The Ottawa Citizen published a great obituary to a man who deserves the tribute. Brian Murphy, a fixture of Ottawa music life, passed away yesterday (October 31).

I used to listen to his radio programs on CHEZ 106 when I was growing up – shows including the infamous “The Source”. I never did accept the corporate reasons for his release from CHEZ.

When I was 16, I mowed his lawn. It would take me about half an hour to get the job done, and another hour or more to lead the conversation to a close. He offered me the choice of money or tapes as compensation. I wisely chose tapes – and I still have them. He made the most incredible mix tapes, introducing me to music and artists I had never heard. He also fed my love of live recordings of The Police.

I last saw Brian a year ago at a celebration of Le Hibou at Irene’s Pub. I was proud that he remembered me. We talked about The Beatles and Little Feat before he was called to the stage to introduce the performers.

Be well, Brian, and have fun with the music legends who you spoke of so well.