Longtime member of The Weavers who is perhaps better known for his behind-the-scenes work as an arranger, producer, session musician, and songwriter. Hellerman cut his first record with Will (Grandpa Walton) Geer and Ernie Lieberman in 1948. When The Weavers split in 1953, Hellerman focused his energies on arranging, teaching guitar, and songwriting.
His collaborations with Harry Belafonte were successful, including “I Never Will Marry” which was featured on his album Love is a Gentle Thingand was later covered by Linda Ronstadt on her album Simple Dreams.
He also continued to do session work with fellow folk artists Joan Baez and Judy Collins. In 1967, he produced what would become a platinum album for Arlo Guthrie, Alice’s Restaurant.
At the tender age of 78, he recorded his debut solo album, a mishmash of old Vaudeville tunes entitled Caught in the Act.
He died at his home in Weston, Connecticut, in September 2016 when he was 89 years old. He was the last surviving member of The Weavers.
Linda Ronstadt recordings
I Never Will Marry (Fred Hellerman)
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Hellerman
- http://www.answers.com/topic/fred-hellerman-folk-artist?cat=entertainment
- https://www.discogs.com/artist/273142-Fred-Hellerman
- https://www.allmusic.com/artist/fred-hellerman-mn0000797811/biography
- https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169238595