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Bill Narum Obituary
Born into a Texas arts dynasty, Narum's father was a highly acclaimed designer, illustrator, art instructor and former president of Houston's Artist Guild. His mother was a successful gallery owner, sculptor, portrait painter and teacher who served on the board of Houston's Art League. Narum received his fine and commercial art training from Texas Academy of Art, Lamar University, and private tutors. He began his professional career in Houston, where he co-founded a radio station, a video production company, a newspaper, and an art gallery before returning to Austin in 1976. Narum's eclectic portfolio includes studio art, illustration, and graphic design; music posters and album covers; stage sets and costume design; radio, television and film production; computer graphics, multi-media and Web design; gallery startup and museum management; writing and teaching; and independent research in the fields of Austin history, renewable energy, and wilderness survival. In addition to one-man, family, and participatory invitational shows in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; Santa Fe; Los Angeles; New York; Cannes, France; and Santiago, Spain, Narum's artwork is displayed in private and public collections including the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin and the Austin History Center.
Narum served as art director for Antone's, Armadillo World Headquarters, Threadgill's, Origin Systems, KLOL-FM, KPFT-FM, ZZ Top, Zippity.com, Spectra Magazine, and the Austin Sun. He was founding president of the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture and served on the boards of the Texas Music Association, Texas Chapter of the Recording Academy, Pacifica Radio, and 'GO-GO Studios. For his contributions to Austin arts, Narum received a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Austin in 1993 and was voted Austin Poster Artist of the Year by the Austin Chronicle in 1988. His other awards included certificates from Houston and the State of Texas plus gold and platinum albums from the music industry.
Bill Narum was the king of Texas album cover art, a man whose simple strokes with pen and brush forever connected Texas and rock & roll. A memorial tribute is planned to coincide with Narum's birthday in January. Samples of his work can be viewed online at http://www.billnarum.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Narum
Sponsored by anonymous.
Laurel Tatum
March 6, 2013
I recently came to be among Bill Narum's many admirers through his beautiful widow, Gloria - a childhood friend of mine with whom I had reconnected on Facebook. Soon I found myself absorbed in a colorful collection of photographs and captions that Gloria had posted on her profile page, detailing their happy life together. As I eagerly followed each charming narrative, I became more and more acquainted with Bill's fine character, his gentle spirit, and his awesome talent. I am happy to find this guestbook still open to the public. It is an honor to add my own name today, and to view even more of Bill amazing work in related sites on line.
Chris Boyle
December 29, 2009
What a sad loss. Bill will be missed. I hadn't been in touch with him for years, but never forgot him. Realizing his birthday was coming up next month, I googled for his website and saw this... I am in shock. I never would have thought a heart attack would take him. So laid back and calm... A great artist and a great man is gone from our world but always in our hearts.
December 10, 2009
Mr. Bill is already missed. He was a wonderful person, He was great to
our band.
David McCoy & The ReaL
Wendy Bonn
December 9, 2009
I met and worked with Bill a few years back preserving,editing and creating a database; of over 200 hours of the Armadillo World Music Headquarter's;(videos,shows and the amazing artists who played in Austin in the 70's and those like Bill; who documented them through Art and videos.) Bill and I also worked on research and poster gathering for his book and providing additional footage for the film on Townes Van Zandt. Bill quickly got me up to speed on all of the music legends and great artists who had made Austin the Live Music Capitol of the World. I will miss Bill so much and am glad that he was a mentor in my life. Bill is the only person that I had ever met or worked with; who had worked in every field and job that I had ever held. He was very much a visionary, media pioneer, creative genius and amazing artist;, a great co-worker, good friend and peaceful, wise soul. I will miss him greatly. There must be one hell of a party in Heaven this year. Thanks for everything Bill.
Doug LaRue
December 6, 2009
Bill was a great friend and artist pal. He introduced me to so many great artists around Austin and we worked on a few projects together, primarily for Eddie Wilson at Threadgill's. I will miss him and his kind heart and unique style. I created a film starring Bill hanging the art at Threadgills to help his legacy live on. God bless you my friend, smooth sailing.
David Cotton
December 3, 2009
Thank you Bill for surrounding us in so much beauty. We think of you everyday. We see your art everyday. We're better people because of you and most of us don't realize the gentle effect you have on everyone's life each day. Look forward to seeing you again someday.
November 30, 2009
Condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Narum. May God give you the peace that excels all thoughts and guard your heart (Philip. 4:7). You are in my prayers.
Linda Hocker
November 29, 2009
I was around Bill for only a few hours, but I thoroughly enjoyed his interesting conversations. I knew of Bill mostly through Gloria and her descriptions of his character, personality, and many talents. I know many will feel a loss in their lives without Bill. Gloria will feel the loss more than most because of her daily life with him. To lose a day-to-day relationship with such a kind friend is a blow from which it is not easy to recover. Because of shared love, we lose a part of ourselves when a loved one is taken from us. I will keep Bill's friends and relatives in my prayers as they grieve.
Jim Hocker
November 29, 2009
My condolences to the family and frieds of Bill Narum. Though I only knew him briefly, it was easy to tell that he was a truly good man and quite a creative talent. I especially appreciate Bill for the kind and loving way he treated Gloria, a long-time friend of mine.
