ANDY GRIFFITH

[karl]

Andy Griffith also passed away at the age of 86, well known for his role in Matlock and The Andy Griffith Show. I have some of the dvd's where he played the sheriff. One line I remember is the way he said "Pay The Man" that was a classic line!

Rest in peace Andy.

[Marian]

Steve Tyrell wrote this tribute on facebook...
"Andy and I developed a long lasting and close friendship which started with me producing his Grammy winning album "I Love To Tell The Story", which was the Grammy's "Gospel Album of The Year" in 1995. "I love To Tell The Story" was one of the most successful albums in Gospel history selling over 3 million copies as a double set. We worked together again on his follow up album "Just As I Am" a couple of years later which was also a success. Most people are not familiar with Andy's success as a recording artist, but he was especially proud of his Grammy, he told me that it was his first major award as he never won an Emmy for all his great work on TV.

Andy Griffith was a multi-talented person who excelled with ease at everything he tried but had a real special love for music. He taught music and could sight read with no problem. He loved and was a major fan of The Great American Songbook and knew well all it's composers. He played guitar and trombone and land was a student of the great Brass Ensembles of his childhood. He loved Celtic music which he grew up with in the Carolinas and of course, was a expert in the great American hymns he sang in Church.

I am honored to have been able to share a special friendship and be able to work with such true legend and an Great American Icon as Andy Griffith.

I will miss my friend Andy.
Steve Tyrell."

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Another great talent who like so many who have passed on recently can never be replaced, but thankfully his music will live on.
R.I.P. Andy Griffith