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Posted by: MARTHA -- 12/25/05 07:21:53 PM Posted by: MARTHA -- 12/24/05 04:59:47 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: CHRISTMAS EVE 2005 HERE I AM! MISS YOU TERRIBLY. LOVE YOU MORE, IF POSSIBLE- WRITE TO YOU MORE TOMORROW. LOVE Posted by: MARTHA WHEAT -- 11/28/05 03:48:33 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: MISSING POSTINGS THIS IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2005 SORRY ALL THE POSTINGS AFTER MAY 15, 2005, HAVE BEEN LOST! MYSELF AND OTHERS HAVE POSTED AND I HOPE ANYONE, WHO KNEW BRAD, WILL ADD THEIR COMMENTS, THE SUMMARY OF MISSING POSTINGS IS, YOU ARE MISSED AND LOVED. Posted by: -- 5/15/05 06:47:43 PM Email: Topic: HAPPY LILAC SUNDAY 2005, BRAD Posted by: MARTHA -- 3/27/05 06:43:44 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: EASTER SUNDAY TODAY, EASTER SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2005, I MISS AND LOVE YOU! Posted by: MARTHA -- 3/27/05 06:41:04 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: Posted by: MARTHA -- 2/14/05 09:43:35 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: VALENTINE 2005 ON MY FINGER I WEAR YOUR RING, ONE DAY I MIGHT HEAR YOU SING, IN MY HEART YOU'LL LIVE FOREVER! ALL MY LOVE Posted by: JOHN NICOLAY -- 1/09/05 06:49:50 PM Email: JN6STRING@AOL.COM Topic: WHEN I WAS TWELVE OR SOMETHING, MY FRIEND HAD A BROTHER IN A ROCK BAND. AS I HAD JUST TAKEN UP THE GUITAR, I WAS ALWAYS KEEN TO LEARN NEW STUFF. GARY QUINN HELPED ME OUT A BUNCH, BUT, WHEN I HEARD, THE HEARD, AND SAW BRAD PLAY LEAD GUITAR, I WAS HOOKED. HE TAUGHT ME THE SOLO TO "LAUGH WITH THE WIND" THE HEARD'S SINGLE, AND I CAN STILL PLAY IT TO THIS DAY. MY BIGGEST THRILL WAS JAMMING WITH GARY AND PETE SOMEWHERE DOWN IN CHARLOTTE. AT THE END , BRAD CAME UP AND SHOOK MY HAND, AND SAID,"JOHNNY NICOLAY, YOU SURE CAN PLAY!" Posted by: MARTHA WHEAT -- 12/31/04 10:42:34 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: NEW YEARS EVE 2005 JUST TO SAY,HAPPY NEW YEAR AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS THE THIRD NEW YEAR WITHOUT YOU HERE! MISS YOU SO MUCH, LOVE ALWAYS Posted by: MARTHA WHEAT -- 12/25/04 12:21:58 AM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: CHRISTMAS 2004 WISH YOU WERE HERE, HOME. I'M SURE GOD IS TAKING GOOD CARE OF ALL THE WHEATS. LOVE YOU BRAD, MISS YOU LOVE MARTHA Posted by: MARTHA -- 11/24/04 10:59:58 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: THANKSGIVING IF POSSIBLE, I WANT YOU TO KNOW, WISH YOU WERE HERE. I'LL SAVE YOU YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE TURKEY! WITH LOVE ALWAYS Posted by: MARTHA -- 9/26/04 07:17:44 PM Email: BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM Topic: WIFE SEPT.26,2004 WHAT CAN I SAY, THAT I HAVEN'T ALREADY SAID! I'M VERY SAD, IN MY HEART, THAT BRAD IS NOT HERE FOR OUR 23RD WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! I CAN SAY "I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, BRAD", AND ALWAYS WILL! Posted by: Dave Wing -- 9/17/04 05:22:01 PM Email: dwing@rochester.rr.com Topic: Brad\'s Passing I just recently was made aware of Brads' passing and although it has been many years since I last saw him, I have known Brad since 1960 when I first moved out to Henrietta, NY. He was the first friend I made at school and we spent the better part of the early 60's as good friends. He was an excellent musician and his talents and personality will be missed. He approached me at a dance after a high school basketball game in 1964 and asked me if I would like to play drums in a band he was forming. Although I had no formal training, I had sat in on some of Brads' practice sessions with other bands he had been involved in and jumped at the chance. Thus was formed that little ol' band from Henrietta.... The Angry Young Men. Brad left the band after a few gigs to form The Heard but he always kept in touch and followed our progress even sitting in with us at a reunion get together in 1985. There are too many memories of Brad to share but he was a kind, caring individual who, no matter how much commercial success he attained, never forgot his friends. Scavarze Brad!! Posted by: Will Volnak -- 9/17/04 05:18:17 PM Email: Topic: Remembering Brad I have just stumbled upon this page and am saddened to learn of Brad's death. We went to high school together and never met again. I never saw him take advantage of anyone and have known few like that in the decades since. May the earth rest lightly upon him. Will Volnak Posted by: John Carpenter -- 9/17/04 08:24:38 AM Email: Topic: I Remember Brad I'll always remember Brad! What a GREAT person he was—generous and kind. SEPTEMBER 14, 2004 TODAY MARKS 2 YEARS THAT BRAD WAS CALLED BY GOD AND LEFT US ALL BEHIND. I FOR ONE, THINK ABOUT HIM EVERY DAY, MANY I HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL, SHED TEARS. BUT, ALSO I GRIN EVERYDAY, AS HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO BRING A SMILE TO MY FACE, NO MATTER HOW I WAS FEELING. FOR THIS AND MANY, MANY, REASONS I SHALL ALWAYS LOVE BRAD AND HE OWNS MY HEART! LOVE MARTHA AUG.22, 2004 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I MISS YOU NOT BEING HERE AS MUCH AS LAST YEAR, ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND MY HEART. MARTHA USA - SEP. 14, 2003 BEEN ONE YEAR MY LOVE, MY HEART HURTS, I STILL LOVE YOU SO MUCH. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I HAD UNTIL YOU WERE NO LONGER AROUND. YOU WILL NEVER BE UNLOVED OR FORGOTTEN. SOMEDAY I WILL FIND YOU, UNTIL THEN I'M SURE GOD IS TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOU. LOVE MARTY USA - BRAD WHEAT- AUG.22, 1947-SEPT. 14,2002. YOU ARE GONE FROM MY LIFE, BUT NOT MY HEART. I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS, ESPECIALLY TODAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. YOUR WIFE, MARTHA AUGUST 14, 2003 - BEEN 11 MONTHS TODAY, LOVE YOU FOREVER. MART USA - I have "the Heard" within my playlist of my radio show. BEYOND THE BEAT GENERATION Brad will never die -- Thanks for some great music. BEYOND THE BEAT GENERATION Internet streamradio website Hans <h.kesteloo@chello.nl> Almere , Holland - Correction to the previous entry. I was always the front man, but Brad you were "the wind beneath my wings". Jeff Wheat <jpwheat@sbcglobal.net> Saugus, California USA - It has been almost 11 months since Brad passed away and it still hits me hard every time I see a picture or think of him. About once every 2 or 3 days I stop and force myself to think about Brad so that I can better come to grips with his dying. Maybe,in time,this process will help me with my loss. It always makes me cry. I have been going through songs and photos from Brad's and my music career. It helps and hurts. With only a few exceptions, Brad and I were musically tied all of our lives. Brad was such a gift to music and humanity. He was a brilliant guitarist and helped influence many, many musicians along the way. He would never believe it, but he had the greatest voice. I was always so envious. I don't think there is anyone that would debate his abilities to work out harmony parts. He was the BEST! Brad was also the kindest, gentlest, most loving person who ever walked this earth. He always tried to make everyone else look great. Here, you sing it, you sound great singing it...you play that