Maybe about five years ago, Larry had to leave to go to California because his father had died. The next day, I heard Chuck Brown would be appearing at Border's to sign his latest CD. I knew instantly that Larry would have been the first in line had sad circumstances not taken him away for a few days.

We worked together, and at our place of work were mandatory staff meetings. I had brought with me that day a CD I had bought used when I first heard Eva Cassidy sing. I instantly became a big fan, but at that time, her CD's were difficult to come by. I found one at the University of Maryland's CD exchange. It was the CD she had made with Chuck Brown. I am sure he made the CD to give her recognition on the music scene a big bump. She was very shy about performing in public.

Listen for a moment and fall in love with a song:



So I skipped the staff meeting, and along with my Chuck Brown/Eva Cassidy CD, went to Border's. I picked up two of Chuck Brown's new CD's. As I stepped in front of his table, I said, "I am wondering if you would do me a favor since I am purchasing two of your new CD's. I have the CD you made with Eva Cassidy, and I am wondering if you would autograph that. I can't tell you how much I loved her music."

Chuck Brown looked at me and said, "It almost killed me when she died. I was looking forward to making another album with her." He looked so sad. I then told him that a great friend of mine who worked in the same place as I was his biggest fan. He would have been first in line had he not had to go to California for his father's funeral. So I am wondering if you would sign this CD for him, one for me, and my CD you made with Eva Cassidy.

He graciously signed all three.

When my friend returned to work about a week later, he came to my desk with the sadness of recent days clearly still reflected on his face. "Larry, I have something for you. Chuck Brown appeared at Border's while you were gone, and I purchased his new CD and asked him to autograph it for you."

I handed the CD to Larry who read the words Chuck Brown had inscribed. "To Larry, may peace be with you at this time." Larry cried. And then I cried to see his tears.

I will never forget the big heart of Chuck Brown, as well as his music. RIP, Mr. Brown.

Sam