I was shocked and saddened to hear today of the death of Norma Waterson, wife of Martin Carthy, mother of Eliza and a wonderful woman who has been so prominent in British folk music for so many decades. She was 82 and had been suffering from pneumonia.
Eliza posted this message at Facebook:
'Not much to say about such monumental sadness, but mam passed away yesterday afternoon, January 30th 2022.'
Please see The Guardian's obituary, written by Robin Denselow, at https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jan/31/norma-waterson-obituary
Despite ailing health, Norma had been active on social media recently, notably with updates on Martin's own less serious health issues, A proper appreciation has now been published at https://www.salutlive.com/2022/01/norma-waterson-a-distinctive-voice-of-english-folk.html
Image of Norma flanked by Martin and her late brother Mike. Courtesy of Roger Liptrot's folkimages.com
Roger wrote of the photo:
Martin Carthy, simply the finest singer/ guitarist the English folk scene has ever produced, Norma Waterson, a breathtakingly powerful singer of traditional songs and her brother Mike Waterson, one of the great interpreters of English song and a fine songwriter himself, are seen here supporting Peggy Seeger in May 2008.
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