R.I.P. Bill Barth

photo courtesy of Tim Kendall

July 14th, 2000- news from Bruce Barth (Bill's brother)

William Henry Barth died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Amsterdam.  He was 57.  He was important in preserving an aspect of American culture-music that may have disappeared had it not been for his interest and the interest of others in the "Blues Mafia."  The Insect Trust was a music that was unique and wonderful and blended  a jumbo of styles that were, and mostly remain, distinctly American musical forms.

In many ways Bill was uniquely creative and hopefully his contribution will be recognized and his love of the Blues and the Musicians who played the Blues will be remembered and preserved.

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Bruce would appreciate hearing from anyone who knew Bill, especially recently.  He is planning to go to Amsterdam to finalize Bill's affairs, and retrieve his effects.  There will probably be a ceremony at some time (possibly September) and we would like to have as many people as possible attend to remember Bill.

Bruce can be emailed at jbdesign@mediaone.net (home) or at BBARTHVCS@hotmail.com

Also see the Bill Barth interview about Insect Trust