John Samuel Pisci

"The deepest condolences of my wife Beth and I go out to Robin, the family, and friends of John. I knew John a little in high school; I went to Lincoln High and was in the stage band under Dick Culver (another huge influence like John Weigardt was at Englewood High). Even then John was a great talent and I was envious of his drum set chops -at the time I was playing piano in Lincoln’s stage band although I was a drummer in a local rock band and was also doing some night club trio work in the Denver area. Our stage band had a surplus of drummers - Walt Marker and Pat Shanahan (who later went on to play with Ricky Nelson) were the main drummers and I sometimes got to play as the #3 guy. I remember John relating a few years later the story of how his audition for Woody Herman’s band went awry because half way though his try-out set the bass drum pedal he was using fell apart. Woody wasn’t happy about the missing bass drum kicks and that was the end of the audition. I just read of John’s passing and it took a few days to connect it with the John Pisci I knew back then. We seemed to have gone in opposite directions; John out west and I out east to study but I’m glad to read that his life (although too short) was full of success and happiness. It would be nice to hear some more about John’s life and career. I remember him as a really great guy. Thanks. Sincerely, Don Kuehn, member of the Percussion Section, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra"

"Johnny the times we have been together were some of the most precious times in my life. I’m happy we got to share them together. You will be missed. Love and prayers to Robin and the loved ones you left behind. Love, Gary & LeeAnn Jones (The Jones Crew)"

"I just learned of John’s passing. My condolences go out to his Robin, his family and all his friends. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing John for a number of years. We were fellow drummers here in Las Vegas, NV. He was always very complimentary, kind and generous with his time. He was an amazing musician. Everytime I had an opportunity to hear him play, I was stealing whatever I could understand. He was very inspiriational for me. I am saddened to hear of his passing but consider myself a much better person for knowing him. May he be at peace. May God Bless Robin and all durning this very difficult time. Kind regards. Mark Dalzell Drums Las Vegas, NV"

"Dear Robin, We have never met. I am a classmate from Johnny’s past. Probably he never spoke about me or even remembered me. But, I have never forgotten Johnny. He was a year ahead at Englewood High School; a wonderful school where we both honed our musical skills thanks to the exceptionally talented Jon Wiegardt, who as the best teacher around provided a incredibly wide range of musical experiences and opportunities. Johnny and I were percussion rivals (in a good way) often challenging each other for first chair band seats, etc. I was a good percussionist but Johnny was in a different league. His jazz and drum kit skills were out of the park. Before graduation rolled around Johnny was already playing professional gigs all over Denver. Since graduating from high school in 1966 I often thought about Johnny and from time to time heard that he was in Las Vegas playing with Tom Jones and others. Believe me when I tell you that I not only often thought about Johnny and wondered how life had been treating him, but his name came up in conversation frequently over the years when jazz and music entered my conversations. I always wondered where Johnny was and what he was up to, how things had turned out for him. A few years ago I was able to make contact with Jon Wiegardt who told me that Johnny was in Las Vegas. Jon gave me Johnny’s address information but sadly I never followed up in time to say hello. I regret this so much. It would have been nice to tell Johnny in person my thoughts of so many years: Probably the three most influential musicians in my life have been my older brother, Jon Wiegardt and Johnny. It may sound strange coming from someone who never made contact for so long but it’s true. Not only was Johnny an exceptionally talented musician who inspired, but I remember his sense of humor. Whether or not that stayed with him as an adult I don’t know but I suspect it probably did. We often clowned around in the percussion section (much to "Mr. Wiegardt’s" dismay I’m sure). Johnny always had a quick witty remark, about almost anything. I also recall that the scope of his girl watching was- ah?well - impressive! (testosterone time!) Johnny had a great sense of humor but he also knew when to focus and this was routinely obvious when he picked up sticks or mallets and began playing anything - drums, cymbals, timpani, vibes, even piano and other instruments. I remember his left-hand finger control as he was approaching the speed and control of the great drummer Joe Morello. I have always liked the following message meant for those who have been preceded by a loved one. Maybe it will help you, too, during this time of Johnny?s passing: What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. I do not know the turn of events in his life or yours with him, Robin, but I want to offer this tribute that Johnny’s early life had an impact on me, and I suspect many many others. I am thankful for the opportunity to have at least shared a short time knowing Johnny. His memory has been with me all these years, and although he precedes us in death, his memory will never die. I want to attend Johnny?s funeral/memorial but since this may not possible I wanted to send my thoughts and deepest sympathies to you and to those who are missing his physical presence. Paul Krieger Santa Barbara, CA"