Folk Roots Legend Willie P. Bennett Dies

by patti stirling

Canadian folk music legend Willie P. Bennett died Friday Feb. 15 2008 at his home in Peterborough Ontario at the age of 56.

Willie, who played mandolin and harmonica, performed regularly on his own and with the Fred Eaglesmith Band but it was his amazing talent as a songwriter and wordsmith that will live on in our memories.

Get out your old folk music vinyl, cassettes and CD's  and have a Willie Fest today.

Put on your Blackie and the Rodeo Kings cover tunes and raise a glass to an extraordinary man with an extraordinary talent.

You will be greatly missed Willie but your songs will live on; your music represents a generation of Canadians who found their identity and their voice through your music.  Rest in Peace .

Doug Lang of Better Days Radio has posted a musical tribute to Willie P. on his page…. www.myspace.com/betterdaysradio

Fellow Canadian Scot Nolan was a wonderful tribute to the spirit of Willie P. in a song he wrote titled: Drive Day. You can find the song on Scott’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/thescottnolanband