Just received word that bassist Keith Carper has died
Former Roanoker Keith Carper, bass player for country music singer Hal Ketchum, died yesterday.
If you knew or heard Carper, post your thoughts and memories here. Meanwhile, I’ll try to gather more information.
UPDATE: Courtesy of Keith’s old friend, Larry Crocker, comes this information:
> Beloved and well-respected bass player and singer, Keith Carper passed away on Tuesday night, September 22, 2009 at his home in New Braunfels (Texas). He was only 50 years old. No further details are available at this time.
> FRIENDS OF KEITH CARPER – GRUENE HALL, SUNDAY 2 PM-ish. Friends of Keith Carper are gathering this Sunday, September 27, starting around 2 pm at Gruene Hall. It’ll be an informal gathering in celebration of Keith’s life. Please pass this on to anyone that knew and loved Keith. Anyone needing more information can email Tracie Ferguson at tracie@gruenehall.com.
UPDATE 2: I just got off the phone with Rob Campbell, guitarist for The Worx and an old friend of Carper’s.
Here is what Campbell had to say when asked to describe him: “Big heart, easy-going. Even-keeled. Just a really nice guy, fun to hang out with. Good sense of humor.”
The two had known each other since Campbell was 13 and Carper was 12. They came up together in Cave Spring and for a short time played together in a band called Abalone Curry.
“When he was like 15 years old, he was playing Chris Squire, [of] Yes bass parts. He had a Rickenbacker bass, like Squire.
“He was into the bluegrass scene as well. He had an upright. He was just a prodigy from the get-go. Since his early teens, he was kicking butt on the bass. He was the best bass player I played with, bar none. I’ve played with some good bass players over the years … but he could do it all.
“It’s a great loss in the friend and music arena.”
Campbell said that Carper left the area soon after he graduated high school. In addition to his gig with Ketchum, he played with Kris Kristofferson and jazz/funk guitarist Ray Wilkes.
UPDATE 3: Jennifer Sutton, of Roanoke, said she knew Carper back in the days when he played music with her ex-husband, Gary Kelly, and she remembers him as an “awesome” player, whether on a fretted bass, a fretless one or an upright.
She wrote in an e-mail on facebook.com: “I watched him finger pop so much during a jazz funk tune one night that he was slinging blood all over the place (literally popped a finger).”
Now, that’s dedication to the groove.
September 23, 2009 - 3:47 PM
My husband and I last saw him in 2005. He was in town, and came to our house to see our newborn baby girl. Rob always described his bass playing as “the best around, by far.”
We’ll miss you, big guy.
It has been a long while since we last saw you; too long!!! We will miss you, Keith! May God Bless you, your family, friends, and fans! Holly and Cadence Starr
Keith Carper was so much more than an accomplished, respected bassist. His kind and charitable heart, his loyalty to friends,(especially Hal Ketchum), his love of, and appreciation for creative, honest country and Americana music all spring to mind. Keith was a gentle and caring soul who truly cared about the future of music, the future of his adopted state, Texas, and his country. I was fortunate enough to see and hear Keith play a duo set with Hal Ketchum in Ft. Worth just last Friday. These two great artists literally overwhelmed the audience with their exceptional gifts. Hal will, of necessity, find another bassist. But from here to heaven, he’ll never find another Keith Carper. God Bless Brother Keith.
I spoke with many friends from high school last night, some friends who have stayed in touch and others who have not. All coming together to mourn our friend’s premature demise. You will be deeply missed Keith, from all who had the pleasure to make your acquaintence. You were unique and special. What beautiful memories we all have from those days long, long ago. From CSHS, cow hill, the music festivals, Twin Falls, learning chords on your upright…:)
To your family, please know you are in my prayers. This earth is a sadder place for having lost Keith Carper, a great friend, wonderful man and awesome musician. God bless you.
What a great talent Keith was, I fortunately got to play a job with Keith and Rusty Cofield not long ago and got a better understanding of Keith’s expansive musical ability. What a great and genuine person and what a great loss. He will surely by missed.
