East tn picker marvin gideon has died

[metalmandolin]

For those of you knowledgeable of East Tennessee mandolin players, I regret to inform you that Marvin Gideon has passed away at age 47. Marvin left this world between 11-11:30 PM Wednesday night, suffering a massive heart attack. He was known in our area as one of the better mandolinists, playing in regional groups such as StraightAhead, Dedric Hill, and most recently Cedar Ridge. A great songwriter and one of the most controversial stage personalities in our area, Marvin will be remembered by this writer, and by everyone in the East Tennessee bluegrass community. He could get by with risque jokes in performances where most others would have surely been carried off the stage.
I send my condolences to Terri Gideon, the Gideon family, Cedar Ridge and everyone that knew Marvin. May the love of Christ be with you at this time.

[cooper4205]

Marvin was a good friend to my aunt and uncle, Betty and Steve Freels. They were exrtemely close to Marvin and Terri and his passing was quite a shock to them, especially since it came out of nowhere. They said he had been complaining of severe heartburn for a while, but never expected it would be something this serious.
Marvin was quite a character, and was one of the first mandolin players I ever got to encounter 'up close'. He was also excited when he learned from my aunt that I had decided to take up the mandolin. I hate it I never got around to picking with him once I did. Marvin will be greatly missed, that's for sure.