This past Wednesday afternoon, March 16th, 2011 the Pacific Northwest lost an amazing musician and friend. Lawrence Hightower passed away at the University of Washington Medical Center due to heart complications. The musician had been in an out of surgery for several days prior to his passing and put up a valiant fight but ultimately succumbed when his organs began to shut down due to further complications from the various the surgeries. Friends and family held vigil for several days at the center, culminating in a prayer circle prior to Hightower being taken off of life support.
After Hightower passed away several friends and local musicians gathered for dinner at a local eatery to mourn and yet celebrate the life of the man that they loved and admired.
Simply one of the best...
Hightower was considered one of the most talented bassists in the region and beyond. (see video below). He was well known in the musical community and worked and played with some of the areas' most prominent musical artists as well as well known national and global artists (See bio below).
Big in stature and in heart, Hightower's talent was surely eclipsed by his warm personality and positive spirit. Several artists throughout the region paid tribute to Lawrence throughout th is past weekend. Local funk tribute band, Sonic Funk Orchestra held a moment of silence for a Redwind Casino crowd this past Friday and Saturday. Former band mates From Fade 2 Black performed at The Wild Rover this past Saturday. There can be no doubt that it must have been a very emotional show. In addition, there is a memorial and official tribute show that will be coming up in the near future.
There have been several tributes to Hightower in cyberspace. You may visit is Facebook page to read some of the great tributes from those who knew and loved him.
Bio courtesy of Oncoremusic.com...
Lawrence Keith Hightower was born May 1st, 1962. He started playing in his hometown of Detroit. Recording with Jim Vitti at United Sounds Studio A, his musical talent was encouraged by Levi Stubbs Sr. of the Four Tops fame. After playing in local clubs and working with Fred Hammon and Danny Winis in high school, Lawrence toured with Harlque doing P.A.C.A.F. and D.O.D. shows in Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Guam and Australia. During that time he worked with well known acts including Debarge, Klymaxx, The Mac Band, and Chaka Khan. Shortly there after, he came back to Detroit and worked with a band called Mechnixx. Lawrence has over 20 years of performing experience and a strong vocal ability. For two years, he has been head chair at the Center of Faith Church in Kent, WA. Lawrence is working with local groups doing session work and playing in bands, Funkalicious, Shades and BrickHouse. With his broad repertoire, he has filled in with many local bands on a moments notice and is known for his high energy performances. He owns Hightower Custom which produces custom designed bass guitars. Currently he is working on designing a new bass guitar for Lige Curry of Parliament Funkadelic.
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