For years, Dave Long was a key part of the Charlotte music community. Photographer, musician, organizer. Dave’s place in Charlotte music history has assured the day that he loaned Pat Walters his 12-string to play on the Paragons recording of “Abba”, and ended up playing tambourine on the song. He was the first person to book shows at the Double Door, and booked the Dixie Dregs there in 1976, the first big show in a venue that became world famous. His photos of local musicians would later fill the walls of the Double Door, and many other places, including the cover of my NC 1960s book. In later years, he recorded a number of projects and posted them on Youtube, featuring many of the musicians that had come up with him in the Charlotte music scene.
Dave Long left us yesterday to find the next great gig in the sky. While I am glad that he is no longer in ill health, there is a void for many of us that knew him, played with him, worked with him, or inspired by him. Dave left so much behind, that one can say that he will truly not leave us for a long time to come. I will not be the first to say this, or the last, but thank you, Dave. For being here, and your time among us. Sail on, sailor.
-Daniel
January 12, 2017
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