Phoebe Snow - "Poetry Man" (1975) Tribute (1952-2011)

Phoebe Snow, singer of 1970s hit 'Poetry Man,' dies at 60

Phoebe Snow received wide acclaim for her self-titled album, which showed off her multi-octave range and musical versatility. She had suffered a brain hemorrhage in January 2010.

Phoebe Snow, a singer and songwriter who gained fame with her 1974 self-titled album that featured the hit single "Poetry Man," has died. She was 60.

Snow died Tuesday in Edison, N.J., her longtime friend and public relations representative, Rick Miramontez, said. She had suffered a brain hemorrhage in January 2010.

But Snow was never able to duplicate her early commercial success. Her career took a backseat to caring for her daughter, Valerie Rose Laub, who was born in 1975 with severe brain damage.

She sang commercial jingles for such companies as Stouffer's and General Foods, which she said paid well.

Her daughter died in 2007. A few months later, Snow started performing again, trying to deal with her loss.

"Right now it's beyond a hole. It's a black hole," she told the Record of Bergen County, N.J., in 2008. "I don't even know how to describe that vacancy because it was such an intense relationship. We lived together for 31 years. She was a perennial child. I was her primary caregiver. ... We were best friends. It was beyond a loss. I don't even know what word to use."

Snow was born Phoebe Laub on July 17, 1950, in New York City and grew up in Teaneck, N.J. As a youngster she studied piano, then switched to the guitar.

"I always wanted to be the greatest woman guitarist alive," she told The Times in 1976. "I had fantasies about being a female Jimi Hendrix. I would go to his concerts and watch all the things he did. But I guess I just wasn't meant to be a superstar guitarist."

Her poetry became the basis of her lyrics, and she started playing at New York clubs. She signed with Shelter Records in 1974.

She moved to Columbia Records in 1976 after sometimes nasty legal wrangling with Shelter. "Second Childhood" earned her a second gold record, but subsequent Columbia releases did not sell as well. She left the label at the end of the 1970s.

After being quiet most of the 1980s, Snow recorded a comeback album in 1989's "Something Real" for Elektra.

"I faded away for a while out of necessity," she told The Times in 1998 "In hindsight, I missed out on some good or productive years. On the other hand ... I really made the only choice I could under the circumstances."

Snow's marriage to Phil Kearns ended in divorce. She is survived by a sister, Julie Laub.

Phoebe Snow (born July 17, 1952) is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for her 1975 hit "Poetry Man".

Snow is described by The New York Times as a "contralto grounded in a bluesy growl and capable of sweeping over four octaves."

Born Phoebe Ann Laub in New York City, Snow was raised in a household where Delta blues, Broadway show tunes, Dixieland jazz, classical music and folk music recordings were played around the clock. Her father, Merrill Laub, was an exterminator by trade and her mother, Lili, was a dance teacher who died of bone cancer. She grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and graduated from Teaneck High School. As a teenager, she carried her prized Martin 00018 acoustic guitar from club to club around Greenwich Village, playing and singing on amateur nights. Her stage name is the same as a fictional advertising character created in the early 1900s for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, a young woman named Phoebe Snow, who appeared on boxcars traveling near her hometown. She changed her name from Phoebe Laub to Phoebe Snow.

She was briefly married to Phil Kearns, and, in December 1975, gave birth to a severely brain-injured daughter, Valerie. Snow resolved not to institutionalize her but instead care for her at home, which she did until Valerie died on March 18, 2007 at the age of 31. Snow's efforts to care for Valerie greatly and negatively affected her professional career, nearly ending it; it also adversely affected her personal life.

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[Bacmaster]

I'm so sorry for the passing of Phoebe Snow. I recall first hearing this song around the time when I got my learners permit. I always loved the sound of her voice. The high range and style made her very unique. A great and talented woman. Phoebe Snow you will be missed. May you R.I.P.This video is officially marked a tribute in her honor. Please remember her when you hear this song.

[bze2nlz1]

Phoebe had such a dynamic voice. I am sad to learn of her passing, and that I never had the chance to see her perform. Like so many others, she is gone much too young. RIP Phoebe, with your beloved daughter♥

[billbloodma]

thank you for posting this .rip phoebe thank you.

[5julia10]

beautiful video Joe.good evening to you.Julia

[Boccanella]

I love this video, the images are as beautiful as the song.

[HippieNiecey]

I am just now finding this out that Phoebe has left us.  Came here to have my daughter get a list of songs to put on my new MP3 player. Wanted to get the correct spelling of Phoebe's name and here this is what I find. I am so sad. I just adored this song.

[chevydaze]

Can't remember the # of times I have watched this great video, many many. Appreciate all of your well produced work on here, still hoping you tube will have a lobotomy & put back the Profiles like we all Loved & were used to having!

[MsLeo31]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard...

[BBQFanNo1]

RIP Phoebe. You will never be forgotten in my heart.

[BBQFanNo1]

Incredible. This is what I remember 1971 to 1976. Chaka Khan,Roberta Flack,Minnie Ripperton,Phoebe Snow,Glady's Knight,Maria Muldaur

[Amir2110]

I'll miss you Phoebe RIP. Ive loved you from the start. Sweet sets at my house while your music was playin 74'! God bless your family.

[Medic83301]

What a beautiful voice she had . Another one of pop music's treasures gone and will never be forgotten RIP PHOBE .