Farewell Ken

I heard the news this morning about the passing of Ken Glidewell. He was in a motorcycle accident Sunday and died this morning as a result of his injuries.

Back around 1995, I was in a basement band called Universoul. We read about an open jam at a bar called Scooter’s hosted by some guy named Ken Glidewell. We decided to climb out of the basement and unleash our raw power on the fine citizens of Hamilton.

We had a great time and the crowd enjoyed our set. While we were packing up, Ken came over to talk to us and said he liked our songs and sound and wanted to meet with us. Long story short, Ken talked me into leaving my band and starting one with him. (Big In Iowa)

It must have been fate that we met that night at the open jam, because as a young teenager, I used to listen to Ken on 97X WOXY in the 80’s. Mr. K and Danny Crash Reed used to spin all sorts of wonderful sounds including some of the early Americana acts such as the Long Ryders etc. I had been influenced by many of the songs and ended up joining a band with the guy. I had no idea that Ken Glidewell was the Mr. K I used to listen to on the radio.

Over a period of seven years, we went on to release 5 CDs and tour Western Europe twice. We played everywhere in the states from road houses to fine hotels. We were covered by everybody from the Hamilton Journal to the London Times. Our music was featured on programs from 97X local lixx, to the John Peel show.

Each of us in the band were a piece of a puzzle that when completed, made Big In Iowa as successful as it was. Ken was a critical piece of that puzzle. He knew the music business and was a networking pro. Every time I went to his house, he was on the phone with some club owner or record exec. (Or he was popping popcorn) Ken knew everybody and if he didn’t know them, he’d introduce himself. He was a very personable guy always quick with a joke. You couldn't stay mad at the guy. He'd simply crack a joke, tell you how crazy somebody was, or make a goofy face and you just had to forgive him.

We had a falling out in 2002 that a quick joke or goofy face couldn't fix and hadn’t really spoken to each other in a long time. I just happened to be in Hamilton a few months ago and took my wife to a local restaurant. We sat at the bar (which we never do) and just by chance, Ken and Abby sat down next to us not even knowing we were there. I got their attention and we started catching up on things. I was able to show him some pictures of my daughter and tell him about our jam sessions. That night when I went home, I e-mailed him and told him it was really nice to talk to him again. We e-mailed each other off and on up until a few weeks ago.

In light of what has happened, I’m glad we were able to see each other again and set our differences aside.

Ken will be missed by all that knew him. He was a one of a kind that lived life the way he wanted to live it. He made his stamp on the world and has left many trails behind him. He won't be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ken’s family and all of his friends. My heart goes out to them.
If you hear any rumbling in the sky, that’s Ken’s bass. Man did he like it loud…

Rest in peace Ken.