Larry Sheridan, age 69, passed on Saturday morning June 19th, 2021. “He died of Adrenocortical Carcinoma, an aggressive and rare form of cancer.” said his wife of 34 years, Robin Ruddy.
Born on October 31, 1951 in Rockville Centre NY, he grew up on Long Island in Roosevelt and Baldwin, where he worked on the family Terranova farm.
In high school he was one of three co-captains of the Gymnastics team and went on to join the Regional Champions team The New York Athletic Club as a gymnast where his specialty was the rings.
Larry was a talented musician and in the 70’s was a solo artist playing clubs around New York City and Long Island.
“He was a brilliant self-taught architect, cabinet maker, and contractor,” said Robin, and when they moved to Nashville in 1986, together, they bought, renovated and added on to a 1920’s bungalow on Music Row and created The Parlor, and Parlor Productions, a Recording Studio and Production facility. They took a dilapidated 1600 sqft house and turned it into a magnificent 4200 sqft creative center. Through their work at The Parlor, Larry became a mentor to countless music industry professionals spawning many successful artists, song pluggers, artist managers and hit songs.
Additionally, many well-known artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, John Michael Montgomery and Kenny Chesney, recorded at the studio. Robin and Larry took part in the Grammy Winning album, Beautiful Dreamer, Songs of Steven Foster, having recorded Way Down upon the Swanee River, at The Parlor.
As former President of the Nashville Publisher’s Network Larry influenced many decisions during a turbulent time in the music recording business. He worked to preserve the integrity and financial well-being of singers and songwriters. He also served on the boards of the YMCA, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). He was a leader in the historic preservation and redefinition efforts of the Music Row Neighborhood Association. Caring deeply about protecting the rights and future of the songwriting community, he was a mentor and a sponsor of the National Songwriters Association International (NSAI) for over a decade.
Larry had many talents. Formerly a licensed General Contractor, and fine Cabinetmaker, he designed and created high-end custom furniture for clients such as Jordan’s King Hussain and country music singer, Garth Brooks.
Concurrently with his many responsibilities at the Parlor, and his many community engagements, Larry and Robin co-founded Music Row Realty in 2006, developing an additional business that specializes in the entertainment industry’s real estate needs. His background in general contracting helped his clients envision the possibilities of an improved property.
It was only natural, having a generous spirit and the propensity to care about others above himself, that toward the end, Larry would often sincerely ask his nurses in the hospital “How are you doing?” when he was the one who was declining. He was always there to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Robin Ruddy Sheridan, two sisters Pat Rini, and Betty Lange, 7-nieces and nephews and 8-grand nieces and nephews.
Details about the upcoming Celebration of Life to be announced.
Cards and letters can be sent to:
Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home
660 Thompson Ln
Nashville, TN 37204
Donations can be sent in his name to MusicCares and Music Health Alliance.
Or to the family GofundMe, whose links are all below
DONATIONS
MusiCares FoundationAttn: Annual Giving, Santa Monica, California 90404
Music Health Alliance2737 Larmon Dr., Nashville, Tennessee 37204
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18