John R. Rigney

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University of Tulsa

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

John Rigney Obituary

RIGNEY -- John R. (Big John), 68, well known Musician and retired welder, departed this life unexpectedly Sunday, June 16, 2006. He has joined the jazz greats that dwell with our Lord. He will always be remembered for sharing his love of music and the love he so freely gave to everyone. He lived with grace, that he knew came from his Maker. John was born on July 30, 1937, in Fairfax, OK, to the late William W. and Etta Pearl (Diediker) Rigney. He is survived by: his loving wife and soul-mate, Judy Mehlhorn-Rigney; his son, Joseph Michael Rigney; 2 step-sons and a step-daughter. He was Papa to 3 grandsons and 5 granddaughters. He was especially close to Maddie, Emily and Zachary. Also surviving are his brother, Robert (June) Rigney; and sister, Elaine Rigney Crupper all of Bartlesville, OK. John started his musical career playing in the Fairfax Band. He enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school. While in the Navy, he learned music theory and how to play numerous musical instruments. They needed an upright bass player and that was when he grew to love that instrument. Upon coming to Tulsa, he started playing with Sonny Gray in the Rubiot house band. He went to Denver, CO and played back-up for Anita O'Day and Nancy Wilson. He then went on the road with Red Norvo. Back in Tulsa he played for Martha Johnston, Teddy Wilson, Mose Allison, Vince Guaraldi, Cal Jader and many others. He studied music at the University of Tulsa. Played with the Tulsa Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic Orchestras. He was a regular on "The Sam Jones Show". John also played with the Dennis Bayton Big Band Sounds and the Pam VanDyke Band. Recently he was playing bass with Sonny Gray, Donald Ryan and Gayle Williamson. While on the road and at home John made many life-long friends and was considered the best bassist around. He will be greatly missed. Please, join us in celebrating his life at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2006 at the Greenwood Cultural Center (Hall of Fame), 322 N. Greenwood. Burial with military honor at 11 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2006 at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. Ninde Funeral Directors, Garden Chapel, 742-5556. www.ninde.com.

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Published by Tulsa World on Jun. 21, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rigney

6 Entries

David Reynolds

October 7, 2020

Though it has been several years now since John's passing, having found this page I feel I must leave a tribute. John, Sonny Gray, Kenny Quinn and I were bandmates at the Rubiot and shared a special bond that only comes through improvising music together. John was a brother to me, and we spent many a night, still wound up after the gig, musing about life into the early hours of the morning. John was a spiritual, as well as a musical man, and as all who knew him will profess, Tulsa's finest, most versatile bassist. It has been 14 years since he left us, but barely a day goes by I don't think of him, miss him, and wish he were still here. Love to you, Brother John!

Don Blackburn

June 21, 2006

To Judy and the family of John Rigney,

John and I met at Sonny Gray's Rubiot Club in late 1960 after I was discharged from the U.S. Army. I was young, loved jazz and instantly liked John as a fine person and excellent musician. Before I left Tulsa in 1968, I was fortunate to have many memorable times sitting in with Sonny's group and playing rhythmical lines with John and his "walking bass." John was one of the most decent, likable human beings I have ever met, and I will always remember him. John will be sorely missed by his family and friends, that is for sure. However, his smile, quiet demeanor, affable personality and awesome talent will never be forgotten.

Dave Bartlett

June 21, 2006

Many, many memories of John at the Rubiot, many of Saturday nights into late Sunday mornings. A wonderful and talented musician and one of the good guys. I've thought about John, Sonny, Kenny and Dave often through the years. Will miss him after all these years.

Dave

Scott Linder

June 21, 2006

I worked as a drummer in Tulsa throughout the sixties. I often played with John while subbing for Dave Reynolds as a member of the Sonny Gray Quartet at the Rubiot. John was a lovely man and taught me about how the bass lays-down the "time" in jazz, with the drums playing on-top. I never forgot that lesson. Even though I have not actively played for a number of years, his knowledge, insight and willingness to teach have deepend my appreciaation of music. I shall carry these memories for the rest of my life. God speed, John. Maybe we can play together again, sometime.....

Kind regards, Scott Linder

Jack & Betty Federline

June 21, 2006

We knew John for only a short time, but always found him to be pleasant and helpful. He blessed us several times with his musical abilities accompanying our choir while at Memerial Drive United Church. Please accept our sympathy on your loss.

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