Michael Patrick Murphy

Michael Patrick Murphy, proud Irishman, Army veteran, sax player, singer, and all-around legend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Mike went to Holy Family grade school, St. Xavier High School, and graduated from Durrett High School with the Class of 1969. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, stationed at West Point, where he made lifelong friends and memories.
If you knew Mike, you knew music wasn't just something he did. It was who he was. He lit up stages all over town and far beyond, playing sax and singing with soul, grit, and heart. Whether it was with Red Beans and Rice, Coco Morgan, the Legendary Another Mule, the Mighty Water Kings, Greg Forsman, or the Tim Krekel Orchestra (TKO), he gave every show everything he had. He even shared stages with Hank Williams Jr. and NRBQ. And the list goes on. Too many bands and too many stories to count, but he loved them all.
Mike had a magnetic stage presence. When he was up there, people couldn't take their eyes off him. He had a spark that pulled you in, whether he was blowing the roof off with a solo or making you laugh between songs. He always said, with that trademark smirk, "Chicks dig me," and honestly, he wasn't wrong.
He was fiercely proud of his Irish roots, had a storyteller's charm, and a gift for making people feel like they mattered. He was quick with a joke, generous with his time, and never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Alice and Donald Murphy, and by three of his closest friends and musical brothers: Don Adams, Tim Krekel, and Steve Ferguson. Somewhere out there, they're back together, and the music is rolling.
He is survived by his daughter, Taylor Murphy, and her three sons: Cole Trane Sprague, Davis Murphy Sprague, and Isaac Ryan Sprague. He also leaves behind his siblings: Tim Murphy (Cathy), Janice Heeb (Michael "Herb"), and Patty Riggs (Dennis), along with a big extended family and a massive circle of friends and fellow musicians who will miss him more than words can say.
A celebration of life, full of music, laughter, and stories, will be announced soon. Mike wouldn't have it any other way.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to two causes close to Mike's heart:
MERF – Musicians Emergency Resource Foundation: https://www.savethemusicians.com
Public Radio Support (NPR, PBS, etc.): https://www.npr.org/donations
Your support helps keep the music going, just the way Mike would've wanted.