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Dave Fisher of the Highwaymen Dead at 69

David FisherThe Highwaymen's Dave Fisher, who co-founded the popular folk group at Wesleyan University in 1958, has died. Fisher, 69, succumbed to a bone marrow disorder known as myelofibrosis according to the New York Times. He passed away Friday, May 7, at home in Rye, N.Y.

The Highwaymen became best known for the 1961 U.S. chart topper 'Michael,' which was a reworking of the African-American spiritual 'Michael, Row the Boat Ashore.'

Fisher put the group of college freshman together as part of a fraternity initiation requirement, but the rise of folk music on college campuses at the time gave the Highwaymen unexpected popularity. In 1962, following graduation, the group -- which also featured Bob Burnett, Steve Trott, Steve Butts and Chan Daniels -- moved to Greenwich Village, where folk music was thriving.

The group released 10 singles and eight albums before splitting in 1964. Fisher -- the outfit's distinct tenor and musical director -- stayed in the music business and retained the name and copyright, the Highwaymen. When he discovered the supergroup of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson were using his trademark group name in 1990, he and his onetime bandmates sued.

As a resolution, Jennings offered the original Highwaymen -- who had reformed for a 1987 college reunion -- the opportunity to open for his group in Los Angeles and they agreed. The group reconvened, issued five more discs, including the highly-praised 2007 album 'When the Village Was Green'.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Elaine K. Haagen, son Casey, daughter Charlotte Fisher, sister Joan Fare and stepson Jed Burgess.

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Pam Blair

I remember singing this song at about the time I could walk. Thanks for the good memories Dave Fisher, from a time long gone by.

May 14 2010 at 6:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

1961 was a heckuva a year and the Highwaymen's "Michael" was very much in the middle of it, helping to set out a path for the re-emergence of folk and then, folk-rock music. The idealism of our generation was just then budding. It is good to have the lasting memory of Dave's music echoing still as a reminder.
Thank you.

May 14 2010 at 5:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ken Jordan

Thank you Mr. Fisher.

The music and voices are inspiring. I do not know the name of your Fraternity but I have visited Wesleyan University. This old "frat boy" appreciates your work and the knowledge that Fraternity members can be positive influences on society. I loved listening to this music as I grew up. I continue to love it today.

Rest in peace. The Golden Bowl is broken.

May 14 2010 at 3:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joan milner

I am so sorry to hear this sad news; we have all lost
someting good in our lives with Dave's passing. I have the original LP of the Highwaymen, which my brother bought. We
played it incessantly and happily and now when I hear their unmistakeable sounds I am immediately transported to one of the happiest times of childhood, when my brother
was living with us and I 'had a big brother' (who usually
lived with his other family in TX). Thank you for being such a beautiful colorful thread in our lives. Blessings and Peace.

May 14 2010 at 3:09 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kachina321

ANOTHER GREAT VOICE IS GONE. THE HARMONYS THAT CAME OUT OF THE BEACH BOYS, STARTED WITH GROUPS JUST LIKE THE HIGHWAYMEN. THERE WERE OTHERS LIKE THE ORIGINALS AND MORE. ALL THOSE PBS SHOWS THAT THEY PUT ON NOW AND THEN WITH AS MANY AS THE ORIGINAL CAST MEMBERS FROM THE OLDIES GROUPS WON'T BE THE SAME. PRAYERS TO THOSE CLOSE TO HIM.

May 14 2010 at 2:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
David

I grew up in the 50/60's & have 45rpm & 33 1/3rpm records of both grps. of the Highwaymen. Many Folk grps. Kingston Trio, Bells, Browns, Pete Seager, Woody Guthry, and so so many more patterned them selves after The Highwaymen. Bob Dylan sang of the Highwaymen of who I can't hear enough of. BUT, all else aside, their music was real, telling you about real people in real times, in real situtations...There's a special place somewhere they will always be and mabye, Lord willing, we'll all find it. God Bless.

May 14 2010 at 2:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sharlene

Music to my ears and remembering the songs ...while driving on vacations ...singing with my family before turning in for the night ... while on fishing trips ! one can`t get any better then this...rest in peace Dave Fisher .. you are blessed !

May 14 2010 at 1:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

I grew up on folk music and had the pleasure over the years to see the group perform and to meet Dave Fisher many times. When "Michael" was released I was 6 years old and I was hooked on folk music. Of all the great folk groups from that era The Highwaymen's music is still played in my car as I travel. I saw them perform a benefit at The Clearview School in Briarcliff Manor, NY a few years back and it was great! Dave may be gone but he left a rich body of music and accomplishments that will live on forever! My condolences to Dr. Haagen and family.

May 14 2010 at 1:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
J. Flanagan

I OFTEN THINK OF THOSE GOLDEN DAYS AND THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC YOU AND YOUR GROUP PRODUCED,THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES MR.FISHER.

May 13 2010 at 11:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
capwhan

Being old enough to recall him I will certainly miss their music. RIP, you had genuine talent!

May 13 2010 at 11:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply