FAREWELL TO FOLK STAR ROD FELTON
Articles by Pete Clemons and Pete Willow and many Tributes.
Farewell to Folk Star Rod
Pete Clemons
SO, as widely reported by way of many tributes and remembrances in the press and other media, the world lost Coventry singer songwriter Rod Felton on Wednesday, March 26. Born on August 28, 1942 (Editor's note - Rod's funeral photo says he was born April 24th 1942) Rod was just 71.
A bout of chemotherapy for throat cancer had left him very weak and he finally succumbed to bronchial pneumonia and emphysema.
But, in keeping with Rod's 'doing it his way' approach to life, even the lead-up to his funeral was not as straightforward as these things would normally be. And those who were close to him had to admit that, giving his family a final runabout, would have been in keeping with Rod's sense of humour. You see, and not for the first time, Rod went missing for a while.
After his passing, Rod, was transferred to hospital. At some point in-between the incident documents were accidentally mislaid and this resulted in Rod being listed under the name of Donald Felton (part real name and part stage name) instead of his real name of Donald Rodney Feltham. As a consequence of the coroner not receiving any information Rod became 'lost' for a while. It resulted in Rod's brother- in-law Alan and niece Kelly, a nurse at University Hospital, touring its catacombs and having to make a visual search until he was found. Apparently a joyous 'there he is' went up when he was discovered.
A little later, and after Rod's whereabouts had been discovered, he was visited by his sisters Gill and Jan who remarked at how peaceful he looked. They likened him to 'lying in state' blissfully unaware of the events that had been going on around him.
Rod lost his mother May during November 2013 and had not been very well at all during that period. However, a few weeks before his passing, he seemed to be rallying around. He even phoned his sister Jan to announce that his voice had returned and to prove it he began singing down the phone to her. My darling girl, he said, the old vocals are getting stronger and the calluses on my fingers are returning.
The night before his funeral there had been a gathering and a celebration of Rod's life at the Royal Oak in Earlsdon. As Rod once played a large bass drum for them, apparently never missing a beat, the celebration included Morris men dancing and singing out in Earlsdon High Street.
There was even a re-creation of a team photograph taken during Rod's own Rod in younger Morris men days. His friends took up the same positions that they had stood many years ago but Rod's sister Jan took front row centre position behind the bass drum. Poignantly, this had been the very position that Rod had taken up on the original photograph.
The Morris Men will be having a ceremony in October where, apparently, they nail a plaque to a tree in his honour. This particular honour dance will take place on Hearsall Common and is normally reserved for respected members of the group only.
The thing that passed my mind, that particular evening, was when it suddenly occurred to me as to how late the daylight had remained. I just happened to think that, for April, it seemed unusual for the darkness not to draw in until at least 8.50pm. Just me I guess.
Rod's funeral took place on April 29 at Canley Crematorium. I remember that that particular Tuesday morning had started off rather damp and misty. There was even a drop of rain. But by midday glorious sunshine had broken through.
The chapel was packed with Rod's friends and family. Not only were people stood in the aisles and at the rear of the room but there were masses of folk outside who could not get in. Despite the high turnout it all remained very orderly and dignified. Even the minister who conducted the service commented on the fact that in 20 years service at Canley he had never witnessed a crowd like it.
The theme of celebration, that was prevalent the previous evening, continued throughout the proceedings. One of Rods songs 'And I Love You' heralded the mourners into the chapel and another, and possibly the one he will be most remembered for, 'Curly', was heard during the service.
Now I will admit that I do not know who 'Curly' is. Maybe one day I will find out. But I had it on good authority that 'Curly' was present on the day. The ever traditional 'Morning Has Broken' was also heard. The readings included a eulogy, a poem written and read by Rod's sister Jan, and a bible reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven' which was adapted into a song by Pete Seeger and made infamous by the Byrds.
At times, throughout the service, spontaneous accompaniment could be heard from the mourners which made for a most wonderful and memorable event. Rod would have absolutely loved it. And with donations being requested, a considerable amount of money was raised for Rod's favourite charity the British Red Cross and Cancer Research.
