memories of
Franny Hoffman
Franny "Mad Dog" Hoffmann
December 8, 1953 - August 28, 1998




A verse from 'You're Pullin' Into the Party' ...

"Fran, we can't stop thinkin' of you,
Too many good times get in the way,
It's a measure of how much we love you,
There's an emptiness fills every day!"

- Fred Moore, 1998

"I was just getting to know him, in a way that I had never known him before. I wish we could have had more time together here on this earth. I was in awe at the impact of his passing, how this loss touched so many, so deeply. He gave us yet another dimension of closeness, and we realize how short life is, and how important it is to hold onto this moment, to each other, to those we so love ... and the Grillbillie family experiences greater depths of sadness and heights of joy than we have ever known. Franny gave us that. And he will be with us forever. In Grillbillie Heaven. Thank you, Franny, for all that you have given us."
- Linda Marcera (from The Daughters of Bluegrass)

"Every once in a while, a person comes along that touches many lives. Franny 'Mad Dog' Hoffmann was such a person. We were very fortunate to have 'Mad Dog' in our lives. He always made us laugh and he made everyone feel special. His passing was devastating to all the Grillbillies."
- Bob Meehan
("Harmonica Bob" from Stained Grass Window)

snow covered apple tree

"If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture." (Franny used this line when closing out a Second Wind set.)
- Danny Stewart (from Second Wind)



Quotes from the "Grillbillies Album Band, Volume 1" (1999, Yee Haw Records)
- originally collated by Jodie Fishbein, whom we thank for her generous input.


Back to Big Apple Bluegrass Home Page

Big Apple Bluegrass