Michael Snow

Liverpool-born musician and author Michael Snow, age 78, passed away Wednesday, September 6 in Nashville, TN. Son of the late William & Lil Kellaher, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Kathleen Patti Snow. He is survived by his children Celeste Snow Shepherd and Stirling Haveran Snow, grandchildren Evangeline & Lawson Otwell-Snow and Julian Shepherd, daughter-in-law Janin Otwell, sisters-in-law Charlene Dyer and Phyllis Dyer, nieces and nephews Kate & Brad Farwell, Samuel & Stephanie Dyer, Gilliss Dyer & Sarah Nordquist as well as five great nieces and nephews – plus countless friends, bandmates and hail-fellows-well-met.

Born in war-torn Liverpool to Irish immigrant stock, his early years were marked by a deep love for music and performing. Ditching university and London bound, he jumped headlong into his musical journey with the Merseybeat group The Barons followed by stints with fan favorites West Five, The Blue Aces, The Checkmates/Ferris Wheel. And more. He rubbed elbows and shared stages with the Fab Four, Chuck Berry, Doris Troy & many more across the British club scene and beyond and scored a number one hit with the song ‘Rosetta’. Whether as sideman, bandleader, songwriter, producer or record exec, he lived for music and the music lived through him.

Upon meeting his forever muse Patti in London, his travels brought him finally to the States to put down his growing young family’s roots in the burgeoning musical hotbed of Nashville, wherein he embraced the prevailing culture while cultivating a growing ex-pat community from across the pond. Whether pitching country songs and jingles on Music Row or bringing his own Irish roots rock to Broadway, his affection for these new climes grew to match that of his beloved homeland. Eventually he took the plunge and became an American citizen.

His 50+ years in the States was ever full of projects, music, parties, and friends. Always cheered on and pushed by his anamchara, Patti, he birthed bands such as Fort Knox, the Smashers, Ipso Facto, Chain of Command and more. Collaborating with esteemed songwriters too numerous to name, he wrote and co-wrote a catalog of truly great songs. He and Patti found community within both the music and ex-pat scene in Nashville. Many happy hours (and happy hours) were spent with friends at Faison’s, Dan McGuinness, The Sherlock Holmes Pub, Mulligan’s and other local Nashville haunts now long gone. And, of course, they threw the most legendary Boxing Day parties at the West Meade house (IYKYK!).

Upon becoming a grandfather, Michael dove into creating rock ‘n roll children’s music, which, under the banner of “Papa Snow’s Junior Jukebox”, evolved into a family and friends affair and resulted in 4 albums.

All told, he lived a life of devotion to passionate eclecticism – Everton fanatic, insatiable reader, crossword puzzle expert, ad man, actor, youth soccer coach, kids’ music maestro, author – his own memoir could only touch on the depth of his experiential wanderlust.

His profound impact on both the British and American music scenes, as well as his enduring legacy, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In loving memory of Michael Snow, friends and family gathered at McNamara’s Irish Pub in Donelson on October 14 to partake in a heartfelt Irish Wake. This poignant event served as a touching tribute to Michael's life, allowing those who knew him to share cherished memories and raise a glass in his honor. The warmth and camaraderie shared during this gathering were a testament to the enduring impact Michael had on the lives of those around him. As we bid farewell to a beloved soul, we find solace in the shared moments of celebration and the enduring spirit that lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend or family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Brentwood-Roesch-PattonFuneralHome.com for the Snow family.