Ray Scudero, 1946–2005

Ray Scudero, 1946–2005

Ray playing Stanley, the instrument he created. (Source: the Tzora Folk Club website. Photo credit: Carol Fuchs)

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,—
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

(from “Dirge Without Music” by Edna St. Vincent Millay)

Ray Scudero, a beloved member and shining light of Israel’s folk-music scene, passed away yesterday morning after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

I will post more about Ray sometime soon. For now, here are some links:

Ray’s website (including an archive of his song lyrics), lovingly crafted by his wife, Joanna

Ray’s page at the Tzora Folk Club website

“Upon Us, from the Broken Sky,” an article about Ray by the late Jerusalem Post columnist, Sam Orbaum

Here are links to Ray’s music:

The CD Baby page of Ray’s first CD, “With the Help of Angels”

The CD Baby page of Ray’s second CD, created together with Joanna, “Poor Working Slob”

May Ray’s memory be for a blessing. He is much missed.