Carmen Dragon Obituary

Dragon, Carmen
January 17, 1948 - July 11, 2010
Carmen Dragon, loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend and accomplished harpist, pianist, music director, and teacher, passed away early Sunday morning, July 11, 2010, from complications due to late stage cancer at the age of 62. Carmen's life was filled with music and beaches, having been born into a very musical family and raised on Carbon Beach in Malibu, California. Her father, the late Carmen Dragon, was best known for his arrangement of America the Beautiful and Oscar award-winning musical talent for which he earned a star on Hollywood's walk of fame. Her late mother, Eloise, a classically trained soprano, co-hosted a radio show and recorded numerous television soundtracks during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Carmen is survived by her daughter and son, Kelly and Quincy, their spouses, Charles and Jennifer, four grandchildren, Sean, Dylan, Drew and Katie, her brother, Doug (pianist), her brother, Daryl ("Captain" from the Captain and Tennille), her brother, Dennis (drummer and producer for the Surf Punks), and her sister, Kathy (flutist). In addition to her career as a concert harpist in the Glendale Symphony Orchestra, recording credits on numerous television shows, creation of four harp CDs (both original compositions and classics), and work as a soloist, conductor, music director, and harp and piano teacher, Carmen spent the last decade of her life living on the beautiful island of Kauai, where she earned her bachelor's degree and established the North Shore School of Music. Beyond all of her musical work and contributions, however, her proudest achievement, in her own words, was her grandchildren. Carmen will be deeply missed for the joy and spirit she brought to all of us. We love you Tutu. A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Malibu, 3625 South Winter Canyon Road, Malibu, California 90265 on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Malibu in honor of Carmen Dragon.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Carmen Dragon

10 Entries

Naomi Sato

August 3, 2010

Carmen taught me how to play the harp when I was in high school in the mid 90's. During my lesson, I would often ask her to play a piece so I can hear how it goes. I knew how it went but I just wanted to hear her play because she played so beautifully. I only knew her as a private teacher but I can honestly say that the things she taught me have stuck and I am a better musician because of her, even 15 years later.

lisa murray

August 1, 2010

my fondest memory of Carmen was singing with her at the "Starlight Bowl" in Burbank...We did an amazing arrangement by Victore Vanacore of Stevie Wonders "If It's Magic"..She was truly magical and I'm sure she is playing in Heaven to a standing ovation..

lisa murray

August 1, 2010

my fondest memory of Carmen was singing with her at the "Starlight Bowl" in Burbank...we did an amazing arrangement of Stevie Wonders "If It's Magic" by Victor Vanacore.. Just harp and voice...truly beautiful..I know they love her playing up in Heaven....Lisa Murray

Victor Vanacore

July 29, 2010

I first met Carmen Dragon on a gig in the late 70's and we remained friends ever since. I met her in Kauai for coffee about 5 years ago and all she talked about was music and her grandchildren and of course, her Dad. Carmen was a special person and always looked you in the eyes when you spoke to her. Today is July 29 and someone just called me to tell me the news about Carmen. I will never forget her.

Bobby Shulgold

July 19, 2010

I've known Carmen for years. We'd played lots of jobs over the years , and even made a flute & harp disc together. Carmen had a truly warm smile and an infectious laugh. She was always so supportive of those she cared for, and we'll all miss her very much.

jan hart

July 19, 2010

Kathy, so sorry about your sister. I have often wondered where you were. I have a lot of memories with your family in Malibu. Jan Buckley Hart

Kauai, HI

Margie Maseda

July 18, 2010

Carmen was blessed with the gift of musical talent. She used her talent for the glory of her Creator and shared it humbly with the rest of us. I will miss her greatly but her angelic music will forever play in my heart and soul. Carmen nows plays in the highest orchestra for her GOD. Amen to that. Margie Maseda

Angeline Welk

July 17, 2010

To the family of Carmen Dragon

Carmen was my harp teacher on Kauai. My
joy was to watch her fingers and hear the
beautiful sounds she created. May her
love for music and playing the harp
continue to echo throughout the world.

Carol Robbins

July 16, 2010

We lost our dear friend Carmen Dragon July 11th. She was joyful, kind and funny. A gifted harpist, pianist, and composer who loved life and loved to laugh. I will miss her so very much.

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