Jesse Winchester, an American singer-songwriter who moved to Montreal in the 1960s to dodge the Vietnam War draft, died in his sleep Friday morning at the age of 69 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Louisiana and raised in Tennessee, Winchester developed his musical talent while living in Montreal. He often played at a hotel in Morin Heights, Que., run by several Tennessee transplants during the 1970s.
"We got to present him in Montreal four times since 2006. I looked forward to him visiting and coming back every time. It was kind of like an uncle coming to visit," said Matt Large, organizer of the Montreal Folk Music Festival.
"He was just a sweet, kind, super impressive human being."
Winchester released several albums in the 70s, but was unable to tour in the United States.
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Jesse Winchester, musician and draft-dodger, dead at 69 - Montreal - CBC News
Born in Louisiana and raised in Tennessee, Winchester developed his musical talent while living in Montreal. He often played at a hotel in Morin Heights, Que., run by several Tennessee transplants during the 1970s.
"We got to present him in Montreal four times since 2006. I looked forward to him visiting and coming back every time. It was kind of like an uncle coming to visit," said Matt Large, organizer of the Montreal Folk Music Festival.
"He was just a sweet, kind, super impressive human being."
Winchester released several albums in the 70s, but was unable to tour in the United States.
more
Jesse Winchester, musician and draft-dodger, dead at 69 - Montreal - CBC News