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Gene Kurtz Obituary

Gene Kurtz Musician, husband, father and grandfather, Eugene Kurtz, Jr., died peacefully from complications of advanced metastatic lung cancer on October 22, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in San Antonio, Texas on October 9, 1943 to Eugene Kurtz Sr. and Gladyce Babcock Kurtz. A lifelong musician, songwriter, and bassist, he was recently inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame at the Texas Legacy Music Awards in San Antonio. He was also a 25-year member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Kurtz was well known for co-writing Roy Head's 1965 hit "Treat Her Right." The hit established one of the most recognizable bass lines of the '60s, and "Treat Her Right" reached No. 2 on both the Billboard pop and R&B charts in 1965. Since then, it has been covered by a long list of artists, including Otis Redding, Barbara Mandrell, George Thorogood, Robert Plant, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The song continues to be enjoyed and recorded around the world. His early career began as a sideman playing and recording in both San Antonio and Houston. Kurtz' résumé was impressive: he worked with Booker T, Percy Sledge, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Edgar Winter. In Austin, he played with numerous local bands. For many years he performed and toured with Dale Watson, with whom he co-wrote "Way Down Texas Way." He is survived by his wife Dell Edwards Kurtz, son Christian Kurtz and his wife Christie, grandson Jasper Kurtz, and step-son Evan Saenz. He is also survived by a wealth of beloved lifelong friends and fellow musicians. A celebration of Gene Kurtz' life will be held on Nov. 6 from 3 - 5 p.m., at Mesa Ranch, 8108 Mesa Dr., Austin Texas. A wake will follow at Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon, 5434 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas. To send condolences and for further information, please visit genekurtz.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Gene Kurtz

26 Entries

Jimmy Jones

April 1, 2025

Gene my brother I have missed you through the years and us playing together. I remember we backed up Chris Masterson he was 16 at the time. I miss those days. I remember when I got back from Cuba with all the Cuban cigars how we would sit by my pool and drink Makers Mark and smoke the Cubans. God bless and miss you my brother. Jimmy Jones

DeAnn Hoeft

October 24, 2020

I loved this man. As a small girl living in Houston, Texas Gene and his wife lived next door to us. I loved listening to Gene play with Roy Head and The Traits in the '60s. Gene is in a much better place now looking at what this world has become. We love and miss you. Debbie Hoeft AKA DeAnn

November 19, 2011

Dear Gene, the first time I met you was when you your family lived next door to me and my daughter Debbie. She was 7 years old then. I remember once when you came back home from San Antonio you brought her little kitten which she promptly named "Kurtzy". I had the opportunity to see you one 4th of July a few years ago when you were playing on a party boat at Lake Conroe. That was a special day that I got to see you again to chat and listen to your music. Dear Gene, you were such a dear sweet and kind man, and all of us are better for having known you. Your music will live on. Blessing and comfort to your family. Trudy Lassiter

Nancy Springer

November 12, 2011

I was so sad to hear about Gene. I knew him when he lived here in Houston. I so enjoyed seeing him play with Roy Head, Gary Smith, Bill Nash. Such a wonderful and kind man with a gentle soul

Pamela Wright

November 11, 2011

Gene, what a great guy and a good friend you were. I always enjoyed hearing you play. It was a pleasure knowing you. Such a gentle spirit and truly one of the nicest people ever. You will be missed.

Don Raby

November 8, 2011

Gonna miss him greatly. Already do. He never had a bad word for anyone. He was always and still is my hero.

Bill Smith

November 7, 2011

Gene was an original and a gift to us all.

Ginger Turner

November 6, 2011

Yes, Gene was a great guy, always smiling and always nice. Dell, he and Dick are toasting us down here, too. So sorry for your loss.

November 6, 2011

Gene was a fine musician, but there are a lot of those. What made Gene so special was that he was a fine man. And, there are far too few of those.

