We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Michael Dailey. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
9/14/56 - 9/21/21Michael Dailey, Master Classical Guitarist, in Fort Worth, Texas was a six-foot three inch, soft spoken, handsome gentleman with a beautiful smile and silver hair flowing to his waist. He played guitar from age five and began performing at age eight. Michael Dailey was on the faculty of Texas Wesleyan University and was the owner of The Guitar Studio in Fort worth. At age 16 he toured with and was the opening act for ... see more9/14/56 - 9/21/21 Michael Dailey, Master Classical Guitarist, in Fort Worth, Texas was a six-foot three inch, soft spoken, handsome gentleman with a beautiful smile and silver hair flowing to his waist. He played guitar from age five and began performing at age eight. Michael Dailey was on the faculty of Texas Wesleyan University and was the owner of The Guitar Studio in Fort worth. At age 16 he toured with and was the opening act for the Grateful Dead. He also played with Eric Clapton, John Denver, Linda Rondstat, Steview Ray Nicks, Marty Robbins, Lindsay Buckingham and many others. Michael's father was an Osage Indian who frequently brought home musicians such as, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. He was a studio musician in Los Angeles for a year. At age 19 he lived in the bush in Alaska for a year and a half where he survived a bear attack. Michael has perfomed at the Cottonbowl and other venues of over 100,000. He perfomed classical music at Bass Hall in Fort Worth to a full house and received a standing ovation. He was loved by many. He leaves behind his two beloved children, Phoenix and Tess Dailey.
I met Michael back when he was giving lessons in a small suite behind Ridglea Theater before he moved to the current location. I was a very young inspiring guitarist with absolutely no experience. I continued to take lessons from him all the way up to... moreI met Michael back when he was giving lessons in a small suite behind Ridglea Theater before he moved to the current location. I was a very young inspiring guitarist with absolutely no experience. I continued to take lessons from him all the way up to 1994. He helped me prepared to attend Berkley in Boston and then later get into UNT as a classical guitar student. I still have and play the Augustino loprinzi I purchased from him in 1994. I remember coming home on the weekends from college and stopping by the studio to get his help with learning pieces of music I had to learn for juries and ensembles. I would hang around for hours waiting for an opening or no show. He never turned me away. He really was more that a teacher he was a friend that shaped me as a person and I still think of him and his stores all the time.
Such a wonderful man, we really need more of him on this planet. As a poor and un-disciplined student of his for a couple years, I observed nothing but patience and wisdom from him every time I sat down for a session. He will be so missed.
When I sat down for my first lesson with Michael 4 years ago, with his long flowing white hair and Birkenstock sandals, I thought I was probably going to learn a lot more than how to play guitar. I was right. If you had told me I could never pick up a... moreWhen I sat down for my first lesson with Michael 4 years ago, with his long flowing white hair and Birkenstock sandals, I thought I was probably going to learn a lot more than how to play guitar. I was right. If you had told me I could never pick up a guitar again, I'd still have paid for an hour of Michael's time every week. I'll miss his stories, his laughter and the wisdom of his musical journey. Lagrima. less
"My friend Michael passed away" is a telling thought combined with how deeply touching it feels, considered the limited amount of time we were given to spend together.
We met a couple of times in November 2011 during my visit in Fort Worth:... more"My friend Michael passed away" is a telling thought combined with how deeply touching it feels, considered the limited amount of time we were given to spend together.
We met a couple of times in November 2011 during my visit in Fort Worth:
You allowed me to be a guest at rehearsal of the Guitar Orchestra. I made a new friend in Cathleen.
I experienced one of Guitar Orchestra Fort Worth's concerts at Cook Children's Medical Center.
Another concert of Guitar Fort Worth hosted Canadian Emma Rush. That concert is combined with a Sushi dinner memory. And getting out with Emma and Will to shop for boots. When in Texas, buy boots, right?
And we sat and chatted with Adam.
Music saved my life.
And you, Michael, are gently and deeply woven into this notion.
Knowing you, remembering you, makes my heart sing.
Oh Michael, thank you for your time.
You will be missed dearly.
Sending lots of love, patience, strength to your family, extended family and friends.