RIP John Aielli: Austin Icon and Dear Friend

When I moved to Austin over 25+ years ago, I was intensely fascinated by the morning music show guy on KUT… Verdi followed by the Velvet Underground followed by a Senegalese ensemble followed by… well, your guess was as good as mine. It was validating to discover there were other weirdos in the world who loved music without arbitrary stylistic boundaries.

I really need to meet this strange cat someday, thought I.

Around this same time, I sang/conducted for an early music ensemble at UT (under the direction of the amazing Danny Johnson), and frequently sat next to a tall fellow named John. We often talked about music, but perhaps more often about whatever book he or I happened to be reading at the time. I enjoyed his take on things, as well as his distinctively rich and soothing baritone voice.

Perhaps an entire year passed in this manner before I grabbed a Chronicle on the way to rehearsal, saw his face on the cover, and exclaimed to him “wait, what… you’re THAT GUY!?!?” He chuckled and said “yup, that’s me! Pretty nice picture, eh?”

After receiving the sad news of his passing today, I spent my afternoon trying to count the number of times he generously hosted me on his show over the years. I can count at least 28, but I’m likely forgetting more than a few.

Thank you for the music, the friendship, the artistic cheerleading, and the fascinating/irreverent chats on your porch. Oh, and for not picking on that clueless kid TOO badly the day he (finally) figured out who the heck you were.

To John Aielli: all of Austin mourns you, all of Austin loves you, and you can be damn sure none of us will ever forget you.

Rest in peace, dear friend