The Roches - In Memory of Margaret A. Roche

In Memory of Margaret A. Roche
October 26, 1951-January 21, 2017

[juangregory]

Am I the only person who found themselves tearing up while watching this?

[holymountaingadget]

The Roches are from my hometown, Park Ridge NJ. James Gandolfini grew up here; Nixon lived out his final days here as well. I think Karen Duffy came from PR as well. No one ever talks about this group and I think that’s a shame. I’m discovering them after 40 years of them right under my nose. Wow.

[timfox]

I'm a New Yorker who has lived in south Jersey for the past nine years. I often ask locals who are the best two acts to come from Jersey, and then educate them thats its not Springsteen, or Bon Jovi but Patti Smith and The Roches debut album is still one of the greatest ever, and its a shame that Maggie was not given the respect she deserved as a brilliant song writer. Such great memories of seeing them live at The Bottom Line in the village, just a few blocks from my home at the time....

[sputnikginger]

I'd forgotten how great this music is

[expatusa]

Despite only being a fan, and not personally knowing her, at all, I always thought she was a beautiful lady, inside and out. And, for the discerning...a tremendous talent. Thank you for your music, and R.I.P. Ms Margaret.

[bigbaddaddio]

You know what the Roches did best? They reminded everyone of how fun singing is. And that’s plenty more than a lot of “super groups.”

[mikesnyder]

I just learned yesterday of this dear woman's passing and it makes me so very sad!  I am 70 years of age and I have few regrets in my life.  One of the big regrets, though, is not having ever seen these beautiful women sing in person.  Their poetry in song will live forever in our hearts!

[trebor]

I was lucky to see the Roche sisters many times. Loved their first album ....every song! One very cold winter night, I took my date into the village to see a Christmas Show of various performers including Tom Paxton, The Roche's and others at the Bottom Line (I think it was). At the door, we were told the show was sold out but to go outside and form a line and perhaps we could get in a bit later. It was snowing like crazy. The line formed by a side stage door. At one point the door swung open and there were the Roches! Someone asked if they could get us into the show and instead they sang us song, outside in the cold and snow. They sang "Hallelujah chorus" just for us few standing in line down an allyway. Eventually we got in to see the show anyhow but I thought that was really cool of them.

[vincentsonoma]

What a lovely tribute! I saw them at their big debut at the LA Whiskey in the late '70s, with Linda Ronstadt sitting behind me. And have seen them countless times since. This song brings back so many memories, it almost makes me cry.

[brianodonnell]

A moving tribute to a transcendent artist. Such a beautiful person & singer, brought a lot of joy to the world.

[kevindolin]

I was born just a little over a month before Maggie, a fellow boomer. In the States I was a long time fan of theirs. All of their voices are so pure, but Maggie's magnificent contralto was a true wonder. I came to Japan in '85 expecting to be here just two years teaching, but met a very nice Japanese woman, got married in '87 and have been here ever since. Thus it was hard to keep up with what was happening with them. I came across their album 'Speak' that I hadn't listened to in while. After playing it, reveling in those voices, I checked Wiki to see how they were doing. It was there I saw that Maggie had passed away in 2017. I had no idea and was and still am greatly saddened. This tribute is marvelous. I wish I could have seen them in person. My wife of almost 34 years is having to deal with breast cancer now. I wish Maggie could have beaten hers just as I hope my wife beats hers. It's strange to be connected by this dread disease to two women who are dear to me: one whose voice should still be with us (too young, too young) and one with whom I wish to grow old. Sayonara, Maggie, you were *sui generis*. I wish health to Terre and Suzzy and a long and fruitful life. Although my ashes will eventually rest here in Japan, I will be a Roches fan to the end.

[Farbar]

I became a fan when I saw The Roches perform the Hallejulah Chorus on Saturday Night Live in 1982 (I think). They were the only "celebrities" I ever wrote a fan letter to in my life and their manager sent me a hand-written letter back in appreciation, telling me she had conveyed my thoughts to them. I was thrilled. I never got to see them in concert since I lived too far away and their concerts never got close enough for me to travel. And I always spell their last name R-O-C-H-E.

[wainwright]

This video is so utterly beautiful and moving. You did a wonderful thing making this. I am sure the emotions were flowing through you. I loved The Roches, met them in London in 1980 I think, saw a concert. Nerds was just released at the time. And later met Suzy Roche 30 years later on her own at a Loudon Wainwright concert, another favourite singer of mine. Their first album was my utter favourite. Maggie was a truly wonderful person. A very sad loss. x Thanks again for the lovely video. I come back and play this often. It always moves me. Sob.

[peterswanson]

I was deeply saddened to learn of her demise. I love their music so much.

[dntbugme]

I saw The Roaches on a fluke. I was in New Orleans on business. I was bored and and wanted to do something and I was walking by The House Of Blues and decided to go in. I was so moved at the way their lyrics and tight harmonies struck my soul. Speak was the first album I bought. I keep crashing into further broken places from time to time.

[SherryGlaserLove]

Your music means a lot to me. It's such a comfort to sing with you in these troubled times. Thanks so much. You matter!!

[danbeau]

The sun is a little dimmer, the moon doesn't seem as round, roses are a little pale, the birds are a little off key, beauty, honesty, kindness and love have taken a hit. We will go on, just not as well. Thanks Maggie for too many things to list here.

[martinfalls]

jcw001, Many thanks for this thoughtful and moving post! I have grieved Maggie for some years, am deeply in touch with The Roches discography/history you present here, and have adored these women since I was 21. I consider them my family. I am now 61.
Ironically, I have endometrial cancer and am scheduled for surgery on Jan 21, 2022. Maybe it'll work out. If not, hope I get to see Mags again! As she once told me, "Life is long. Things can resume."
Blessings, all. Keep the faith. Don't forget Terre & Suzzy, who are still with us. And David Roche, their brother. And Felix McTeigue, Maggie's son. And Lucy Roche, Suzzy's daughter.
Keep listening.
Marty

[timstanforth]

Maggie was a uniquely gifted songwriter who could pry open cold hearts with her words and ravishing low alto. Damn, I'm so sorry she's gone.

[jam-ncut]

I heard The Roches for the first time, only two weeks ago. I don't know how it has taken me 40 years to discover their amazing music. I'm so sorry that Maggie has passed away, and that I didn't know about her astounding talent whilst she was alive. I don't think I'll be the last person to stumble upon this great wellspring of music, only to become enraptured by it. Thank you Maggie, thank you Terre and thank you Suzzy.