbeat and in good spirits to the end. His impact on...
Funeral services for Butch Baldassari will be held this Saturday (1/17) at St. Francis of Assissi church in Scranton, PA. The family will greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00.
According to the obituary published in the Scranton Times-Tribune, the family has requested that...
Ronnie McCoury has sent along a note remembering his friend, Butch Baldassari. He was on vacation with his family when he first learned of Butch's passing, and just now had a chance to share his thoughts.
Butch was someone I admired and respected. What he did in his short, sweet life amazed me! He...
A new CD has been released from Sound Art Recordings as a tribute to the late Butch Baldassari, who founded the company, and ran it until his death earlier this year.
Butch was a true leader in the mandolin world - as a player, composer, instructor, entrepreneur, and fierce proponent of musical literacy...
The Tennessean, Nashville's hometown newspaper, remembered Butch Baldassari with a pair of articles over the weekend.
Both were written by Peter Cooper, who noted Butch's passing on Saturday (1/10) and celebrated his work with The Nashville Mandolin Ensemble on Sunday (1/11).
Mr. Baldassari was a...
Mandolin teacher and performer Butch Baldassari, has written in to let us know that he is now offering live online video lessons. The technology he's using is Skype. Skype allows you to make video calls to other Skype users provided you have a webcam installed. You'll need audio input and output as well....
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My husband Ted and I both send our sincerest condolences to all of Butch’s family and friends, our shared music community. Butch was so diversely creative and always had and took the most professional approach to his music and his career. He leaves behind not only an incredible portfolio of music, but a wonderful role model legacy. I wish we lived closer to Nashville to share in what surely will be celebrations of his life and music. But to all, know from New Jersey and around the world, we are feeling his love and his music. Thank you, Butch, for your contributions.
Stephanie P. Ledgin
Sending to the skies, love and prayers, on behalf of those who loved Butch and his wonderful music, especially warm thoughts for his family and closest friends. He was the first to believe in us and and the first to have advertised with us in our early days, and we are a standing today still- as a tribute to his generosity and spirit.
We love him and believe in his eternal music impression on our lives.
Gracie and Volunteer Gang at WorldWideBluegrass.com
My thoughts and prayers go out to Butchs’ family.
So very sorry – Butch …We’ll miss you
I’m one of many touched by how brilliant Butch Baldassari was as a performer, a teacher and as a person.
I was one of his student’s at Nashcamp in 2001. He still inspires me today and always will.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love
Maggie McCabe
Metro Detroit, Michigan
http://www.maggiemccabe.com
http://www.myspace.com/maggiemccabe
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