GEORGE WESLEY: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2016 STEAMTOWN MUSIC AWARDS

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the “Steamtown Music Awards” and, especially for asking me to be one of the presenters of George Wesley’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.” I think it’s important to note that though this award is being presented tonight to George’s family, posthumously, the decision to present this award to George was made several months ago, long before any of us knew that he wasn’t well. I was fortunate enough to be one of those involved in those discussions, and we were all excited about the idea of having George here tonight and presenting it to him. Ironically, the very same week that George was informed that he would be the recipient of this year’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” was the same week that we all first learned that he was ill. But tonight, I suppose we can all take some comfort in knowing that George was aware of it, and that he appreciated it.

We, or course, appreciated him.

We appreciated his gifts as a musician and a songwriter. He could play the guitar as well as anyone and with songs such as “Thank You” and “Strong,” he could truly inspire. He performed in this region for more than 30 years, he recorded so many fine albums and, to us, he was the true reggae master. He was the king. He sang from his heart and his soul and there was an undeniable spirit to every single performance.  It was true. It was genuine. And it was incredibly passionate.

George was also innovative. He always had great bands, but as most working musicians know, for some gigs, you don’t always need a full band. The club or venue might just want you to perform solo. George was cool that. He was all about working and gigging. But George - even when playing solo - wanted to sound big. He wanted to sound like his records and like a band. And with his loops and his effects he was indeed an orchestra all onto himself. He was amazing.

I once introduced George Wesley on stage as the “coolest human being I have ever met." I'm glad I said it when he was standing right next to me and that he knew how I felt. And it was true. Whenever you were around him, you just felt better. It seemed he was always happy. Always centered. Always relaxed. Much of that came from his spirituality, which, like music, was a very important part of his life. He was also always there to help others and probably played more benefit shows than any other musician in our home region.

He loved Northeastern Pennsylvania. And Northeastern Pennsylvania loved him.

Like all of us, I wish to God - or Jah  - that George was here with us tonight, but I am grateful that I had the chance to know him, to spend time with him, and I know I speak for all of us when I say we are all grateful for the music that he left us.  And there could not possibly be a more worthy or deserving recipient of “The Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Rest easy, old friend.

And Maximum respect.

Maximum respect. 

                                                                                                 - Alan K. Stout
                                                                                                   September 15, 2016