Richard Fariña

Richard Fariña was an influential American folk musician, songwriter, and novelist who made significant contributions to the folk music scene in the 1960s. Here are several facts about him:

1. Early Life and Education: Richard Fariña was born on March 8, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a creative and intellectual environment, surrounded by literature, music, and art. Fariña attended Cornell University, where he studied English literature and became involved in the emerging folk music scene. His experiences at Cornell would later influence his writing and musical career.

2. Music Career: Richard Fariña is best known for his musical collaboration with his wife, Mimi Fariña, with whom he formed the folk duo Richard & Mimi Fariña. The duo gained acclaim for their distinctive blend of traditional folk music, original songwriting, and innovative guitar playing. Their music often featured intricate harmonies and socially conscious lyrics, reflecting the spirit of the 1960s folk revival.

3. Album Releases: Richard & Mimi Fariña released two albums during their brief but influential career. Their debut album, "Celebrations for a Grey Day", was released in 1965 and featured original songs such as "Pack Up Your Sorrows" and "Bold Marauder", as well as traditional folk tunes. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish the duo as rising stars in the folk music scene. Their second album, "Reflections in a Crystal Wind", was released in 1966 and further showcased their musical talents and artistic vision.

4. Literary Pursuits: In addition to his music career, Richard Fariña was also an accomplished writer and novelist. He published several novels, including "Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me", which was published in 1966 to critical acclaim. The novel, loosely based on Fariña's experiences at Cornell University, is considered a classic of 1960s counterculture literature and remains influential to this day.

5. Tragic Passing: Richard Fariña's promising career was tragically cut short when he died in a motorcycle accident on April 30, 1966, just days after the publication of his novel. His untimely death at the age of 29 shocked and saddened the folk music community, depriving the world of his talent and potential. Despite his short life, Fariña's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of folk music and literature, ensuring that his contributions to both fields are remembered and appreciated for generations to come.