Sweet memories of fun, carefree, youthful days spent kicking back, laughing, enjoying music and living the life! Keith .. you shared your love of music and taught us so much. You were a gift to us all! We will miss you Mr. Bassman!
I truly thought I would see you again, You and I and our dearest and oldest friends go back so far. We shared lots of laughs and even tears. I will miss you and forever hold a piece of you in my heart. Til we meet again
Keith was my brother-in-law at one time. I will truly miss him. My prayers govout to his family.
Some of my fondest memories were at his parents house on Fleetwood We would sit around and party and listen to him jam on the bass and also,
lots of parties around the bonfire at Penn Forest. What a great suprise when Keith and Brian Stompson(Thompson) showed up in 2005 for our annual Christmas Party…what a blast from the past. We talk about old times until 3 or 4 in the morning. The only thing missing was his stand up bass. Keith you were a great friend and will truly be missed. Rest in peace my friend. To your family…you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith was one of a kind and will live forever in our hearts. Deepest sympathies to Keith’s family and friends. Keith probably never knew just how may hearts he touched… Love you Bassman!
Keith, My God I cant believe your Gone my brother. Thank you for all the laughs and times we shared on stage and off. You were so giving and loving and always had a line that would make me laugh. I miss you and will never forget you as long as I am on the Planet. I know that you never realized how much we all loved you and how much you brought to the world. You were one of a kind and so special in so many ways. I will always love you dear brother and Miss your face. You are loved. Bear
if anyone knows what and where keith was or what actually happened please let me know. everything from the news to the eulogies is so cryptic. does anyone know what is going on?! is there a funeral, his family, is he being buried, creamated, and where and when?
please lwet me know:tishtour@aol.com
many thanks and love to keith,
t.
by the way, i have no idea where these silly and totlly inappropriate icons are comming from!
Tish, hi and welcome. Sorry about the goofy icons. They’re defaults for people like myself who don’t put a photo with our blog profile. I’ll e-mail you what unofficial info I have.
Wow… what a shocker when I tuned into my facebook this morning to read the news of Keith’s passing… I’m a believer in Hal Ketchum’s music and loved to go see him as well as the Staggering Prophets.. Keith always gave us “fans” the time of day (or night) whenever we wanted to talk to him.. He will be truly missed and many thoughts and prayers go out to allhisfamily and friends.. will treasure the photos and memories I have of them good times.. So glad now that I took the time to go see a show in New Braunfels at Gruene Hall to see them play.. RIP
This has been the saddest week of my life…thank you all for your kind comments. I built a project studio for keith & I to record some of my songs in,but now that will never happen.Nobody can replace Keith in my heart or music.Our harmonys were awesome! I loved him as only a brother could, but so many loved him.I’m glad our family could share him with you all.
Alan Carper
Hi Tad–thanks so much for what you have done here. Gene and I have known and loved Keith for over thirty years. Among other qualities he possessed, Keith was indeed a gifted musician.
In order to better answer some of the questions posted here, I am reusing what I penned last Wednesday from my FB page for you all:
“When the quiet came — the loss of Keith Ranson Carper”
In 1979, when I was 29 years old, I began work on my very first record–back then we called them records–at Threshold Recording, in Roanoke, Virginia. Threshold was a basement studio in a downtown office building, and my mission was to make an album of my own songs. One of the brilliant musicians who worked on that album was my husband-to-be Gene Elders. The other was an incredible young 20-year old bass player named Keith Carper.
Last night we lost Keith…
Keith not only recorded nearly every song on that album with me, but was my bassist in the not-famous Betty Nicley Band, who once opened for Donna Fargo, the Happiest Girl in the Whole USA. Child prodigy Keith did not really have an opportunity to shine in my old band, but surely shone in Gene’s jazz band, Science Fiction. Keith, Gene, former Austinite Andy Bullington, Wes Crawford, and Mike Furey wrote and performed original jazz compositions that were ahead of their time, and certainly exhibited Keith’s formidable musical gifts to a larger audience.
