I met Sam shortly after I arrived at Scripps in 1965 but learned of his work when I worked at the Vancouver Public Aquarium, Sam was a true pioneer in the aquarium field and was well thought of by his colleagues and fellow pioneers such as Chris Coates of the New York Aquarium and Earl Herald of the Steinhart Aquarium. Among other things he was known for his artistic labels which decorated the aquarium as well as for his educational field trips for children,the importance of which was ignored by the institution at that time. He along with Roger Revelle founded the Junior Oceanographers, a classic outreach program ,enjoyed by parents as well as their children. I admire Sam for his good work and his many contributions to society.

So sorry to learn, only today, of Sam's death. He surely brought joy to my family and extended family.

Elspeth

Had Sam not been so multi-talented and concentrated solely on folk song, he would have likely attained a status comparable to Pete Seeger.

My children were raised on his renditions of folk songs. I corresponded with him very, very briefly -- but, long enough to know that he was a true gentleman.

Thank you Sam - I "fell in love" with you in 1960 during an extension class on Sea Life, you were so kind and gentle, cute and smart. Much later, you autographed my copy of your children's album. That record was a mainstay in my Second Grade classes over the years:
"Who ever shall have some good peanuts" brings tears of laughter to my heart. You had a lasting impact on so many - the mark of an angel.

Bless your beautiful spirit. xxxooo

Just played Whoever Shally Have Some Good Peanuts for the children...and happened to look at the SH website and so sad to hear of his passing...but long rich life in which he enriched the masses. Peace to SH and his family and thank you for the multitude of gifts that he has given the world.

I took a class from Sam about 1993 in using folksongs in teaching (at U.C. extension in Santa Clara). The class was great, but even better was knowing Sam. He was a role-model for a folksinging teacher, writer, musician, etc. And even though I only knew him for three or four days, he was an example of a sweet, honest, skilled, humble, gentle westerner, that is, a hero. I'll never forget his generosity and kindness. I gave him a songbook I was working on, and he gave me a nearly complete set of his tapes. Cherished recordings.

So sad to hear of Sam's passing. I had the pleasure of sharing his stage at the Claremont Folk Festival back in the mid 80's and there I realized what a National treasure he was. He brought joy to countless thousands of folks young & old by showing them the pleasure to be found in music, song & story. My condolences to his family and I miss you Sam. Redmond O Colonies

It was such a treasure to know Sam.
(I am Bob Hamburger's sister)

My children adored a record we had of him singing songs for kids. I wish I still had a copy of it!!!

My deepest sympathies.

Love, Evy

A respectful tribute from a marine biologist wanna-be and former harmonica player to a wonderful with a big heart. Please maintain the websit so that more and more people can learn about Sam's life and work. Blessings to all of you

Gratefully,

Eko Little

My Aunt and Uncle, Bob & Sonia brought my family a copy of "Whoever Shall Have Some Good Peanuts" when I was a child. I have such fond memories of us all listening and singing along to Sam's music. I'm saddened to learn of his passing, though I'll have his music to keep him alive in my memories.

I had the honor of going to Sam Hinton's house in La Jolla when I was a freshman at UCSD in 1965. He performed for a small group of us and I'll never forget his humor and welcoming nature. My children grew up with "Whoever Shall Have Some Good Peanuts".
Thank you, Sam, you had some good peanuts and gave many neighbors some.

My condolences to Sam's children and grandchildren. I knew Sam slightly when I was married to Michael Cooney in the early seventies and my son Sam was named for him. He wrote a hornpipe for my Sam which we treasure. He was a God's wonder on the harmonica and one of my happiest memories of him was when he was the closing act (against much advice, but Michael insisted) at a National Folk Festival evening concert and he absolutely brought down the house. He was a one in a million guy and I'm so sorry distance kept us from keeping him, and Leslie, in our lives. Lucy Cooney

God bless this very special man
Who made our lives so sweet
He played the notes and melodies
That sounded so complete

Rest in peace Mr. Hinton.

I hope you teach all the angels how to play a harp like you did.

I have been listening and playing Sam Hinton's music with my two year old son since he was born. He loves the music and we thank Sam Hinton for all the joy he has brought to our lives. He will be missed but his spirit lives on in the music that he shares with all of us.

I live in Ga and wonder if there are any relation ties. My family came in through North Carolina. The above site is my son's. Music must run in the family. My condolences.

Oh, how we loved to hear Sam sing! He performed at many Mingei Museum Christmas parties and delighted us with his songs and stories. We remember those magical times so fondly--some of our best-ever Christmas gifts!

I gave a tribute to Mr. Hinton on Friday the 9th without knowing it. I introduced my American History class to him by playing a recording of his about John Smith. They loved it. I intend to give them more as we progress through the year. God blessed us by giving him to the world.

My sincere sympathies to Sam' s family. I loved his music as a child and still listen to his songs. I so admire his humor, his musicianship and his spirit. I still sing the Eagle's Lullaby to any small child I am putting to bed.

May his memory always be a blessing.

My three boys were raised on Sam Hinton songs. They were the ones that ordered the CD's later for their own children - I only had the record albums. They also were the ones who told spread the word to us of his passing. Sam was a big part of their childhood, and they remember him fondly.

Stories about bean clams and goose barnacles.
Calligraphy in Rise Up Singing.
The softest smile ever.
It's a long way from amphioxus.
Forever in my heart.