Life Member. Trombone
7/4/1936 – 7/15/2019

by Paul Gormley, Life Member

I met Slyde in 1988 on bus trip to Lake Havasu with the Capp/Pierce Juggernaut big band. Before we arrived back in L.A., Slyde had invited me to come to his and Yolee’s Lake Sherwood home for dinner. This was the beginning of a warm friendship that continues.

More gigs with Juggernaut, Bill Berry’s big band and small groups, and other gigs followed. Slyde, Bill and I played Sunday’s at Miceli’s in Hollywood for almost two years. Great times. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Slyde was a party on two feet. He was just fun to be around. I should add that he was always an asset musically to any group he was part of. He was a member of the legendary “Wrecking Crew” and a NARAS “Most Valuable Player Emeritus” for low-brass instruments.

After Slyde and Yolee moved to Hawaii we stayed in touch. My wife Renee and I stayed with them several times. There never seemed to be any time gap in these visits, just a bit of catching up and loads of laughs. We always would go to their reunion parties when they came to L.A.

To Yolee and their fine son Josh, you are in our hearts as you deal with your loss. Slyde was one of a kind. He will be missed by many and be remembered always.