part. Everyone else before himself. Many times he would give when he had nothing. He was supportive to friends and strangers. It was nothing for Brad to meet someone new and then spend hours teaching them how to vocalize or play a song. Music was his passion and no one knew it better. Brad had demons. I guess sometimes that goes along with genius. Demons can make you a difficult person to live with, be around or be a brother and friend to. We all did our best because we knew that inside, Brad was a little boy who in many ways never grew up. He was a child at heart and did not know much about the "planet of the adults". He never had a drivers license, drove a car or had a bank account. He was not concerned with fashion, clothes, haircuts, or material things. What did matter to him was his friends. He loved people! Brad had a wonderful, loving wife of 21 years and a network of GREAT friends who helped him through life. Without these friends, Brad would not have been able to exist. I could not always be there for him and when I wasn't... you were! It is to all of you that I tearfully say "Thank You", from the bottom of my heart. In his later years Brad was racked with a lot of pain. Much more pain than I think any of us realized. The doctors were not always able to give him the medication to deal with the pain, so Brad resorted back to what he knew might help. He eventually died of natural causes ... a stroke and bad heart. When I returned to Rochester for the funeral, I found life had really taken its toll on my little brother. He just wore out! I miss you Brad and I wish I could have taken away your hurt and insecurities. I would have taken it all! I was always let me be the front man, but you Brad, you were "the wind beneath my wings". Love, Jeff Wheat Jeff Wheat <JPWHEAT@SBC GLOBAL.NET> Saugus, California USA - Thanks for the fantastic photos of The Heard. I'm amazed to read the comments written by Brad's friends. I wish I could have seen the band play live in the mid-60's. At least I have the 45, which will always be in my top 10. Mark Taylor <bosshoss@bigpond.net.au> Sydney, NSW Australia - WELL, CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN TEN LONG MONTHS SINCE BRAD LEFT US, BUT, IT IS. SURE MISS OLD FORGE OVER THE FOURTH, ONE OF BRAD'S FAVORIT PLACES, BUT MY DREAMS WENT THERE. NEVER STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU! LOVE ALWAYS MARTHA N.Y. USA - Mac, you were always so eloquent, now you're only better! I'm so glad I told you about this visitor book. But they better not run out of bandwidth when the two of us writers get going! I hope I can live up to you and not be boring. You really brought me back to those perfect days. Your idea to make this both a memorial to Bradley and a memory book for our lives in Rochester is beautiful and wonderful. Maybe those of us who've been away are far more romantic about these times? I think when one leaves, you never have to see the changes in architecture, people, the end of landmarks, how we all have grown...ahem, more mature. For us lucky ones who left thirty years ago, Rochester will always be the same and frozen perfectly in our memories. We'll always be two romantics, Mac. Maybe even too sentimental for writing here, but aren't we now too old to be embarrassed by real sentiment? Gary can always delete us if we get too tearful or mushy. I hope people come, read these and join in to build that legacy. Ian, or Mac as we always endearingly called him (he was so embarrassed to have such a British first name, afraid people would think it wasn't his real name. Consequently, hardly anyone knew Mac as Ian.) Mac is really an amazing repository of events. He soaked up our world and to this day can relate right off the top of his head hours and hours of entertaining stories. A Rochester bible or textbook. . I think Mac is too much a gentleman to write in a public book like this anything more than sweet generalizations about who did what to who, but don't worry dear, I was very moved and you hardly insulted anyone as you celebrated Bradley. I know you were worried about getting too personal about things other than Bradley. You did yourself proud. Others will have to hear the more, um, racy Mac stories in person in London, where no names or details are ever spared! I made Mac hold back this little story of mine, he promised that I could tell it, so I can be the first to add this reminiscence we shared together. I have so much romance for this time in my life, it was a brief few years, but sometimes only a week or so seems in my past is so alive as to be at least a year in length, even more, if you understand what I mean. Here is the best Cupid Bradley memory. Bradley was at the center of our musical world for this one or two weeks, weeks that still last forever. Bradley was the pied piper to our love affair. I was dating my dark gentle brooding and mystically passionate famous novelist in waiting, Mac. My dearest gifted girlfriend painter of wild sadness in her heart was Blake Holland, so blonde perfectly petite and gorgeously wistful. Oh, just the way she could tilt her head made me jealous! She was the femme fatale to that mystery blue eyed smile of John Kelly. Oh, what was a perfect time, the four of us living together in my family's empty vacation home. Skinny dipping in the moonlight! I thought we were destined to be married, all four of us, and Bradley helped share and develop that emotion, that overwhelming feeling. He carried it forward. He blessed it. Bradley was bearing witness as we all fell hopelessly in love. As we returned every night, Bradley would play our song. He gave us our own special tune and played it again each night we returned. He always looked down on us from the bandstand and smiled. Bradley just had to give us a moment every night. He knew. It was a spiritual thing. He was so good and wonderful to us. The other guys in the band just looked at Brad in a puzzled way at first as Bradley would play our little ditty all by himself. It was always something from a wedding song, a private joke, a short solo piece. Sometimes "Here come the bride." That always cracked us up and made us love Bradley. That game lasted for at least a week or more, every night. It got to be a running joke for us and Bradley, our master of ceremony, our pied piper, played it in a different style each time. That was so creative of him. Only Bradley. It was so good and kind of him to see into our love, our souls and offer us this special song that would bond us together with Bradley as the instigator. I fix that moment in my mind, especially precious since I hardly knew him personally and probably would have been too shy anyway to speak too much to him. So it was an almost anonymous gift, the best kind. I always smiled a little thank you to Bradley, and he would return a sweet smile from the stage. Of course we were all mad. And crazy in love. It never happens like that again. I should have married Mac, my dark knight. I still tell him so and I'm sure I'm right too. Mac's too sweet to disagree! He was my rock, kind and graceful. John and Blake, our housemates, the golden artist girl from RIT, and she called him her blue-eyed baby. I can still see how she used to make a private tent with her hair to cover his face when they kissed. Memories are made of this. It really doesn't