Tracy Schwarz

A place to share and celebrate the life and music of Tracy Schwarz

Obituary

Daniel Tracy Schwarz passed away March 29, 2025 in Elkins, West Virginia. He was 86 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Virginia “Ginny” Hawker of Elkins, WV and previously of Gilmer County, WV, sister Natalie Lowell of West Barnstable, MA, son Robert Schwarz of Guimares, Philippines, daughter Sallyann Schwarz Koontz of Charleston, SC, and son Peter Schwarz of Austin, TX, as well as three grandchildren Cora Davis, Kyle Davis and Olivia Schwarz. He is predeceased by parents Hamilton D. Schwarz and Constance H. Schwarz, a sister Sister Ann Schwarz and brother Philip J. Schwarz.

Born in New York City, “Tracy” as he was known, is a graduate of the Portsmouth Abbey School in Rhode Island, attended Georgetown University, and earned an education degree from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the US Army from 1960-1962 and was stationed in Germany as a radio teletype operator.

Tracy is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of traditional American roots music. His recorded work includes three Grammy Award nominations. A multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, guitar, banjo, accordion, and more), he was most notably a member of the New Lost City Ramblers (starting in 1962) and the Strange Creek Singers (which included West Virginia native Hazel Dickens). He has recorded and performed with countless traditional musicians, and more recently with his wife and singing partner Ginny Hawker, winner of the 2024 Vandalia Award in recognition of her contributions to West Virginia traditions. His songwriting work includes “The Poor Old Dirt Farmer” which was recorded by Levon Helm and nominated for Song of the Year by the Americana Music Association in 2008. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly as a scholar and teacher of traditional music styles, first with the Smithsonian Folkways solo release, “Learn To Fiddle Country Style” (1965), several instructional records in the 1970s with Cajun fiddler Dewey Balfa, and countless intensive music instruction programs, the most beloved of which was the Augusta Heritage Workshops in Elkins. He fervently believed that anyone who was interested in learning how to play an instrument or sing, could, and his infectious enthusiasm and innovative methods helped generations of students around the world to develop their skills and appreciation of these intricate regional artforms.

Despite the ravages of dementia, Schwarz has been dazzling porch jams in Elkins for years now, and was recently leading a festival jam in Morgantown, determined to share his deep love and passion for Appalachian music for as long as he could. Tracy’s wit and his kind, gentle and humble demeanor will be profoundly missed by his loving wife, his family and the global music community.
 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Tracy’s name to the Augusta Arts and Culture Scholarship Fund, 21 3rd St. Elkins WV 26241.
Link: https://augustaartsandculture.org/augusta-scholarship-fund
 

Links and Resources

Playlist of some of Tracy’s recordings and vast musical collaborations: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1J52sLJKWjGy2Vk3KsY85g?si=viuNHM8aQuWDaGPJbEMOcA&pi=EMMR7OVKRUuIm

Great article: www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-02-17-ca-3113-story.html

New York Times Obituary: www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/arts/music/tracy-schwarz-dead.html

Timeline

Gallery

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Memory wall

April 8, 2025

Though I only met Tracy briefly at a couple of jams in the last couple of years, seeing the way he still connected to music and especially the way that his community rallied around him to support him has left a lasting impression on me of the beauty of music communities and the strength of music, the way it outlasts so many other memories, and the way it can connect us to the here and now, the past, and the future all at once. Tracy was a musical hero to me, and so getting to play with him at a couple of jams, was such a special experience.

Sending love to his family during this time!

Annick Odom

April 4, 2025

Tracy changed my life. I will never forget hearing the sound of his fiddle solos wafting over the campus of Warren Wilson College during my first visit to Old-Time Week at The Swannanoa Gathering in 1999. I arrived at that camp laser-focused on square dance tunes, but I left with a new obsession: playing (hopefully) tasteful fiddle breaks on honky-tonk, Stanley Brothers, and Hazel Dickens songs. I quickly fell in love with Ginny's iconic voice, but my entry into their world of heart-rending duets was through Tracy's fiddling. I remember Dirk Powell standing off to the side of one of those sessions at Swannanoa and remarking to me that "Tracy will go out on a limb." More than anything I learned in class that week, Dirk's high praise for Tracy's willingness to take risks in service of the music was the biggest lesson I learned that summer.

Fast forward a few years, and I had the honor of staying in the guest house on Ginny & Tracy's lovely property and participating in one of their "homeshops." We went and visited Lester McCumbers, which was a treat, but it was those hours spent knee to knee with Ginny and Tracy learning their lonesome sound that turned me into a lifelong seeker of songs. I'll never forget the part Tracy taught me to "Don't Forget This Song," and I will likewise never forget his wit, wisdom, and love for the music and the people who made it.

