"Missing you?. A memory popped up on FB today of a gig you did at the Corner in Fremont ?..2016?. Miss our telephone ? talks?. Always love you brother?.."
In loving memory of
Bradley Lyle Cordle
July 9, 1953 - February 26, 2018
Bradley Lyle Cordle, age 64, of Omaha Nebraska passed away on Monday, February 26th in his home from complications of kidney failure.
Brad was born in Ottawa Kansas on July 9th, 1953 to Lyle and Glacia (nee Rhoades) Cordle both now deceased. Brad was the oldest of three children including his sisters Brenda Cordle Gutschow and Tracey Cordle Torola. The Cordle children were raised to enjoy music but it became a true passion for Brad at a very early age. He first began his musical career singing in church. His earliest musical inspirations were Tennessee Ernie Ford and Nat King Cole that could often be heard on the home stereo. In his high school years Brad became active in choir with his beautiful tenor voice under the direction of Robert Yanikee and performed in several high school musicals. In addition to that he began in earnest his love for music by taking private vocal lessons. He later went on to study opera at Central Methodist College in Fayette Missouri with a full ride music scholarship.
Brad soon became known for his love of rhythm and blues and quickly had a large following of fans eager to hear him belt out tunes with his powerful voice. Brad sang with many bands including Blueberry Buckle, Platte Valley Special, Belly Up, R & B Supply, Cordle Scott Band, The Mighty Jailbreakers, and more recently the Brad Cordle Band, plus others. Over the years, Brad played all over the country but especially enjoyed singing for the crowds in Vegas, South Dakota and hometown Omaha. After living in Vegas for over ten years Brad came back home to Omaha where he reunited with his fellow musicians, family, and friends. Brad always enjoyed not only singing, but songwriting as well. In recent years, he has written and recorded many songs which can be heard on You Tube. Most notably is a tune written by Brad and recorded with The Kris Lager Band entitled "Aim It At The Milky Way".
Brad was an active member of the Omaha Blues Society and was instrumental along with others in getting it formed. He was honored and inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Brad has been blessed to have many fellow musicians and friends in the Omaha area as well as all over the world. He would be more than honored to know the outpouring of love and messages by his many friends and fans. In addition to his love of music, Brad enjoyed painting, watching the Bears, his beloved dog Sasha, debating politics, a good stogie, and spending time with family and friends. However, his love of music preceded almost everything else. He came into this world singing just as he left it.
Brad will be sorely missed by his family and has left behind his family Brenda Cordle Gutschow (sister) and husband Terry of Omaha, Tracey Cordle Torola (sister) of Hayward California and husband John. He also leaves behind his many nieces, nephews including Chad Gutschow and fiancee Nicole Johnson of Omaha, Haley Walker and husband Gabe of Omaha, Abbey Gless and husband Mike of Castro Valley, California, Morgan Webb and husband Mike of Richmond California, and Tyler Torola of Berkeley California. He also leaves his many great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, Alexis Gutschow, Ava Gutschow, Piper Walker, Reece Walker, Oliver Gless and Kagan Gless. In addition he leaves behind his many friends of which there are too many to list less we leave out someone.
A Celebration of Brad's Life has been organized by Craig Balderston, close friend and bandmate, other fellow musicians and the Omaha Blues Society on Sunday, March 4 with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. with music beginning at 3:00 p.m.at the Chrome Lounge, at address 8552 Park Drive, Omaha Nebraska 68127. Memorial donations may be made in Brad's memory to the Omaha BluesEd program of which Brad was a mentor to many young aspiring musicians. The family thanks everyone for their love and support.
Funeral Home:
Chapel of Memories
9001 Arbor Street #111
Omaha, NE
United States 68124
Tributes
"Love you my friend. You have always been my bestie and have loved you all these years. While my tears are falling I know in my heart you are singing with the angels in Heaven and all those musicians that have past before you. I know you are my guardian angel. I miss you my friend"
"Sending my deepest condolences to Brad's family. I'd first met Brad in junior high. Then again up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. His voice was always the best around. I remember a couple of high school musicals he sang in. I am just grateful that our lives intersected. Last time I saw him was in Las Vegas Nevada. I was in hopes I would get to see him again this summer. But I guess the next time we meet his gig will be singing with the angels. You will be greatly missed Brad!"