Then after the formalities it was all back to Whitefriars Olde Ale House on Gosford Street where acquaintances were remade, stories of days gone by swapped and memories revived. Apparently by the end of the afternoon, due to the size of the crowd who had attended, the pubs supplies of alcoholic beverages had began to run into short supply.
Rod's ashes will now be taken to Scotland where they will be released during a Spiritual Native American Ceremony. Originating from the head of the 'Bear Tribe medicine clan', Chief Two Trees, the ceremony releases you to the four elements of earth, wind, re and water. is form of spirituality was something Rod very much believed in.
Everyone I have spoken with recently seemed to agree that, as a lyricist and songwriter Rod could have 'made it.' .' Yet the thought of 'making it' was not, I think, what Rod would have wanted. There would have been demands and expectations that he would not have enjoyed.
A legacy website has been talked about, as has a 'Concert for Rod' which is due to happen during August. e intention being that a website will contain his music, photographs and cuttings. But of course this will take time and can only be achieved when Rod's possessions have been sorted through. And as Rod was in the process of moving house then his bits and pieces are currently in various locations.
Many people crossed paths with Rod during the various stages of his life. He seemed to have been known by a wide and varied range of folk. And he did have some very good and close friends who knew him better than most. But I am not sure if anyone actually ever knew the real Rod Felton. He was indeed a unique and special character.
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https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/tributes-celebrated-coventry-singer-once-6897556
Coventry’s celebrated singer-songwriter, Rod Felton has passed away leaving a legacy of memories and a mountain of tributes from folk fans across the globe.
Tributes to celebrated Coventry singer once hailed as new Bob Dylan
Rod Felton stood out in any crowd, says Pete Willow
Rod stood out in any crowd and not just because of his long pony-tail hair, handle-bar mustache and trademark hat and shades.
He had all the makings of super-stardom but also the determination – some might say stubbornness – to resist the exploitation that would have come with it.
Born 24 August 1942, the young folk and blues-player was hailed in the 1960s as the new Bob Dylan.
By the early 70s, Rod had appeared with Julie Felix and signed up with the management of big names such as Mungo Jerry, Chicken Shack and Savoy Brown. He even recorded an album with Pye Records.
But fame eluded him – at least in the conventional sense. Copies remained in the vaults after the A&R person who had ‘discovered’ Rod left the company.
In the forty years I knew him, Rod remained a loyal supporter of local folk clubs, with his wicked sense of humour, distinctive soaring vocals and chunky guitar backing based on tunings that only he knew.
He had all the makings of super-stardom but also the determination – some might say stubbornness – to resist the exploitation that would have come with it.
Born 24 August 1942, the young folk and blues-player was hailed in the 1960s as the new Bob Dylan.
By the early 70s, Rod had appeared with Julie Felix and signed up with the management of big names such as Mungo Jerry, Chicken Shack and Savoy Brown. He even recorded an album with Pye Records.
But fame eluded him – at least in the conventional sense. Copies remained in the vaults after the A&R person who had ‘discovered’ Rod left the company.
In the forty years I knew him, Rod remained a loyal supporter of local folk clubs, with his wicked sense of humour, distinctive soaring vocals and chunky guitar backing based on tunings that only he knew.
After a brief tour in Germany as a trio with Geoff Smedley, Rob and Rod built up their own cult following. Club audiences across England enjoyed Rob’s vocals and guitar, backed by Rod’s virtuosity on harmonica, jug, washboard, bass drum, a contraption that incorporated kazoos and swanee whistle plus a foot-operated toy clown (‘Arthur’) that played symbols!
Meanwhile, Rod’s own songs were a delight and inspiration to many would-be folksingers. And I Love You (Simple Understanding), Curly, Interplanetary Trucker – compositions like these carried a clear message with strong melody and moving lyrics.
Songs like Sunbathing and Hey Girl My Name’s Not Tarzan were pure comical vaudeville while his description of life on tour painted a vivid picture of truck drivers dining on ‘plastic egg and chips’ with ‘a pint of tea their table wine’ and salt cellars with ‘tops that hit the plate before the salt.’