Danny Garrett
November 29, 2009
Bill was a friend, colleague and mentor. He made a contribution to Austin art that will be impossible to match. Farewell, my friend.
Mike DeGroff
November 28, 2009
My sincere condolences to Gloria, and Bill's family. Although we didn't know each other very long Bill made a distinct impression on me as an extremely gifted artist, we shared a love of nature and the outdoors, and I'll remember him as an all around good guy. I'll miss him...
Trooper Keeton
November 22, 2009
Bill was one of the nicest and most interesting people I have ever known. Long live Mother's Family (KLOL).
Susan Bartlett
November 22, 2009
It sounds like he will touch Heaven as he touched those on Earth. My sympathies and peace to the family. Susan Bartlett, friend of Toni Hill
Gary Ray Pierson
November 21, 2009
Worked a many night with Bill printing posters getting his art out.. Enjoyed that time. Enjoyed him. He lived in that Tee Pee.. Happy Trails Bill.. gary pierson. Calico Printing, 94B Red River, Austin.. 70's
Tom Roudebush
November 21, 2009
Bill is a fun spirit who lives on forever. He created the Zydeco Ranch logo back in 1988 and had a good run at things in the game animation industry with his Go Go Studio. I love his artistic vision and style. I think he also was the exterior and interior designer for the Threadgill's locations for his good friend Eddie Wilson. My friend Nick Koster knew Bill back in Houston when ZZ Top was just a garage band and their stories go way back to high school. He will be missed. My love goes out to his memory and those he left behind on his new journey into the great unknown. See ya soon Bill, save me a seat at your table, will ya?
Dee Haws Czora
November 21, 2009
My sincere sympathy to each of Bill's loved ones and dear friends at this time of profound grief. I salute you, Bill, Captain of the little ship of adventure I set sail on with you and our merry troup of 1/2" b&w reel-to-reel video believers such a long time ago. We who knew and worked with you were inevitably changed for the experience. Your star shone and shines bright. Peace, Love, my old friend.
Chuck Wimbrow
November 21, 2009
My first interaction with Bill was from Memorial HS in Houston during the mid-sixties when he and my friends were beginnig to explore the new surfing culture that had reached the Texas Gulf Shores. He had also started his artistic outreach by then and it magnified itself many times over since then because of his huge talents. He was one of the warmest and friendly people I've ever known. His accomplishments and memories will endure for the eternal future.
Sue Sende Cole
November 20, 2009
You inspired me and many generations of video heads to move onward, in search of the truth in our stories through public access television. I recall you talking about your memories of hauling the huge video recorders from the 70's out to the farmers in Central Texas to record them and their information about the weather and the crops and more for the famous ACTV channels. I was lucky enough to see you and speak with you several weeks ago, big ole' hat on your head, smile on your face, watching as another generation of video producers makes their mark in East Austin. Thanks for being the inspiration for us in many ways, including with GO-GO studios many moons ago. I will keep your family in my prayers and you will always be in my heart.
Marie Blazek
November 20, 2009
When Bill (and Paula) were camping and kicking about on the Thorndale property, I loaned them an old book that described how to make anything from everything, eg glue from egg whites. I never got the book back, but I really hope that Bill figured out some of that stuff before he quit. His footprints are large. We can follow.
Paula Helene
November 20, 2009
I had the great fortune to have been close to Bill; we had many adventures and I learned so much. Bill was extraordinary with a great mind and a myriad of skills. He was an innovator as well as a master of classic technique. The world has lost a creative force at a time when we really need out of the box thinking.
"Xeke"
November 20, 2009
Let us not overlook Narum's contributions to the preservation and promotion of Austin's cultural history. Bill and I first worked together on the history of Scholz Garden in 1986 and 1987, and more recently, spent countless hours and the better part of a decade documenting the history of Austin poster art and artists, and how it all led up to the era of AWHQ poster art. We started our journey with the stable of AWHQ poster artists, but it was Bill who kept saying, "Austin music poster art didn't begin with the Armadillo; we must go back further until we find its genesis." Our search led back to 1839 and the very beginnings of Austin and the artist visionaries who founded it. I feel privileged to have worked him.
Mike White
November 20, 2009
Bill was a friend of mine for over three decades. Quiet and soft-spoken, he always had a unique perspective to offer. His work with zz and the armadillo are legendary. I spoke with him last week and he was in good spirits. He will be missed greatly for his contributions in the art and music communities.
Mandy Mercier
November 20, 2009
Bill was a stunningly gifted artist and a great friend of over 30 years. Sincere condolences to Heidi, Jon, Gloria and all of Bill's family and closest friends. Ride on, Hombre -- as you enter your always-boundless vision.
Thorne Dreyer
November 20, 2009
All my love to Gloria. Bill was a dear friend, a colleague for more than four decades, an incredibly talented artist and a very special person. He will be missed beyond words.
Ronny Mack
November 20, 2009
Bill was one of the most creative and innovative artists & media gurus that I have ever known. While his graphic art may be better known, he was a true music radio / video / television pioneer. The historic Armadillo World Headquarters videos are just one example of his genius. Bill was constantly evolving and mastering new technologies throughout his career. I feel lucky to just to have known him and blessed to have him share his media experiences and expertise with me.
Bill and his body of work was true inspiration for me. Austin will forever miss Bill and his lasting influences.
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