get much better than that in life. I think Bradley was trying to communicate to all of us four that we had this special love, he knew it, he was channeling God in that moment, giving us a signal to never leave each other. To this day, I wish I'd listened to Bradley. John was drafted in the army soon afterwards and all the world stood still for Blake. She was heartbroken and sure her precious baby blue would die. So one night, to brighten her constant sorrow, we went to see Bradley again, this must have been weeks or even a month later. This time Bradley didn't play our wedding song. It was as if Bradley intuitively knew everything had changed, it would all be different from then on for us. Playing a wedding march would be cruel to Blake. Maybe he was disappointed that we failed his marriage music for us. Maybe he sensed the tragedy. Our little perfect world had turned on it's axis and would never be quite right again. Somehow I felt the very sensitive Bradley understood it all.. I always thought he also knew he was sparing Blake from crying. We could have been just any 4 people coming to see him play. but I don't think so. Only music really understands life and Bradley always seemed intuitively connected to his fans and their emotions.. He even knew when not to play,like now,when music would be too sad for us that night. Bradley was that gifted at the true purpose of communication, I always loved you for that Bradley. All our stories have happy and sad endings. Blake's love crushed by Vietnam, she went back to her family in NYC over thirty years ago, but last I heard she now lives peacefully in the Hamptons. Good news. Mac is in London, very successfully in media production of course. TV commercials and rock videos, and yes some writing. We're so proud of Mac. His media awards. John and me went to the British rock awards with him in the early 80s. Me, in publishing and fashion in NYC and soon to retire! John you know from television or the newspapers in US and Europe, usually dealing with his work or films in Afghanistan or museum shows in NYC. Newsweek called him an international troublemaker at UN, State Department.! Smirking on Nightline recently! He definitely must post here, if any of you do remember him, especially if you can reach him at his home in Kabul. But I often think we'd have all ended up better, the four of us, still living our love out in Rochester. With beautiful Bradley playing our wedding songs, presiding over our youthful, innocent passion. Bradley had a perfect sense of how to sing and play the accompaniment of the spiritual idealism of our lives, making them beautiful, important and most of all eternally enduring. God Bless You, Bradley Suzanne Sibley-Shaw <anoymousemailer@aol.com> NYC, NY USA - I am very, very sorry to hear about Brad's death. K. Volkova USA - Thanks for Debbie and Suzanne for the email to this site. Terribly sorry to hear about Brad. My prayers go out to his wife and family. I didn't know him well, and reading these remembrances, I am humbled by the outpouring of love and affection for a man I knew mainly by reputation--but what a reputation. Being younger, and rather reserved, I remained mostly in the background. Understandably, given that I was a transplant to Rochester in late high school and moved on from there in the early 70s. Yet, I will never forget the kindness and big heart of Bradley. Please let me share one ancedote of his generosity . I was at HOG--the old HOG before it expanded--and was noodling around on a guitar I greatly desired to own. Bradley was there, holding court with a fellow (can't recall his name...he went on to be a producer in LA, but lived virtually around the block from HOG.) I was probably playing 'Stairway to Heaven' horribly, much to the mockery of the rather sarcastic crowd who hung out at HOG and could all play far better than I, a mere senior in high school at the time. As I sat on an amp, with a bemused Armand looking on carefully lest I break a string or scratch the finish with my terrible pick technique, Bradley came over and sat next to me. He very respectfully treated me not as a neophyte or hack, but as his equal, his brother. He patiently gave me tips for nearly an hour; time flew by as he graciously shared his superior knowledge with a complete stranger. Then after all this time spent solely with me, he finally played some of his own tunes, turning the place into his own private stage for me and me alone. It was magic. He knew everything about harmony, tricky chords, brilliant riffs, spontaneous improvisation on classic songs, the whole works. Just for me. Not to show off or to embarrass my amateur efforts, but a time to be shared only between the two of us, very confidentially. Some of the other local guitar gods had accompanied Bradley to HOG and were obviously eager for him to leave hours ago, but Brad would have none of that. He was there for me and was going to stay. He gave me his phone number and told me where he'd be playing and invited me to stop by. As his guest! How big was that? Do you understand what an 18 year old felt like to be honored as an equal by this major Rochester star? There was no one else like Brad. I went to see him play a number of times later and he always greeted me, a nobody, like a long lost friend. Casually, after all, we barely knew each other, but it was totally sincere and heartfelt. He seemed to have an intuition that he was increasing my status among my friends by acting so graciously towards me, and seemed to enjoy immensely the fact that we shared this inside joke. Of course, 'knowing' him, his recognition of me, did increase my status among my young mates--he knew it and it was his gift to me. As if teaching me that when one appears, like himself, to have achieved a certain fame locally, it should always be used to make other people feel good, to feel worthy. I hope you understand what I'm struggling to say behind the tears welling up as I attempt to inadequately relay my heartfelt feelings about Bradley. And how Bradley eased my transitiion from awkward adolescense to young manhood. He made me feel accepted and important to him. I can't tell you how FEW phonies I met in Rochester who made me feel small, unimportant or treated me like a music groupie of no consequence merely because I came up after a set and bashfully communicated that I had enjoyed their work. (A certain unnamed hack folkie who played at a crummy storefront in Charlotte/Greece, in counterpoint, stepped all over my genuine attempt to reach out and offer my congratulations, even though I wasn't all that impressed by the talent--or the venue! He came on so conceitedly that my gorgeous girlfriend, whom he thought might be impressed with his arrogance and limited talent, immediately caught on that this performer was crushing my ego and ignoring me hoping to impress her. She cut him off fast with a great one-liner and earned my eternal love at that moment.) Brad wasn't like that at all. He always made me feel like his peer, even soliciting my opinion of his performance as if I was his equal. What a guy! I recognize even today some of the names in this visitor book, Jim Barton, the Quinns (John Q..what's he up to, did he leave a note here?) and Jake, to name those whose faces I can still see in my minds eye. I'm probably going to repeat myself, forgive me, but what was cool about Roc to me was that even people who barely knew me would 'adopt' me and drag me along with them barhopping and clubbing, then introduce me to their friends until I felt I belonged. Even though a stranger and annoyingly young. I wish they all had contributed more anecdotes about what they are up to today and more mates from ther era would join in as well. Maybe there's a limited bandwidth problem to deal with here, but I'd love to see this site become a clearinghouse for memories and updates about the whole scene as well as tributes to Bradley Wheat. And more pictures! Or is there another site with all this 'golden age' memorabila about the greatest parties bands, music and personalies from the 60s through the early 70s--a scene as incredible as anywhere I've lived. Please post the url of such a site if it exists please. 