John Rigney
Obituary
John R. (Big John) Rigney, 68, well known Musician and retired welder departed this life June 16, 2006 unexpectedly. He has joined the jazz greats that dwell with our Lord. He will always be remembered for sharing his love of music and the love he so freely gave to everyone. He lived with grace that he knew came from his Maker. John was born on July 30, 1937 in Fairfax, OK to the late William W. and Etta Pearl (Diediker) Rigney. He is survived by his loving wife and soul-mate Judy Mehlhorn-Rigney; his son: Joseph Michael Rigney, two step-sons and a step-daughter. He was Papa to three grandsons and five granddaughters. He was especially close to Maddie, Emily and Zachary. Also surviving are his brother: Robert (June) Rigney and sister: Elaine Rigney Crupper all of Bartlesville, OK.
John started his musical career playing in the Fairfax Band. He enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school. While in the Navy he learned music theory and how to play numerous musical instruments. They needed an upright bass player and that was when he grew to love that instrument. Upon coming to Tulsa he started playing with Sonny Gray in the Rubiot house band. He went to Denver and played back-up for Anita O'Day and Nancy Wilson. He then went on the road with Red Norvo. Back in Tulsa he played for Martha Johnston, Teddy Wilson, Mose Allison, Vince Guaraldi, Cal Jader and many others. He studied music at the University of Tulsa. Played with the Tulsa Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic Orchestras. He was a regular on "The Sam Jones Show". John also played with the Dennis Bayton Big Band Sounds and the Pam VanDyke Band. Recently he was playing bass with Sonny Gray, Donald Ryan and Gayle Williamson. While on the road and at home John made many life-long friends and was considered the best bassist around. He will be greatly missed. Please, join us in celebrating his life at the Greenwood Cultural Center (Hall of Fame), 322 N. Greenwood at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22. Burial with military honor at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 23rd. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
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Tributes & Memories
Lit a candle in memory of John Rigney
Dave Reynolds
Although I learned of John's passing in 2006 from Dave Teegarden, I only found this site tonight. So because thinking about my old friend John caused me come here, I must say a word or two. I'm Dave Reynolds, the drummer who played with John, Sonny Gray, Kenny Quinn and so many others at the Rubiot for all those wonderful years. It's impossible to describe the depth of both our music and of our friendship throughout all the great experiences we shared - playing music has a special way of taking us into deep and profound places in the soul like no other human activity. As everyone in Tulsa knows, John was the premier bassist in Tulsa, as well as a kind, gentle and spiritual man. We spent many hours long into the night, pursuing the mysteries of our young lives with music, and often in deep conversations as well. John was a true friend and brother. Those 1960's years were wonder years, as anyone who was there will attest, and I will always miss them and especially so - my good friend John.
Dave Reynolds