Siinger-songwriter-storyteller Larry Jon Wilson has passed away at the age of 69.

Born October 7, 1940, it would be thirty years before Wilson would first picked up a guitar paving the way for four albums in the 1970′s including three for CBS Records Monument label. Wilson would leave music in 1980 and not return again until 1989. During Wilson’s absence a cult following overseas had emerged leading to the Sony BMG released Larry Jon Wilson in 2008, later re-released in the U.S. on Drag City Records.

In recent years Wilson performed in Augusta, occassionally with Atlanta singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins, whom Wilson could be seen performing with on television program “Live from the Blue Bird Cafe.” Wilson could also be seen on PBS reruns of a television series from the 90′s spotlighting the hidden beauty of the backroads of Georgia.

Wilson could be seen strolling down Broad Street from time to time always offering a smile and kind word to all he met. I know for me personally, meeting him for the first time at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta and talking about Augusta performer Patrick Blanchard was one of the highlights of our several conversations.

But I am not alone in fond memories of Larry Jon…just a few posts on the Soul Bar message board after the announement of Mr. Wilson’s passing:

“He was an amazing storyteller…but more he was an amazing friend.”
- Kevin Scheyer; The Mudpuppy Band

“Larry Jon was a great writer, singer and player. He was an even greater human being. He’ll be missed.” – Steven Uhles; Augusta Chronicle

“I can’t begin to express how thankful I am that he always took the time to chat with me between classes at PJ’s. He’s a true inspiration and told hands down some of the funniest stories I’ve ever heard.” – Will McCranie; Singer-Songwriter

“This is very sad news. Larry Jon was one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. He will be missed.” – Coco Runio; Soul Bar/Sky City

“I am at a loss for words…. I will never forget. I loved Larry Jon’s story telling style of music. I first met him before he quit his day job and was trying out his stuff at a club I was playing. Many nights we would end up in the parking lot ’til dawn…him playing song after song (most his own) as he sat on the trunk of his car.” – Steve Allen; The Pallbearers

Larry Jon Wilson was most definitely one-of-kind and there will never be another like him.