"Mean" Gene Kelton

[WildcatOne]

I learned last night that "Mean" Gene Kelton, a regional guitarist, singer, songwriter and leader of the great band The Die Hards was killed in a head-on collision last week.
His nickname was a misnomer. He was a fine gentleman, a likeable and friendly fellow with a great outlook. He took time to hang out with folks and share his life with them. His talent and professionalism earned him the top slot at many events and gigs...he was one of a handful in this town who worked full-time as a musician on his own terms, playing his own music. We met Gene at the benefit for Jim Shortt and he spent most of his afternoon with us at our table (he was a headliner and he had a few hours to spend with us), talking to my boys, introducing us to his family and spending time discussing his career with me and my wife. There was never the least bit of star-tripping about the guy, and if anybody could have done that it would have been him...but he didn't live that way. He was a genuinely good man and I never forgot him. Rest in peace, shine on, Gene. You will be missed. WC1
http://www.meangenekelton.com/

[draglist]

Thanks, John. Farewell, Gene. bp

[WCB]

R.I.P. Gene