No-one else could write material like that. For me, it was his poetic genius that made him such a powerful force in folk music.
A one-off and a wonderful Coventry character – Rod Felton certainly achieved his own kind of fame.
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TRIBUTES TO ROD FELTON
Sadly Rod Felton passed away March 29th 2014. So many tributes on Facebook - he touched so many people's lives - so many affectionate memories and laughs left behind alongside the songs and many many performances.
Rod Felton still up to tricks in his old age!
Christopher Sidwell "I spoke to Roger Lomas who reckons that he still has the 2 songs that he recorded of Rod in London and 'Curly' sounded wonderful when it was played at the funeral today. The funeral was as lovely as a funeral could be and there were masses of people and love."
"Hey, my old friend Rod Felton, we used to go to a lot of parties together, and get right out of our heads. He
use to come with me down to Banbury to a place called the Lampet Arms in Tad Martin, and the landlady give us beds for the night. A lot of weekends we spent down there, because the pub never closed.
I could tell you some stories, but i don't think i should.......Peace...Mojo.
mojomorgan
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Got an e mail from John Silver - of Coventry who now runs the Falcon Hotel in Bromyard -"Early January 1968, or 1969 the dates merge, Rod Felton on the busy stairs at the Umbrella Club doing full justice to 'My Name ain't Tarzan'. Watching on Roy & Colin Potter, Sylvia Baines and many others including I think Maurice Deacon and Margaret nee? now in Somerset.
Jazz fan then and now following Dud Clews (Mercers Arms), Tierra Buena (Earlsdon Cottage), Monday) put well off Folk by Ian Cambell gig in Coventry which I found very boring and with Ross Patterson and Ray Fiddler? were thrown out by the heavies for not showing respect.
Interesting times long gone. Now live in Bromyard www.falconhotelbromyard.co.uk and find there is good Folk music after all having done the best ever Bromyard Folk Festival 2007. Don't think Rod ever got here.
John Silver, Freeman of Coventry."
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"Memories, memories, of young drunken, but always beautifully enjoyed, times in the Coventry/Nuneaton/Warwickshire area in 1965 to 1978.....so many lovely,sometimes unrepeatable,good times, love to all involved"Michael Scott
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I have been telling my wife about the times I would go to the pub in Earlsdon and hear, even record, your act. That club was my awakening musically.
I started learning guitar, inspired by you, and the recording I did there started me learning the skills etc of recording music and producing tapes and so on. Never in Pete's league it is amazing to read here that I rubbed shoulders with him, maybe, one of those Sunday nights? I just want to add that I respect and admire your work and that I still have those recordings, somewhere.
I need to dig them out to list the artists I recorded but if you remember those you featured, I might have a copy of their early work? I remember June Tabor at least and have dim recollection of others. All the best Rod, many happy years of music may you enjoy.
John
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Geoff Veasey "Curly" - Felton writing honestly and movingly about fatherhood will always be my favourite.
There was another one that is mentioned on a BBC Radio site
"Lady, baby, gypsy queen
muffins on the ground.
Lady, baby, gypsy queen
Now you're not around."
Based on a Cherry stones counting rhyme. It rings a bell.
Dave Cooper (Ex Dando Shaft)
"Lady Baby Gypsy Queen my feet on the ground Lady Baby Gypsy Queen Now you're not around."
I think as I recall the lyric. So many fond memories and great songs of His Rodnes.
Jon Freeman Sunbathing was a "Tongue in cheek" favorite of the regulars, Chorus was "Sunbathing, sunbathing that's what the sun is for, out you go as white as snow 'till you turn like a lobster thermador, out in the sun like a hot cross bun, "this is the life" you say, 'till you burn you're arse on a promenade rail that's been in the sun all day!!"
