R.I.P. Dave Edmondson - "Fire and Rain" Keyboardis

[Atomic Jim]

I'm posting this today, because this morning Phil Reigh called me to tell me that Dave Edmondson died on Feb. 24; his obituary is in today's (3/27/13) Altoona Mirror. Dave was the keyboard player in my first band, "The Impacts," and in the 1970's Dave played keyboards for "Fire & Rain," one of Central PA's best bands during that time period.

Dave was always my friend, even after the band broke up. He would stop by my apartment when he was in town, and we would sing and harmonize and talk about our latest adventures. As I look back on it, Dave was always the peace-maker in the band, which wasn't easy when you were dealing with four or five teenage musicians, all with giant egos. Dave went on to play for many years with one of my favorite bands, and one of the best band to come out of Altoona in the 1970s, "Fire & Rain. Dave epitomized Blue-eyed Soul, and he loved the old R & B and soul songs from the '50s and '60s. I've always hoped we could get all of the musicians from The Impacts back together for a jam session, but it looks like that's not going to happen now.

My thoughts go out to Dave's daughter Laurie, and his Granddaughter, and to his brother Chris, and his sister Candy.

Rest in peace my friend. You were a great friend and great musician.