Gary Morgan Obituary
Gary was bitten by the jazz bug in high school, when he took up the saxophone and clarinet. Talent plus hard work eventually propelled him to the top tier of Toronto musicians. He played in many studio bands, theatre orchestras, jazz groups, and television productions.
Through the 1970's, Gary composed and played for The Mother Necessity Big Band, Rob McConnell's Boss Brass, and many others. In 1980, he moved to Boston to study at the Berklee School of Music (where he studied theory and composition), and took up the bass fiddle. From there, he moved to New York, the Mecca of jazz music, and never looked back.
Travels in Cuba and Brazil inspired his passion for Latin music. Gary formed big bands (PanAmericana), in New York and Toronto to perform his own compositions and the music of other Latin greats. His music is complex and dynamic, a delight for sophisticated listeners, as well as challenging and rewarding for musicians to perform.
One of his most notable accomplishments is a commission for the New Jersey Symphony: one part of a four-movement concerto for French Horn and orchestra titled "The Metamorphosis of Narcissus" inspired by the painting by Salvador Dali.
Gary's commitment to friendship, fatherhood and art made him a special member of the communities of both cities, and he will be greatly missed.
Gary was predeceased by parents Arthur and Paula Morgan. He is survived by son Evan and his wife Julia, and sisters Linda Tyrrell and Kathleen Morgan. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Many thanks to the medical staff at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital (Allen Hospital) for their compassionate care.
If desired, donations in Gary's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Ed Kinslow
August 12, 2024
Gary,
We will miss you. Your knowledge and demeanor were really fine. You were one of the best arranger and composer I have known.
Ed Kinslow
Alvin Pall
June 12, 2024
Gary and I met at the Montreal World's fair in 1967. We became close friends after I moved to Toronto in 1970. I was.in the Mother Necessity band and he was in my sax quartet. We worked together a lot as well. I left for the States in 79 and he got a grant from Canada to study music in NY in 1980. I helped him get a gig in Atlantic City on bass while I worked at Harrahs casino. We both went back to NY. He was a great composer and orchestrated as well as a fine woodwind player and a very fine bass player. He was playing bass with the Don Friedman trio for quite a while. He had gone to Berklee much earlier than 1980. I will miss Gary much and I hope he is in a better place now. We were to go out and eat but the pandemic got in the way. I was shocked to find out he passed on. Bye Gary. I'll be seeing you in a while and we'll continue.
Tony Heath
April 7, 2024
Remember Gary well from the old days in New York. Rest in peace.
ann belmont
February 15, 2024
I only knew him slightly, but liked him as a musician and a human being. So sorry he is gone
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George Stimpson
February 9, 2024
In 1978 Gary and I spent 2 weeks hiking in the Grand Canyon, 3 different trails from the South Rim down to the Colorado R at the bottom. He took a great pic of a diamond back rattlesnake right next to the trail. The rattler was very afraid of us, coiled up in strike position. It's tail rattling was a warning, which we heeded. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken and Gary's commaraderie was perfect. So glad we went there while we were able.
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