Jerry Sullivan, 22 Nov. 1933-31 May 2014

Many people in Ireland will have been saddened to hear of the death on 31 May of Jerry Sullivan of Alabama, longtime member of the renowned bluegrass gospel group, the Sullivan Family. Jerry and his daughter Tammy (above) performed and recorded as a duo, and were twice on the programme of the annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone. Richard Hurst, head of the Festival organising team, writes:

Thinking of all the Sullivan Family circle on your sad loss. Jerry and Tammy are remembered fondly by so many people who were blessed to witness their performances at our Bluegrass Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park in Northern Ireland in 2003 and 2008. A wonderful musician, troubadour, and man of peace who was blessed with talent from above. Truly, as Jerry and Tammy sang and played over the years, Jerry is now 'At the feet of God'

Thanks to Richard for this link to a video of Jerry and Tammy performing 'At the feet of God' at Omagh in 2008, accompanied by Jesse Brock on mandolin. Yesterday Bluegrass Today published an account by Richard Thompson of Jerry's life and career in music, with a discography.