Larry Long

Lawrence "Larry" Long, age 88, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Monday, August 21, 2023. His loss is deeply felt by his family, many dear friends, the classical music community, countless students and especially by his wife of 44 years, Birdie Tucker Long.

Larry's great love was music. He played music all his life, from elementary school (mellophone), junior high (tuba), and high school (string bass). While participating in the All-State Band concert in Nashville, he bought his first guitar. At the University of Tennessee, he majored in music and sang with the UT Singers. Despite having played the guitar for only six months, he auditioned for a teaching position at the Cherokee School of Music in Louisville, KY. Larry ended up getting the job because he could read music.

Larry's studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army where he spent two years in France performing with the 76th US Army Band. He also played guitar in his own dance band. After his discharge, Larry returned to UT where he studied composition with the internationally recognized composer, David Van Vactor. After college, he continued guitar studies with C. Ivan Maracle.

In 1971, at the suggestion of his student, Jane Buchanan, Larry formed the Knoxville/Oak Ridge Classical Guitar Society, now known as Knoxville Classical Guitar (KCG), which presents highly-regarded local, national and international guitarists. Larry served as President/Program Director of KCG from 1971-2001. The experience of this organization greatly influenced many of his students.

Larry cultivated an appreciation of classical guitar music and significantly increased that appreciation in the Knoxville area. Many of his students majored in guitar in college and became teachers in their own right. Larry taught 8-10 hours per day, in his private studio as well as at UT, Maryville College, Knoxville College and Roane State Community College. He was a prolific composer of guitar music, much of which has been published by Mel Bay, a major publishing house. Many of his compositions have been performed by talented artists from around the world and are available on YouTube. Larry performed from MI to SC as a solo artist as well as with voice and other instruments, including a duet for flute and guitar composed by his composition teacher at UT and former conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, David Van Vactor.

Among Larry's many honors for which he was most proud are the Governor's School for the Arts Outstanding Teacher Award, recognition from Who's Who Among America's Teachers and the KCG's establishment of the Lawrence Long Outstanding Student Scholarship Fund in his honor. His superpower was the ferocity with which he championed others' successes.

Larry was preceded in death by parents, Howard and Evelyn Long and brother, William "Bill" Long. He leaves behind wife, Birdie; son, Steve (Marie) Long; daughter, Kathy (Rodney) Johnson; stepson, Scott (Michelle Reimert) Tucker; grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel and Thomas Johnson, Camden Long and Caitlin Long; brother, Anthony "Tony" Long. He also leaves behind many beloved friends and accomplished students, too many to name.

Family will receive friends Friday, August 25th from 5-7pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home with funeral service following at 7pm. Rev. Gary Alley officiating. A private graveside service will take place at Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Kim Health Center at www.kimhealthcenter.org; Saint Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org; or the Larry Long Scholarship Fund at www.knoxvilleclassicalguitar.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Long family.