Loonis McGlohon and his trio was presented on a Sunday afternoon last August in Keppel Auditorium by the Rowan County Concert Association. This may have been his last performance and, shortly afterward, a large 80th birthday party was held in Charlotte at the McGlohon Theatre to acknowledge his lifelong accomplishments.

After reading the Salisbury Post’s coverage of the loss of this great musician and Rose Post’s interesting article, we would just like to add a few notes to his memory.

This gifted pianist/composer played with his trio the world over and has been honored in so many ways. Rather than living in a big entertainment center like New York, he loved his Charlotte home with his wife, Nan, and was kind enough to grant a phone interview to a Post reporter before our concert, “The Carolina Connection.” From his piano bench, he narrated and explored the contributions of the famous musicians and singers from our state with an intimate down-home feeling that was so genuine and sincere.

Known as one of the great accompanists of all time, he played for his vocalist from Durham and New York, Randa McNamara, and led his trio with ease. After the show, he spent an hour in the lobby signing autographs and visiting with everyone.

Whenever we hear “Blackberry Winter,” “Songbird”and “Carolina Is My Home,” we will remember that wonderful afternoon. Someday we will realize that his contribution to American popular music and to the world is bigger than any that this talented man told us about from the Keppel stage!

— Floyd and Jo Walcher

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Floyd Walcher is president of the Rowan County Concert Association.