Remembering Musical Great Susan Alcorn
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Susan Alcorn Lobato was a Country, Jazz, and Classical musician, composer, and the pedal steel guitar was her instrument. She expanded her steel guitar beyond Country music and Western swing into other music genres.
Susan passed away from natural causes Friday, January 31, in Baltimore. She was 71 years old. Susan's dedication to making and sharing her music with the world brought great critical acclaim in her lifetime, but unfortunately her sudden and unexpected passing left few resources for her immediate arrangements. Your donation to this fund will go directly to offsetting burial and funeral costs for her husband David Lobato.
Susan was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the eldest of three children of James Alcorn, a salesman, and Mary (Auer) Alcorn, a cultural event coordinator. She grew up in a musical household and took up guitar, later she started using a slide guitar, then in early adulthood, then the pedal steel guitar.
Over her lifetime Susan released about 20 albums, some were solo albums, and others were joint projects with highly regarded U.S. and international musicians.
Susan performed widely in the U.S., and she traveled to play in numerous foreign countries. She was one of the foremost pedal steel guitar players and took her music to high levels. Susan was kind and generous. She guided, taught, and encouraged musicians to achieve skills beyond what they thought they could do. Many have shared with her their gratitude and praise for their high achievements.
Two of her album titles are:
"Pedernal" in 2020 was named one of the 10 best jazz albums of 2020 by The New York Times."
Curandera," which featured Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and Messiaen's choral work "Sacrum Convivium."
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. at the Evans Life Celebration Home, 8800 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234.
She is survived by her husband David Lobato, and her two daughters, Rose Alcorn, and Hannah Cassidy Alcorn.
More on Susan's amazing career can be found in the New York Times article:
Organizer
Martin Lobato
Organizer
Baltimore, MD