Alexander Wilson "Bo" Bryant Jr.

1937 - 2021

"Bo Bryant" Alexander Wilson Bryant, Jr. 1937 - 2021 Bo was born with a four string plectrum Banjo in his hand and music in his heart. He spent his life playing and spreading the joy of music, including places like the famed Red Garter and Earthquake McGoons in San Francisco, where he played with many traditional jazz revivalists from that era, including: Turk Murphy, Peter Clute, Firehouse Five Plus Two, Jack Frost, Bob Helm, Bob Neighbor, Dick Lammi, Jack Dupen, Harry Higgins, Micky Finn, Bob Scoby, Tom Leps, Dave Marty, Jim Pollock, Bob Franklin, Rich Young, and Dave Fry (to name a few). He also played at Cal's Steak House and Shakey's Pizza in San Rafael and created his band, The 3 Easy Pieces, with Dick Fagerstrom and Jim Brennan, where they played at thousands of house parties, many S.F. 49ers games, weddings, elections, and events of all kinds. Bo had us dancing and singing wherever he went. Realizing a dream of owning a music store, Bo opened Harbor Center Guitars in San Rafael in 1980 with his sons, Alex and Eric, eventually buying People's Music in Sebastopol in 1986. Bo hired many local musicians over the years, and provided thousands of people with instruments, lessons, advice, repairs and laughter. He created an environment where anyone could stroll into the store for a quick demo of an instrument or listen to Bo tell one of his many entertaining stories. Bo and People's Music were always in the Sebastopol Apple Blossom parade, playing Dixieland music from the back of his famous white 1964 Pontiac convertible, and later, his 1965 seafoam green El Camino, usually taking home a trophy. Since Bo's retirement in 2015, Alex (his son) and Laurie have owned and operated People's Music with their son, Ryan, and employees Hoytus, Chris and Mark. Bo's spirit and legacy can be felt at the store and will live on through the community of Sebastopol and beyond. The bells tolled for Bo on Friday, April 2, 2021, but this definitely will not be his final song. Preceded in death by his former wife, Judy, his son Eric, and his sister Sandra, music will continue to carry Bo along on his journey. Bo is survived by his son Alex; sisters Beedle (Don) and Babs; grandchildren Molly and Emily; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his second wife, Mariasepho. A celebration of Bo's life will be held at People's Music in Sebastopol this summer. Bo would be pleased to know you support music in your community.