[Dixielandjazz] RIP Frank Haggerty

[Charlie Hull]

Everyone who ever met him will lament the passing of jazz guitarist Frank 
Haggerty, who died in Rocklin, California on Thanksgiving day.

Frank began his music career during the thirties depression and became a CBS 
radio staff musician in San Francisco in the forties.  He told of hearing 
that Turk Murphy was looking for a banjo player, so Frank bought one for 
twenty-five dollars at a hock shop, auditioned, and was picked by Turk over 
several virtuoso banjo soloists.  Turk wanted a rhythm player, not a star.

Frank later moved to Sacramento, free-lancing with local groups and playing 
in most of the early Jazz Jubilees.  He had a unique laid-back style that 
fit in with any kind of music.

Even more than his fine guitar work, Frank will be remembered for his 
wonderful wit and stories.  He was a natural comedian.

Frank's health deteriorated in the last decade.  His respiratory problems 
required an oxygen tank and his vision failed.  His last playing was in 2002 
when several of us would go to his place and jam with him.  Frank is 
survived by his sweet wife, Opaline, also blind, who says there will be no 
funeral service but a memorial party will be planned.

Charlie Hull