In 1984 Gene and I made Austin, TX our home. By 1988 Keith, too, had moved here to find work. We helped him get a gig with friend Bow Brannon’s Band, replacing bassist Arthur Ford. Later, Scott Neubert helped Keith find a musical home with Hal Michael Ketchum. Keith went on to find additional work and friendship with Austin legend, George Ensle, and Big Doug Floyd (formerly of Bow Brannon’s Band, most recently, the beloved Wimberley Volunteer Fire Ants), among others.
Last night, Keith was home working on remodeling a bathroom in his home, a place he loved to unwind–he was also an avid gardener. Sometime near midnight his heart gave out. Just gave out…
I now ask that you keep his brothers David and Alan, girlfriend Carol, and daughter Chelsea, in your prayers. Keith’s gentle heart, brilliant mind, and multitude of gifts will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
We will be working on a memorial; stay tuned.
My wife and I were at the last show he played in Dallas on september 20 with Hal. I have watched him play music for 17 years and keith was one of the best bass players around.After the show he stopped to say hello we grabbed a quick picture I will treasure it always. He smiled and said how long you been listening to this shit we both laughed he said it has been a long time.The tunes will never be the same with out the bass man rip my brother.
May God Bless Keith Carper’s family and those he dearly loved, including all of his many fans. I’ve watched Keith play consistently for the last 18 years – always with a smile on his face and a kind word for his fans. Always. Bless you dear Keith for decades of happy memories.
I grew up friends with David Carper, Keith’s brother. Keith was always lots of fun and always doing interesting things as a child (like laying on the floor with speakers in each ear and a bass in his hand while spinning records). He had a unique way of attempting to catch birds with a cardboard box. Most of all, he was a good friend who would literally give you the shirt off his back. I saw him last in the mid ’90s at his parents’ house in Roanoke at Christmas. He gave me an orange Gibson teeshirt that I’ll alway keep in rememberance of him. God bless and keep you, Keith! Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Around 1978-1979, I had the pleasure of playing in a band with Keith called Diversion and had known him for a while before that. I remember his skill, style and taste on his instrument, but I also remember that laugh. Keith brought life with him wherever he went. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss you my brother.
Keith was a part our family as far back as I can remember and kept in touch with my brother Bryan and my parents throughout the years. Where most teenage boys picked on the “little sister” of their friends,Keith was the story teller and always ready to make me smile.
I remember seeing Keith play for my first and regrettably my only time in the orchestra for a musical, I am pretty sure it was The of Pirates of Penzance when it was here in Roanoke back in the early 80s. I don’t remember much of the play itself because I was more fascinated with watching Keith play his upright, he made me a lover of the upright bass that night.
Keith will always hold a very special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and loved ones.
“munchkin”
Keith my step father I think of you everyday! I joined the military 6 years to the day of you passing on and I only saw you one time. I’m sorry for that! You had promised me that when I got back down there on the police force you were gonna do a ride along with me but now I know you will be in my squad car everyday lookin after me! I love you and RIP! Brandon Belote your son
For those who were not able to attend the Memorial gathering yesterday at Keith’s musical home in Texas–there couldn’t have been more poignant or appropriate or more heartfelt words spoken on behalf of him as what Hal Ketchum uttered yesterday, with faltering voice, in New Braunfels at Gruene Hall. Thank you to Tracie Ferguson for having the wisdom to capture his words while the rest of us stood, breathless, caught like proverbial deer in headlights, the pain still too fresh…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCn16CPP4ks
I was sick to hear this news of Keith’s passing. I have fond memories of hearing him “jam” in his girlfriend’s basement during our high school days so long ago and I have followed his career with Hal Ketchum for years and have gotten to visit with him several times. I got to see him in Houston, Texas and most recently in Denver, CO (October 2008) at the Grizzly Rose, where I got to visit with him for a few hours, it was wonderful, seeing him, talking to him, hugging him, I almost missed him that night, thank god I didn’t, I will treasure that time with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all his friends. Keith, you truly will be missed, you will remain in my heart forever.
