Gary Stephen Serkin, 65, died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes at his home in Nashville. He was the fourth and youngest son born to parents Adele & Sol Serkin in Coral Gables, FL, where he spent his early childhood. At age 8 he and his family moved to his mother's hometown of Nashville, TN, where Gary would call home for the next 57 years. Though FL remained in his heart, Music City was where he belonged. For his 9th birthday his parents gave him his first electric guitar and it wasn't long before he formed his first band with his 4th grade classmates. In April 1969, when Gary was just 14, he traveled to Memphis to see The Jimi Hendrix Experience perform live for the first time and would never be the same. The legendary star's unique sound and style had a profound impact on him, as it did for so many.
Over the next 50 years Gary would enjoy recording and performing with a number of different groups all over the country, including with former bandmates of the late Jimi Hendrix, and would become widely known as an ultimate Hendrix enthusiast, tribute musician and historian. His career traversed all facets of the music business and he relished sharing his extensive music knowledge and stories with others, especially his daughters, and in online forums. He genuinely loved and respected music, the history and the instruments themselves, just as much as he did playing. This devotion amplified his affection for Nashville itself, as he was an ardent supporter of all things Music City. He is remembered as a passionate guitar player, music lover, father, brother and son.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Adele "Mildred" (Silverman) and Sol Serkin; and his brother, Laurence Serkin. He is survived by his three daughters, Jessica (Serkin) Norris, Jenelle Serkin and Jami Serkin; brothers Donald Serkin and Mark Serkin; five grandchildren, Julian Garry, Jaley Bursey, Jovie Norris, Jasper Norris and Jace Serkin; nieces, Andrea Serkin and Elizabeth Serkin Fong; nephew, Steven Serkin and many friends.
Gary was laid to rest at KKAI Cemetery on May 20, 2020, graveside services provided by Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Donald Serkin, Mark Serkin, Steven Serkin, Norman Jacobs, David Pearcy, Winston Franklin and James Wilson.
A charity tribute concert is being planned in Gary's honor for November 2020 in Nashville, with donations to benefit the Musician's Aid Society and the National Museum of African American Music.
**(Pending social gathering restrictions at that time due to the Covid-19 outbreak.)
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