Timothy White
1952-2002
"One of the most potent myths of the modern music industry is that it derives its power from the money it makes. But the truth is, that with music as with he rest of culture, its greatest might lies in its ability to inspire hope. As long as our business is dedicated to the philosophy that tenderness is strength, love is courage and human dignity is priceless then music will always prosper where it matters most—in the hearts and minds of the people on this small planet."
HONORING TIMOTHY WHITE I would hope that Bill Flangan of VH-1 would have another look at this titillating and pandering programming in light of his brilliant and hysterical comments yesterday at a beautiful memorial service honoring Timothy White, the brilliant editor of Billboard who died suddenly at age 50 on my birth day, June 27. Friends, colleagues, music biz moguls, family members and entertainers like Billy Joel and Phoebe Snow were all on hand for the tribute at the New School in Greenwich Village. Tim, who I have known for years and came close to working with was hailed by one and all as an original, as a man of vision and conscience who spoke out against wrong doing in a music industry known for its sleaziness. "He was a man of moral example," said Billy Joel. Another said he believed in practicing "business as unusual." Known for his careful prose and personal style, He was never seen without a bow tie and white buck shoes projecting an old fashioned image known for shlumpy jeans and sloppy T Shirts. Timothy sought to elevate the terms of music journalism as well. In l999, he received a heroes award from the Recording academy. His words of acceptance about music can easily be extended to the world of journalism of which he was a leading light. "One of the most potent myths of the modern music industry is that it derives its power from the money it makes. But the truth is, that with music as with he rest of culture, its greatest might lies in its ability to inspire hope. As long as our business is dedicated to the philosophy that tenderness is strength, love is courage and human dignity is priceless then music will always prosper where it matters most—in the hearts and minds of the people on this small planet." Amen to that, and to his widow, Judy Garlan White, who knew him best and misses him the most, who said that Tim, despite all the adulations he received in death didn’t always know how much people cared in life. "So if you are waiting to tell someone you care," she said. "do it Now. Now." On that high note, I bid adieu.
dissector@mediachanel.org.
Posted by Danny on Wed, Jul 24, 2002
Op-ed
Timothy White was an incredible man of integrity. I was honored to know him.He is the one who put "Can We Go Higher?" news, when Croatia was not arecognized country yet. Five times. No hesitation. In Danny Schechter'sGlobalvision office in New York. He saw the video and said: "This has to bein Billboard on Friday". And it was. No gains for him to help, except valueof truth. After that, CBS and CNN and many other stations around the worldpicked up the news, but Timothy White was the FIRST. I was mesmerized to listento the wealth of his words and knowledge of music and as a matter of fact, anysubject. Always enthusiastic about life in general. His words about musicwas POETRY to MY ears. He will be missed by many friends, especially his dearfamily.
Nenad Bach
