DANIEL "THE PIANO MAN" PATRICK DORAN Daniel "The Piano Man" Patrick Doran, 64, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on August 3, 2016, after losing his battle with brain cancer. Dan was born on July 2, 1952, to the late Anna and Charles Doran. He attended Rockhurst High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dan's first love was music. He was a self-taught pianist, and began a professional career in the early 70's playing in various honky-tonks across the Kansas City metro with a long list of bands. After a year of touring the US and Canada with the band Spectrum, he returned to Kansas City in '78 and began playing with bands such as The Bourbon Cowboys and The Dixie Cadillacs. Around this time he began his day job with the United States Post Office as a letter carrier. Dan founded The Dan Doran Band in 1988, after a long stint of playing with his idol, Little Hatch. They gained a large local following at such venues as the Grand Emporium and Night Moves. In 1991, they recorded their first album "Alive In Kansas City." It received critical acclaim and heavy air play on Blues stations throughout the world. Dan later released two subsequent albums: "Kansas City," and "Bring it on Home." He was best known for his evocative covers of Van Morrison and his unique performing style, which Kansas City Star music critic Jess Ritter aptly described, referring to him as a "shaggy bionic metronome." There was no request he couldn't oblige. In 2012, after 30 years of service, Dan Doran retired from the post office. His newfound free time allowed him to explore some of his other hobbies, including watching the Kansas City Royals, traveling, and photography. His memory will forever live on in the beautiful music and photos he created, as well as the good, kind, gracious man everyone knew him to be. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Shelley Taylor-Doran, his children, Tom (Lucy), Daniel (Anastasia), Laci (Jason), Hannah (Aries) and Caitlin (Greg), and his grandchildren, Daniel B., Danny M., Audrey, Harmony, and Melody. In keeping with the spirit of Dan's life, and to honor his legacy as a musician, a memorial service and jam session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Knuckleheads Saloon, 2715 Rochester Ave., KCMO. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you send all donations to Band of Angels bandofangelskc.com

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Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL DORAN

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25 Entries

Dan the Blues and Piano man

Dick Rome

April 14, 2019

Dan was a great friend since the early seventies. I remember meeting him after getting off work at the Campus Madhouse. My friends and I gathered at an old house in the Westport area. Dan joined the gathering and sat down at the piano. This was before he sang. When he started playing, my jaw dropped. His powerful hands and fingers were all over the keyboard. The blues format was intoxicating. I reconnected with Dan in the late 80's and followed him to the end. Dan is sorely missed. His music is enjoyed with the three CD's I have. Rock on Dan.

Denise Childers

January 27, 2018

So sorry to hear Dan passed away! The last apartment where I lived in Kansas City was on Libery street and Dan and Jan lived across the street from me. I remember him jamming in his house and I sometimes babysat their son, Daniel. Does anyone know where Jan (formerly Tvedten) is now?

Tom Hartman

June 8, 2017

When my wife Lisa and I were dating we would go to the Phoenix to see Dan. He liked Heineken so I would keep them coming. After we left the area we would hunt him down on our return trips since his music was so special. Sorry to hear of his struggle and passing.
Tom and Lisa Hartman

November 26, 2016

My husband and I made special trips to Kansas City just to hear Dan Doran. We so enjoyed hearing him and watching that beautiful head of hair swaying as he played. Miss him. Shirley Levin

Around 1970

Linda Schwartz

August 30, 2016

At lunch, 2012

Terry Schwartz

August 24, 2016

I have finally shed enough tears over the past few weeks that I am able to put down some words to express my admiration of this wonderful man. I humbly extend my most sincere condolences to his wife, partners, children, brothers and many friends. I hope that all of you, in sharing some part of your lives with him, have come away with memories to comfort and console you. I knew Dan for 50 years and am consoled by some of my own memories. Perhaps sharing them will be helpful for all of us.

I remember a young man with twinkling eyes and a great shock of red hair banging away on an old upright piano on my family's back porch. I was a technician with the keys, but he was an artist. He loved my mother's fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

I remember a long night's ride with a beautiful young woman in his old Mustang convertible, barreling toward Colorado for a Grateful Dead concert in Boulder. Music was so much a part of our lives.

