| Laurie
Keith 1958 - 2005 |
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Laurie Anne Barton was one of those rare natural musicians. As a child, growing up in Louisiana, she was exposed to the local blues and Cajun traditions, church music (her father Ted played piano in the Baptist church), and the concert hall (her mother Betty sang opera). She was born into a world of music with the gift of music. Her singing flowed from her easily, expressing the deep feelings of her life experience. Those lucky enough to have known her often marveled at her courageous vulnerability. She seemed to have another gift: connecting with people. She made time for many friendships, often with profound results. Laurie's innate spiritual nature was the well-spring of her music. She loved to entertain, but there was much more than that. Using mischievous humor and effortless talent, Laurie touched her fans by expressing innermost dreams, fears, and a spectrum of emotions. She wrote many songs throughout her life, always for herself, but many of them speak to nearly everybody. We who knew or heard Laurie sing form a unique group. Her lack of concern for promoting her talent limited the number of her fans. Although she did touch thousands of listeners in many states in which she lived, played, and traveled, her calling was to help others. She devoted her life to this exclusively. Please do enjoy these bits of video of
Laurie being Laurie. Spread the news of these offerings to anyone who may
wish to share this celebration of the life of my wife, Laurie
Keith. Laurie singing "Wildwood Flower" |