April 15, 2019 Ray Hurlbut’s time on earth was over. It seems hard for me to imagine that this year has passed so quickly. Ray was John, our Ranch Manager’s dad and he is survived by his daughter Marylou, sons John and Pete plus grandchildren and great grandchildren. At the time of his passing he was one of the oldest surviving WWII vets in the State Of Ohio. He was a really great guy, and he was my friend! From December 18, 1921 to April 15, 2019… what can you say? At 97 he had a heck of a run.

Nessa and I got to visit him a couple of days before he passed and it was an honor to spend time with an old friend. A day after we visited him in Lancaster our buddies Wally and Cat paid him a visit and he sent me a message through them.

‘Tell my brother Jorma I’ll be saving him a seat next to me on the stage… but tell him not to rush.’ That was Ray.

I’ll do my best Ray.

Rest easy!


Comments

  1. Comment made on April 20, 2020 by Nick Velardi

    Bless him , I have a 94 year old aunt living with us, pick their brains while they are still here, they are living history books and when they are gone, no book will give you the real answers!!!! Jorma and friends thank you for another great night again. Vannessa thank you!!!!

  2. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Alan R

    Watching Jorma play Flying Clouds right in my living room was just a huge joy. And then the phenomenal soloing on The Ballad of Easy Rider made this a truly memorable show. Thanks you Jorma, Vanessa and crew. Last night was simply an amazing performance.

  3. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by DennisK

    Ah so.

  4. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Rob

    I agree about “Too Many Years.” It was a great way to open the show. I loved the two jams as well. I didn’t notice that the second was “The Ballad of Easy Rider” until the vocals came in. It’s good to know that pleasant surprises can still be had at this point in time.

  5. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by rich l

    Too Many Years – Fuck and yes!

    Too many years
    Just watch our hearts die in this way

    There’s something about that chorus that strikes a along lost chord in my heart. it just hits me like a sledge hammer.

    i think that was my favorite song last night.

  6. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Greg martrlli

    Thanks Myron,Hurl,Vanessa & Jorma
    Particularly enjoyed Hurls ballad of easy rider
    When the movie came out ,my friends and I had to decide between going to the movies on that Thursday night or
    Watching CSN, on Smothers brothers ,I don’t know if we made the right decision ,but we chose the movir

  7. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by eaglesteve

    Thanks to Captain and crew for another great show. I dug it.

  8. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Richard K

    Thanks for playing Keep your Lamps Trimmed and Burning..Now cant get it out of my head!!Thats a good thing..Great show once again..We all need it so much so ..Thanks again to the whole crew..

  9. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by cgeorgas

    @Jorma
    Must not have many moccasins in your neck of the woods. Closest I’ve come to a bite was from a cottonmouth. Coiled and baring his fangs, he was.

  10. Comment made on April 19, 2020 by richard

    Will you bring the 67 plexi out and put it on top the 4/12 next week for show purpose? Awesome time.

  11. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by DennisK

    Thanks for a great evening of musical entertainment….JORMA, I’m sure you have been zapped by a hot connection on stage many times. In fact, I saw you play in a driving rain on a New York City pier in the mid 80’s. You are lucky to be alive after that gig alone.. However, please explain why you said it would be a different story in England. P.S. Myron, please don’t fry the Captain. See ya soon!

    • Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Jorma

      Hi Dennis… the current across the Pond is 240 Volts… that’s a real shock indeed!

  12. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by cgeorgas

    Mighty fine show tonight!

  13. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by johno

    @Brian Doyle
    Pretty sure it’s at 8pm.

  14. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by Jim Walcutt

    Thank you for what you are doing. We wish health, peace and happiness to you and your family.

    I grew up in Newark, Ohio – not to far from your home. Worked in the oilfields, as did my dad and his dad. Beautiful country – watch out for copperheads. Steve Earle was right, there is a Copperhead Road.

    I digress. Is there a chance that you could play the old Jerry Garcia tune “Scarlet Begonias?

    • Comment made on April 19, 2020 by Jorma

      Hey Jim… if I knew SB I’d play it for you, but I don’t. That’s a good song. As for copperheads, that’s why I love black snakes.

  15. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by Brian Doyle

    Some sites are saying 7pm EST for tonight’s Livestream of Jorma’s Fur Peace solo acoustic and some are saying 8pm…

  16. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by Rick Quinn

    Hurl, he lives everyday with your stories and memories. Happy Trails Mr Hurlbut.

  17. Comment made on April 18, 2020 by cgeorgas

    Counting down to what has become my favorite 1.5 hours of the week…

  18. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by DennisK

    If I am not mistaken, old Ray sat a few few rows behind me at the FPR Station a few years back (Empire Roots). Hurl and all of Ray’s friends and family be blessed. See ya soon in Red Bank, NJ. This too shall pass.

  19. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by cgeorgas

    “Old friends shine like diamonds
    Old friends you can always call,
    Old friends,Lord you just can’t buy ‘em
    You know it’s old friends, after all”
    Guy Clark

    They also make some of the best memories.

  20. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by Gary Dion

    Thank you for sharing, Jorma. I love Mr. Hurlbut’s message for you. Best wishes to John Hurlbut and his family, and to you all who had the good fortune to know Mr. Hurlbut.

  21. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by Tom

    Brother John. My first meeting with you at the ranch was very warm…. You are a bright light. Your Dad and Mom did a good job.
    Peace to you.

  22. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by Hurl

    Hey Jorma……

    Thanks for remembering Dad! It is hard to believe it has been a year…..gone a year but still so near.
    He always appreciated Vanessa, Izze and your friendship….you were family to him. You also were his
    favorite guitarist and he always loved hearing and seeing you play. Long may you run my brother and
    thanks for keeping Dad’s memory alive. He loved you all! Bless UP!

  23. Comment made on April 17, 2020 by eaglesteve

    Sorry for your loss to the Hurlbuts and Kaukonens. RIP Mr. Hurlbut.

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