De Ann/Debbie Hoeft/Lassiter

November 6, 2011

Gene was a very special person. I first met Gene and his family when I was 7 years old. Gene and his wife use to baby sit me when I lived in Houston. Gene was playing with Roy Head and the Traits and my mom took me to see the band. I got a signed t-shirt from the band. That was a big deal for a little girl. I got to see Gene playing with Dale Watson at the Belmont a few years ago and we got a chance to catch up. Got to follow on this wonderful man in this media called Facebook to see all the people and places he loved and how everyone loved him. Wow what a life he had. To be loved by so many and leave such a legacy to all of us. I am proud to have know such a man. Peace be with you and your family.

Picture by Tom Erickson

Roger Agnew

November 5, 2011

From the radio side, your music & talents have entertained us since the 1960's, when I got my first job in radio. I wish I could have seen you more often, we will miss you dearly. We can still play & enjoy your music & we will air a tribute to you soon.

God Bless You & Your family.
Austin Music Radio, Austin,TX

P.S. Lord "Treat Him Right"

Holly Grabow

November 4, 2011

I just found out about Gene's passing. I'm so sorry I didn't get to hear him play more. The one time I met him and got to speak with him at length he gave me the impression of being one of a very gentle soul. I know he will be missed by many. At least we have the music, and the memory of his sweet smile to keep his memory alive.

Carol Tate Forrester

November 3, 2011

He was the Leader of the Band when I attended Alamo Heights..
It sounds as his life was continuing to entertain...
Carol Tate Forrester AHHS class of 61

Brendan Ryan

November 2, 2011

thanks for all the great music

Billy Graham

November 1, 2011

Gene had the warmest smile and was always the kindest most gentle soul. I had the honors of calling him my friend and my family.
He gave me that gifted smile one last time before he passed. Within that smile I saw a beautiful man at peace. He was kind in all ways living this life on his terms and in his own time. He was gracious and kind to all he met. He shared joy and friendship with everyone. He was and is as true a man as you can meet. I am humbled by his grace and continue to stand in admiration for the life he shared with us all. I will love and miss him always.

Bill Butcher

November 1, 2011

I have the greatest memories of one of the warmest and most human guys one would wish to know. We are all better today for having crossed your path in life. Much respect and sympathy to your many friends and family.

Walter Walthall

November 1, 2011

Gene transferd to UT the second semester of '61/'62. We had gone to school in SA for all our lives but weren't that close. In Austin for 4 months that radically changed and we spent many many nights together looking for fun and days not in classes. He became a hero to me . Through him I met Jimmy Reed, The Big Boss man, and the Kingston Trio. I am sorry he is gone and that i never got to see him again. What a guy!.... P.S. LORD "TREAT HIM RIGHT"!

November 1, 2011

We loved reconnecting with Gene through music during the past decade and more, and just wish we'd had lots more time to share the things that are near and dear. And that we'd been able to say good-bye. We send our warmest sympathies.

Bobbie and Bill Malone

November 1, 2011

one of the saddest days of my life was finding out you made the journey. I'll always remember you for being the kind and gentle soul that you were. Although it was years ago we were on the road together, it still seems like yesterday. You introduced me to the 'new' Tacquitos at Whataburger. You bought me one and told me that "the first one is free". That humor of yours will last me forever. Thank you Gene, for being a part of my life.

With Gene at the SXSW Grammy Block Party

Brent Allen

October 31, 2011

david perkoff

October 31, 2011

I didn't get to know you that long Gene, but it was always a pleasure to see and chat. You really made a big sound for a lot of little bands, glad you were here in Austin.

Tommy Mack

October 31, 2011

Gene, much love and respect to you and your friends and family. I'm gonna miss joking around with you, swapping storys and watching you perform. You are a good man and when it comes down to to it, thats all anyone can ask for. Safe travels my friend.

Brent Allen

October 31, 2011

From one musician to another, you were one of the kindest, and most genuinely sincere. I really enjoyed your warmth as well as your smile and humor. Prayers to those of us who will honor your memory, but also be greater people by knowing you. Take care, my friend. Namaste.

Ginny B

October 31, 2011

Love you Gene! We miss you so much but know you are in a happy, peaceful and loving place.

Lenora Rocha

October 30, 2011

My prayers and condolences go out to you and your families. May he rest in peace.

Phyllis Krantzman

October 30, 2011

Dell, I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad that you found your soul mate whom you had a good life with.
Phyllis

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