Memories of the blues

Central Texans respond to the death of Clifford Antone

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

"He was a giant. He lived for the music, and if you were a musician, that meant he existed for you."

--Jon Blondell, blues musician

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"I feel like the heart of Austin music has been ripped out."

--Chris Layton, drummer

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"How many other teachers at the University of Texas got their name in the title of the course? He adored the students and loved giving back to them. He didn't want that class to end every day; there was so much material he wanted to share with them. He brought a lot of musicians into the classroom, and the students just went nuts."

--Kevin Mooney, music professor at University of Texas, who organized the class Blues According to Clifford Antone

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"I consider him the most iconic role model for how live music should be embraced in this community."

--Paul Oveisi, owner, Momo's Club

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"Clifford saw so much genius in the young adults we serve; he did so much to bring the resources together to help them get a second chance."

--Richard Halpin, American YouthWorks