Happy Traum Death – Renowned New York folk musician Artie Traum’s brother Happy Traum has passed away at age 85. He died on Wednesday 17th July 2024 surrounded by his beloved family.
He was confirmed dead through a post that says “Heartbroken to lose our dearest friend, Happy Traum, today. He made the world so much better, it is hard to think about life without him.” The actual cause of Happy Traum’s death has not been disclosed.
Happy Traum Career
For several years, Happy Traum studied blues guitar under the tutelage of the legendary Brownie McGhee, whose influence is evident in Traum’s distinctive guitar style.
McGhee, a prominent blues musician, left a lasting impact on Traum’s approach to the instrument, enriching his musical expression and technique. This foundational experience set the stage for Happy Traum’s celebrated career in folk and blues music.
Happy Traum was perhaps best known as one half of the duo Happy and Artie Traum, which he formed with his brother Artie. The Traum brothers gained significant acclaim for their harmonious blend of folk, blues, and Americana.
They released several notable albums, beginning with their debut, *Happy and Artie Traum* (1969, Capitol), which showcased their talent and set a high standard in the folk music scene. Following this, they released *Double Back* (1971, Capitol), further solidifying their reputation, and *Hard Times In The Country* (1975, Rounder), an album that captured the essence of their musical journey through its evocative storytelling and melodic richness.
What you need to know about Happy Traum
In addition to his work with his brother, Happy Traum has enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. He is also the founder of Homespun Music Instruction, a pioneering company in the field of music education. Homespun has provided countless aspiring musicians with the tools and knowledge to learn from some of the best musicians in various genres, reflecting Traum’s dedication to nurturing musical talent and education.
Traum’s early career was marked by a historic recording session in late 1962, where he appeared alongside a group of young folk musicians, including Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Peter LaFarge, and The Freedom Singers. This session, held at Folkways Records, resulted in the album *Broadside Ballads, Vol. 1*. With his group, The New World Singers, Traum recorded the first released version of Dylan’s iconic song “Blowin’ in the Wind” in early 1963. This was a significant milestone in folk music, capturing the spirit of the era’s social and political movements.
In a noteworthy collaboration, Traum sang a duet with Bob Dylan, who performed under the pseudonym Blind Boy Grunt, on the anti-war song “Let Me Die in My Footsteps.” These tracks, along with others from the Broadside sessions, were re-released in August 2000 by Smithsonian Folkways as part of a boxed set titled *The Best of Broadside 1962 – 1988: Anthems from the American Underground*. This collection serves as a testament to the enduring influence of these early recordings.
Later in 1963, The New World Singers, featuring Traum, Bob Cohen, and Gil Turner, recorded an album for Atlantic Records. This album, enriched by liner notes from Dylan, included the first recording of Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” further cementing the group’s place in folk music history. Happy Traum’s contributions to music, both as a performer and educator, continue to resonate, highlighting his lasting legacy in the American folk and blues tradition.