Michael J. Ryan, was born in Lawrence, MA, where he began studying the piano at the age of eight. By the time he was 16 he was performing professionally as a pianist & lounge entertainer in night clubs and restaurants in New England. On the night of his 17th Birthday he performed GershwinÂ’s "Rhapsody and Blue" for legendary band leader, Count Basie at Edmund's Supper Club in Middleboro, MA. A graduate of Taunton High School in Massachusetts, Mr. Ryan served as Musical Director for the Miss Taunton Pageant in 1971 and 72 also performing live on local radio station WRLM. He moved to Drexel Hill, PA in the early 1970s studying modern harmony with premiere jazz educator, Jimmy Amadie (former accompanist for Mel Torme.) He began performing all over the city of Philadelphia often accompanying his Father John as a Father and Son musical team. Appearances at Palumbo's, The Ben Franklin Hotel, and Le Bon Franquette would follow. In the 1980s he served as Musical Director for "We the People 200" as well as the American Theatre Arts for Youth. It was at this time that he studied advanced music theory at Temple University with George Sementovsky as well as teaming up with local singer, Rene Goodwin performing throughout the region including Miami, Florida and as far away as Fukuoka Japan. As a professional pianist, entertainer & vocal accompanist since 1966, he has performed in supper-clubs, hotels, casinos, restaurants and cabarets from Maine to Florida including the Catskills, Poconos and Atlantic City. In 1997 he was billed as "King of the Keyboard" at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA where he entertained thousands of visitors from all over the world with his expansive repertoire of music ranging from classical, jazz, show tunes, standards and popular songs. He suffered a stroke in 2002 taking away his ability to perform but lived comfortably in the care of his loving parents and family until his death last week from complications following a second stroke. He is survived by his parents John and Modestina Ryan of Drexel Hill, PA. Three brothers, two sisters, two nieces and two nephews, dozens of aunts and uncles, cousins, hundreds of musicians and performers not to mention thousands of fans who had the pleasure of hearing Mike play. If you would like to leave condolences or remembrancesces for Mike's family please do so by clicking on COMMENTS below. To read Mike's Eulogy click on the link to the right.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
1954 - 2006
Michael J. Ryan, was born in Lawrence, MA, where he began studying the piano at the age of eight. By the time he was 16 he was performing professionally as a pianist & lounge entertainer in night clubs and restaurants in New England. On the night of his 17th Birthday he performed GershwinÂ’s "Rhapsody and Blue" for legendary band leader, Count Basie at Edmund's Supper Club in Middleboro, MA. A graduate of Taunton High School in Massachusetts, Mr. Ryan served as Musical Director for the Miss Taunton Pageant in 1971 and 72 also performing live on local radio station WRLM. He moved to Drexel Hill, PA in the early 1970s studying modern harmony with premiere jazz educator, Jimmy Amadie (former accompanist for Mel Torme.) He began performing all over the city of Philadelphia often accompanying his Father John as a Father and Son musical team. Appearances at Palumbo's, The Ben Franklin Hotel, and Le Bon Franquette would follow. In the 1980s he served as Musical Director for "We the People 200" as well as the American Theatre Arts for Youth. It was at this time that he studied advanced music theory at Temple University with George Sementovsky as well as teaming up with local singer, Rene Goodwin performing throughout the region including Miami, Florida and as far away as Fukuoka Japan. As a professional pianist, entertainer & vocal accompanist since 1966, he has performed in supper-clubs, hotels, casinos, restaurants and cabarets from Maine to Florida including the Catskills, Poconos and Atlantic City. In 1997 he was billed as "King of the Keyboard" at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA where he entertained thousands of visitors from all over the world with his expansive repertoire of music ranging from classical, jazz, show tunes, standards and popular songs. He suffered a stroke in 2002 taking away his ability to perform but lived comfortably in the care of his loving parents and family until his death last week from complications following a second stroke. He is survived by his parents John and Modestina Ryan of Drexel Hill, PA. Three brothers, two sisters, two nieces and two nephews, dozens of aunts and uncles, cousins, hundreds of musicians and performers not to mention thousands of fans who had the pleasure of hearing Mike play. If you would like to leave condolences or remembrancesces for Mike's family please do so by clicking on COMMENTS below. To read Mike's Eulogy click on the link to the right.
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18 comments:
I'm saddened to hear of Mike's passing. A great musician in the truest sense...
Yes, I absolutely remember Mike Ryan. He and I were the "black sheep" of the piano program at Temple. Black sheep meant that you already had a career in music and you were merely playing the game for the piece of onion skin. True...
I remember many times that I felt he was my ally in a place where I wasn't having the best time (either). Wednesday piano classes (mandatory) were more enjoyable the year that Michael was there. Those classes were very tense, at best, and I recall some of the classes not being fully realized because of attitude issues between Prof. Sementovsky and some of his students. The looks between Michael and me were 'classic', and our feedback comments were even better appreciated. Comments after performances included:
"Not enough feeling..."
"No emotion whatsoever..."