'Mac' Ian Maclennan Vick Park and Berkeley Street 1969-71, Irondequoit 65-68 London, UK, 1971- Film Production NB. My mac.com email account ( freebie) is running out and I'll have to check back here for any answers or updates on your infor until I'm up and running on a new server and can leave a more reliable address...that is, if anyone remembers such a retiring wallflower as myself! Mac Maclennan <mac_nospammclen22@mac.com> London, UK - TODAY IS JUNE 14, 2003, NINE MONTHS SINCE YOU TOOK A TRIP! LOVE YOU AS MUCH AS EVER. HOPE GOD IS TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOU! LOVE YA MARTHA USA - Brad was a great guy, I remember growing up and following local groups and singers styles, Brad was one of them, I have lots of gold and platinums on my walls... They mean nothing.. nothing... knowing Brad... Oxford Watchband.... and all the Local and Reginal Rockers from the 60's and 70's.... thats whats in my heart and soul!!!!!! RIP BRAD........ .. HOWIE H....... LOS ANGELES Howie Hubberman <hhubberman@aol.com> Hollywood, CA USA - MAY 14,2003 MAKES IT 8 MONTHS! MISS YOU EVERYDAY, MORNING TO NIGHT AND SOMETIMES IN MY DREAMS. WILL NEVER STOP MISSING YOU. I LOVE YOU! MARTHA USA - HI! WELL IT IS APRIL 14TH, 7 MONTHS SINCE BRAD WENT TO BEAT HIS OWN DRUM. MISS HIM VERY MUCH,BUT, MEMORIES ARE GREAT! I WANT TO THANK GARY VERY MUCH FOR LEAVING BRAD'S MEMORIAL PAGE ON HIS WEB SITE. IT HAS GIVEN ME A PLACE TO VISIT. THANKS GAR. LOVE MARTHA USA - TODAY IS MARCH 14,2003, 6 MONTHS SINCE BRAD LEFT US. HE IS MISSED HERE VERY MUCH AND I THANK ALL THAT VISIT HIS MEMORY THRU THIS WEB SITE. MARTHA - FOR ANYONE WHO COMES TO THIS SITE, I WANT YOU TO KNOW BRAD IS MISSED MORE EACH DAY. TODAY FEB. 14TH IS NOT ONLY VALENTINES DAY, IT IS THE 5TH MONTH SINCE BRAD LEFT US. FOR THOSE THAT BELIEVE BRAD HAS VISITED ME MANY TIMES AND HE IS IN A GOOD PLACE! MARTHA WHEAT USA - Brad and I got together in 1975. I never dreamed that we would be together for 27 years. Our years together were always filled with something new. He introduced me to Old Forge and I introduced him to Kansas. Together we travelled to Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, California, and of couse, Florida. No matter where we went we found fun times. Brad always found new friends. Although Brad loved me very much, his first love was music. Even being the non-musical person that I am, Brad managed to teach me to truly appreciate music. Brad's gift from God of music and his talent never ceased to amaze me! Like many people, Brad constantly had to fight his demons and he wasn't able to accomplish all his dreams. He was one of the most generous, loving and giving people. He was sensative and funny and really the best friend and soulmate a person could want. Brad was always concerned about where I was and if I was okay. I remember on Xmas eve years ago, I left work early in a blizzard to meet Brad at his parent's house. When I pulled in the driveway there Brad stood like Old Man Winter frozen with snow from head to toe just waiting for me. He was always thinking about me and bringing back something to prove it, even if he was just gone for a gig. Brad was an avid reader of anything he could get his hands on. As a result, he could have a conversation about anything. He would often be excited to share new discoveries and adventures with me. I know Brad was always saying that I was the best thing that happened to him but through it all, he was the best thing to come into my life. I loved him very much and we never had a dull moment! It has been wonderful to read the messages in the guest book on the web site and to realize so many people knew the real Brad as I did. Every night before going to sleep Brad would say "Dream about the angels". Now he is dreaming with the angels. Love, Martha martha wheat <b.wheat@rochester.rr.com> geneseo, ny USA - BRAD WAS ALWAYS A CHRISTIAN BROTHER TO ME, AS WELL AS A FELLOW MUSICIAN. I SAW IN HIM GOD'S LOVE IN HIS MARRIAGE TO MARTHA AND THE WAY HE WAS ALWAYS LIFTING PEOPLE UP. THE LAST CONVERSATION I HAD WITH BRAD, TWO DAYS BEFORE HE LEFT US, I TOLD HIM I WAS HAVING TROUBLE IN MY MARRIAGE. BRAD TOLD ME, DON'T WORRY,GOD HAS A WAY OF WORKING THINGS OUT. "GOD BLESS YOU BRAD" AND THATS NOT FOR JUST A SNEEZE. JERRY RONGO FRIEND, MUSICIAN & BROTHER IN JESUS CHRIST! JERRY RONGO GROVELAND, N.Y. USA - Writing this is breaking my heart!! I was the "front-man", and lead singer of The Oxford Watchband. At that time, I thought I was the driving force of the group ( each member felt the same way about himself). Except Brad. He was thrilled to be in the band, to go on stage, take abuse from all of us and be there for all of us musically and emotionally. So, who was really the driving force of that great group??? I had played in a large number of bands before then, and since then, but I have never met anyone with as much natural talent for harmonies or unbelievable guitar leads as Brad.Here's a quick example... We had just finished a three week gig at Tony Mart's in Atlantic City, and were sitting around with the other group that was booked with us. We were all trying to out-do each other in singing and playing our respective instruments. The other band's lead guitar player got up and played a really great solo (I.E. "Eric Clapton") and we all thought it was the best we'd heard. then Brad got up (with that stupid look on his face..if you knew him, you know the one I mean) and not only did he play the same lead note for note, he played it at double speed !!!!!! Come on !!! Brad, I never knew how much You effected me or how much you meant to me until it was too late. But rest in peace, and know that I will carry you in my heart the rest of my days. I hope some day to see the rest of the band, and we will know that you are still there with us.... I love you, my long time soul mate. Jai (Johnny) Mate Jai Mate <aimhx2> Rochester, NY USA - I haven't seen Brad since high school, heard alot about him though! It was sad and a shock to see it in the paper.People our age aren't supposed to die yet! Loved the pictures! Boy did they take me back. My sympathys to his family and friends. betsy(dorety)toombs <khat680173@aol.com> rochester, ny USA - LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE EACH DAY BRAD!! MARTHA USA - Remember not with sadness, but with the happiness he gave others. Remember him not with tears, but hear his gentle laugh, remember him not with bitterness, but all the special times he shared that will last forever. For