Jimmy "T" Thurston Memorial Music Fund
Donation protected
What do you do to honor a legend?
I knew something wasn’t right when my sister told me dad wasn’t going to come perform at my show on Dec. 14th, because he hadn’t been feeling well. Jimmy “T” Thurston NEVER met a stage he didn’t love and that was especially true if I was on it. I called him on my way to sound check, he wished me a happy birthday, and told me he had a present for me that he had gotten at the music store. I told him wishing me happy birthday was enough, but — full of life as ever — he said, “It’s something you can use, guess what it is?!” Then he blurted out: “Strings!” with his always infectious Hooty-Hoo laugh. We said, “I love you” to each other. I told him to get some rest, and I’d call in a day or two, never imagining that would be the last time I talked to my dad. He would take last breaths in the early morning hours of Dec. 15th without a struggle or apparent pain.
My sisters Vicky, Debbie, and I, have given it some serious thought. Here’s the idea……..
For 78 years, dad never lost his kid-like enthusiasm for ANYTHING to do with music. My sisters Vicky, Debbie, and I, would watch my dad with awe every time we would see him play. From my earliest memories at 3 years old, he held me in his arms and we sang Proud Mary together. Through the years my dad taught me so much about professionalism and how to be an entertainer. He also loved kids, and loved showing them little musical tricks like how to play a tambourine, or how to clap and keep the beat of the song.
Thinking about all of that — the sheer joy of music and affection for children — crystalized our next step. All of us from far and wide who loved Jimmy T: Let’s create a fund that would help the music classes at the Thatcher Brook Elementary School in Waterbury, Vt., his hometown. We’ll call it the Jimmy “T” Thurston Memorial Music Fund, and it would help kids learn about music, as well as give them an opportunity to explore music a bit further than they normally could. I’ve learned that music does so much for people, whether you listen to it, play for fun, or play professionally. Music heals. Music builds community. So, in honor of my dad, we’re humbly asking for your help.
Music was EVERYTHING to my dad, and he touched SO MANY people through it. After 70 yrs. of performing, and just being Jimmy “T,” he left a legendary legacy of joy, passion and commitment to the Vermont community. We have spoken to the music teacher Lizzie, at the school, and she is the perfect person to help lead the way. She’s so passionate about children and music, she’s like the earth angel my dad chose himself. Please help us honor him, and his spirit, AND help give children the gift of music. There is no amount too small, or, too big!
It just feels like the right thing to do in a moment like this…….(Insert train whistle here)
I have no doubt he’s with all his musical friends that had gone before him, calling square dances up there with “Slim and His Ridge Runners,” just like he did when he was 8 years old……
I knew something wasn’t right when my sister told me dad wasn’t going to come perform at my show on Dec. 14th, because he hadn’t been feeling well. Jimmy “T” Thurston NEVER met a stage he didn’t love and that was especially true if I was on it. I called him on my way to sound check, he wished me a happy birthday, and told me he had a present for me that he had gotten at the music store. I told him wishing me happy birthday was enough, but — full of life as ever — he said, “It’s something you can use, guess what it is?!” Then he blurted out: “Strings!” with his always infectious Hooty-Hoo laugh. We said, “I love you” to each other. I told him to get some rest, and I’d call in a day or two, never imagining that would be the last time I talked to my dad. He would take last breaths in the early morning hours of Dec. 15th without a struggle or apparent pain.
My sisters Vicky, Debbie, and I, have given it some serious thought. Here’s the idea……..
For 78 years, dad never lost his kid-like enthusiasm for ANYTHING to do with music. My sisters Vicky, Debbie, and I, would watch my dad with awe every time we would see him play. From my earliest memories at 3 years old, he held me in his arms and we sang Proud Mary together. Through the years my dad taught me so much about professionalism and how to be an entertainer. He also loved kids, and loved showing them little musical tricks like how to play a tambourine, or how to clap and keep the beat of the song.
Thinking about all of that — the sheer joy of music and affection for children — crystalized our next step. All of us from far and wide who loved Jimmy T: Let’s create a fund that would help the music classes at the Thatcher Brook Elementary School in Waterbury, Vt., his hometown. We’ll call it the Jimmy “T” Thurston Memorial Music Fund, and it would help kids learn about music, as well as give them an opportunity to explore music a bit further than they normally could. I’ve learned that music does so much for people, whether you listen to it, play for fun, or play professionally. Music heals. Music builds community. So, in honor of my dad, we’re humbly asking for your help.
Music was EVERYTHING to my dad, and he touched SO MANY people through it. After 70 yrs. of performing, and just being Jimmy “T,” he left a legendary legacy of joy, passion and commitment to the Vermont community. We have spoken to the music teacher Lizzie, at the school, and she is the perfect person to help lead the way. She’s so passionate about children and music, she’s like the earth angel my dad chose himself. Please help us honor him, and his spirit, AND help give children the gift of music. There is no amount too small, or, too big!
It just feels like the right thing to do in a moment like this…….(Insert train whistle here)
I have no doubt he’s with all his musical friends that had gone before him, calling square dances up there with “Slim and His Ridge Runners,” just like he did when he was 8 years old……
Organizer
Jamie Lee Thurston
Organizer
Nashville, TN
