Gently Weeping Guitars

by Frank Riley

In the Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” written by George Harrison, the repeated words “Still my guitar gently weeps” echo as we recall musicians whose guitars were silenced by lives cut short. Their guitars almost weep as we hear them played on recordings left as treasures to grace the sounds of our lives.

Well-known guitar players such as Hank Williams, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley Emily Remler, and so many others live on in the melodies, chords, riffs, and notes their talent and love of the guitar brought to life.

Each one of us could add names to a long list that unfortunately keeps growing. Mine would include Danny, who lived long enough to master the guitar and write meaningful songs, too. One of Danny’s favorite songs was the late Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” (Grace album).

Whether they played acoustic or electric guitars, the music of artists who died too soon will always touch us. We hear their guitars gently weep for their loss but also lift our spirits as we graciously receive their musical gifts.