Rest sweetly, dear Tracy! I can hear the wood smoke in your voice as it sings in my head some words that George Jones made famous:

"Don't be mad at me mister, I know that it's wrong
But I want you to hear the words of that song
So don't stop the music, don't make me go home
I know she's not there and I cry all night long..."

Matt Brown

April 4, 2025

Sometime in late 1980 or early 1981, I was visiting my musical mentor and friend Thom Roberts (a.k.a. Champagne Charlie) in Guelph, Ontario.
We went to a small local music cafe in town, and who shows up? The entire family of Tracy Schwatz -
who were traveling in Canada, and dropped by at this cafe to say hello, have some hot drinks, and play a little music.

I was feeling quite a bit of awe in the presence of such Folk "royalty",
but they were completely down to earth and friendly, and invited me to join their circle and play along with them.
I don't recall too many of the details, except that it was a very enjoyable evening,
drinking hot cider and singing and playing with the Schwartz family!
Rest in peace Tracy Schwartz.

Eli Marcus

April 4, 2025

I'm sitting in a Toyota dealership having my trusty road car serviced and it seems appropriate somehow that this is where I learn the devastating news of Tracy's death. Years ago he joked with me that "I'm actually a professional driver and, if I make to the correct place on time, I'm rewarded with getting to play music for a few hours."

Tracy was an extraordinary musician, a marvelous fiddler, a dedicated Cajun accordionist, a scholar who communicated in a manner that breathed life into what, in other hands, would have been dry and pedantic. And, my God, what a singer! His rendition of GB Grayson's "I've Always Been a Rambler" is the defining version of the song. And I hope one day to write a song as good as "Poor Old Dirt Farmer." Brilliant.

His duets with Ginny were frequently transcendent and they made music together that truly moved me every time I was lucky enough to hear them. I imagine Dewey is having the time of his afterlife right now.

I treasure the many years we got to share this tired old world together. We are all richer for having him among us and are poorer for his absence.

Vaya con Dios, hermano!

John McCutcheon

April 4, 2025

We were blessed to come to know Tracy and Ginny through his and their work with Suzy and Eric Thompson, and the California Cajun Orchestra. He was a splendid man and splendid musician.

Stan and Diane Hales

March 31, 2025

I’ve seen Ginny and Tracy in concert a long time ago. I saw a guy in 2011 photos that looked like Mike Seeger to me.

Ezekiel A. Smukler

March 31, 2025

The world of music would be very different if Tracy and his cohorts hadn't done the research and played the musics of America that changed popular music for the better! I know he is in a better place now. May his memory bring you peace!

Ray Benson

March 31, 2025

I always loved the New Lost City Ramblers, but had never seen them or any members before a House Of Musical Traditions event.with Tracy in early 1986. I introduced myself and before you knew it, we started arrangements for a Dewey Balfa show that Summer! Over the next several years Tracy, usually with Dewey, played Twist & Shout, Tornado Alley and the Blue Bayou Music Festival. I'll always be grateful for Tracy's talent and help. R.I.P.

Below is an interesting picture of Cajun music past and present, from the 1991 Blue Bayou Music Festival in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Left to right: Peter Schwarz, Dewey Balfa, Steve Riley, Charlie Terr, and Tracy.

Marc Gretschel

March 31, 2025

It was the basement of a church in Cleveland Hts, OH around 1979 that I first saw Tracy perform. It was a family trio with Peter on cello because he was too young for a full bass. I’d owned all of his NCLR recordings and had learned most of the songs. NCLR were all talented musicians but Tracy stood out for me. Seeing him perform live was illuminating on so many levels. He was a true professional at his craft and his joy of sharing with his audience was obvious. After the show, they told us about a festival that they were starting on their farm in PA and that the legendary fiddler, Dewey Balfa would be there. By then I was teaching myself how to play Cajun accordion and wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. As the years passed, our paths would cross and our friendship grew especially through our mutual love of Cajun music and culture. We both cherished the sounds of the original dance hall bands. Every musicians dream is to play music with their heroes and Tracy never put a barrier between himself and his fans. Overtime we played many Cajun dances and porch parties together. I will miss him and his joie de vivre. I know I’ll think of him every time I pick up my accordion. Thank you Tracy Schwarz for enriching my life❤️

Brad Smedley

March 30, 2025

Tracy's soulful, slidey fiddle, and his defining high lonesome harmonies have been an inspiration throughout all of my life, from the early 60s on through this moment and just as surely beyond. In 1968, when I was 6, he and Mike and John filmed the following segment for the national parks, on our family farm. I remember standing on the edge of the pine patch while they sang a shivery rendition of In the Pines (minute 17:14), from which I have never recovered, and at the edge of the old log cabin when they cut up on Arkansas Traveler (minute 9:00). Other highlights are minutes 1:30, 3:00, 3:47 (Poor Old Dirt Farmer), 6:55 (Foggy Mountain Top, where Mike plays slide on a guitar built by my father, Peter Gott), and the moments with old-style banjo player George Landers (12:45). Tracy's rendition of Green Valley Waltz is one of my favorites for a quiet moment, and I can see him waltzing through a green valley just now, balancing a stick as he did early in this film clip, maybe getting caught on a barbed wire fence, and then singing his heart out for all those who surround him at the Pearly Gates... www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlbOOCbZYQ

