It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Howard Larman, who with his wife Roz created one of the most popular folk music radio programs in the country. Roz and Howard were involved in a car accident last June, and Howard never fully recovered.

Roz and Howard started their radio program “Folk Scene” in 1970 in Los Angeles. Since that time, it is estimated that over 2000 musicians have graced their studio, including names such as Ricky Skaggs, Randy Newman, The Chieftains, The Blasters, Tom Waits, Jennifer Warnes, Pete Seeger , Shawn Colvin, Richard Thompson, Silly Wizard, Iris Dement, Guy Clark, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Dave Alvin, Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale, Jackson Browne, Stan Rogers and Willie Nelson. They helped bridge the generations and find a home for contemporary music in the traditional scene. “Folk Scene” was heard on many stations in California and around the country, including WUMB in Massachusetts.

In addition to their radio work, the Larmans published a folk music magazine in the 70’s, produced folk festivals in San Diego and other California cities, contributed music to film scores, and became mentors in the folk music community.

I had the honor of corresponding with both Roz and Howard and had the opportunity to meet them on several occasions at Folk Alliance conferences. They were among the friendliest and most knowledgeable people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in the folk community. They helped establish careers for many artists over the decades, and Howard’s passing is a huge loss to the folk music industry.

My condolences to Roz and their family and friends.

UPDATE – Roz has said that she will continue hosting “Folk Scene”, with help from their son Allen and engineer Peter Cutler. She is hosting the show this evening, an example of how much dedication the two have for folk music. I am sure Howard is smiling. The work he and Roz started will continue.