Jon Glik, 56, one of bluegrass music’s top fiddlers, is fit enough able to play again after a year where he almost died, according to a report on Baltimore’s Eyewitness News a few days ago.
Regular readers will recall our previous posting of a story regarding his very serious illness. Glik had been suffering for a long time with liver failure, during which time he was in pain almost all the time and was unable to use his hands. Evidently, he was unable to play music during that time.
Glik had been a member of Del McCoury’s Dixie Pals and worked with David Grisman and Frank Wakefield. He was a fixture on the Baltimore/Washington bluegrass scene since the 1970s.
Musicians from across the country have participated in several benefit shows to raise money to help meet considerable medical costs. As is common with many bluegrass musicians, Glik didn’t have any medical insurance. One gathering took place in Upperco, Maryland, in October to help raise money for Glik and to boost his spirits.
Glik comments …..
“I heard from friends I hadn’t heard from in 20 or 30 years. Their support helped me have a positive attitude.”
Thankfully, a liver became available and transplant surgery was performed November 18 at the University Of Maryland Medical Center. Transplant surgeon Dr Luis Campos was frank about Glik’s condition and his prospects ‚Ķ.
“Without the new liver, I doubt if Jon would have lived till the new year.”
For his part, Jon encourages people to donate organs for transplant ….
“I urge everyone to please donate their organs. Without it, I would not be here today.”
Glik, his girlfriend, guitar player Tracey Eldridge, and banjo playing pal Mike Munford helped show how far Jon has come back by playing several tunes for Eyewitness News.
For those who would like to contribute to help Glik’s medical costs or send a Get Well card can do so by writing to Jon’s sister at ‚Ķ
PO Box 4005
Annapolis, MD 21403
Checks should be made payable to Jon Glik Medical Fund.
Footnote: I remember Glik during better times as a tourist in England during the early 1980s, performing with Del McCoury and the Dixie Pals.
Get well soon, Jon.