now he has total happiness and peace that we all shall someday know. For he is loved and shall never be forgotten. MARTHA WHEAT <BWHEAT@ROCHESTER.RR.COM> GENESEO, NY USA - Norman-Norman-Norman...the naughty. How I will miss your laughter and spontaneous joy! Thank you for being a friend to all. Thank you for your innumerable rescues from the mudane. If there is any justice, then you have a guitar. I'll be listening in every sunrise, every rainfall, every starlit evening for the sweetest sound. We miss you already. Sunshine <sgs@eznet.net> Rochester, NY USA - oh Bradley, You leave such a huge hole behind. I still remember you every time I laugh until it hurts. I see Robin Williams and I think, "eh, he's ok, but he doesn't even come close to Brad." Hug Randy for me. Dejah (Schabel) Lefkowitz <dej603@aol.com> Amherst, NH USA - Listening to Driftin' Heart brought you back again, Brad. The years pass quickly and we drift apart, but your voice, the feeling, the memories will always be there. You were a great musician and writer, and you were a truly funny guy, but more than anything else you were someone worth remembering. I'll miss you. Bob Bob Genovese Tucson, AZ USA - Brad,Jeff,Bob Hoffman and myself were the original Belvederes and I will always remember the wonderful times that the 4 of us had together practicing and laughing. I will always remember our first trip to NY City and the hotel we stayed at on Staten Island. Think it cost us 4.00 a night or somehting like that. I will always remember the look Brad got on his face when he would start playing his guitar especially the 12 string. He was a genious . He made me laugh so many times and brought so much joy into my life , I lost touch with Brad,Jeff and Bob but have thought of them many times in the last 38 years. There will always be a special place in my heart for Brad and I know he has touched the hearts of many and has brought laughter to us all. We have been blessed to know Brad and I feel very fortunate to have know him . Mike Rapp <mrapp001@rochester.rr.com> Holley, NY USA - Memories from way back. Little league baseball, camping out in my orchard, almost drowning in his pool, lip-synching the Everly Brothers with Brad and Jeff for his Mom and Dad. We went our separate ways before his talent became obvious, but the interest was clearly there. My best to Jeff and the family. Tim Marr <marrt7225@yahoo.com> DeRuyter, NY USA - In Remembrance of Bradley J. Wheat by Peter Genovese Stuck in the Mud 9/21/02 How soon they slip away The ones we love Before we have time to straighten out all those Ancient misunderstandings and confusions Realizing the end is at hand, We wish we had spent the time We couldn‰t find before Now realizing it was always there We might have pressed in those last moments To say all that forever went unsaid Like how grateful we are for their friendship, How amazed we were of their talents. What a tremendous influence they were on our life By waiting for the ideal future The present has slipped away and the past, imperfect, now must rule our thinking There were file cabinets full of ideas, Tapes of great music and days and years of camaraderie and brotherhood We were One through much of it, more then most But we also created masks and walls False sets of unconscious attitudes which became habits All to cope with the adult reality That Life seems to require And Sometimes in the midst of the busy Schedule There isn‰t room for a delicate, rarified flower For an artist of idiosyncratic habits For a genius with music For A sweet savant Other things must take precedent As the days pass, after the loss The perfect memories begin to return to seep in An expression A sweetness The moments of essential purity, remembered The essence and beauty of the loved one Times of cherished laughter and togetherness How we wish for the warmth of the living person The sound of their voice To see the Inner-self shining out from their eyes Instead we are left with the troubling reality Of our own human condition We are such slow learners. We make the same mistakes over and over. As we recall the life of the one we loved, We wonder, How can we retain the wonderful and troubling lessons which have arisen from the catharsis of their death; this special, short-termed, highly tuned consciousness that we feel. We must rememberá. Remember to Embrace and be dedicated to love, sweetness, loyalty and forgiveness We must Recognize that we are all fragile. So we must be encouraging and sheltered from the forces of ego and negativity andá.sometime in the future When we meet a sweet and delicate flower straining in the mud to grow Striving to become beautiful amidst the tramping boots of the world. Remember to recognize its uniqueness, to hold it dear and nurture it Surround it with protection And do your part to give it every chance to flourish and When you do this á. remember The one and only Bradley J. Wheat Someone who gave so much So freely And so lovingly Good Bless you Brad. I love you very much, brother Peter Genovese <pgenovese@monroecc.edu> rochester, NY USA - Brad, Randy, Fred Vine and I did as much playing as we did playing you dig ? Brad was always there for me as a friend through those crazy years. Where did I go when things got rough out on the road? To Brad. He always had a way of making me focus on the music and not the peripheral bullshit that always seemed to be going on. he showed how important it was to laugh in the face of hard times I have gone on to achieve national and international respect and recognition as a jazz singer. Brad was one of those special people that showed me how easy it was to leap and go for it. To go inside your talent and slap it on the table and not care if it is accepted. but to truly give and tell your truth and you cant become great until you get to that point. We all work a lifetime making it look easy and he was born that way . That cat simply had one to many ace's Nancy kelly <Nkellyjazz@aol.com> Fair Haven, NY USA - What a good friend. He always had a song in his heart and on his mind. Certainly, he & Randy have a divine harmony going right now. Either that or they are fanny gouging each other and Sally is yelling at them for misbehaving...followed by the two of them giggling...can you hear those laughs...I'm laughing just thinking about the two of them. That is what Brad was about...brining out a hearty laugh! Miss ya Brad. David Kane <dkane1@rochester.rr.com> Pittsford, NY USA - I first met Brad & Martha in the mid 70s thru "Hillside" fame! Brad was playing locale w/Bob Warner Trio. I was an up & coming guitar brat, and besides my mother Brad was the only one that gave me & my music the time of day. We later in the 70s met in Florida on Holiday and cemented a lifelong freindship! Upon my return from Fla. early 90s...we rekindled an old friendship and have stayed in regular contact since. As recent as June/July of this summer we have played out to large audiance & some private engagements on a proffesional level. Brad has required a seat for these gigs, but played with charisma & melodic accent. One particular gig this summer was rockin' pretty good...Brad, Jerry,(of Jerry & the Rongos)& myslf changed the atmosphere of the capacity room with an electric though enchanting version of Norwegian Wood...You could hear a pin drop! Finished with Muddy