(LARRY) WISON peacefully passed away on July 12 2020. born 11-27-1945 in Quitman Mississippi to SAMUEL and KATIE WILSON. He attended Garfield High and Olympic College where He earned His degree in Arts (music). Larry played music throughout His academic years even becoming the first African-American Drum Major at Garfield High.
Larry played music locally with a host of local bands and musicians. One of the bands was the Jimmy Hanna Band of which they recorded a hit song written by Larry entitled "New York Philly" this song played on KYAC Radio and at the time of sale was the longest number one record on the station. Jay Thomas of the Jimmy Hanna Band remembers: "Larry lived the music...Larry had a gruff sax in the mold of King Curtis and Junior Walker". Benorce Blackmon remembers: "I started playing music with Larry Wilson in my late teens with an young organ player name of Ronnie Buford. , the next thing I know we're playing clubs all over and around the Central District. we worked the 4-10 SUPPER CLUB , I think the " CHECKMATE" on 23rd , THE HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT , THE BLACK & TAN SUPPER CLUB where we played behind whoever came to town. My first ever plane ride was with Larry Wilson to GREAT FALLS , MONTANA , we played at DUFFY'S LOUNGE WOW ! what an experience that was . we went from Seattle to San Francisco and back playing music then we recorded this little downtown record called ' DEEP soul "Larry played baritone sax on that recording . I come to find out later from the guy who own the record company , DEEP SOUL WAS BIG ALL OVER THE United States. Right to this day I can still remember and play some of the musical ideas I learned from Larry and not to mention the fun two guys from Seattle , Washington had making the music we love." REST IN PEACE MY C.D. BROTHER AND WHAT FUN WE HAD IN THE GROOVE OF MAKING MUSIC.
As the word spread about his professionalism and musical skill, he was hired to play with such acts as James Brown and Johnny “Guitar” Watson to name a few. His brightest moments came in the late 60’s when he was hired by the Ike and Tina Turner Revue.
LAWRENCE was preceded in death by His Father SAMUEL SR, His MOTHER KATIE, His BROTHER WILLIAM, His WIFE PORTIA WILSON (OWENS) THEIR DAUGHTER DOROTHEA WILSON ( , Portia Ezell, Jayonna Barber, Future Stevenson, and Shanquelle Fisher), the Love of His Life GOLDIE HiLL (Elizabeth, Delane, Josiah).
LAWRENCE leaves to mourn Sister's Sandra, Debra, Brothers Sam Jr, Donald (Lucy), Steven. and a Host of Nephews and Nieces.
Do to Covid 19 there will be no viewing.