I remember the first time i met Hal Ketchum and Keith. It was at one of their concerts in Raliegh many years ago. My mom, daddy, some of their friends, and me all had backstage passes since mommy knew keith and while we were backstage Hal and Keith decided it would be fun to come at me with a water gun. It was probably one of the best memories i have from my childhood. Keith was such an amazing guy and i wish i wouldve had the chance to get to know him better.
(REST IN PEACE)
we got up in the morning,everything was going fine…
We were trying to get the house fixed up so we could live in it. We rewired it,did some painting,David came from the coast to put the tile in the bathroom.Keith was finishing the closet.I went to get something from another room, he sat at the table to cut a small piece of sheetrock.As i return i can see that something is wrong with him.I run to Gilbert’s and tell him “call 911 something is wrong with Keith” I will leave out all the things that went wrong after that…
I lost my best friend that night,and i am trying to deal with it,it is so hard. We were going to grow old together… I am so lost without him, it has almost been a week, and i cry most of the day.
I want to thank you, you have all been so kind to me.I know you are all hurting as i am.
Like all of you, my heart is heavy over the loss of Keith. His passing most certainly will leave a void in many lives. Alan and David, you don’t deserve having Keith taken from you so soon after your Dad. Thoughts are with you both. To Chelsea, your Dad was a good, kind man.
Betty Elders…Please include my thanks to Tracie Ferguson. I know alot of us here in Roanoke were thinking of the celebration on Sunday, and wishing we could be a part of it. I’m hoping we can do something similar here. Thank you for sharing. Hal’s words had me laughing and crying. Seems we all knew the same Keith!
Like many of you, I’ve known Keith a long time. From the days when he drove around in that old Zephyer station wagon, with his upright and electric bass secured in the back, and the rest of the car doubling as a fast food wrapper and beer can grave yard…to the guy whose name you read on album credits, seeing him perform with Tish – then landing the deal with Hal and the friendships that evolved while hitting his stride in Texas.
Keith never took his life or himself too seriously. He was humble about his success and the adventures it brought him. His playing never seemed like work, tho he never stopped working toward his standard of perfection.
Keith had a great sense of humor and a big laugh. He is one of those people who you can “hear” laugh in a photograph. He gave big,full body size hugs and scruffy cheek kisses.
For many of his friends in Virginia, April would be the last time we would see Keith. The last hugs we would share, the last ‘Love You’s spoken. I wish now I would have held that embrace just a little longer and squeezed just a bit tighter.
This breaks my heart. Keith was a good friend, a wonderful musician and a great guy. I was an honor to play with him and know him.
Andy Bullington
I’m greatly sadden by the loss of Keith. I’ve known keith since 94. He always greeted me with”Darling”. Though we didn’t always connect in the studio for recordings, he believed in me.He gave me words of encouragement during trouble times and always welcome me with smiles.
I loved watching him play whether with Hal or someone else. The way he felt his music showed in his facial expressions,he loved what he did and who he played for. Keith was trully gifted and a fun loving spirit! It is going to be extremely hard not to see and hear Keith. I guess the heavens needed a great bass player!I’m so sorry Hal, Keith was one of a kind and will be terribly missed. Love you Keith!
After I posted, I remember something Keith said to me, “Keith never leaves the ones he loves”. I trully believe Keith will always be with all of us. We will always be touched by his love. He was the one who gave it back and spread it around. I remember our past phone conversations, planning recording sessions, Keith what are we going to do now? It hurts. A lover of life. Remember if you hear a bass playing and smell cinnamon rolls, Keith isn’t far.
Peace & Harmony,
Suzanna
I first met Keith when producer Brian Wood brought him up to the studio in Fredericksburg for session work, and I was quickly astounded by his mastery of the bass, his sense of delicacy with the songwriters, and his quick smile. My heart sank when I heard the news last week, and I know that I am a much better man for having heard him play and seen his spirit soar with the music. The magic he possessed is something that I will remember forever.
