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Bill Langford Obituary
Former Bay Area Resident
Bill Langford, or "Eddie Glockenspiel"— organ-playing maestro, comedic showman extraordinaire and one-time Bay Area institution—had his final curtain call in April 2017, passing peacefully in his sleep.
For 18 years (1963-1981), he presided over the mighty Wurlitzer theater organ installed at Ye Olde Pizza Joynt in San Lorenzo and was instrumental in sparking the nationwide trend of theater organs in pizza parlors. Recognized by the organ community as the father of pizza parlor organ performance, Bill combined musical dexterity, quick wit, and a penchant for bantering with the crowd with outstanding signature pieces such as "the Train Song," the "Star Wars" medley and "Uncle Billy's Wild West Show" to generate a fun and lively experience. Herb Caen, in the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote, "When Bill hits the low notes, crockery rattles all the way to Hayward." Commanding a colossal repertoire of the greatest songs from the turn of the century to the current age, Bill delighted his adoring public, leaving no request unheard.
When asked, "Do you have any formal training?" Bill would reply, "Yes, but not so much that it hurts my playing." He was a teacher, mentor, forever friend, and one of a kind.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, at San Leandro Funeral Home, 407 Estudillo Ave., in San Leandro, from 1 to 5 p.m. The community is invited to attend.
View the online memorial for Bill Langford
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Memories and Condolences
for Bill Langford
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
Charlene(Fotopoulos) Landin
July 16, 2025
Loved going there as a teen with my parents. My dad befriended Bill and did some work on adding things to the organ. I loved to sing and did so a few times. It was quite a challenge to sing with the mighty wurlitzer, but Bill made it easy. RIP my friend. I am the last of the red hot momas!
Tom Mathiesen
August 14, 2024
Bill, on the anniversary of your departure from this earthly plane, you most certainly have not been forgotten. From your excellence as a musician in th theatre organ world, to your friendly nature, you will always remain our hearts.
February 22, 2019
i spent many a time with family listening and knowing bill Langford in the YE ol Pizza joint and many others, Thundermug in Campbell (Winchester blvd and williams RD ) and many others beside him. Dick Baley, Ron Brandon, John Dry and Dave Hooper who played the big organs in the restaurants. He was a good friend to family and a GREAT organist. RIP my friend may your find peace playing in the next life. With our thanks for your friendship for my father/mother and my brother...
David Diffenderfer
August 7, 2018
Many wonderful memories of Bill and the Joynt in the early 1960s. So sorry to here of his passing. I will not forget!
I still follow the theater pipes thanks to Bill and I am involved with The Mighty Backwood Wurlitzer in Harrisville, Pa.
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Carolyn Langford Walker
August 30, 2017
A brother who brought so much happiness and joy to our home. He entertained the neighborhood and left his musical imprint everywhere he went.
Margaret Valdez
August 27, 2017
He touched so many of our young lives playing the organ at Pizza Joynt. For my family, it was a special event to go see him and have a pizza. Fond memories.
Maurya McKendrick
August 25, 2017
To Bill Langford's family. Thank you for sharing him with us, he brought such Joy, to so many of us.
Charles Marquez
August 25, 2017
I have listened to you many times while having salad beer and pizza. Enjoyed all every time. You are a legend.
Dons & Bob Simoni
August 22, 2017
R WEMEMBER WHEN Bill Langford played the old Worlitzer Organ at "Yee Old Pixzza Joint in San Lorenzo on Fridyh & Satuerday nights. We took our kids and friwends there often.
August 21, 2017
I got to know Bill when we shared an ongoing gig together at a church in Fremont--with him playing organ and me singing. I was already a fan of theatre organ music, as well as a self-styled historian of vintage movie theatre architecture and decor. We became good friends. I didn't know him during the Pizza Joynt days, but, in the 1990s, would pop by to hear him play at another pizza place in Santa Clara, and he'd also tell me when he was substituting at Cap'n's Galley in Redwood City, or another pizza/pipes venue in Daly City, so I could go there and hang out and request fun old-time songs that he loved to play, but that the contemporary audiences wouldn't request. And, years later, he played the Wurlitzer when I got married at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey, a theatre I helped to restore. Finally, while much has been said about his humor, I also tip my hat to his sense of gentle spirituality. He was a true friend when--in the years prior to my marriage--I needed a mental boost during my mostly-frustrating "dating years." He would remind me of my character and creativity, and would say it was my "divine right" to find the best lady to spend the rest of my life with. And--Bill, you were right. And I did.
Gary Miller
August 21, 2017
I grew up listening to Bill. My father and I would go to the Pizza Joynt after we finished our work on that side of the bay. Bill will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Bills family.
Gary Miller
Jim Brown
August 20, 2017
My heartfelt condolences go to Bill's family on his passing. His legacy will live on through his recordings, and those who knew and loved him.
Tom Mathiesen
August 20, 2017
Bill was definitely one of a kind. He is credited not only with starting the pizza and pipes trend, but inspiring and teaching other locals to follow in his footsteps.
I spent many a Fri/Sat nights being thoroughly entertained by his antics and superb musicianship. I was fortunate enough to visit and chat with Bill about Pizza Joynt days at local home open console functions in the last few years.
A marvelous musician, entertainer, and a wonderful person. You will be missed Bill. He's undoubtedly entertaining in Heaven. RIP.
San Leandro Funeral Home
August 19, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
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Aug
26
Memorial service
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED-San Leandro Funeral Home407 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577-4907
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CLOSED-San Leandro Funeral Home407 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577-4907
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