Leroy K. Wofford Obituary - September 9, 2012 - Pittsburgh Jazz Network2024-03-28T10:43:05Zhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/forum/topics/leroy-k-wofford-obituary?groupUrl=obituaries&commentId=1992552%3AComment%3A266326&groupId=1992552%3AGroup%3A188029&feed=yes&xn_auth=noLeRoy was so blatantly honest…tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2012-10-02:1992552:Comment:2681802012-10-02T01:37:59.895ZFrancis Bruce Marion, DChttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/FrancisBruceMarionDC
<p>LeRoy was so blatantly honest in his expression of the "Blues" that you could not help but be pulled into it. It was a privilege to record him and add some of his work to the Pittsburgh Jazz Artist Museum's archives. Some of which are available at our youtube.com/drfbm site. But, of course now, I wish that I could of caught more of him live but the positivity and showmanship of LeRoy will always be part of the Pittsburgh essence; until we can continue singing new songs with him in…</p>
<p>LeRoy was so blatantly honest in his expression of the "Blues" that you could not help but be pulled into it. It was a privilege to record him and add some of his work to the Pittsburgh Jazz Artist Museum's archives. Some of which are available at our youtube.com/drfbm site. But, of course now, I wish that I could of caught more of him live but the positivity and showmanship of LeRoy will always be part of the Pittsburgh essence; until we can continue singing new songs with him in Heaven, sincerely Dr Bruce and PittsburghJAM.org</p> Final homegoing arrangements…tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2012-09-20:1992552:Comment:2672272012-09-20T02:47:58.355ZDr. Nelson Harrisonhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/NelsonHarrison
<p>Final homegoing arrangements for Leroy K. Wofford by Spriggs & Watson Funeral Home </p>
<p>Viewing: Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm</p>
<p>Funeral Services, Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:00 am from Spriggs & Watson</p>
<p>720 N. Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208</p>
<p>412-243-8080</p>
<p>htp://www.spriggswatson.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Final homegoing arrangements for Leroy K. Wofford by Spriggs & Watson Funeral Home </p>
<p>Viewing: Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm</p>
<p>Funeral Services, Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11:00 am from Spriggs & Watson</p>
<p>720 N. Lang Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208</p>
<p>412-243-8080</p>
<p>htp://www.spriggswatson.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> Benefit for slain blues grea…tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2012-09-16:1992552:Comment:2665852012-09-16T21:38:20.870ZDr. Nelson Harrisonhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/NelsonHarrison
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<tbody><tr><td valign="top"><span class="small">Written by Christian Morrow - Courier Staff Writer</span> </td>
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<tr><td class="createdate" valign="top">Wednesday, 12 September 2012 09:55</td>
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<tr><td valign="top"><p>Leroy Wofford, the blues and jazz singer known for the easy manner that contrasted with his often flashy clothes, was shot in his Larimer home Sept. 8. He died the next day from his wounds.</p>
<p>Police are continuing to investigate, but have little to go on. When they arrived on the scene, Wofford was conscious and told them two men walked onto his porch around 1:30 a.m. One pulled a gun and when he tried to close the door they fired through it, striking him in the chest. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian where he died around 12:30 p.m. the next day. He was 59.</p>
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<tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">LEROY WOFFORD</div>
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<p>Though many in Pittsburgh’s musical fraternity are shocked that such a beloved entertainer could die this way, they are equally determined that his life and talent will be remembered.</p>
<p>“This is terrible. I don’t know what’s the matter with the world these days,” said James Street Gastropub owner Adam Johnston. “He was one of our favorites. We could always count on a great crowd when he played. He was a great entertainer; from his flashy get up he wore, to the way he warmed to the crowd. He’ll be missed.”</p>
<p>But he won’t be forgotten. Johnston contacted Nelson Harrison about holding a benefit show to raise money for Wofford’s funeral expenses.</p>
<p>“His family is having a tough time gathering up the funds. So I was talking to Doc about holding a benefit, and that got the snowball rolling. The outpouring from musicians around town has been amazing,” said Johnston. “People have been emailing and calling like crazy. So, we’ll have people playing music, talking about Leroy, and we’ll pass the hat.”</p>
<p>Johnston said the benefit will start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and will go as long as it takes.</p>
<p>“From what Nelson is saying, we could be here all night,” said Johnston. “When I go, I want my funeral to be a joyous celebration. That’s what I want this to be.”</p>
<p>Tim Stevens was just setting up for his Sunday set at James Street, when he said one of the waitresses told him Wofford had died.</p>
<p>“My mouth literally just dropped open I was so shocked. This violence is too close, too brutal and too frequent,” he said. “Tony Mowod told me they had just spoken Friday about him coming down to join our set. He was probably the greatest showman, in terms of blues and jazz singing, in the city. He was always a big hit at out B-PEP jazz concert. We, of course, dedicated our set to him and finished with one of his favorites: Lou Rawls version of Tobacco Road.”</p>
<p>Stevens said he was pleased to hear about the tribute and plans to be there.</p>
<p>Harrison said he expects a large crowd of performers.</p>
<p>“Yes, it’s really taken off,” he said. “Adam called me and we spread the word about tomorrow night from 6 until. I know his sister and niece will be there to accept any funds that anyone contributes and there’ll be a whole lot of people there to join in.”</p>
<p>In addition to his sister Diane Williams, and niece Zaneen Brown, Wofford is survived by daughter Charmaine Kelley; son Alan Wofford; siblings Arthur and Sandra Williams, and stepbrother William Dock, all of Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made, in care of Leroy Wofford, to Spriggs and Watson Funeral Home, 720 N. Lang Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 to defer funeral expenses.</p>
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</table> RIP Leroy. Another senseless…tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2012-09-12:1992552:Comment:2663322012-09-12T01:53:02.148ZAnthony (Tony) Janflonehttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/AnthonyTonyJanflone
<p>RIP Leroy. Another senseless killing of a child of God. It was always fun gigging with you!</p>
<p>RIP Leroy. Another senseless killing of a child of God. It was always fun gigging with you!</p> tag:jazzburgher.ning.com,2012-09-12:1992552:Comment:2661052012-09-12T00:45:30.429ZDr. Nelson Harrisonhttps://jazzburgher.ning.com/profile/NelsonHarrison
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