Honestly I don’t even know where to begin…..I moved to Louisville in 1995, wasn’t a musician, didn’t play guitar, but LOVED live music. I went to Kingfish on the River with some newfound friends from my apartment complex, and Tim was playing. This was seriously the first weekend I lived here. I WAS IMMEDIATELY HOOKED…not just by his music, but by the FANS he had dancing all around, every song, singing every word. AMAZING.
I became one of those psycho fans, and through the years of watching him play, told him that one day I wanted to record one of his songs. He didn’t know I could sing at the time, so I think he just laughed it off. But we did eventually become friends, through mutual friends, and I have never respected a musician, or human, more. Tim had more love for life, music and people in his pinky finger than most people acquire in a lifetime. Seriously, you could feel it just being around him.
Through the years, a friendship formed, and when it came time for me to debut my first album, Tim was there with open arms. He let me record “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” and played and sang on other tracks DOWN, TIMEPIECE, and FLY AWAY. He supported me in any way he could, and often pulled me on-stage with him if I came to a show. A crowning moment for me with Tim was a couple of years ago at danny flanigan’s Listening Room Christmas Show, with danny, Tim, Alan Rhody, and that year Lisa Carter, although it is usually Carter Wood. I thought I’d pee my pants when he asked me to come up and sing “Everythings Gonna Be Alright.” He gave me that moment that I will NEVER EVER FORGET.
Anytime Tim was asked to play a benefit, he would. He gave his music and performances freely, and played for nothing when he could.
Tim was a musician’s musician. He was an icon — IS an icon, and I have a feeling that his short time on this earth will last much, much longer with his music that he left behind. There are COUNTLESS artists here in Louisville he has helped spring their careers (mine being one), and established, famous people that have cut his songs: Alan Jackson, Delbert McClinton, I can’t even think right now of all of them, but you can see them on his website. He also was Jimmy Buffet’s side man in earlier days.
What I will remember most about Tim is his smile. He always had one. His voice was unmistakable, singing and talking. His aura was evident and strong, and still is. I feel him in my heart right now telling me to QUIT CRYING and WRITE A SONG, PLAY MUSIC, GO HUG SOMEONE AND TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM.
“Everything’s gonna be alright, I’ve worked a deal out with the stars…They’re gonna leave on all their lights. And no matter where you are, you’re gonna make it through the night.”
I LOVE YOU TIM KREKEL.