The recent accidental death of Wylie Erwin Reeves left everyone who knew him in shock. Out of my original circle of friends dating from childhood, Wylie was the last one that everyone thought would "go first". Although he was closer to my younger brother Ken (they were the same age), my friendship with Wylie spanned from the mid-'70s right up to the time of his passing. When I first got EAR CANDY going, he approached me with the idea of writing articles. He wrote two articles in 2000, and several reviews over the years. The last time I saw Wylie in person was at a club in Austin in 1996, during a visit to Texas. However, we still stayed in touch via e-mail, sporadically exchanging correspondence right up to the time of his death.

While the memorial service for Wylie concentrated almost exclusively on his academic successes (a couple of degrees) and his popularity with his students (he was a very popular teacher) - it didn't quite give the whole picture. You see, this 'whole picture' is what made Wylie so interesting - he was a true modern renaissance-man. Although that term is thrown about quite a bit, it does aptly apply to "Sir Wylie". In addition to academics:

• He was a rock star...
• He was a poet...
• He was a photographer...
• He was a journalist...
• He was a "reluctant Goth" (using Wylie's own words)

While Wylie didn't play an instrument (that I know of), he eventually made it to the rock 'n roll stage as the vocalist/front man for the ILLUMINATI (an Austin-based "conspiracy-rock" band that released two CD's).

When I returned to Atlanta following Wylie's memorial service in Texas, I vaguely remembered having some VHS tapes of Wylie. So, I started searching through my old VHS tapes to find tapes of various parties that we had recorded (Wylie and I traveled in many of the same social circles in the '80s & '90s). I found a couple of these tapes (still haven't searched through them all) and Wylie's wit really shines through on his appearances! At one party Wylie got into a metaphysical discussion about the "rotation of the vortex" - and this phrase became a standard Wylie catch-phrase at all future parties.

The last time I saw Wylie in person was at a club in Austin in 1996, during a visit to Texas. However, we still stayed in touch via e-mail, sporadically exchanging correspondence right up to the time of his death.

What things will I miss most about Wylie? That would be his wit & enthusiasm. HE could always be counted on to supply a funny witticism or a unique perspective on any subject. He truly added Technicolor to an often boring, black & white world.

Here's to you, Sir Wylie! [Raising a glass]

You WILL be missed, but never forgotten...

This is a CLASSIC Wylie picture! Photo courtesy of Kyle Cassidy

Wylie and Ken Photo courtesy of Laurie Marder