Philip John Lee R.I.P
I have just heard that Phillip John Lee passed away last night 06/07 march 2010 and it is believed that it is due to cancer.
I just received a telephone call from a promoter of concerts who was contacting me to give a concert and in the conversation about flamenco guitarists here in the UK he told me he had just spoken with the brother of Phillip John Lee and received this sad news.

I have never met Phillip but had communicated with him by e mail.

I have always enjoyed and respected his flamenco guitar playing immensely and thought him to be a caballero.

I am very sad to give this very bad news to you all.
Saludos cordiales


Tomás

and I am very sad to receive it. I never had the opportunity to meet him either, but had back in the 70's corresponded with him some by postal mail and in recent years by email. A very fine player of traditional flamenco. My thoughts are with his family and hope they keep his website going. Here is his website for those not familiar with Phillip. http://www.philipjohnlee.com/

Thanks for letting us know about that Tomás. That is sad news. He was an exceptional player. It is strange that I happened to be listening to his "The L. A. Concert" album when I read your post.

-Bob

I would like to thank everyone on this site that has taken the time to comment on my uncle's death. My uncle was a true artist and dedicated musician. Money and Fame were incidental to him and perhaps this is what made him a bit eccentric. He loved his music and the playing of his guitar. Wherever and whenever he played he left his audiences stunned and yearning for more. We all loved my uncle and his quirky ways.
Unfortunately his death was a prolonged and painful one due to late stage kidney Cancer. My mother, My aunt and uncles were with him during his final weeks, days and moments. He fought very hard to stay alive but unfortunately the cancer had spread to far and too quick. He died March 6th at midnight in his sleep. My only wish and I believe the wish of all that new Phillip is that we do not forget his music, Art and his love of life. Rest in peace my dear uncle you will be remembered!

Thanks Tim for the information. Are you also a flamenco player? Your Uncle was one of the first non Spaniards to reach the level of master virtuoso flamenco guitarist. I remember hearing his first LP for the first time and it amazed me that an Englishman could play with such passion, accuracy, and authenticity. His mark on flamenco and his devotion to hold on to the traditional old school flamenco and keep it alive will never be forgotten. I wish your family the best during this difficult time. My father died at 65 in pain also from cancer so I understand. Thanks again for the first hand information.

I was so very sad to hear about the passing of Philip I have been a student of his for the last five years and spoke to him just a week before he passed away, he allways let me film the lessons so that i could study them in detail, he was a superb teacher and a pleasure to know, I will treasure the video footage i have of him. The flamenco world has lost a true gentleman. Dennis Evans.

I am shocked to learn only now, more than two years later, of the death of Philip John Lee. He was a role model and was, through his Flamenco Guitar Album, responsible for my taking up flamenco guitar and travelling to Spain to study in Sevilla.

I had always hoped to meet him. I corresponded with him briefly a few years ago asking whether there were plans to re-release FG on CD. I was horrified to learn that the tapes had been lost when MFP folded.

His playing was fabulous, full of duende, pathos, drama, beauty and with a perfect light touch. I have listened to the LP thousands of times, and it still delights.

I offer my belated condolences to his family and friends.

Andrew Dale
Divonne-les-Bains
France

I am very sad to hear of Philip's death. I was a student of his some years ago and saw him only a few months back when he seemed far from well. He was a hugely talented flamenco guitarist and a phenomenally inspirational teacher who had enormous patience and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed.