Yesterday, January 5, 2021, we lost David “Red” Lehr. He was 83 years old. He had an incredible career working at his family’s butcher shop in New Athens, Illinois. He was multi-talented in being a great family man, a smart landowner, an accomplished butcher, a trick-shot with his arsenal of weapons, a natural humorist and his amazing ability as a traditional jazz legend. His career started when his dad gave him a trombone at the age of 5 and had him stand on a soapbox and play jazz. His main example in playing was Pete Fountain, whose New Orleans style clarinet playing he emulated on the Sousaphone. His down-home corny jokes and stories would have his spellbound audience laughing at his often politically-incorrect humor, but laugh they would. If you “google” his name and tuba/sousaphone, you will find dozens and dozens of mostly amateur videos of what he was and what he did. To call him an amazing musician is like saying the Titanic is overdue. On top of that, he was an ambassador for our instrument. While I have opportunities to play recitals, give classes and talk in front of symphony patrons and community groups, Red would take an unknowing group who would show up at the “Lt. Robert E Lee” riverboat docked on the Mississippi River with the intent of having dinner or a drink. Within minutes, Red would have them eating out of his hand showing them things our instruments can do that we rarely see at tuba symposia…and this he did with folks who had no intention of being converts to tuba-dom. And in deference to the Titanic, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding Red Lehr.
He leaves behind Carolyn (wife), Lori (daughter) and Jeff (son).
Rest easy, friend. You made a difference.
Should you feel inclined, send a note to:
Family of David “Red” Lehr
8216 Baer Road
New Athens, Illinois 62264
jazznmeat11@gmail.com
Respectfully, Gene Pokorny
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bloke
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GC
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Thanks.
Packer/Sterling JP377 compensating Eb; Mercer & Barker MBUZ5 (Tim Buzbee "Lone ☆ Star" F-tuba mouthpiece), Mercer & Barker MB3; for sale: Conn Monster Eb 1914, Fillmore Bros 1/4 Eb ca. 1905 antique (still plays), Bach 42B trombone
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scottw
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Coming up, Red Lehr and Gene Mayl were my tuba inspirations. I wanted to play tuba and sound like they did. Sad about Lehr. Anyone know if Gene Mayl is still alive?
Bearin' up!