John R. Rigney

Though it has been several years now since John's passing, having found this page I feel I must leave a tribute. John, Sonny Gray, Kenny Quinn and I were bandmates at the Rubiot and shared a special bond that only comes through improvising music together. John was a brother to me, and we spent many a night, still wound up after the gig, musing about life into the early hours of the morning. John was a spiritual, as well as a musical man, and as all who knew him will profess, Tulsa's finest,...

To Judy and the family of John Rigney,

John and I met at Sonny Gray's Rubiot Club in late 1960 after I was discharged from the U.S. Army. I was young, loved jazz and instantly liked John as a fine person and excellent musician. Before I left Tulsa in 1968, I was fortunate to have many memorable times sitting in with Sonny's group and playing rhythmical lines with John and his "walking bass." John was one of the most decent, likable human beings I have ever met, and I will always...

Many, many memories of John at the Rubiot, many of Saturday nights into late Sunday mornings. A wonderful and talented musician and one of the good guys. I've thought about John, Sonny, Kenny and Dave often through the years. Will miss him after all these years.
Dave

I worked as a drummer in Tulsa throughout the sixties. I often played with John while subbing for Dave Reynolds as a member of the Sonny Gray Quartet at the Rubiot. John was a lovely man and taught me about how the bass lays-down the "time" in jazz, with the drums playing on-top. I never forgot that lesson. Even though I have not actively played for a number of years, his knowledge, insight and willingness to teach have deepend my appreciaation of music. I shall carry these memories for the...

We knew John for only a short time, but always found him to be pleasant and helpful. He blessed us several times with his musical abilities accompanying our choir while at Memerial Drive United Church. Please accept our sympathy on your loss.