Jack Long Passes
Jack Long, founder of Long & McQuade and Yorkville Sound passed away on September 4.
He was a talented musician - playing both trumpet and bass.
He started Long & McQuade with Jack McQuade in downtown Toronto in 1956. The musical instrument chain has expanded to over 100 stores across Canada.
In 1963, in partnership with Pete Traynor, he founded Yorkville Sound, manufacturer of sound equipment and instrument amplifiers and distributor of a wide range of musical products. Yorkville Sound continues to manufacture Yorkville Pro Audio, VTC ProAudio and the iconic Traynor guitar and bass amp brands at its facility in Pickering Ontario.
He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2014. The Order of Canada, one of our country's highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada's centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. This is a very special honour and richly deserved. Jack was recognized for his engagement as a pioneer in Canada’s music retail and manufacturing industries who is committed to musicians, customers and employees across the country.
"Making music is a lifelong passion," said Jack. “Music is something that can improve peoples' lives.”
Jack was very supportive of up-and- coming musicians and contributed over the years to a number of charities. He was a big supporter of music education in Canada.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 1:00 pm at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto. A live stream of the service will be available with the following link:http://www.gracechurchonthehill.ca/jack-long
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honour to Jazz.FM91 at (http://jazz.fm/support)
Danny Marks:
"The testimonies will pour in. Safe to say, no one has ever done more for music and musicians in Canada than Jack Long. On every level from corporate to personal. His kindness is legendary. His care about our collective condition knew no bounds. His modesty and pride walked hand in hand with all of us who came in contact with him and any of his locations. Co-incidentally, I made a purchase from my local Long & McQuade Pro yesterday! I mentioned to the guys at the counter about Jack, Pat Coffee, Bob Abbott, Wayne Mills and Ray Harrison. I'm reminded of dear Newton Garwood. Jack directed his company and his care to musicians and gave us respect. He got burned too at times. But he never stopped believing. Let's carry that forward. Play on Jack! We love ya."
Bob Abbott:
"The best man I ever worked for. A giant in the music industry. We will all miss this wonderful man. My condolences to the Long Family .from theAbbott Family R I P Jack"
John Percy:
"Jack (and Bob) sold me my first electric guitar (but not my last). He believed in putting instruments into musician's hands first, and worrying about everything else later. All Canadian musicians owe Jack their thanks. I will never forget his kindnesses to me"
Mike McKenna:
"Jack Long RIP...and thank u....from Yonge st to now.....He was an incredible person and helped so many musicians to get the gear they needed to do the gig...thanks again Jack..."
Marty Morin:
"The unsung hero of the Canadian music scene for decades. The only music store that would sell instruments to musicians on credit. What a concept!"