Farewell to Folk Star Rod.
Pete Clemons
SO, as widely reported by way of many tributes and remembrances in the press and other media, the world lost Coventry singer songwriter Rod Felton on Wednesday, March 26. Born on August 28, 1942 Rod was just 71. (Ed Note - think the birthdate was April 24th 1942 according to the funeral notices)
A bout of chemotherapy for throat cancer had left him very weak and he finally succumbed to bronchial pneumonia and emphysema.
But, in keeping with Rod's 'doing it his way' approach to life, even the lead-up to his funeral was not as straightforward as these things would normally be. And those who were close to him had to admit that, giving his family a final runabout, would have been in keeping with Rod's sense of humour. You see, and not for the first time, Rod went missing for a while.
After his passing, Rod, was transferred to hospital. At some point inbetween the incident, documents were accidentally mislaid and this resulted in Rod being listed under the name of Donald Felton (part real name and part stage name) instead of his real name of Donald Rodney Feltham. As a consequence of the coroner not receiving any information Rod became 'lost' for a while. This resulted in Rod's brother-in-law Alan and niece Kelly, a nurse at University Hospital, touring its catacombs and having to make a visual search until he was found. Apparently a joyous 'there he is' went up when he was discovered.
A little later, and after Rod's whereabouts had been discovered, he was visited by his sisters Gill and Jan who remarked at how peaceful he looked. They likened him to 'lying in state' blissfully unaware of the events that had been going on around him.
Rod lost his mother May during November 2013 and had not been very well at all during that period. However, a few weeks before his passing, he seemed to be rallying around. He even phoned his sister Jan to announce that his voice had returned and to prove it he began singing down the phone to her. My darling girl, he said, the old vocals are getting stronger and the calluses on my fingers are returning.
The night before his funeral there had been a gathering and a celebration of Rod's life at the Royal Oak in Earlsdon. As Rod once played a large bass drum for them, apparently never missing a beat, the celebration included Morris men dancing and singing out in Earlsdon High Street.
There was even a re-creation of a team photograph taken during Rod's own Rod in younger Morris men days. His friends took up the same positions that they had stood many years ago but Rod's sister Jan took front row centre position behind the bass drum. Poignantly, this had been the very position that Rod had taken up on the original photograph.
The Morris Men will be having a ceremony in October where, apparently, they nail a plaque to a tree in his honour. is particular honour dance will take place on Hearsall Common and is normally reserved for respected members of the group only.
The thing that passed through my mind, that particular evening, was when it suddenly occurred to me as to how late the daylight had remained. I just happened to think that, for April, it seemed unusual for the darkness not to draw in until at least 8.50pm. Just me I guess.
Rod's funeral took place on April 29 at Canley Crematorium. I remember that that particular Tuesday morning had started off rather damp and misty. There was even a drop of rain. But by midday glorious sunshine had broken through.
The chapel was packed with Rod's friends and family. Not only were people stood in the aisles and at the rear of the room but there were masses of folk outside who could not get in. Despite the high turnout it all remained very orderly and dignified. Even the minister who conducted the service commented on the fact that in 20 years service at Canley he had never witnessed a crowd like it.
The theme of celebration, that was prevalent the previous evening, continued throughout the proceedings. One of Rod's songs 'And I Love You' heralded the mourners into the chapel and another, and possibly the one he will be most remembered for, 'Curly', was heard during the service.
Now I will admit that I do not know who 'Curly' is. Maybe one day I will find out. But I had it on good authority that 'Curly' was present on the day. The ever traditional 'Morning Has Broken' was also heard. The readings included a eulogy, a poem written and read by Rod's sister Jan, and a bible reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven' which was adapted into a song by Pete Seeger and made infamous by the Byrds.
At times, throughout the service, spontaneous accompaniment could be heard from the mourners which made for a most wonderful and memorable event. Rod would have absolutely loved it. And with donations being requested, a considerable amount of money was raised for Rod's favourite charity e British Red Cross and Cancer Research.
Even after the formalities it was all back to Whitefriars Olde Ale House on Gosford Street where acquaintances were remade, stories of days gone by swapped and memories revived. Apparently by the end of the afternoon, due to the size of the crowd who had attended, the pub's supplies of alcoholic beverages had began to run into short supply.
Rod's ashes will now be taken to Scotland where they will be released during a Spiritual Native American Ceremony. Originating from the head of the 'Bear Tribe medicine clan', Chief Two Trees, the ceremony releases you to the four elements of earth, wind, re and water. is form of spirituality was something Rod very much believed in.
Everyone I have spoken with recently seemed to agree that, as a lyricist and songwriter Rod could have 'made it.' .' Yet the thought of 'making it' was not, I think, what Rod would have wanted. There would have been demands and expectations that he would not have enjoyed.
A legacy website has been talked about, as has a 'Concert for Rod' which is due to happen during August. e intention being that a website will contain his music, photographs and cuttings. But of course this will take time and can only be achieved when Rod's possesions have been sorted through. And as Rod was in the process of moving house then his bits and pieces are currently in various locations.
Many people crossed paths with Rod during the various stages of his life. He seemed to have been known by a wide and varied range of folk. And he did have some very good and close friends who knew him better than most. But I am not sure if anyone actually ever knew the real Rod Felton. He was indeed a unique and special character.
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And on Coventry Folk Scene Blog - here http://coventryfolkclubs.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/rod-felton.html
Rod Felton's songs on Soundclick - over 60 tracks. https://www.soundclick.com/artist/default.cfm?bandID=1514876
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