Waters, I'm a Man....After that set Brad turns to me with a satisfying ....O.K. Amigo.. There is also an amount of recent studio recording & vidieo w/Brad this year, Soon to be gone over, & given out. We were booked uptown Geneseo for first weekend in October....A true mentor, collaborator, & friend. S'long Amigo. Robbie Robbie Agnello <agnello46@yahoo.com> AVON, N.Y. USA - in sympathy c.covell USA - I had the privelege to play with Brad as an original member of "The Heard". His enormous talent and humor is what I remember about him. Although I would see him sporatically over the years, he always made you feel as if we had just seen each other yesterday. Brad was a rare gift to us all and I will miss him! George Werner George Werner <issa@frontiernet.net> Rochester, NY USA - Brad was our Brian Wilson, more comfortable in his room of music and books than the outside world. I remember being in a basement (might have been my mothers) with Brad and Pete G. and a 4 track cassette recorder doing some of his songs. Pete was always trying to get Brad's songs on tape. Brad was the only person to call me Tito (my father's name) which was special to me. Brad was always entertaining us, at Jimmy Gilbert's house it would supposed to be an Oxford Watchband rehearsal and Brad would be holding court doing his impressions (John Wayne, Paul Lind). He was a beautiful guy during a beautiful period of our lives. My heartfelt condolences to the Wheat family and especially brother Jeff, who spent a number of years trying to help me, and others like me, make it in the music business. I miss you both and love you both. John Tiberio, the Unemployed Popstar. John Tiberio <jtiberio@monroecc.edu> Fairport, NY USA - Brad was my brother-in-law. Reading all the comments has made me realize how much I didn't know Brad. What I do know about Brad was how much he loved my sister and how devoted he was to her. While I was talking to Martha earlier this week,Martha said how much she will miss Brad as they were soul mates for life. That says alot about their life togeather. I will miss Brad for all the times that he used to tell me how much he loved Martha. How every time I would call,he would be excited to hear my voice on the other end. How he always had to show me a book or magizine that he had found or read. How Brad always had a conversation with me that made me feel that I was the only one that he was confiding in. How he always made me feel that I was his long lost friend. That he always wanted to give me something. How he showed more tolerance and found more goodness in people then I thought was possible. I will miss Brad for all these things but more importantly because he was my sisters soul mate. Take care my friend,I love you! Jack Callahan <jcallahan@sodexho.com> Ann Arbor, Mi USA - Bradley was my musical mentor and my Keeper of Laughs for many years. I will treasure the moments I spent with him these last 30 years. Like all of us, he and I traded several nicknames for each other during that time. One of his was Sunfall. The following is a lyric from a song I wrote for his 40th birthday. Sunfall Music was always your pleasure You never let life get in the way Always the good times you treasure You’ll never be younger than today I can remember the feeling I will recall the names Let us all sing a chorus And heal our pains. Lovin’ Sun — sunfall Sun — Sunfall Back against the wall Make us stand tall in the sun Sunfall — Fall — Sunfall Listen to the call We’ve got it all. You’ve seen the King and the Quartet Sing Hosanna, it’s all right Some of our small friends made it Old Pearl Alley played all night I can remember the feeling I can recall the names Let us all sing a chorus And heal our pains. Lovin’ Sun — sunfall Sun — Sunfall Back against the wall Make us stand tall in the sun Sunfall — Fall — Sunfall Listen to the call We’ve got it all. 8/22/87 From "These Souls Have Names" Copyright 1995 Jeffrey H. Starkweather <Skysneeker@aol.com> Rush, NY USA - To my dear friends, I am unable to attend Bradley's service due to a memorial fundraiser for the KARE Foundation in Syracuse. I just wanted to reflect on a few of the great moments in my life which I will forever hold deep in my heart. It all was just yesterday when I met this family of Wheat's as a second grader. I knew then that it was going to be a long and eventful relationship for me. Their older brother, Jeffrey was already into the music scene and I'm sure that he and the coming of the Beatles were all it took to cement the brother's Wheat into the pages of music history. As we became young men, each day that I spent with Brad and Randy I was introduced to a new name in the music business or a new song on the charts and of course always followed by Brad grabbing his guitar to show me a new riff he was working on or singing me lines from music that I hadn't heard before. Music was our binding element and we could not escape it, nor did we want to. My arch nemesis, NORMAN the NAUGHTY. What a character, the kid still in us as he entertained continuously with his constant running commentary on each moment that passed. The TV with just the picture, no sound and Bradley narrating his own script to a classic movie or B picture. It didn't matter, he crossed all barriers and left us weak from uncontrollable laughter. On the road with The Pearl Alley Band and finding ourselves in Michigan just to see the boys play at yet another night club. When I too took to the road, I couldn't wait to get back to Henrietta to see the boys and eagerly await the continuation of Brad's view from the bridge. Many, I'm sure thought it just a waste of time. For me it lit a special light and then I couldn't wait to go back out on the road and tell others about this very unique man who had influenced my decision to join the music world. As my 25 years on the road wore on, Brad's spirit, although infrequent inasmuch as our visits became is forever etched in a part of my soul and will remain as does his brother Randy, forever. May he rest now in peace and harmony. Look out Fort Wayne, Indiana. Brad has come home! Shawn Hobin Clay, NY USA - Although I have known Gary Quinn and Peter Genovese for many years, for whatever reason I never met Brad in person or heard him play. However, I can't count the number of times I've heard Brad spoken of by mutual friends with great admiration and love. Brad has always been kind of a legend to me based on what I've heard - an awesome musician and person. Thanks Gary and Greg for giving me a chance to see and hear for myself that all of that was true. This is a beautiful tribute. Sincerely, Kathleen Williams Madsen Kathleen Williams Madsen <kathleen_madsen@hotmail.com> Rochester, NY USA - I had the pleasure of working and living with Bradley for 4 years from 1967-1971. We both played in a rock group called ‹The Oxford WatchbandŠ. We toured New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana in those four years. He seemed to know someone in every place we performed and those who knew him, loved him. His talent was genius at times. I don‰t think he knew how good he was. He had the ability to take a guitar and spontaneously create a beautiful song with a verse, a chorus, and with lyric that made perfect sense. If you didn‰t have a tape recorder rolling at that moment, you would never hear the song again. One of those moments occurred while we were performing at a club in Newburgh, NY. We just happened to have Jeff Wheat‰s home tape recorder running. We were playing one of our medleys called ‹The Girl MedleyŠ which was a medley of pop hits that about girls or had a girl‰s name as part of the lyric. I think there were pieces of 26 songs in the medley and we all had to sing lead in several of tunes. One of the tunes Bradley sang was ‹MariaŠ (from West Side Story). When it came to that song Bradley began his guitar part as chartedáá.then he breaks into an adventure story, with it‰s own guitar accompaniment, about his little dog ‹GidgetŠ who was merrily running through house and headed down the stairsá..then he says ‹come ëere little Gidgetá.how would ya like to get gougedŠ Then the guitar gets very dramatic, the song continues ‹little does Gidget knowáthat waiting for her on Bradley Wheat‰s bedá..isá..THE GOUGERŠ The rest of the band is stunned and staring at him in dis-belief wondering what he‰s going to do next. Then turns to us and says ‹Nah, I‰m only kiddingá..Mariaá.I just met a girl namedŠ (then we went into the next tune of the arrangement which was The Beatle‰s ‹MichelleŠ. I still get a kick out of listening to that tape. What a sense of humor. What a genuinely kind, warm human being Brad was. He had a heart of gold. He would give you the shirt off his back. Where ever you are Bradley, we love you. Jim Gilbert <James.D.Gilbert> Philadelphia, PA USA - I've seen Brad several times since high school and the Heard days. He always had a big HI and warm hug whenever we've run into each other, even in some tough times, and used reminiscing about old friends (Donna, Sharon.....), teachers (Mr.Lohr, Mr.Hobin,...), fun times (Guys and Dolls, Birdie, Mitch Ryder,...), and music to remind me how sweet a person he was. In school he had a debate going on who was the most talented Beatle - he can hash it out with a couple of the key players now - plus he canget the grand tour from Randy. I'll miss him. Love ya Brad! june june rank <june_rank@urmc.rochester.edu> rochester, ny USA - I think I was first aware of Brad when he performed with The Beleveders at The Highland Park Bowl. I was there for some kind of folk festival thing with friends from McQuaid and Steve Zeller said that he knew Brad and Jeff from Mingo Lodge in the Adirondacks and that Brad was hilarious as well as being a great musician. This was the summer of '64. That was the year I graduated from high school and I was not looking forward to college. I wanted to have a band. Over the next several months, I dropped out of Fisher, started my first band "The Preechers" and hooked up with the guys who turned the "Guys and Dolls" pool hall on Buffalo Rd. into the "Guys and Dolls" teen club. "The Belvederes", meanwhile had morphed into "The Heard" and there was a definite buzz going around about them. I went to see them at Brighton Junior High upstairs in the gym and it was like a scene from a movie. Warm summer night, all the doors open, the room packed with kids and the band looking and sounding great. I had played at that school with my band earlier in the summer but we played in the basement cafeteria and were roundly heckled for our raggedy look and equipment. I wanted to get to know "The Heard" 'cause they had it together: They wore matching seersucker jackets, their logo was on Pete's bass drumhead, they had lights. WOW!! But then, and I wasn't really ready for this, they sang like birds. I had been doing research for myself and for the club and I thought I knew the scene pretty well. This was the era of "Wilmer Alexander and the Dukes", "The Groop Ltd.", "The Invictas". Well, they all had there strong points, but nobody had the harmony singing like "The Heard" and that's what attracted me and that was Brad. He had the blessed ability to map the parts and hand them out to us knowing how it all would sound. It was a great education that has stuck with me more than all the things I learned in school. Brad was so patient with us, too. He was the genius but he never had an attitude about his ability. He was totally generous with his talent, always the most encouraging and supportive of our attempts to learn the parts and, the reaction he had when things were just right, that glorious grimace opening to the greatest smile. Precious. Brad cared nothing about money or cars or the things most of us think we want. His life was motivated by the pursuit of beauty and truth through music. I've met thousands of musicians and performers over the years and collaborated with many but none have had such a profound effect on my life as Bradley. His enthusiasm gave me the confidence to believe in myself. Brad's inate good taste became the standard and his graciousness and generosity of talent the template by which I measured myself and others. I know that as I continue my struggle through life I'll always find inspiration from Brad's wonderful talent and personality. See you soon, brother! GARY QUINN <funband@rochester.rr.com> rochester, USA - Boy this really hurts, it's hard to believe. I've know Bradley since the Heard days when we all wanted to be rock stars. The last time I saw him was about three or four years ago when myself Greg Walker and Bradley hung out at Conesus lake for the day. As usual we had a lot of laughs and most of it was because of Brad's sense of humor. Brad, Randy and myself put a trio together back in the mid seventies called Buckeye, we didn't do many gigs, but we had a great time hanging out. Brad had a huge heart and never said no to anyone. He use to do these imitations of people like Nixon, John Wayne and a swearing Ed Sullivan that would make me piss my pants from laughing. He was a very special person that everyone loved. Jim Barton <ax078@lafn.org> Los Angeles, CA USA - i just want everyone to know that pete genovese had all the pictures and greg walker did the work on the web site. we want to collect and copy recordings and pictures of brad, too. so check your closets and stay tuned xxoo gary GARY QUINN <funband@rochester.rr.com> rochester, USA - Brad was very much a part of my life for a very long time. He was the kindest & sweetest love I ever knew.I met Brad when he was in the Oxford Watchband & oh my God what talent he had. I have so many great memories of Brad & the great times we had together. He will always be missed but he's always had a special place in my heart.The times I spent with his family were so special just like Brad was.I want to thank Gary for such a great memorial to Brad to hear him sing one last time meant so much. Peggy Harris <pharris1@frontiernet.net> Henrietta, Ny USA - I MET BRAD ALMOST 30 YRS AGO .It was in the 1970s AND HE WAS PLAYING WITH THE"PEARL ALLEY BAND" .I went to see them play at the poor house in oswego,ny.Brad had a great sense of humor and played guitair and sang with a tremendous voice. The band consisted of nancy kelly on lead vocals,paul on keyboards,fred vine on guitair,his brother randy was also in the group for awhile and paul krausman on drums.I saw them play at my 18th birthday party!they were the best rock and roll band in rochester.Brad will be missed dearly by all that knew him or ever had the pleasure of meeting him -keith vano keith vano (uncle johns nephew) <knvano @ frontiernet.net> rochester, ny USA - What does one say at a time like this? I have not seen Brad in possibly thirty years. However. His personality and gentle soul I will always remember. I am not being gratuitous . I would have said the same had he still been with us.This beckons back to the mid sixties. I remember how excited he would get over anything musical. I remember visiting his parents home and he had just got a copy of a Beatles LP(English) that had a hi-hat intro on "All My Loving" This was not on the albums we had heard. He was jumping up and down. Listen to that! Listen to that! The fucking hi hat before Paul sings. He had that certain" je ne saia quoi". Totallty without ego or greed. I don't think there is one person I know that could have EVER said anything negative about Brad. He was truly a gifted and kind person. One other incident. This tells much of his nature. He had a 1954 Fender Telecaster. I loved the way it sounded. Played great ,and all the other hyperbole. So. What does he do. He gives it to me. I mean gives it to me. I told him at the time. Bradley. This is a great guitar and someday it is going to be worth a lot of money. I insisted on giving him ,what? maybe a $200. I felt guilty. I had to push the money on him. He was one of the most unaffected human beings I have ever known. No pretense. God knows how much talent he had. On viewing the photos here. I am reminded how much he looks like Brian Wilson. I just spoke to Gary and mentioned that Brad reminded me of Brian in his music. I had forgotten how much they even look alike. Think about it. As I have been away from Rochester for so many years.I have regret that I have not made more of an effort to keep in touch with so many of you. Rochester is Gods little acre. Believe it. We have all been blessed (By the way Brad. You dumb shit. It is spelled "blessed. Not "Blest" ) by having him in our lives. He was truly unique. It is a sad world where the meek and genius are not given their due. In closing my friend. I don't think you ever knew how many people really cared for you,and loved you. You will know now.I also want to thank Gary Quinn.You never forgot your roots buddy. Best To You all. Me Jake Gerber <gerbabys@aol.com> San Francisco, CA USA - To lose our dear friend Bradley... the sweetest, most gentle and uniquely talented person ever. He evoked a continuous connection to my youthful aspirations, dreams and excitement of living. He never failed to express his love to his friends and family. There was no sweeter harmony in the world as when Bradley blended his third or fourth part. We all thought we could sing because of how beautiful his part was. What a talent! For me I will ever remember how after his death he brought people together that had drifted apart, because he required us to remember how connected we all were. By loving him we remembered how much we loved each other. Miss you brother and love you always Pops. Peter Genovese <pgenovese@monroecc.edu> Rochester, NY USA - From the Walter "Bud" & Sally Ash Family My father would be happy to know that music brought so much pleasure to Brad. Dad had a "band" much of his life and thought it an important part of our learning experience to know the joy in music. Frank and Sally were friends of our parents and we have wonderful memories of those early years with "the boys". I have a picture of Brad's parents with mine on my "music wall" to remind me! .....fondly, Bonnie Breedlove, Louise "Louie" Long, Kathy Bertan, Tom "Mack" Ash, Russell Ash Louise Ash-Long <auntielu@rochester.rr.com> Webster, NY USA - We will never have another Bradley in our lives. The sweetest person in the world. Always caring for others, no matter how he was doing at the time. Probably the most talented musician ever! Martha was blessed and we all were so lucky to have been his friends. Love you forever Brad, Hoffy & Joan Bob Hoffman <rhoffman@localnet.com> Pittsford, NY USA - What a wonderful heartfelt page for Brad Wheat. He was my sister Marthas' husband. I will always remember the good and tuff times we had. On July 13, 1990 (Canandaqua, NY) I took Brad to hear Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble and then we all connected backstage and on Stevie's tour bus. What a great memory. And of course he influenced my guitar playing. I always enjoyed his music. He was there for my sister and I will miss him. Sky Kaly <skykaly@hotmail.com> NM USA - I dated Brad's younger brother, Randy, throughout high school. Brad was like a big brother to me. I always enjoyed going to his family's home and listening to the new song he had just wrote. He was a lot of fun and a great guy to be around. I know that these two brothers are in heaven now doing what they always loved - playing their music. Linda (Cain) Diamomd <lin14534@yahoo.com> Pittsford, NY USA - I hardly know where to begin. I will miss my brother very much. I'll miss his smile, laughter, and loving words he always had for me. I've been spending the past few days looking through boxes of photos and memorabilia and learning alot about Brad that I never knew. Since I am so much younger than all my brothers, I didn't get to see and know Brad in the "early years." I am continuing to learn from all of you who are generously sharing your stories with me, what a gifted and talented man he was. I've always known what a kind, generous and loving person he was. I remember when I was a small child he took me to Woolworths for my birthday (I was about 7, Brad was about 21) and told me he would buy me everything I wanted in the store for my birthday! I was overwhelmed and thought "wow! he must be rich!" Brad was rich. He was rich in kindness, gentleness and in his love for music and his family and friends. Brad had a way of touching people immediately. Every time I saw Brad he'd call me "little Jill" and remind me of how excited he, Jeff and Randy were on the day I was born because now they had a sister. Brad always had a way of making me feel special and loved. I know, because of the stories some of you have shared with me, that he did the same for you. I love you BJ! Nancy Wheat (aka "little Jill") <nwheat@frontiernet.net> Rochester, NY USA - I went to school and played little league baseball with Brad. We used to cut classes so we could go to the music practice rooms at RH. I hadn't seen him since high school but have many fond memories of the laughs we had. Tom Hoppough <thopp@rochester.rr.com> Rochester , NY USA - Brad and I went to high school together. We appeared in "Bye-Bye Birdie" during our senior year. He played the title role and I played Mr. Macafee. We talked then about our plans for the future. He wanted to go into music and I wanted to go into theatre. It is so good to know that his dream came true. I will remember him. Terrance Brennan <nytrouper@yahoo.com> Rochester, NY USA - I remember so many good times I had with Brad! What a sense of humor. I still remember him making us laugh so hard we cried: I remember one time Jim Barton, "The Wizard" (Mike), Brad and I were over at Mike's listening to music and Brad was singing this great harmony part to a motown tune. It was beautiful. Then, in the next breath he break into impressions of John Wayne taking to Walter Brennen... He was such a GREAT person: generous, gentle, caring. I feel honored to have known him. Greg Walker<greg@walkermedia.net> Rochester, NY USA - <<back to Brad's page |