Beautiful tribute to someone who lived in the orbit of literary giants yet carved her own path. The detail about that license plate frame says so much about Jami's spirit and the unique intimacy she had with Kerouac. My grandfather was a dancer too, and that knee injury story is brutal when you think about all those years of training just evaporating in a moment. What could've been a career-defining tregedy instead became just one chapter in what sounds like a full lif.
RIP Jami. She was so friendly when I visited her home a few years ago, showing me her various Beat memorabilia including Carolyn's excellent paintings of Jack, Neal, Ginsberg, etc. She let me hold Neal's famous hammer too. We stayed in touch and I was hoping to see her tonight at the Neal 100th birthday event in Berkeley. Thanks for this post.
Sad indeed. Yes, I noted there was a 100th birthday commemoration this weekend. I think I'd assumed for some time that her recent illness would have left her unable to attend anyway.
I got to meet up with Jami and Randy and hear fun stories and ask questions and she was so gracious and friendly. Just said a prayer for her family and friends.
Beautiful commentary John - best wishes California legends Jami & Bobby weir - the world was a better place because of them - nice insight into her ballet background - Jami will be missed - a historical connection to the Beat shot fired round the world and a continuation of the love that began on the road. Frisco Tony
I am deeply sorry for your loss, John. I did not know Jami well but we spoke online a few times and by old-fashioned mail once. She was incredibly friendly and helpful.
Beautiful tribute to someone who lived in the orbit of literary giants yet carved her own path. The detail about that license plate frame says so much about Jami's spirit and the unique intimacy she had with Kerouac. My grandfather was a dancer too, and that knee injury story is brutal when you think about all those years of training just evaporating in a moment. What could've been a career-defining tregedy instead became just one chapter in what sounds like a full lif.
I am glad you were touched by this tribute. Her brother shared details I was certainly unaware of, the dancing details particularly.
RIP Jami. She was so friendly when I visited her home a few years ago, showing me her various Beat memorabilia including Carolyn's excellent paintings of Jack, Neal, Ginsberg, etc. She let me hold Neal's famous hammer too. We stayed in touch and I was hoping to see her tonight at the Neal 100th birthday event in Berkeley. Thanks for this post.
Sad indeed. Yes, I noted there was a 100th birthday commemoration this weekend. I think I'd assumed for some time that her recent illness would have left her unable to attend anyway.
I got to meet up with Jami and Randy and hear fun stories and ask questions and she was so gracious and friendly. Just said a prayer for her family and friends.
Gentle memories…
Beautiful commentary John - best wishes California legends Jami & Bobby weir - the world was a better place because of them - nice insight into her ballet background - Jami will be missed - a historical connection to the Beat shot fired round the world and a continuation of the love that began on the road. Frisco Tony
A touching overview for sure. I thought, Tony, you would like the dance details which John shared.
I am deeply sorry for your loss, John. I did not know Jami well but we spoke online a few times and by old-fashioned mail once. She was incredibly friendly and helpful.