Event Details

Loonis McGlohon, Charlotte's pre-eminent jazz pianist and composer, died in 2002 after a valiant struggle with cancer.  Loonis was a beloved musician in the Charlotte music community, but even more renowned in the global jazz community.  He recorded numerous albums with the London Symphony, and his compositions have been recorded by the world's finest vocalists, including Tony Bennett, Marian McPartland and Frank Sinatra.  Local musicians felt honored to join Loonis for any local performance.  Loonis could never say no to a friend.  He would always re-arrange his schedule, give away his last dollar, play three gigs in a day, if it meant coming through for a friend.  It's in keeping with Loonis spirit, his intent, that the Loonis McGlohon Endowment was established with the goal of perpetuating Loonis' music and the musical program at Carmel Presbyterian Church.

Rick Bean was Loonis' dear friend and ace in the hole.  Through the years, Loonis would occasionally double book himself, and when that happened, Rick was the "other" Loonis.  Joining Rick will be Terry Peoples on bass and Bill Stowe on drums.

Rick has been playing professionally since the age of 14.  During that time, he has performed with Urbie Green, Les Elgart, Larry Elgart, Buddy Morrow, Frankie Avalon, Warren Covington (Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), Ray McKinley, Vaughan Monroe, and The Four Lads.  Rick has also written and published choral music.  Rick has also given concerts for colleges and municipalities.  Rick worked closely with Loonis McGlohon for many years, and is currently working to perpetuate the performance of Loonis' music, including "North Carolina Is My Home," the tribute Loonis co-authored and produced with fellow North Carolinian Charles Kuralt. 

Bill Stowe and Terry Peoples played drums and bass for Loonis McGlohon for over twenty years.  They performed all over the world, playing with Loonis and many of the greatest musicians of our time. Terry and Bill recorded most of Loonis' albums, and were featured in "North Carolina Is My Home".  They are held in the highest esteem by the great musicians that they have worked with over the years.

The Loonis McGlohon Endowment is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the musical and spiritual legacy of Loonis McGlohon through religious and secular community concerts, music education programs for youth and special performances of Loonis' noted works such as North Carolina is My Home.  For more information, please visit www.mcglohonendowment.org