Larry Pierce, who served as musical director for the Oklahoma City Gridiron show for 25 years or so, died over the weekend. He was setting up for one of his regular appearances with his jazz band at a restaurant/club on Friday night when he had a massive heart attack. He had no prior history of heart trouble (to my knowledge,) but he could not be revived.
His memorial service was on Sunday, and it demonstrated the enormous affection and respect that he has earned over the years. Despite fairly short notice, dozens of muscians were there to pay their respects, and many of them performed. In fact, it was one of those rare services that was interrupted often by enthusiastic applause. Larry would have approved.
He was largely a self-taught musician, but he started with a rare gift. He was a kind of musical savant who remembered virtually every song he ever heard and could play it by ear immediately and just as well decades later -- not just the melody, but with full accompaniment and flourishes as needed.
He was kind, funny, generous, patient and encouraging to everyone with whom he worked and, I don't doubt for a moment, everyone he encountered. He was 70. From my perspective, that's not nearly as old as it used to be. All of us will miss him like crazy.
OKC sadness
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silvercamaro
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OKC sadness
Now generating the White Hot Glare of Righteousness on behalf of BBs everywhere.
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littlebeast13
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Re: OKC sadness
I'm very sorry to hear of this....
He and his band did a wonderful job turning the musical parodies you all wrote into showstopping numbers in the five years I attended Gridiron. I'm sure it won't be the same without him...
RIP
lb13
He and his band did a wonderful job turning the musical parodies you all wrote into showstopping numbers in the five years I attended Gridiron. I'm sure it won't be the same without him...
RIP
lb13
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Beebs52
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SportsFan68
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Re: OKC sadness
I am so sorry to learn of this. He was truly amazing and will leave a big hole in Gridiron.
-- In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.
-- America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking. -- Wilma Mankiller
-- America would be a better place if leaders would do more long-term thinking. -- Wilma Mankiller
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kayrharris
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Re: OKC sadness
Anyone who has been to Gridiron knows what a talent this gentleman possessed. I'm very sorry to hear about his sudden passing.
He will be missed.
kay
He will be missed.
kay
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