"Too over-the-top..."
"When did you start working on this?"
"I heard what you were trying to do in that section..."
"Too loud!" (with a Yiddish accent and waving hands)
.. and many more.
I appreciated Mike's musicianship tremendously, not just because
he was a great talent, but he was all heart. His spirit was amazing and it was wonderful to be around him.
The last time I saw Michael was at Prof. Sementovsky's home in Dresher for a New Year's Eve party. Guess who played all night on the Yamaha and Bosendorfer concert grands? Mike and me. For hours. Song after song after song...
As we were about to leave, Mike pulled me aside and told me that he wasn't returning next semester, and I responded that I wish I could do the same. He said that Temple wasn't the place for him, and I began to think about that statement for a while. The following semester, I left.
There's much more that I'll probably remember, but I think this will give you an idea who Mike Ryan was to me.
-Dean Schneider
Just wanted to say you are in my thoughts & prayers. I work with Paul Davis & know Donna through him. I've heard a lot of nice things about Mike & the family, and all their talent. I know Donna sings like a bird, so if that's any example, then I understand.
I lost my brother too. My heart goes out to you all.
Dear Arthur,
That is sad, sad news about Mike. I'm sending some flowers to your
parents, but I would like to call them on the phone, so please send me
their telephone number when you have a moment.
Before you were born, your parents, Mike. Betty Ann, and Joey lived next
to us on Bennington Street in Lawrence. Those were happy days, and I have
only the best memories of when we were children together there. Once he
started his piano lessons, I remember how he used to practice at St.
Francis's Church, the Lithuanian parish in Lawrence. My father and I were
devastated when we got news of Mike's stroke in 2002, but it was edifying
how your parents took care of him right up until the end. I last talked
with Mike on the phone after my brother Albert died in 1999, although I
have always kept in touch with your parents by letter and e-mail. He was a
wonderful fellow, and may he rest in peace.
Love,
Cousin Anthony Lo Bello
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I apologize also for being so disconnected. I hadn't even known about his previous stroke. I have such fond memories of a group of us going down to see him play one time many years ago. Probably around 1989 or 90. Unfortunately, by the time we got there he was already packing up his gear. But the evening was still a lot of fun with all of us winding up at a downtown restaurant and jabbering into the wee hours.
I also remember on another occasion chatting "piano stuff" with Mike and he gave me good and useful advice about relaxing my hands while playing. It was a moment of sudden gentleness and concern in his voice for me (some struggling young kid he barely knew) that moved me and made me listen carefully. He easily saved me from getting carpal tunnel syndrome from stressful overpracticing. I've thought of his advice many times over the years when I sit down and plunk away at the keys. One small consolation is that he now knows how small moments like that were touches of grace that had lasting effect.
I knew then as now how much you love him. Please know with all sincerity that I'm keeping you and your whole family and Mike in my prayers.
Ger
Thank you for the photo and your note. I am sorry for your loss and will pray for Mike and you and your family. He and I used to trade piano jobs years ago and I enjoyed talking to him and hearing him play. It's comforting to know now he can play again.
Harry
Jonathan and I are so truly sorry for your loss of Mike. He was simply a wonderful guy and we are both so thankful that we had the chance to know him. We are glad that he is no longer suffering, but he will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you and your family on your birthday. Here's hoping it's the best that it can be. Thank you for the picture.
Much love,
Reay and Jonathan Scloss
Thank you for contacting me. I am so sad to hear that Michael has passed on from us. Breaks my heart that I won't get the chance to talk to him or see him right now. But, as you say, a whole and happy Michael is seated at that piano playing, singing and making the angels laugh in heaven and that makes me very happy. Hopefully, I'll get to belt out a tune or two with him in the future.
I didn't get to my emails until very late Sunday night. I am so sorry I couldn't be there to join in at Michael's celebration. I was unable to replace myself at work today. I would love to have shared a story or two in tribute to him and to repeat how much I loved and admired and enjoyed him with you and family and his other friends. Donna is so sad as well. She truly adored him. We had so much fun together. Diane Heery called the house today while I was at work and spoke with Donna to say she had gotten the news and was so upset.
I can honestly say that there was never a time that I said his name that I didn't smile. Quite a legacy. To leave the world with such great gifts of talent and memories and laughter.
I'm going to dig thru my "scrapbooks" and see if I can find some photos of Mike and will copy and send them on to you. I think I have a doozy that will make you laugh out loud. Hope I can find it. If not, I'll send you an email with the story. Please know that Michael will never really be gone as long as we remember him and keep laughing about our times together. I send you and your family my warmest thoughts and condolences and will say some prayers to help you thru what is a very painful time. I loved him.
David Mulholland
Dear Arthur:
I am sad to hear that Mike passed away. Mike was easy to teach because he was interested in learning, but more importantly he was an exceptional person that I enjoyed teaching.
