Influential Folk Singer Ronnie Gilbert Dies at 88

 

American singer-songwriter Ronnie Gilbert, a member of the seminal 1950s folk group The Weavers, passed away on Saturday, June 6 in Mill Valley, California. She was 88.

Ruth Alice “Ronnie” Gilbert was born September 7, 1926, in New York City, New York. She was one of the founding members of the Weavers, along with Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and Fred Hellerman.

“A 2006 recipient of The Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award with legendary folk group the Weavers, Ronnie Gilbert had a spectacular voice that was as haunting as it was beautiful”, said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Known for performing timeless versions of American folk standards such as “On Top Of Old Smoky” and “Goodnight, Irene,” the Weavers helped propel the folk music revival in the 1950s and, through it all, Ronnie’s gifts as both a musician and social activist soared. We have lost a brilliant talent and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and all those who benefited from her tremendous talents.”