Stuart had a radio show, the Vinyl Cafe. where he read his own stories about a fictional family of Dave, Morley , Stephany , Sam ,Arthur the dog and a whole neighborhood of various neighbors. You felt as if you were part of this neighborhood and listened every Sunday for the episode. Most people could see themselves and many people they knew in his stories.
The stories usually centered around some inept behavior that brought about mayhem. One of Canada's favorite stories was "Dave Cooks the Turkey." It was read at every Christmas season.
Stuart also included some unique Canadian music. He loved to find great performers who were not well known. I discovered some interesting music by listening to Vinyl Cafe.
Stuart also took his show on the road. It was extremely popular. I went to see him when he visited our town.
Stuart published a number of books with his stories. I have "When We Were Young" and have read several other of his books.
Stuart has won a number of literary awards and an Order of Canada.
I will miss Stuart McLean. He sort of glued us together as a Canadian society.
He sounds a lot like our Garrison Keeler.
ReplyDeleteStorytelling is becoming a lost art.
Stuart McLean and Garrison Kiellor are very much alike. I like Kiellor and have listened to him and read some of his books.
DeleteI loved his stories! What a great story teller! He will be sorely missed!
ReplyDeleteHe used the inept to make his stories humorous.
DeleteI hadn't heard this news before reading your post. A lot of people liked his humour. He was just sixty-eight according to CBC and that is way too young to go. It's sad.
ReplyDeletePeople who liked him, really were big fans.
DeleteI don't know Stuart McLean but I'll have to check out his work. He sounds like Canada's Garrison Keillor.
ReplyDeleteMcLean is very similar to Kieilor. I've listened to Keillor and read some of his books.
DeleteAnyone who has the ability to grip an audience with stories is rather special in my book. Story-telling is surely the oldest art form of all. It is a pity that the last chapter of Stuart's own story was stolen away by cancer. RIP.
ReplyDeleteHe put on shows around the country and these were broadcast later on. I attended one of his shows.
DeleteThat is sad that people you like so much die. I have the same feeling with people of our generation that suddenly pass away and you never be able to listen to them anymore or to read them.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware that he was sick so it came as a surprise.
DeleteI will look for his books and check him out. Sounds very interesting, down here we listen to Garrison Keller in his fictional town of Lake Wobegone
ReplyDeleteHe is very similar to Keillor. I've listened to Keillor and read some of his books.
DeleteI listened to him on our PBS station in the car every week. I am so sorry to hear he died. What a tragedy, Red. I will miss him, too. I will have to go and find out why he passed away at such a young age. :-(
ReplyDeleteI think he put a show on at Bellingham at one time.,.
DeleteIt's hard losing an icon from our times, and in this case, identity.
ReplyDeleteHe has certainly left his mark on us.
DeleteHe was a great Canadian - I know such a wide range of people who loved his stories and his show.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people will miss him.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly had a very loyal following.
DeleteSo amazing! We saw him in Perth not too long ago!
ReplyDeleteI saw him in Red Deer a few years ago.
DeleteThis is the first I'm hearing of him. He sounds quite entertaining.
ReplyDeleteMcLean is very similar to Garrison Keillor.
DeleteSo sad to be gone too early.
ReplyDeleteI did not know he was sick so I was very surprised.
DeleteI did not know either was surprised to hear on the news.
ReplyDeleteI think that storytelling like that is something we all, deep down, crave and usually don't get in this modern frenetic age. It's sad to hear of your (Canada's) loss.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he was an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteCondolences.
Hi Red, The Vinyl Cafe is excellent listening. By the way, should you wish to listen to old shows here is the archive http://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcasts/arts-culture/vinyl-cafe-stories/ Hope you are having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo sad he is gone. He was a national treasure!
ReplyDelete