Celebrating the Life of
Becky Davidson
June 18, 1948 — October 10, 2022
Obituary
Becky Davidson, a lifelong Philadelphian, passed away on October 10, 2022 at the age of 74. The great love of Becky's life was music, and she will be remembered in many Philadelphia music communities, from folkdance to community orchestra to folk music circles. She once described her needs as food, shelter, and music, in that order. Becky had other interests and of course many other friends, too, especially in the women's liberation movement and in aikido, a martial art in which she held a fourth degree black belt. I hope that this site can serve as a place for Becky's many friends and many communities to share memories and pictures and plan events to celebrate her life. There will not be a formal funeral.
Services
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Friday, October 28, 2022, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eastern Time
2203 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Please join us at the home of Marion Cohen to share memories and tributes with Becky's many friends. Bring photos, music and stories. Please RSVP if convenient to Marion at [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
I first met Becky in the late 1970s when I graduated from college. We became fast friends, speeding around town on our bikes. She never was too busy to stop & hear what was new in my life. I also greatly admired her mother, who wrote a lovely tribute to Becky in the old Philadelphia Bulletin. The world is a lonelier place without dear Becky. RIP
2018 Women's March Art Museum
Along with all of her talents, abilities, grace, and quirks she had the most amazing and expressive eye rolls... They were always meaningful and pointed and correct, if not always politically so.
After our gig at Cafe Malelani. Nobody did fiddle on "All Along the Watchtower" like Becky.
Mickey and Becky
a special moment with a special woman..✨💖
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGa9oLNzj3U
DJ Becky and Becky in her backyard -- ca. 1995.
I feel like I can't begin to describe the wonderful, and meaningful, times that Becky and I have shared. On the other hand, I feel like, if I do begin, I won't be able to END. Becky and I met on the "set" of the Philadelphia. women's movement, back in the 70s. And over the years and decades we ran into each other about town, and just talked, and talked. We're both been talkers! Finally we decided to connect at musicians: she as violinist and me pianist. We'd meet once a week to play much, and to talk -- and reminisce and laugh. What comes to mind right now is childhood stuff. We both loved Howdy Doody! And Little Lulu! We'd also eat out at Nan Phuong, a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant in that mall on 11th and Washington. We'd eat and talk into the evening... Maybe I'll write another post on this site, b/c I'm sure I'll remember more and more about our wonderful friendship. I've been missing her for the past months, and I'll continue to miss her. (At least during the pandemic we got to talk on the phone...) I'm so glad that she went peacefully.
This is how I will always remember you. I love you, forever. Cat
How sad I am to learn of Becky's passing. We were dear Friends since the late 1970s. I always treasured our conversations. When my mother died, she took me to lunch at Passage to India & comforted me tenderly. We both were avid cyclists. But she never was too busy to stop when she was me & catch up on all the news. The world is a much lonelier place without dear Becky. RIP
Songs Becky Likes (Part 2). Sunday, November 6 at Malelani Cafe, 1-4 pm. 6734 Germantown Ave. Come celebrate Becky's life and song with a gathering at Malelani. The event will include a few songs by Mickey and Stacy, and by Rusty and Jan, followed by an open mic where anyone can come up to play a song or two that Becky likes. Sign-ups will be at the event. Malelani is a restaurant and you can order delicious Mediterranean food, drinks and/or desserts there
I was blessed to be one of Becky's music friends. I knew her from Spring Things, Fall Flings, house jams and years of Thanksgiving celebrations, the Women's March. The songs she played at these events overlapped my favorite types of music, so I would always seek her out at these events. I loved singing high harmonies to accompany her beautiful, rich alto voice. I will miss her terribly.
John Riley - Becky and Stacy 2014
Becky singing Every Grain of Sand April 2020
Love Minus Zero around 2020
Becky playing Nashville City Limits around 2014
Becky playing Trees they Grow High around 2014
Wednesday October 12 from 2- 5 pm. Open jamming in Narberth park 80 Windsor Avenue near the gazebo for those who would like to gather in memory of Becky and send some music into the fall air. I will bring some chairs and starter snacks. Please bring a chair if you have one, and something to share. Or just yourselves and your songs is good also. Feel free to add others who knew Becky
Becky was one of the first people I met at my first Fall Fling. I always looked forward to hearing her sing and play.
A voice like an angel. My special memory is Becky reached out to me in many ways not just by singing. She was a special friend to us all. I am heartbroken.
I got to know Becky at a Spring Thing when she hosted a workshop. She became a regular for the past few years at the last Friday sings that my wife and I host. She knew and had practiced for performance thousands of songs. She had a way of presenting a song that drew you in. In particular, I liked her way of presenting Bob Dylan’s music. Her rendition of Hard Rains Gonna’ Fall was magical. She also loved to sing harmonies, and was accomplished a it. I will miss her in the song circle, but know she will find one where she has gone.
Becky loved this song.
Becky singing One Too Many Mornings by Bob Dylan
Becky singing Tomorrow is a Long Time
Becky singing Tomorrow is a Long Time by Dylan
Becky singing Geordie
Becky singing Lay it Down by Waylon Jennings
Send Gifts and Donations
Show your support by sending a sympathy gift or making a donation.