I remember his loving patience with his children, despite troubles and tribulations in his own life. He was an everyday hero.

I remember his sheer delight and energy the many times I saw him perform. He appeared transformed when he played. His joy was our joy. Kansas City has lost a talented native son.

I remember him sitting patiently in the pews of the funeral home at my father's wake. When I finally saw him, we embraced and he very sincerely expressed his admiration of my father's humility and courage. Truly a gracious act from a generous man.

I remember him sitting on my couch sharing his own memories of our times together with that explosive laugh of his, sometimes lapsing into his "old man's" voice he had used since his youth. He was a great mimic, with a sharp wit.

I am sure there are other memories that will surface after so much time with this dear boy and talented man. They are all the more precious now.

May we all embrace him through our own memories.

I will see you at the end of the trail, old friend.

Visiting Ellensburg

Terry Schwartz

August 19, 2016

With my sisters Linda and Barb

Terry Schwartz

August 19, 2016

Our last dinner

Terry Schwartz

August 19, 2016

Nancy Livengood

August 18, 2016

So sorry to hear of such a great loss to our community. I have been in awe watching him play the piano at different venues around KC. He will be greatly missed by all.

Samantha J Shepherd

August 13, 2016

I knew Dan through music. He was the best. I was a vocalist at one time all over KC - and about four years ago, we were in a debate about Joe Cocker's song, "You Can Leave your Hat On". He said he wasn't performing that one and I told him I'd bet that I could vocalize it better. Talked again about six months later and he mentioned that he had worked it up. Dan - you won the debate. I'm proud to have known you, Dan, for who you are - The Piano Man.

Samantha J

Marsha Hill

August 13, 2016

I am so sorry to hear that Dan has passed. I just heard it on tonight, on Saturday night Blues from Chuck Hadduck on KCUR. My condolences to the entire family, but especially to Dan and Anastasia, who introduced me to Dan, Sr. RIP Dan "The Piano Man". I know that he's playing piano in a band in Heaven. Marsha Hill, Kansas City, MO

Jose Jimenez

August 10, 2016

A great loss of one more of our Rockhurst class Brothers and though there was so much more to Dan's life, I will always remember him as a kind, laid back person, eager to help others! Sincere condolences and prayers for the Doran Family.

Kathy Ragan

August 9, 2016

What a sad day for us to lose this wonderful man! We loved him so very much!

Joe Welsh

August 9, 2016

My condolences to all who knew and loved Dan.

I worked with him down at Chapman recording in the late 70's. He was always a pro and always a good time!

Kansas City will miss this most wonderful piano man!

Au revoir, Dan.

Jon Lamar

August 8, 2016

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Doran family. I worked with Dan for 27 years and love him as a friend and as a co-worker. I still have a CD that he gave me called Kansas City. He was a wonderful person with a big heart and I was proud to call him my coworker and friend.Jon Lamar

Mary Lee & Rick Gilchrist

August 8, 2016

Hannah, Caitlin, Laci and family our deepest sympathy with great big hugs sent your way as you embark this terrible experience of life. RIP Dan!

August 8, 2016

Condolences to the family and friends and the KC music community. He always had a smile and a good sense of humor and so much love for music. Maybe they'll get together a new band in a better place...

Best wishes,

Jennifer Combs
Kansas City

Suai Colbert

August 8, 2016

Dan was a fantastic musician and I am honored I had the chance to work for him booking The Dan Doran Band. Prayers and strength to his Friends and family members. He will be missed.

Tasha House

August 8, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you as a part of the LINC family.

Tasha House

jigger james

August 8, 2016

A very kind, gentle man with a special talent/gift that he shared so generously.

Dana Blay

August 7, 2016

Dan was one of the good ones! I'm honored to have been one who got to play sax with him and his band! I'll always think of him as a friend. I'll miss you Dan!

Heidi Andre

August 7, 2016

Oh Shelley, I am just so, so sorry for your loss. I know the ONLY comfort is that he is not suffering anymore, but that doesn't take away your heartache. Praying for you. Sending strength.