Michael Saul Quitt, a beloved figure in the Baltimore cultural scene and a co-founder of the Baltimore Folk Music Society, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 75. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the local and regional folk music world, where he was not only a talented performer but also a mentor, organizer, and friend.
Born in 1949, Michael’s passion for music emerged early and remained a central part of his life. His ability to weave stories through song and bring people together through shared musical traditions helped shape the vibrant folk music community in Baltimore and beyond. Alongside a small group of like-minded enthusiasts, he co-founded the Baltimore Folk Music Society, which has since grown into a beloved institution promoting folk music, dance, and traditions for over four decades.
Michael’s impact extended well beyond performance. He was a guiding light for many younger musicians, generously offering his time, knowledge, and encouragement. Whether leading jam sessions, organizing community dances, or teaching folk guitar techniques, Michael brought warmth and inclusion to every endeavor. He had a rare gift for making others feel at home in the folk community, nurturing a spirit of collaboration and celebration.
Outside of music, Michael was a man of diverse passions. An avid collector of fountain pens, he delighted in the craftsmanship and history of these writing instruments. His knowledge of nibs, inks, and pen lore was as deep as his musical archives, and he was known to share handwritten letters and notes with a flourish uniquely his own. He also loved the outdoors, frequently hiking the trails around Maryland and setting sail whenever he had the chance, seeking tranquility in nature that mirrored the soulful simplicity of the music he cherished.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Susan Davis, whose partnership was a source of strength and joy throughout his later years. He also leaves behind his devoted stepchildren, Andrew and Brian Davis, who deeply admired his creativity, kindness, and zest for life.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Michael remember not just his music, but his laughter, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community. He was a living archive of folk traditions and a storyteller whose songs will continue to echo through the halls of local venues, in the strumming of guitars, and in the hearts of those he inspired.
In celebration of his life, the Baltimore Folk Music Society will host a memorial gathering and concert in his honor, where friends, family, and fellow musicians will come together to sing the songs he loved, share stories, and carry forward the spirit of inclusion and joy that defined Michael’s legacy.
Michael Saul Quitt’s melody may have quieted, but his harmony lives on—in every note played, every dance called, and every life he touched.
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