Susi Gott

March 30, 2025

I have known Ginny for over 48 years. We met when she first moved to WV in a laundromat in Glenville. WV. I was struggling to do a month's load of laundry and take care of my fussy infant child. Ginny stepped right to help. Teaching me how the top of a dryer provided just the right vibration to soothe my child. Over the years through all sorrows and joys our relationship was cemented. When Tracy came into her life the love was palatable. Music brought them together, but the love sustained them. I fell in love with Tracy for the way he loved Ginny.

I have had the delight over the years to spend time in Ginny and Tracy's home. It was there I saw the love they shared. Tracy would go about his day with intention and there even was a cadence to it. It was the simple everyday things that were important to him. Taking care of the land, planting and harvesting his garden, making gumbo, talking to and taking care of the neighbors along their country road in Tanner, WV. I love watching him go about his day. I especially enjoyed watching him make a sandwich. Not rushing the process, intentionally spreading and layering contents...cutting it perfectly....putting away all ingredients and wiping the counter before sitting down to eat.

Tracy loved to hear other people's stories. Listening was important to him. If you were in conversation with him you never feared being cut off. He would listen and when you were done he would often pause a bit before he commented or asked a question. You felt important to him.

He worried and took care of things he loved.... history, music, songs, his instruments, his children, his friends, his cat and Ginny. It will take some time for those who knew him to get used to not being on this earthly plane.

Marianne O'Doherty

March 30, 2025

We are heartbroken to hear of Tracy’s passing. We have such fond memories of being with Ginny and Tracy in classes at the Ashokan, Augusta and Swannanoa music camps, and at performances in Toronto and Ottawa. Memories of Tracy’s dry sense of humor, and his fondness for Raisin Bran. Absolutely one of the all-time greats in composing, singing and playing in several genres. We send our love and sincere condolences, and hugs to you, Ginny.

Janis McCallen & Tom Warney

Janis McCallen & Tom Warney

March 30, 2025

I met Tracy at harmony singing class he and Ginny taught at Ashokan. He was a down to earth, approachable person as well as a terrific musician. By popular request he showed a bunch of us how to play the spoons. The camp may have missed a few spoons after that, but we had a great time. The other thing I remember about Tracy is how devoted he and Ginny were to each other. Their love and their music will long be cherished.

Katie Weiss

March 30, 2025

I met Tracy at the Lehigh
(University) Folk Festival in 1966. NLCR were playing there along with Ship James, Glenn Orhlin and several locals of which I was one. I was always surprised at his consideration and kindness to a newbie. However my favorite memory is from John McLaughlin's camp (the forerunner of Ashokan). We were jamming one night and one tune turned into the next and the next and the next... There was so much joy, no one wanted to stop. Such an open heart!! That band in the Sky just got a whole lot more interesting, darn it.

Mary Faith Rhoads-Lewis

March 30, 2025

When i was making plans to record one of Tracey's songs, I messaged him about it. He was very kind and supportive, just like I knew he would be. His understanding of music was deep. He was someone I had unending respect for. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends, and all those who loved him for the brilliant musician and human being that he was.

Donald Couchie

March 29, 2025

In the summer of 1987 I was at a party in Elkins, WV. Tracy was there along with other members of the Cajun Week staff at Augusta. It was a real fait dodo. After the gumbo there was a raging session that went on till 2 am, when the neighbors complained. At the heights of the music Tracy was playing rhythm by rubbing two crushed beer cans together. I will never forget the unbridled joy on his face as he revelled in the music and the company. Sorry to hear that he is gone. Condolences to Ginny. He was one of a kind.

Bill Wellington

March 29, 2025

I guess I first crossed paths with Tracy when he performed at The Mariposa Folk Festival in the 1970s as part of NLCR and The Strange Creek Singers. NLCR were hugely influential in my knowledge and my participation in playing American Old Time Music. I was particularly impressed with his singing style and fiddle playing whether fiddle tunes or backing up . A few years when he came to Toronto to perform in a folk club someone called me up to ask if Tracy could borrow my Martin guitar for the concert. I gladly obliged, and was in awe of him playing Roscoe Holcomb licks on my guitar! Thank you Tracy for all you have shared ! Rest in Peace

Arnie Naiman

March 29, 2025

Thinking back to 1975- My former partner and I were doing a CBC radio series with Hazel & Alice, The Strange Creek Singers and The New Lost City Ramblers. Alice helped us arrange interviews with each, one by one. We met Tracy at a square dance in Baltimore where he was fiddling and interviewed him in the ladies rest room! Shortly after that, I started learning to fiddle from his LP on Folkways, "Learn to Fiddle Country Style." I've worn out recordings Tracy is on. Glad I got to see his smile last summer at Augusta. Sending love to Ginny, SallyAnn, Peter.

