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Rocky Rockwell
Rocky Rockwell was one of
storytelling’s greatest advocates. He could not keep a good thing to
himself. A long time journalist, he knew a good story when he came
across one, but he could also enhance a story with his wit and wisdom
in ways that traditional journalism does not allow.
In the mid-nineties Rocky put
together a storytelling troupe for the Barter Theatre. Not only did
he secure the Barter’s blessing for this venture, he also convinced
the theatre to provide a $2,000 budget for each show (no small
feat!). Clearly, this man possessed great powers of persuasion.
I will never forget taking a
group of middle school children to see Rocky at the VASA Gathering in
Williamsburg in 2000. They were so taken with his hilarious tale of a
Yankee’s visit to rural Mississippi that a few of them asked his
permission to tell it themselves. Rocky, of course, granted that
permission. He was a generous man.
I cannot think of Rocky without
thinking of his wife Mimi, as well. Married for thirty-four years,
they were a loving couple who clearly made a great team, not only as
storytellers, but as partners in a life venture that brought joy to
others as much as to themselves. Forward-thinking and open-minded,
they preferred to celebrate the unique qualities of fellow artists,
rather than pass judgment. As a result, there was some rich
storytelling in Washington County. The entire community benefited
from Rocky and Mimi’s generosity.
In recent years, I have lost a
number of the storytelling elders who influenced me as I was coming
along on my own journey as a storyteller. Jay Engle, Pete Houston,
Pawpaw Pinkerton, and Brother Blue have all completed their journeys.
And now Rocky Rockwell, who left this world on Tuesday, May 11, 2010,
has joined them. I have no doubt that they are raising a ruckus in
heaven right now, a giant hoedown to welcome storytelling’s newest
arrival.
Let us send to someone in need of hope. |
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