Gary M. Shivers

Having just turned 65, I seem more prone to wonder what ever happened to xx or xy? So finding this obituary on Gary, at least in part, my question was answered. Gary was as important as any of my teachers in shaping my cultural and musical development in the late 70s when I was a music student at UNC. May his spirit shine on.

A discussion today about old records with a friend and audiophile (vinyl only, thank you) led to my recounting how Gary once found an old Bob Brookmeyer album in my collection that he coveted. It made me feel a kinship with him.

Gary was my mentor when I worked at WUNC in the late 70s. He taught me a lot about how to present jazz and even gave me the privilege of hosting a couple of his Saturday afternoon slots when he couldn't.

So I said to my friend, whatever happened...

His show on WUNC opened my ears to the world of jazz. He did so much more than just play records, he shared his encyclopedic knowledge of it. God speed and thank you Gary.

The Saturday after Bill Evans passed, Gary's entire show was dedicated to him. It was a formative moment in my long-time love of jazz. Gary's sense of loss mingled with his deep and intimate grasp of Evans's artistry, and I spent most of that afternoon alternating between tears and gasps of joy. Now, almost 50 years later, I still think of that day and of those many Saturday afternoons I learned from a devoted and passionate scholar. Many thanks, Gary.

He loved jazz and was more knowledgeable about it than most. His radio programs were the best and he will be sorely missed He was a warm and wonderful friend.

He was the most knowledgeable jazz journalist I had the pleasure of knowing. He loved jazz and was more knowledgeable about it than most. His radio programs were the best and he will be sorely missed.

Gary was a living, breathing, passionate jazz-drenched encyclopedia of knowledge - and respect and appreciation for the art. His impact on my life and career goes deep. His supportive hand during the days of 'Gary Shivers on Jazz' and 'Stephen's, After All' in Chapel Hill, NC colored our worlds. Here's to you, Dear Gary. Your spirit, your impact, your words, your voice -- and your beloved music -- live on.