Reaction to the death of Studs Terkel at 96

God bless, Studs. And thanks.

Farewell Studs - you contributed mightily to America the beautiful, painting a beguiling picture of a big, brash and fascinating country, whether your respondents were famous or obscure, struggling or dilettante. You were one with the heartbeat, always right there - the rhythm of your work and the pulse of the people were as one.
Peace Studs, and here’s to the coming good times.

Nick (a long time admirer)
Stevensville
Maryland

I met Studs Terkel shortly after the March on Washington in 1963. We bonded immediately and remained friends. I visited his office and home many times to get autographs on books for myself and friends and to introduce him to people whom I thought he would find interesting. He was always generous to the people I brought. I was greatly honored to have his interviews with me recorded in four of his books: "The Great Divide", "Race", "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", and "Hope Dies Last". He got me to talk about things I had never previously shared with others, and I am proud to be one of the many ordinary people whom Studs considered important and worth recording.
When he broke his neck in 2004, I lent him a copy of a biography of Erich von Stroheim so that he could down a drink while wearing a neck brace in the manner of that actor in Jean Renoir's film "Grand Illusion". When he visited my house in 2005, I was able to fill my living room with neighbors from the South Side who were mutual acquaintances and had been in his books.
He had a long life, more honors than he really desired, an extraordinarily long and happy marriage, and devoted care from his son Dan in his last years. Nobody better represented the best of Chicago.

There was the time he was robbed in his house. The thief said "GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY" so Stud's gave him all his money from his pocket. The thief turned to go and Studs said "Wait a minute! Now I'm broke! Give me twenty bucks!" The thief smiled and peeled off a twenty, then left. Classic.

A true American hero. We need a lot more of him a lot fewer of phonies claiming that mantel today. Such a shame that he didn't live through next Wednesday!

I met Stud's but once, his reputation always proceeded him,but his warmth and interest in people out shined anything I had ever seen in a story teller. He will truly be my model in how to live a long and fruitful life while plucking a pidgeon every now and again. Rest in Peace, friend, we will miss you but certainly won't forget you.