Harry Lyn Huff

Sad to learn of Harrys passing. Many happy memories dating back to when Harry was Calvin Hamptons assistant at Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City....

He was a good man

One of the highlights (in several ways) of my musical career was the Stephen Sondheim project that Harry & I produced. His knowledge of both the classical and theatrical idioms and the ability to fuse them on the keyboard was unique. And he sure was a ton of fun to hang with.

I did not have the opportunity to know Harry, but when I heard him play, I was awed by his sensitivity and musicality. I especially appreciated his hymn playing, which was expressive of the text and easy for a congregation to sing along with. He was surely one of a kind.

David Baker, Boston

When Harry played you new you were in the presence of the Divine Spirit of God. He gave life to music. Rev. Joanne G. Hartunian

I attended Sevier County High School for three years with Harry before moving to Arkansas. He was a real treat to know, with a wonderful sense of humor and delicacy as a human being. In later years, we remade our acquaintance and he reviewed my novels for me. This world has lost a great guy. In fact, the epitome of a great guy!

The concert Harry Huff organized--- Street Requium-- was probably the most moving I've ever heard. So powerful. I'm so glad I had that opportunity. So much talent there-- brilliant. He will be missed deeply by many.
Miriam Erick

The concert Harry Huff organized--- Street Requium-- was probably the most moving I've ever heard. So powerful. I'm so glad I had that opportunity. So much talent there-- brilliant. He will be missed deeply by many.
Miriam Erick

I met Harry only a week before his passing. The Lowell House bellringers at Harvard had a visitor from Russia and were taking him around Boston, and Harry gave a group of us an amazing demonstration on the Old South organ before taking us up the belltower (where he was very excited to get to ring the bell for the first time on his birthday, and commiserated with me over our shared fear of heights!). He was such an engaging and vibrant person, and he warmly welcomed us all. I was stunned and grieved to hear so shortly afterward that the kind, vivacious man we'd just met was no longer with us. I am deeply sorry for the loss of this great musician and wonderful human being.

I went to high school with Harry and spent many hours in Band with him. He was funny and brilliant. My sisters and I still tell Harry stories. Unfortunately we haven't seen him in years. I am so glad he got to live his dreams.

What a tremendous loss to the world of music, but moreover to humanity! Harry gave so much of himself to Old South Church, and said it was his dream job....like he had come home. As one of his singers, I was privileged to work with him and to see, over the ten years we were colleagues, his true commitment to making the world a better place for all people, using divinely inspired music as a catalyst for change. I will miss him so much, and I hope he knew I loved him.

I am greatly saddened. Harry and I were the musician-Huffs from Sevier County - and not related. People still tell me how much they used to love to hear me play... and I don't play. I used to try to explain it; now I just smile and thank them.

Harry and I had the same post while we were both in college, he at UT Knoxville and I at Maryville college, but 40 years apart. Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN will always remember Harry. Through this church I meet Harry when he came for the 50th anniversary. He was so kind, genuine, and personable. I offered for him to play the service that day and he said no but would play the postlude. He chose Now Thank We All Our God, by Karg-Elert and I had him sign my copy. A friend and I went to visit Harry in Boston in late August and he and I played the wonderful organ at Old South Church and then went to dinner and strolled around Boston. He was a very entertaining host and the evening with him was the highlight of our trip. So sad that evening cannot be repeated as many such times in life just comes to us one time. I noted that Harry was interested in others and did not promote himself as the fabulous musician that he was. He was indeed a treasure to all who knew him......I miss you Harry Huff.

Harry and I graduated from Sevier County High School in Sevierville, TN, in 1970 and I hadn't seen him in over 40 years. This past summer I traveled to Boston on a tour bus, and my friend and I met Harry at his church to go to dinner. We so enjoyed the couple of hours we spent together. He and I discussed classmates, teachers, and growing up in Sevierville. His stories of living and working in New York were fascinating to a small town girl. I am so sorry that this very gifted and special man is gone way too soon. I am sorry that he didn't get to return to New York to live as he told us he wanted to do when he retired. So sad. KathyLowe Duncan (Sevierville, TN)

Dear Harry Huff! -- a disciple of inspired and inspiring music "messages".
He will live forever in my memory book ! OSC member Constance Hodgkins.

Thank you prince harry for blessing me with your wonderful music on Sunday's!........

Some of my most treasured times when I was in New York City 1985-88 were with Harry in and out of musical performances. He was a wonderful friend and man. He brought so much joy to so many people and had such a charged life doing it. I miss him.
Charles K. Castle, Austin, Texas

I am so saddened to hear of this. Harry was a wonderful musician and I had the pleasure of working with him at Old South Church over the past few years. I will miss his warmth and kindness, and his sense of humor and grace. He was a wonderful person.