Damn -- James Hyter died today

The Ol' Man of the River is silent now.

James Hyter (1922 - 2009) died today. From 1978 to 1997, he was one of the consistent features (and to many, one of the main highlights) of the annual Memphis in May Sunset Symphony. I can remember being down in Tom Lee Park, watching the sun sink into the west on the far side of the Mighty Mississippi, and joining thousands of others in singing along with this man's beautiful voice for "Ol' Man River"... my voice *almost* as low as his even when I was only 13. And like thousands of others, I yelled until I was hoarse, hoping to get him to do just *one* more encore.

For those who've never heard him, you can go here. For those who have heard him... you already understand.

Rest in peace, James. You made the Ol' Man something special and beautiful, and I know that for me, it will never be the same.

::salutes the now-empty stage::

Damn -- James Hyter died today

The Ol' Man of the River is silent now.

James Hyter (1922 - 2009) died today. From 1978 to 1997, he was one of the consistent features (and to many, one of the main highlights) of the annual Memphis in May Sunset Symphony. I can remember being down in Tom Lee Park, watching the sun sink into the west on the far side of the Mighty Mississippi, and joining thousands of others in singing along with this man's beautiful voice for "Ol' Man River"... my voice *almost* as low as his even when I was only 13. And like thousands of others, I yelled until I was hoarse, hoping to get him to do just *one* more encore.

For those who've never heard him, you can go here. For those who have heard him... you already understand.

Rest in peace, James. You made the Ol' Man something special and beautiful, and I know that for me, it will never be the same.

::salutes the now-empty stage::