Jon Freeman Sunbathing was a "Tongue in cheek" favorite of the regulars, Chorus was "Sunbathing, sunbathing that's what the sun is for, out you go as white as snow 'till you turn like a lobster thermador, out in the sun like a hot cross bun, "this is the life" you say, 'till you burn you're arse on a promenade rail that's been in the sun all day!!"
Recent live version here
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January 7, 2014 at 3:57 PM Comments on Hobo Coventry Folk Club Blog
I am trying to get in touch with rod, I have some of his early recordings. Does anyone know here i can get in touch with him?
Replies
Hi Marilyn, I am the site admin. Can you e mail me on hobozine@googlemail.com and i will try to get you in contact with Rod. Reason being, I don't want to put his details on line. Sounds brill if you have some early recordings. Trev
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neisen hallMarch 26, 2014 at 3:20 PM
So very sad to announce I have heard of Rods passing he will be missed so much the didn't break the mould when they made him, he had one of his own
Martin LoveMarch 26, 2014 at 5:26 PM
Playing the bass drum for Earlsdon morris, he always claimed to be the best banger in the business. I remember many a happy time sharing his bacon and lime-pickle sandwiches. And, of course, the occasional rendition of Curly or Lobster. He will be missed by many friends. RIP Roddy.
Coventry Music Scene ArchiveMarch 27, 2014 at 5:52 AM
Thanks for your comments guys. A huge amount of people are remembering him with affection and humourous stories and for his talent and encouragement of others.
John CleggMay 8, 2014 at 4:05 AM
He introduced me to bacon and lime pickle sandwiches - which I still eat today, 40 years later and think of him. The visit to Germany with Earlsdon Morrismen, Roddy in charge of the beer barrel, the Customs men seeing him and the barrel, thinking of the paperwork and getting off the coach! He was a one off, who touched the lives of many, many people and left his mark on all of them. Wonderful musician, great friend and storyteller. You will be missed by so many mate. I would say rest in peace, but I know you won't. You will be head of the naughty boys, have a good one! John Clegg
OblivionNovember 28, 2017 at 7:32 AM
"At the weekend, I was randomly going through some old cassette tapes and found one of Rod Felton, live at the Priory Folk Club in Leicester. I MC'd there for a while in the early 80s (and occasionally filled gaps with John Cooper Clarke impressions) and Terry Tilley (also late and lamented) often recorded the acts who played there.
So for the first time in probably 15 years, I'm listening to the gig again, running it into MP3 format as the tape is probably over a quarter of a century old and was never that great quality in the first place (Terry's first generation copy was probably fine but my copy was whatever I could find in a hurry, generally!)
And nobody's touched this thread in over three years and I've only just found out that Rod's passed away :(
He was a friend, for a while. At least, he slept on my sofa a couple of times and I drove him home to Coventry once or twice... definitely a true original, great sense of humour and I'm not ashamed to admit I still use a few phrases that I first heard him say.
And I can't see baked beans, even now, without remembering him with a catering size tin of beans that he was eating straight from the tin. Definitely the head of the naughty boys but the twinkle in his eye was always there too."................
Coventry Music Scene ArchiveNovember 30, 2017 at 5:21 PM
Thanks for your interesting comments Oblivion.There's another page on here for Rod Felton audio that have people have sent in - not sure if you've seen it, but it's near the top of this blog or in the index. If you'd like to send some of the Rod Felton live tracks, I can add them to the growing collection on here and it might stimulate more interaction. Rod was certainly known far and wide! The email is hobozine@googlemail.com Trev -Admin.
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Texas Dave McGarry (Dave used to work in Virgin records Coventry in the 70's - now promotes Texas music in Australia)
Texas Dave McGarry (Dave used to work in Virgin records Coventry in the 70's - now promotes Texas music in Australia)
" Just found out my old friend Rod Felton passed away. This guy was the original midnight cowboy that walked the streets of Coventry, England, back in the 1960's / 70's. Guitar in hand, he'd play a song for anyone, anytime. He made great leather work too, and wore his craft for all the world to see. He was crazee, and beautiful. Cops shook their heads as he walked by. A true legend. RIP Amigo."
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