I am so deeply saddedned to hear of Keith’s untimely passing. My condolonces go out to all of his family and friends.I know he will be deeply missed . I met Keith through his brother, Alan back in 1975. I loved to listen to both of them sing and play together. Alan,on his Martin guitar and Keith on his new stand up bass. He would slap the heck out of that bass. It was such a treat to watch him hug and slap that bass. Keith had such a gift and love for his craft. You could really see it on his face when he was playing. Keith will be missed, but definitely not forgotten. His music, spirit and memories from all who knew him will live on. I don’t think Keith is resting, I’m sure he’s be playing his music from the heavens and smiling down on his loved ones for all eternity.
Toni Landau Beahm September 30th, 2009
These comments have touched my heart..Thanks to all who loved and shared..Blessings..I have been apart of the Carper clan for over 35 years..I believe what we all remember honors those gone before..To June Bill and Keith together forever..Love in you Nancy
Keith was my very best friend and as i read all the comments on here i realize he was the best friend to many. He will be so greatly missed by all. I hope he was watching from above while everyone was at his memorial the friends, family and tears. He was so loved by everyone. It is very sad to say goodbye to someone so young. He was funny, happy and the most gifted person i have ever known. To Carol my prayers are with you as you live without the man you loved. You made him very happy and after meeting you i know he had lots of laughter in his life. May god bless you and his family and friends as we get used to living without the man we all loved. My prayers are with you all.
Since there were no prayers said that day at the memorial service i would like to say this: Don’t grieve for me, for now i’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when i heard him call. I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work and play, Tasks left undone must stay that way. I’ve found peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void. Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah, yes, these things i too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now, He set me free. I hope this prayer will help some of you as it has me.
My name is Paul Wilson. Keith was one of my best friends, and he will be missed always. I’ve set up a myspace page in his honor. It is:
http://www.myspace.com/keithcarpermemorialpage
On this page, I will post music (mostly lesser known stuff Keith played on, the obscure, the unreleased, etc.) and pictures; I’ll also keep everyone up to date about a memorial tribute to take place in November at Gruene Hall(tentatively, just waiting to hear back from a couple of folks). I will also be making a tribute CD to be sold at the gathering. Proceeds from the CD will go toward offsetting expenses related to Keith’s passing.
I’ll never forget the day we went fishing and Kieth was using a bobber. It went something like this, Keith, the bobber is to let you know if you have a bite, NOT FOR KNOCKING OUT THE FISH!!!!!!FOLLOWED BY THAT MEMORABL. WE ALL KNOW THE LAUGH.
Cliff Mascitelli
I knew Keith through my friends Gene and Betty Elders and Ray Wilkes. I was always amazed at his abilities as a bassist and, though (regretfully) we were only casual friends, I was impressed with his sincere modesty and kindness. He’s gone far too soon. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family and many friends.
I just now learned of Keith’s passing. He was always a pleasure to work with in Studio A. He was always willing to share his experience. I will miss his playing.
My sincere condolences to his family.
I played with Keith in ’74/’75. It was a true pleasure to play with him. Very sorry to hear of his passing, always hoped to see and play with him again someday.
Sweet Keithie, I just heard the news. Your passing leaves me with such a heavy heart. Thank you dearly for your friendship and bless you for the gift of your music and your light. You were always able to make me feel so welcome and at home in your presence. If only there were more souls like you. I will miss you in what’s left of this time but I am comforted to believe you will be there welcoming me at my reception.
I was given the honor to perform “A Few Strings Away” a tribute song I wrote for Keith Carper at his Memorial Service Nov. 17th, To his family, friends, fellow musicians, thank you for letting me take the stage and share my memories of Keith. A fun loving beautiful mega talented soul keith touched each one of us in his own personal way showering us with spiritual gifts of love. He will never leave us because of these gifts. To each and everyone, hold in your heart the keith that touched you and remember he is really a few strings away.A copy of “A Few Strings Away” is available in which all proceeds will benefit Keith’s estate. May contact me at suzannaeckchum@hotmail.com/615-943-0891.
Peace & Harmony
Suzanna Eckchum