NEWS

St. Paul, MN, August 21, 2005 – Mike Elliott, a versatile and highly accomplished guitarist revered for his work in jazz and country music, passed away at his home in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 14, 2005 at the age of 65.  Elliott had been seriously ill since suffering a heart attack in January 2005.  Mike is survived by his wife Francena Elliott, who was by his side at the time of his passing, and step-children Stephanie Noel and Natalie Page of Dallas, Texas.  Born May 18, 1940 in Chicago, Mike studied guitar as a teenager in Colorado under the legendary Johnny Smith.  His long career included extended periods in the Twin Cities, where he played and recorded with the influential jazz group Natural Life, and Nashville, where he was a studio musician, producer/engineer and songwriter on hit country recordings.  During his Nashville years (1982 – 1997) his many accomplishments included serving as music director for the great Nashville producer Jack Clement, contributing a song to John Anderson's triple platinum album “Seminole Wind,” working on staff for Gibson Guitars and writing instructional jazz books for the Hal Leonard publishing company.  As a jazz guitarist, renowned critic Leonard Feather considered Mike to be one of the very best.  His versatility on guitar led to performances with the Toronto Symphony, road work with Victor Borge, recordings with Johnny Cash and much more.  A devoted and brilliant educator, Mike presented guitar clinics with people like Les Paul and taught countless students from beginners to Bela Fleck.  Although Mike had some health insurance, he had spent most of 2005 in the hospital and his family is left with staggering medical bills and other expenses.  Donations to help cover expenses can be sent to The Elliott Family, P.O. Box 211256, Eagan, MN 55121-9998.  A benefit and celebration of Mike Elliott's life was held on Sunday, October 16 at the Artists' Quarter in downtown St. Paul. It was a great success, and said to be the largest gathering of famous twin cities guitarists ever. The Minnesota Guitar Association will be holding a Jazz Guitarathon on December 10th at Hamline University's Sundin Hall to honor Mike's life. For details, visit: http://www.mnguitar.org/concerts.htm

For more information about the late Mike Elliott including photographs, members of the media should contact Pat Courtemanche at (612) 782-8305 or pat_court@yahoo.com.