Lou Gayoso (Jan 23, 1944 – Feb 13, 2008)
This morning was the memorial service for a good friend of mine: Lou Gayoso. Lou died at age 64, after 10 years with colon cancer. Lou had been a mentor and inspiration to me for years. When I was young and trying to break into the world of music, Lou opened up doors for me and provided guidance and counsel that has significantly impacted who I am today. Later, in college, Lou gave me my first paying Web Design gig (a side job that has stuck with me to this day) building a website for his business, JLG inc. Still later in my life, Lou was a friend; meeting occaisionally for lunch and exchanging emails about life, family and business.
What I learned most from Lou was the importance for a songwriter to have purpose in creating music. At age 15, Lou wrote a song with the Enchantments that rocketed to the top of our country’s billboard charts. He was a talented musician and songwriter who had proven himself in the secular music industry. Yet, as he grew in life he saw the higher calling of making music that impacts people for good. Making music to earn money is ok…but being able to do that and impact people in a positive way is a much higher calling. He embodied that to many of us younger aspiring musicians. I’m thankful for that.
I’m really sad to see him go…but happy to have known him.
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Click photo below for the Asbury Park Press writeup:
