In Memorium: T. Lavitz (1956 – 2010)

We’re saddened to follow the news of Solomon Burke’s passing with word that keyboardist T. Lavitz passed away unexpectedly, in his sleep on the evening of October 7th. Lavitz first gained notoriety in 1978, when the then-University of Miami student was tapped to replace Mark Parrish in Southern rock band Dixie Dregs. The Dregs went on to release three albums with Lavitz before breaking up in 1983.

Over the 27 years that followed Lavitz’s original tenure in the Dixie Dregs, the versatile keyboardist put out seven solo albums and performed with dozens of musicians with ties in the jam scene in a number of different projects. After Brent Mydland passed away in 1990, T. was on the short list to fill Mydland’s seat, but the job ultimately went to Vince Welnick. In 1991, Lavitz lent his talents to Widespread Panic for the band’s self-titled Capricorn debut. His work impressed the band enough that they asked the keyboardist to join them as a touring member, though his tenure lasted only a year. [see our B List: 10 Band Members With Short Tenures]

T. Lavitz might be best known to much of our readership for his work with instrumental Grateful Dead cover band Jazz is Dead. Along with Jimmy Herring, Alphonso Johnson and Billy Cobham, the band completely reworked some of the Dead’s best songs with amazing results. Jazz is Dead wasn’t your typical cover band and the three albums they put out are all highly recommended. Check out their take on Unbroken Chain…

Tonight, let’s raise a glass for T. He’s gone far too soon.

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65 Responses

  1. That really sucks…T. was an amazing keyboardist and cool fella. I was lucky enough to catch him w/ Jazz is Dead on Halloween @ the now defunct Ziggy’s in Winston Salem. RIP

  2. T. was an outstanding musician but even more so a wonderful, sweet man with a huge heart. I will miss him terribly.
    Diane Young

  3. I was his keyboard tech when he joined the Dregs. I love T. A funnier person would be hard to find. Was he someone to complain about everything in his life? Hell Yes. Was he a pain in the ass? Hell YES. Was he one of my favorite people to spend time with? HELL YES. I Love and Miss you T and I Always will.

  4. Thoughts and prayers to all Lavitz family & firends. He was an exceptional talent and will be missed greatly. dw

  5. T was a keyboard hero to a little southern girl who had trouble switching from classical piano to rock. He was a legend! Halloweens at the Agora.. with the Dregs in costume (T was a great “lady”). Who could ask for more?

  6. T was a such a character! I hadn’t seen him in years, but every time we talked he’d bring up that he took a set off of me in Tennis in Boulder, back during the Zambiland concert series in which he took part. We love you, T!

    Tye North

  7. Dam, Wow, and Damn – – T. Lavitz was part of a rock’n’roll scene that thrived on composition and precision to a degree that lyrics and vocals were usually not necessary.

  8. so sad to hear about t’s passing..i hadn’t seen him in several years. i know he had a daughter…also know he fought the fight with drugs..he is in my prayers….

  9. T was an amazing musician and the man who introduced my parents at the University of Miami; later becoming my godfather. The music world lost a guy who truely loved playing and over the past few years found a new passion with teaching at Berklee. Today T is playing for a much higher crowd, you will be missed. Love you.

  10. This is a huge shock for me.I have endless memories of T. I was married to Andy back then and T was always the life of the party.I loved being on the road when T joined the band…his sense of humor was great. I have this picture of T backstage at a show holding a tooth brush in one hand and a bottle of Jack Daniels in the other.I’m gonna have to dig it out of the archives.I wish his family the best…I know it’s gonna be hard to live without his big smile and laughter.

  11. I remember T: As someone I was always happy to cross paths with. As a devoted and accomplished musician. For his upbeat, positive, generous personality. He’ll be missed by all who knew him. Farewell, T.

  12. This is tough news. All of The Dregs hold a very special place in my life. I spent a significant amount of time around them between 78 and 81. We had some great laughs and I got to see some AMAZING musicians play some GREAT music. My heart is with his loved ones. What a talent! My favorite fusion keyboardist in my life.

    Ken Wingate

  13. Bummer!!!
    I’ve just been listening recently to some of the less known projects Lavitz was in, such as Endangered Species, Widespread Panic, Boston T Party, and others,
    and I was wondering if I’d see him playing live someday soon…

    rest in eternal peace T

  14. I worked with T at Axis Sound in Atlanta as an assistant engineer when the Dregs recorded. Got to hang with him and developed a great respect for his talents .Will miss you My best to the family Greg

  15. The music of the DIXIE DREGS remains a rere and wonderful force on this Earth. I twice brought the band to New Orleans to perform and will forever be touched by the experience. Rest easy and thank you T.

  16. I am saddened by this news … I was a bridesmaid in his wedding to my dear friend Gwen, and although that was ‘many years’ and ‘many lives’ ago, it was a special, special time – none the less. My heart goes out to his daughter Dylan and his family. Certainly T’s musical gifts will live on …….. RIP.

  17. it is a dark day again in my world, where so many of the great pals have fallen. if any of T’s family reads this, my hat is off to my friend, as you all know what a great guy he is and that he will be missed.

    i will miss you my friend…until we meet again.

    Danny Z

  18. I had the pleasue of being T.Lavitz’ jazz piano teacher for 4 years at UM. He was a creative force back then that all my other pianists recognized. He was also a loving student and a true gentleman. I am deeply saddened at his passing. Mr.M.

  19. Rock and Roll heaven just added another star! I knew T since his first days with the Dregs. He always had funny jokes or wild stories to tell. That man could play the keyboard. He was and always will be a “Dreg”. Rest in peace my old friend.

  20. Very saddened by the very premature passing of such a brilliant soul. From the first time hearing T perform during our UM days, I have enjoyed everything he ever did. Rest well, T. My heart goes out to your family.

  21. so saddened and shocked to hear of T’s passing. i had the pleasure of knowing T for many years. besides being a consummate musician, T Lavitz was a wonderful human being.
    he was funny, friendly, generous supportive and as many have noted, very f&%#ing FUNNY. lots of fond memories from the road. we’re fortunate he left a solid legacy of recorded work, thats great to listen to–holds up over time and clearly documents what a well rounded player he was. the guy loved lots of kinds of music and never met a style he couldnt conquer. i’m proud of our association and will treasure the friendship and memories. doing the Jazz Is Dead discs and the Dregs reunion “California Screamin” were real highlights for Zebra Records. One thing for sure, T has already organized a killer ad hoc group in heaven and is wailing away, settling in to his well deserved place in BOTH music and human beings’ HEAVEN. God Bless, you T , thanks for the music and the memories pal.

  22. I was a fellow piano student with T. at the U of Miami. We both studied jazz piano, and were classmates of the other Dregs, which did originate at the university. I am very saddened by the loss of this talented pianist & musician.

  23. Rest in peace T. You are greatly missed by all your fans. Your music will always life in my heart and mind..

  24. When I married you, I married my best friend forever. Our daughter and myself love you deeply. Rest In peace.

  25. Oh yeah skoots, don’t we know it. I’m in shock. This is just too soon for a soul like T’s. I’ve always said, he was born to play the piano. He lives on through our daughter Dylan.

  26. It was a privledge and honor for me to have known T and have him play on some of my original songs.Such a great guy,legendary keyboard player and inspiration to me.His original composistions and contributions to other bands(the dixie dregs being my favorite)will be there for many to enjoy in years to come.My deepest condolences to his family.Thanks brother T for all the brilliant music and memories.

  27. this is hitting me hard. I’ve seen T w/ the Dixie Dregs + solo many many times. I saw his 1st tour w/ them @ The Golden Bear in Huntington Beach 1979. All the GR8 late shows @ The Roxy etc. To use a Dregs title here that ones of my faves w/ T…I’m Freaking Out!!..Condolences to his family, bandmates & friends, we will miss you T & your great music. RIP buddy

  28. I will miss T. What a great composer and musician. His work with Jazz is Dead, Dixie Dregs, and on his own is among my favorite music. Condolences to his brother Kenny, a fine fellow and good musician in his own right. – S.

  29. I had the complete pleasure of having the opportunity to work with T Lavitz for about one year….. T did some fill in work with me a couple of years ago….He was truly a genious in music. His musicality was the best I’ve ever heard!!!! T could put many notes in a small phrase or passage and make them fit musically and spiritually like no one in the world….He had the a gift!!!!! A gift we all …as musicians… hope and strive for! From my short time of knowing T…..Music was his passion, his soul, his LIFE!!! I wish we had more time in life !!!! I’m gratefull and thankful that I was part of his life!!!! RIP T

  30. I must also say… with greatness comes strong personality!!! I also agree with Skoots !!!! I don’t know you…
    But, we knew T….What a GREAT wild ride when with T !!!!!!

  31. Shocked and saddened by the news. T was one of the funniest people I knew, warm, loving, and with a great self-deprecating, never hurtful sense of humor. We belonged to the same organization back in the day and I knew him well there. I got to meet his daughter years ago as well. God, how he loved that little girl. I feel really empty knowing that he has passed.

  32. Skoots, you got it right! Right now Twiggs is probably telling T to pull it together get ready for a heavenly show. You know Michelle is looking on. The Dregs have taken some hits over last 31 years. The “Hereafter” says it all—without words. Play on T.

  33. Thank you ALL for writing your condolences and sweet expressions of the way T has touched your lives. I have had many joys and sorrows over the years of what many music wives endure. But I can truly say that T was the most loving person one could ever have in a lifetime…he poured out his heart like he poured out his musical soul. He loved his daughter Dylan, me, his family, and his BEST friends with ALL HE HAD!

    Good Blessings to All of You who loved T in his music and friendship.

    Please visit his obit. page at http://www.sullivanfuneralhome.net

  34. Thank you, Cheryl, and everyone else who shared their remembrances of T. We loved T’s music and it’s pretty clear from these comments we weren’t the only ones. Our deepest sympathies to Cheryl, Dylan and the rest of T.’s family and friends.

    – Scotty (EiC of Hidden Track)

  35. There will never be another one like T. An amazingly gifted musician, song writer and composer who fearlessly took on any project and created magic. As his student I often had a front-row seat to his musical alchemy. Yet T always had the time to offer a word of encouragement or patiently correct the approach of a mere mortal.Thank you, T for helping to give me the confidence to take my playing a baby step up to the next level. I’ll never forget you. And deepest sympathies to Cheryl, Dylan, and T’s family.

  36. I will always remember meeting and talking to him after a show and he made it seem like he’d talk to me all night if I wanted to. Of course, I was too nervous to take much of his time. He was a very nice man and a brilliant musician. Thanks for your contributions to music and humanity, T. You will be missed.

  37. I had the privelege of meeting T before a Dregs show at the Zephyr Club in Salt Lake City about 15(?) or so years ago. He just came over and sat down at our table and introduced himself. He was so personable that the way he talked, it felt to me like we’d been friends for many years, even though we had only just met. He also took the time to introduce us to Jerry Goodman and Danny Gottlieb. What an amazing personality who, someone of his caliber of musicianship, takes the time to really talk to the fans like that, w/ no attitude or any of that. I’ve met many a Jazz musicians in my days, but very very few that were as friendly as he. T, you will be GREATLY missed.

  38. i remember his works with the dregs, and also some articles in german keyboards magazine, which he wrote in a very interesting, easy understandable and friendly style,
    i’m really shocked about his unsupposed passing away.
    deep regrets from austria to family and friends!

  39. T,
    I’ll be seeing you soon! To family stay strong and know that T did his part in bringing beauty and grace to a world torn by war, hypocrisy, and greed during his time here.
    Tonight, is my official remembrance. I’m getting 4 jumbos of high potency beer, getting out some aurora Indica buds, and listen to him and the dregs all night.
    In other words, doing what I normally do, but in T’s name!!!!

  40. I grew up in Atlanta with the Dregs. Along with Jan Hammer and David Sancious, T was one my favorite synth soloists. One day after many years of being a minimoog wizard wannabe, I met this lovely girl named Robin through a friend of hers who married my best friend. After our second or third date, she tells me T Lavitz is her brother! Wow! What am I going to do what this solid gold opportunity! For whatever reason I never got to be T Lavitz’s protege’-apprentice-brother-in-law, and Robin (probably wisely – since I was not so good with solid gold opportunities) got stolen away by another… but it almost happened! Sincerest Condolences to Robin and her family. T, you were.. ARE amazing!!! Thank you for the Music!

  41. I grew up around the block from Terry. I have many fond memories of hanging out together in the basement on Tanglewood Lane in Lakewood. Loved following all his successes… T will be missed! My condolences to his family!!

  42. Whew….just saw this news today and it hit me like a punch in the gut. The Dregs have been my favorite band since 1979, and I’ve admired his playing so much. I always enjoyed “spotting” him on others’ records such as the David Becker Tribune. I was fortunate enough to encounter him once at the airport, and he seemed shocked to have been recognzied. He was very friendly and personable….we had a nice chat.

    I’ll cue up “Vitamin Q” sometime in the next few days and have a good cry.

    My deepest sympathies to T’s family.

  43. Jesus… My daughter goes to Berklee and she wasn’t made aware… that’s criminal and T’s passing is terribly saddening… My condolences to his family and the other musicians his music touched, Mr. Morse in particular… There are far to few T’s and far too many musical fakirs…. Why is it the grim reaper always gets it ass backwards….?

  44. just heard of T’s passing.
    My God, how sad. Saw him many times- mostly with the Dregs.
    Brilliant musician. Condolences to his family,friends and others’ like me who admired his work.

    RIP T

  45. Unbelievable, My condolences to T’s Family.
    What a great musician, I’m terribly sad he passed away, so young. God: Why???? What was he doing wrong???

  46. I just loved T. He was a great friend and will be missed by myself, my wife Jen, and my two young boys Max and Sam, who saw T as not just dad’s friend, but as part of our family. We were just with him a few weeks ago and he was his happy funny self. He had a huge heart and gave so much to the ones he loved. Even though, he was taken from us way too early, he will live on forever through his music. He was such an amazing musician and awe inspiring composer. His music transcends the times and trends and will still be around hundreds if not thousands of years from now. In that sense, he will always be with us.

  47. I played with T. In high school, at Interlochen. He was on tenor sax then; imagine that! We always kept in touch, and he is an hombre to be missed and remembered. I shall do both; I hope y’all do too. (Even even if you never smoked a half kilo of pot with him as I did.)

  48. Sad to hear of T’s passing, he was a good friend that had a good heart, and he really loved his daughter. Had a chance to take T and his daughter to lunch a while back and really enjoyed the time I spent with them. As a previous post states he’ll live on through the Legacy of his music….

  49. I had the pleasure of having T play on my recording, “Stream of Concrete” released in 2008. We met for coffee last Spring and he was going through a really hard time personally. I hope he knew how much we all appreciated him!

  50. I am saddened to learn of T’s passing. We played together in the band “Messiah” in Miami just before he joined the Dregs. When T joined our group, all he owned was a Farfisa organ. Like it was just yesterday, I remember driving T to the music store in my VW to buy his new Fender Rhodes. I am proud to have been able to play with T and call him my friend…

  51. T was an amazing musician. He once revealed to me in an email that the T stands for Terry. I did have the good fortune to see him perform in Jazz Is Dead. The brightest lights always seem to burn out early. Rest In Peace, T. We will miss you.

  52. A startling shock. And a deep saddening. He was a fantastic talent and a musician I walked in the footsteps of. I attended Interlochen after him and also U of Miami. He was multi-talented and a big part of the Dixie Dregs. This is a large loss to the music world way too early.

  53. I knew “T” (Terry) as a kid. Our fathers were very close friends and musicians together. I used to go over his parents home and play with Terry and his brother Kenny. Terry had to interupt his playtime to practice music. He was an amazing musician as a kid and a really nice person. His family were some of the nicest people I’ve ever known. Although we only exchanged a few e-mails a few years ago, I valued having known this wonderful person. I am so saddened by his death. My heart goes out to his family.

  54. Had the chance to meet T at a Guitar Center. It was a Steve Morse “clinic” that he was attending because at one point he jammed with Steve (high – light of the event!). So I was sitting there watching and listening to Steve and realize T was sitting right next to me! I had to thank him for the amazing music and inspiration that his playing was to me! He smiled and said, “Thanks!” with a real humble tone, almost like he was surprised to hear me say that. I knew at that moment just what a cool kat he really was! RIP T.

  55. I first met T at Brothers Two in Miami Springs, Fl . He was sitting in playing the piano for Jimmy regular musician where he would bring locals to play.
    At the time T was playing and going to school at University of Miami in the jazz band.
    We started seeing each other and I moved to nc. I went to Atlanta to see him in Decatur .We kept in touch but our lives moved on. I remember seeing him in Southern California.
    I saw him again in west Palm beach at the carefree theatre. He looked the same as we I first met him.
    T was always a gentleman , genuine , humble person.
    I hadn’t been in touch with him for a while . I saw where he was teaching and loving it in Boston.
    Then I googled him and found out he had passed. I was so sad because you always feel people you care about will always be around.
    I truly cared about T and was so sorry to hear of his passing.
    The last time I saw him he was concerned about his daughter as every parent experiences.
    I had taken my son to carefree to enjoy T and the Dixie dregs. It was a nice experience.
    I will always remember T and I’m blessed to have had him be a part of my life.
    RIP my friend

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