Re: [Harp-L] Charlie Leighton 1922- 2009

[Robert Paparozzi <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Deepest Condolences to a GREAT person and player like no other....we'll miss
You Charles.

Rob Paparozzi


On 9/27/09 1:32 PM, "wgalison@xxxxxxx" <wgalison@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> Dear Friends,
> 
> 
> 
> Our dear friend and teacher, and perhaps the greatest harmonica player ever,
> Charles Leighton, has died at age 88. Charlie was an eminently elegant,
> generous, gracious and talented man. ?He taught us that as an instrument of
> tonal beauty and range of expression,?the harmonica could stand proudly
> alongside any other melodic instrument.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Moreover, Charlie was a musician of stunning virtuosity and sensitivity. He
> would have been a celebrated master instrumentalist on any instrument, and we
> can only be grateful that he chose the humble harmonica to express his
> exquisite musicianship.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Charles was a great friend and mentor to me and the others who descended on
> his apartment every Tuesday for nearly thirty years, Those "Tuesdays" sessions
> witnessed astonishing performances by Charlie as well as countless laughs,
> deep discussions and simple affection among Charlie and his friends.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYV5vU1Ju1k
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Charlie was the "gold standard" of harmonica players, whose music will
> continue to inspire and instruct as long as people continue to play the
> harmonica, in terms of tone, technique and sheer musicality.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> This posting is not an obituary, just a brief announcement. A few of Charlie's
> friends are working on an obituary for the New York Times to be published
> soon, We will post it here as well.?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> At Charlie's request, there will be no formal funeral. We are arranging a
> website to honor Charlie, and a celebration of his life and music, to be held
> in the coming weeks, to which all will be invited. The location and date will
> be announced on Harp L.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> In our shared loving memory of Charlie,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Will
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Please pass this to other friends and fans of Charlie.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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All the best,
Rob Paparozzi

email: 
chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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