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Amadie
Michael Ryan - one of the most talented individuals that I ever had the distinctive pleasure of getting to know. The gifts that he has been given - he shared - freely with everyone. One would just shake their head in amazement to hear him rattle off any tune that you could think of ...and in any key imaginable. He could play solo piano with the best of them - improvise like no one else's business and accompany a singer amazingly - I know - with Mike Ryan behind me - NO WORRIES!
What a privilege to have been able to share our time on earth together. He was one of the best commodities that ever hit Temple University. I was honored to be in the same "hallowed halls of learning and education".
I remember on our first day that I was dressed all in yellow (ugh) and looked like a banana gone wrong when he appeared on the second floor of Temple and me giving him a big hug and a huge welcome. He was so touched by that and he gave his all to that school from day 1. He had no ego - it was always about the person he was with...
I remember once when we sang together in the Temple Choirs after rendering a big solo - he told me that there was no need for me to study voice any longer - that I had the voice of an angel!
Mike Ryan IS that angel!
I will miss him more than words could ever express.
I congratulate you Mr. and Mrs. Ryan on rearing a beautful and talented eldest son - and to the Ryan family - the kindest and most giving and loving family - our deepest sympathies are with you but he is up there doing his thing. I do hope those other angels can measure up to his standards - it was an honor to call him friend and to be able to be a part of the music ministry at his funeral.
God Bless Michael J.Ryan - he will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. I love you, Michael.
Chris
I can only say that Richard and I loved Michael and his talent. In a recent event, I included some music which Michael had played for us in the past and I realized as I was making choices, that I could hear his renditions clearly in my head as I went down the list of material. I wonder if he knew what an impact he made on the people who worked with him? I hope so.
Betty Anne
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your brother Mike. I can not believe that this is the way I am communicating with you after so many years. I can remember going to your parents house in Mass. and Mike always teasing you and making us laugh. He was a great guy and a tremendous musician. I want you and your family to know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I'm sure he is now playing his music up above for all to enjoy . Barbara (Maclean)Hultman. erinlynne4athot.mail.com
Art --
My condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Take care.
Greg
Hi Donna,
I just went on the website that Arthur did. It is AMAZING. What a beautiful tribute to Michael!
Do you know if there are any more copies of the music CDs ? I really would love to have one.
I always remember Mrs. Nolan saying how she loved working at the Real Estate office beneath the old house on Buist just to hear Micheal playing.
I'm again so sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. I really felt horrible that day driving past the funeral home taking my Mom for her treatments. I really wanted to be there.
When your Mom is up to it, I'd like to stop over one day.
Well take care !!!
Love You, []
Shirley
Hi Donna,
I'm sorry that I didn't reach out to you sooner about Michael. I'm so very sorry for his passing. My thought's and prayers have been with you and your entire family since hearing of this terrible loss.
I hope this email finds you well and coping a bit better with each passing day. It's also my hope that your Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters are also finding some peace as time goes on.
My Mom gave me the Memorial CD that was put together......It's really a great piece of work and a wonderful tribute to Michael......it was very touching. I also heard that the services were very moving and well done. I'm really sorry I couldn't be there in person to pay my respects to you and everyone else.
Anyway, just wanted to check in and let you know that I was thinking of you.
Take care,
xoxoxoxo
Tom
Sorry for the passing of your brother; my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. He seems like he was an extrodinary person. What lovely music talent. I can see where Donna gets her talent; it must run in the family. Thanks for sharing the special people of your talented family with the world. May God bless all of you.
Love,
Jackie, Tim, Nina & Rhiannon Lee
This was a tough email to read. Mike was a wonderful person and one hell of a musician. I remember how much I would tease him about Gershwin in Highschool, but was always proud to hear him play Rhapsody in Blue, the music floating all thru the old Taunton High School. Mike and I played a few gigs together and I've never met a keyboad player that could even come close to Mike's talent. He knew everything. I always wondered what became of him; checking out this website made me happy to see he attained his goals.
It was tough to hear he couldnt play for the last few years, but fear not; I can picture him now in heaven leading one kick-ass band with that crazy look and amazing sound effects that made him an instant friend to all.
Bang those keys Mike!
Bob
I had the great pleasure of knowing Mike during my senior year at Taunton High School as a member of the Concert Choir. I wish I could put into words my enjoyment standing there listening to this young man "walk" across those keys with such ease. We were privileged to have had Mike as our pianist that year. He taught me a few exercises to practice so that the left hand could do something different than the right, and I still mess around with that today. I have "taught" myself to play a little bit (key of C) and never sit at a piano without thinking of Mike. As a Christian, I'm getting to know more and more folks that have gone on and I add Mike Ryan to my list of folks I truly look forward to seeing again someday.
Thank you to his parents for giving the world such a special person in so many ways. Thank you to his brother for this web site.
Rene Ouellette
e-mail: blockhauler@bellsouth.net
for any Concert Choir members.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I knew Mike from Taunton High School concert choir and from the Miss Taunton pagaent. He was a remarkable talent and someome you could always count on to make you laugh. I will never forget his smile or the time he let me croon a tune from atop his piano. God Bless you and your family during this trying time and may he rest in peace
Denise Downey Smith
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