The California bluegrass world was blessed to receive Jeanie Poling’s powerful contributions for as long as we did. Although she lived with cancer for several years, her passing on Aug. 26 seemed sudden for those of us that loved her.
Jeanie’s grace, strength, and lust for life was a through line – she seemed practically invincible in the face of incredible health challenges. “Jeanie’s been so brave and so tough through[out] that I guess a lot of us figured she could fight off everything,” her husband Chuck said.
Jeanie approached music with pure joy. She didn’t have the hangups that ego and self-doubt bring to so many of us musicians. She lived in the reality that a relationship with music could be simple, and dang if it felt good then let’s keep on doing it!
Perhaps it was that her gorgeous singing voice came so naturally, or that she knew her power as a community builder. All I know is that the twinkle in her eye when she was doing what she loved and the music was thriving was a reward beyond words.
Her generosity of spirit was not confined to her own music-making, but was reflected in her outspoken appreciation for the music of others. As hosts of the Plough and Stars bluegrass jam for over 20 years and monthly local showcases that gave many SF bluegrassers their start, Jeanie and Chuck were a pair whose name preceded them.
Chuck & Jeanie Poling at 2026 Father’s Day Fest – Photo by Robin Frenette
Jeanie cultivated a vast array of musicians who are more determined and confident in themselves for having been touched by her, beyond what she even knew. She will be truly missed.