RIP: Anson Olds, 1956-2011

We are saddened to report the death of veteran folk and country musician Anson Olds, who died last week after he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree in Sheffield. He was 55 years old.

A multi-talented musician, Olds especially excelled on the fiddle and guitar, winning the New England Guitar Championship in 1985. He was also a talented singer and yodeler who played frequently all throughout the northeast as both a solo performer and valued member of several bands, including October Mountain and Old Croken Stillers. His solo recordings include, “Safe to Dream” on ForestEdge Records, and he also hosted the “Northeast Folk Festival” radio show on WAMC.

Olds’ most important legacy, however, may be as a music teacher. He taught music for a dozen years at Undermountain Elementary School for grades pre-K-five in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District , where he used his proficient skill in Spanish and American Sign Language in the classroom. Prior to that, he also taught in the Pittsfield Public Schools.

FURTHER READING:
Anson Olds’ obituary in The Berkshire Eagle
Nichole Dupont’s story at iBerkshires.com