Cathy Fink

March 29, 2025

Tracy touched so many lives. He touched mine some time in the 1980s at Folklore Village in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

I got to sit next to him while he played Cajun according. It was moving and memorable.

Thank you Tracy for all that is you.

Red Townsend

March 29, 2025

Had the privilege of seeing Ginny and Tracy when they came to Sorefingers Summer School week in Kingham, UK in 1999. It was an amazing experience of the depth of music that they brought to us. They generously hosted an evening pick with the students (a first) and took away a song written by a student, Ray Smith, which they subsequently recorded. A wonderful thing to do which made us all feel so proud and connected. I still have and play the 3 of their CDs.

Lesley Howe

March 29, 2025

When I began to participate in Southern music and dance, in 1979, my entry point was clogging (my first passion), and festivals, like The Great Clearwater Revival, Union Grove and the annual Square Up at Fiddler's Grove. The exhilaration and fun inspired me with the desire to dance., I then encountered Jay Ungar, Lyn Hardy, John Cohen and Abby Newton (the Putnam String Country Band) at an ancestor of today's Ashokan Center, a music and dance Labor Day event in 1979. Jay and the spirits behind that event morphed into an organization called Fiddle and Dance, that led to the birth of a week of Southern Music and Dance, subsequently named Root Camp. I first met Tracy Schwarz at Root Camp, where he was on staff with Dewey Balfa, and his son Peter. Meeting them led to my second musical passion, back-up Balfa-style cajun guitar; this was another life changing event.

This was in the late 1980s and early 90s, at Root Camp. I remember Dewey, Peter and Tracy always playing the first set of the farewell dance, because they had to pack up and drive for hours to the Rhythm and Roots festival in Escoheag, RI. They were sent on their way with cheers and a standing ovation.

One year I played guitar with Nelda Balfa and Suzy Schlanger on fiddles. We played the Balfa Waltz in the end of camp concert, the Root Review. Afterwards, Tracy came up to us and poured bouquets of praise on us, raving about how well we had played; he mentioned my guitar playing in such glowing terms that the memory of those words warms my soul even today, as I grieve both his death and the end of an era.

Nikki Lee

March 29, 2025

Such sad news. I had the privilege to take a fiddle lesson once from him at Goose Acres. He was a wonderful musician who brought so much joy. My prayers for him and his family for peace.

Mark Laskey

March 29, 2025

Sorry to hear of his passing. I greatly enjoyed his many contributions to the music from the NLCR days on. May his memory be a blessing.

Gordon Banks

March 29, 2025

So sorry to hear about Tracy’s passing. He and the New Lost City Ramblers introduced us to the beauty and depth of American music. They inspired me to pickup the banjo. I was so lucky back in college in 1973 to have hosted Tracy and Mike Seeger to perform at Franklin and Marshall’s Student Arts Festival. They were so gracious and entertaining. They made a lasting impression on many of us.

Bart Roselli

March 29, 2025

We feel so fortunate to have met you and Tracy about 35 years ago in San Diego. I loved his droll little sense of humor. Although he had a quiet demeanor, he became a real powerhouse of musicality when he played and sang. Grateful to have recordings of you both to continue to enjoy. Sending condolences and so much love to you, Ginny!

Amber Mueller

March 29, 2025

Tracy was a kind and gentle person I was proud to call a friend and honored to have as a mentor. The visits to Elkins for the Augusta summer workshops were times I cherished and the songs I learned from him and Ginny touched me deeply. Along with sadness I am filled with gratitude for our paths having crossed.

John Wetterholt

March 29, 2025

One word comes to my mind when I think of Tracy, and that's respect. There's no one who I had/have more respect for than Tracy, as a friend, person, and musician. Such a powerful life, well-lived. I treasure every moment that I had the honor of being around Tracy. My condolences to you, Ginny, Peter, and family. RIP Tracy.

Sam Linkous

March 29, 2025

Ginny I am so sorry you have lost your precious soulmate!! As you know I know what that feels like. Tracy was such a kind, gentle soul!! Always enjoyed his company!! We had many good times at our house sharing music together as a family!! He will never be forgotten💔 Love you Ginny and praying for all of you🙏🏻 I’m sure Roy was happy to see him❤️

Dale Norton

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