JIMMY BORSDORF
October 25, 1949 - January 11, 2005

Jimmy Borsdorf, a legendary fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, famous for playing what he termed "cowboy gypsy music," died Jan. 12 at Oroville Hospital at the age of 55, according to his wife, Nancy Borsdorf.
Borsdorf, a former Nevada state fiddle champion who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy to fight off cancer last year, passed away surrounded by music, family and friends. "He just gradually stopped breathing," Nancy said.
As the duo Hawks and Eagles, the Borsdorfs performed locally and nationally at festivals, museums and schools, and often performed historic reenactments for children.
"We had a duet partnership that was like destiny," Nancy said. "It's the saddest thing to break up a duet."
She continued, "His fingers were connected to the musical spheres of the cosmos. It is a great loss to the world. He could play any instrument; he could play music on a balloon or a shoelace."
"At the hospital there were four hours of music before he died and four hours after he died," Nancy said. "(Musicians) Joe Craven and Bodie Wagner and many others were there. We surrounded him and he got his wish --music.”
For those who wish to help, donations can be made payable and sent to Delilah Lewis, 151 Precita Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110.

Listen to Hawks & Eagles (live concert 1993).

Photos: Pat Wolk

MERRITT HERRING
December 17, 1932 - April 15, 2004
Prior to his move to Portland, Merritt Herring was a mainstay of the Fresno Folklore Society, appearing at potlucks and campouts carrying his guitar and box of songs and lyrics which he liberally shared with all. He would allow no excuses for not singing. “I can't imagine a life without singing,” he would say. “I want everyone to open up and just let it out.” Fresno singalongs haven't been the same without him.

His love of music, good wine, fast cars, BMW motorcycles and old trains were a source of great stories and were the basis for his unyielding love of life. We will miss him, but he has left us a gift of music in his two existing cds: “Precious Memories” recorded prior to his stroke and “Jug of Punch” recorded with Kenny Hall after his recovery.

Photos: Pat Wolk