"So sorry to find out about Brad passing. I first met Brad when he was with Platte Valley Special. Playing The No.10 Saloon in Deadwood. And, The Back Porch in Spearfish. I also saw him often when he was with R&B Supply. When Brad sang, he got your attention. Loved his voice. Again... So sorry for everyone's loss. I'll never forget him."
"You were such a beautiful soul. So approachable, so loving and kind. You'll be dearly missed by so many. Praying for comfort for your family and all who loved you. Rest in heaven my friend."
"Im so sorry for your loss. Grief is a process thats different for every individual. Its comforting to know that we have a Heavenly Father who knows our inner-most struggles to come to terms with our loss. I recently lost a brother, a sister-in-law and most recently a best friend so I can sympathize with your pain. I found a comforting scripture at 2 Corithians 1:3-4 which speaks of Jehovah as the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our trials. I hope this brings you the same comfort as it has me. For more comforting thoughts visit JW. Org."
"Brad was one of kind and an inspiration to us all, God Bless you Brad Cordle, I will always leave my hat on."
"In high school I was looking for a singer and Brad was looking for a guitar player. It was the start of a life long friendship that lasted right up to the end. I will miss you and our late night phone calls and mini concerts exchanging musical ideas. Rest easy old friend and God bless. We will keep the music flowing for you."
"Bad Brad , was what I always called him . His voice always gave goose bumps , his kind heart was always present . No one gave more soul to the blues then him . God Speed old friend"
"He sounds like someone who enjoyed life to the fullest. I wish I could have heard him sing in person. So sorry for your loss Tracey and John. My condolences and prayers. Cindy Feggestad"
"Dear Brenda and family, We are so sorry to hear of Brads passing. I know this will leave a huge void for you all, but what a wonderful legacy he left you with his musical talent. Our deepest condolences to you and your family."
"You certainly blazed your own trail and brought enjoyment everywhere you performed. I will miss hearing that powerful voice and soulful performances you gave each and every time I had to pleasure of watching you sing. RIP my friend it was a pleasure knowing you."
"Love ya and gonna miss ya buddy"
"Brad leaving leaves a huge hole in the musical community that I don't believe anyone else will ever be able to fill. He was a prince, his big soulful vocals always left me with goosebumps. And he was a very sweet, kind and humble person. You will be missed big man. Much love and enjoy singing with the angels."
"Larry Larsen family loved Brad from day one! He was a part of our family no matter where we were in life. NO one could ask for a better friend for life! I miss him so much as I know his own family does! My heart breaks for you all! Remember his music and his love for you all. Cherish his memories as I know there are plenty. Smile and laugh with all of them as I know he can make can I was only one of a lot of people who were blessed to have had him in our lives #"
"I have followed Brad's singing from the day my brother Craig moved to Omaha, to join the Jail Breakers. My brother Ron and I followed the Jail Breakers to Yakima, Vancouver and even drove my parents to Evergreen, CO to listen to them. Coming from a musical family, I know the bond that is created with family. My deepest condolences to your family and all of Brad's friends."
"Im one of Brads friends and band mates from Las Vegas. So many folks out here are so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. It was an honor and a privilege to count him as a friend and to perform with him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends both in Omaha and worldwide."
"I feel blessed to have shared the same planet with Brad. A true friend with a beautiful soul. You are sorely missed dear friend. I wish you knew how many youve touched"
"I'm still wandering around aimlessly, trying to understand how the Earth continues to rotate w/o Brad Cordle's living presence in it. I'm just one of so many that thank God for Brad, and thank Brad for his music and friendship. That he sang with Peace, Love, Etc. the Friday night before his passing is a blessing we'll all treasure. I will miss my musical brother for the rest of my life, as will the rest of his many, many friends. God Bless you Brad, and Lord Jesus, just hand him an SM-58, sit back and enjoy!"
"I have known Brad since Jr. High, we used to walk home from school together now and then. He was a great guy with a beautiful soul. I'm proud to call him my friend. Going to miss him and that voice. My deepest condolences to Brenda and Tracey and families. Brad is singing with the angels now."
"Brad is as good as it gets....I'm going to miss him."
"He was bigger than life, his love of music was inspiring. Many uncluding myself will miss his presence. Much love"
"Brad you will be missed but your music will live on in all who were touched by your extraordinary voice and kindness. You can't teach what you had. You were a soulful brother. God Bless you and your family."