Earl Lawrence Taught Many Musicians

Earl Lawrence taught music to thousands of people in Erie County before he passed away in 1969. He was so popular that the Fairview High School Class of 1942 dedicated their yearbook to him. He retired as a high school teacher in 1951.

Mr. Lawrence was born in Erie, PA in 1881 and was the son of John and Emma Lawrence. He graduated from Erie High School in 1901. Earl was an inspiration to many students, a number of whom went on to become professional musicians. Bruce Morton Wright and Mary Alice Brown were prodigies. Harry T. Burleigh was a personal friend, and he stayed at the Lawrence home at 221 West Front St. when he visited Erie.

Earl was highly respected in the local community. "Mr. Lawrence spent many years as a performer in bands of various types in dance halls, parks, hotels, and in the homes of prominent Erie citizens." Learn more details about the life of Earl Lawrence at: Erie African American Wiki

Enjoy more facts and photos about the rich history of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Musician Harry T. Burleigh Was Born in Erie

Harry T. Burleigh, an internationally known baritone vocalist and musical arranger, was born in Erie, PA on December 2, 1866. Unfortunately, his former home at 137 East 3rd Street was demolished to make space for a parking lot. The Harry T. Burleigh Street Marker was dedicated on May 16, 2013 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at Erie City Hall.

According to the Erie Dispatch, Harry Burleigh graduated from Erie High School and moved to New York City to study music after borrowing $25 from Lewis Adams of the First Presbyterian Church. Burleigh won a scholarship from the National Conservatory of Music and later studied under composer Anton Dvorak. Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School in Erie is named in his honor. 

Burleigh was a very interesting man. He learned traditional African-American spirituals from his grandfather, a former slave, and later performed these songs throughout the world. The book "Hard Trials" by Anne Key Simpson chronicles the life of Harry T. Burleigh, who died in 1949, in great detail. Click here http://www.afrovoices.com/burleigh.html to learn more about Mr. Burleigh and hear a sample of his music. The Blasco Memorial Library in Erie has a CD called "Deep River: Songs and Spirituals of Harry T. Burleigh."

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

The Cows Rock Anthony's Lounge

Here's a blast from the past...while the nation was getting ready to celebrate the Bicentennial, the Cows were getting ready to rock out at Anthony's Lounge in Erie, PA. This particular gig took place from May 19-22, 1976. Anthony's was located at 12 East 5th Street.

The Cows included Ron Guzek on keyboards, vocalist Dennis Guzek, guitarist Richard Buckel and drummer Joe Salorino. They are shown in the advertisement above from left to right.

Now it's your turn to share memories about your favorite songs and shows by the Cows. Be sure click on the title of this post and leave a comment in the white box on the next page.

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

C. J. Bri at Sweetheart Hop 1970 Erie, PA

-ad in Erie Daily Times, February 12, 1970.

Check out this ad for the first public appearance of C. J. Bri, a progressive trio featuring Jon Ims,  organist John Novello and drummer Jay Lewis (ala Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The band played the Sweetheart Hop at Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park on Friday the 13th of February, 1970. Love how the ad says, "Come & decide if this group makes it." Only in Erie, PA!

Novello formed C. J. Bri after the demise of Symon Grace and the Tuesday Blues. He has had a long career in the music industry as an author, composer, producer, music educator and and keyboardist (he plays in Niacin with bassist Billy Sheehan).

Jon Ims wrote the Trisha Yearwood hit "She's In Love With the Boy."

Learn more fun facts about Erie, Pennsylvania at Old TimeErie