A Song for Murph

What a voice. These lyrics say it perfectly. Miss you, Murph. I hope you are looking out for and praying for Bill and me in heaven.

On a Happy Note. . . : Leave's final album available October 20.

Leave's final album On a Happy Note will be available for purchase on October 20. Go to www.myspace.com/leavechicago for ordering details. All monies will go to the Michael J. Murphy Scholarship Foundation, which will fund young, promising musicians.

Donations can also be sent via U.S. Mail:

The Michael J. Murphy Scholarship Foundation
11665 Rogowski Drive
Merrionette Park, IL 60803
E-mail: mjmmusicfund@aol.com

For Murph

Grieving for Murph.

"Lament"
by Anne Sexton

Someone is dead.
Even the trees know it,
those poor old dancers who come on lewdly,
all pea-green scarfs and spine pole.
I think . . .
I think I could have stopped it,
if I'd been as firm as a nurse
or noticed the neck of the driver
as he cheated the crosstown lights;
or later in the evening,
if I'd held my napkin over my mouth.
I think I could . . .
if I'd been different, or wise, or calm,
I think I could have charmed the table,
the stained dish or the hand of the dealer.
But it's done.
It's all used up.
There's no doubt about the trees
spreading their thin feet into the dry grass.
A Canada goose rides up,
spread out like a gray suede shirt,
honking his nose into the March wind.
In the entry way a cat breathes calmly
into her watery blue fur.
The supper dishes are over and the sun
unaccustomed to anything else
goes all the way down.

From All My Pretty Ones

Murph's Last Show, June 5, 2008

A clip from the Larkin and Moran Brothers featuring Mike at his final show.

Why? Please know I love you.

Never have I felt a loss as this. Mike was too talented a person as well as a musician to be taken away from us so soon and so violently. He knew how to love and unselfishly give. I will always remember him like this and not the broken body I saw. More than one life was destroyed and taken the night of June 6. So much pain and so many tears.

Today I bought a gold-plated medal featuring St. Michael the Archangel. I have been told that medals and belief in angels are nothing but psychological methods to help us cope. Doesn't matter if that's true. It's what I need right now.

So many internet posts about Mike, his music, and the love he gave to everyone. I am seeking out answers that I know I won't uncover in this lifetime. All I hear and read state that Mike's death was God's will and we cannot understand or question God. The only thing that has made sense to me and given me some hope is that someday we will be able to sense Mike along with the music he left behind. We are in darkness and cannot sense the worlds Mike now belongs to. If I don't sense it in our reality, I must strive to reach the place where I can sense him after I die. My friend Eleanor says Mike can still sense us and is looking out for us. I have to believe that is true.

I'm not a poet, but I have begun composing poems about Michael. Knowing my lack of lyrical competence, I have checked out a book from the Harold Washington Library that was written by award-winning and nationally recognized poets. Mike was such a talented songwriter, and I know he will kindly smirk at my immature attempts. But my intention is there; I hope it reaches him.

I will never get over losing Mike. His parents, friends, girlfriend, and family echo me. Mike showed me what true friendship is and to recognize the true friends in my life. Nothing about him was manufactured or patronizing. Mike was pure genuine love.

Larkin and Moran Brothers' Tribute to Murph (Michael J. Murphy).

Michael

Below is a link to the local NBC story about my friend Murph - Michael Murphy.

http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=261660

Mike "Murph" Murphy: 1976-2008

Mike Murphy was a dear friend of mine. I met him through my husband, and ever since our meeting, he became a part of my life. Only knowing me as "Laura" when my husband introduced us, Mike gave me a hug. I had the privilege and blessing of being a part of his too short life. Mike was a remarkable artist. In addition to being a talented signer and songwriter, Mike was special and loving person. Genuine and caring. A rare find in the music and art worlds.

The best way to remember Mike is through his legacy of friendship and music. I have posted a video that Leave made several years ago. I hope you enjoy this short sample of Mike's life and artistry.

A Video from My Friends, "Leave"

Here's a video from my friends, "Leave". They include Mike Murphy (guitar and vocals), Jimmy Latsis (lead guitar and vocals), and Joe Herrmann (bass guitar), Mike and Jimmy write the songs that make the whole world sing (well, at least Chicago, New York, and London). The guys will be playing as their alternate identity "Joe V." (covers and some "Leave" classics) next week at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon on December 21 and Quigley's Irish Pub on December 22. Terry Keating plays drums when the guys perform as Joe V. Check them out.

Why haven't these guys been signed yet? Shame on you music world. I mean, it's not like Britney or the American Idles are doing anything productive.