The Lost Well
Quite Insensitive
RECEIVED Thu., April 20, 2017
Dear Editor,
I've been a fan of the Chronicle for as long as I can remember. The stories I've read in its pages influenced my decision to move to Austin. The Austin Chronicle has been like a road map to songwriters and venues I cherish. But right now, at this late hour, I am struggling to find the words to accurately express my disappointment in The Austin Chronicle.
As you know, a thoughtful, respectful piece about my friend Jimmy LaFave has been in the works. It is also my understanding that Jimmy specifically requested delaying the public announcement of this tragic news until after April 21. The early release of this information paired with a sensationalistic title seems quite insensitive to me ["Playback – Dead Man Walking: Jimmy LaFave," Music, April 21].
Jimmy has offered his time, talents, and resources to help up-and-coming songwriters all over the nation. For decades, he has been faithful to his loyal following and the Austin community. We are lucky to have such an enormous talent and generous heart here in our city. For a man who gives so much and asks for close to nothing, I was hoping his request would be honored.
So, I'm disappointed. I hope in the future you will consider the intricacies of a delicate time such as this.
I've been a fan of the Chronicle for as long as I can remember. The stories I've read in its pages influenced my decision to move to Austin. The Austin Chronicle has been like a road map to songwriters and venues I cherish. But right now, at this late hour, I am struggling to find the words to accurately express my disappointment in The Austin Chronicle.
As you know, a thoughtful, respectful piece about my friend Jimmy LaFave has been in the works. It is also my understanding that Jimmy specifically requested delaying the public announcement of this tragic news until after April 21. The early release of this information paired with a sensationalistic title seems quite insensitive to me ["Playback – Dead Man Walking: Jimmy LaFave," Music, April 21].
Jimmy has offered his time, talents, and resources to help up-and-coming songwriters all over the nation. For decades, he has been faithful to his loyal following and the Austin community. We are lucky to have such an enormous talent and generous heart here in our city. For a man who gives so much and asks for close to nothing, I was hoping his request would be honored.
So, I'm disappointed. I hope in the future you will consider the intricacies of a delicate time such as this.
Jaimee Harris
[Music Editor Raoul Hernandez responds: The Chronicle spoke to exactly three people in reporting “Dead Man Walking: Jimmy LaFave” – Jimmy LaFave, his ex-wife and partner in parenthood Barbara Fox, and Dave Marsh. The latter two contacted the paper. No other party reached out to us. All three sources mentioned the tribute concert, none used the word “embargo,” and both LaFave and Fox left the timing of the paper’s reporting expressly to our discretion.]
