Lari Goss, native of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away on January 10, 2015 at the age of 69. Most recently residing in Brentwood, Tennessee, Goss is survived by his wife Carolyn, sons Benjamin (B.J.) (Julie) Goss, Nicholas (RaeAnna) Goss, Jonathan Goss and Cameron Goss; brother, Roni (Linda) Goss; grandchildren, Samantha, Joseph, Alexandria, Christian and Eva Mae Goss.
Funeral services for Goss were held on Thursday, January 15 at Brentwood Baptist Church. Many of his friends from the music industry and across the country were there to give tribute, along with officiating Pastors Jim Cymbala and Stan Mitchell.
Goss was well known as arranger, producer, writer, orchestrator, keyboardist and musical genius in all areas of the Christian and secular music world. He began his career in the Goss Brothers and continued in music for over 60 years. Multi-award winner, including a Grammy award, several Doves and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, this gentleman’s resume includes the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Christ Church Choir, many symphonies, orchestras, and artists world-wide. Goss was also an ordained minister.
Lari Goss will be mourned by many throughout the music industry and by all whose lives have been touched by the music that Lari Goss molded into artistry. Many of Lari’s friends have already expressed their condolences and memories on social media, but some have shared them with SGN Scoops:
How do I sum up in one paragraph the influence Lari had on our music? It’s impossible. Looking back at all the “hits” he arranged over the years..70’s, 80’s, 90’s ’til today, it’s hard to see where his influence starts…and ends. I look at it this way…if you remember a song that you fell in love with, he probably produced it. Way beyond his years, even as a young teenager, he was writing orchestrations. He was not just filling in the parts, but mapping out those lush chords of transition that revealed the “heart” of the song. If you met him, you’d understand. His soft spoken demeanor, and friendliness to all reflected his heart. My greatest memory will be watching him create a “mood” with one of my songs on the piano…knowing he was hearing the full orchestration in his mind. His eyes would leak as he’d say, “I think this is going to be good.” What an understatement! We’re blessed every night as we sing along with tracks he created. Genius. Just enough power in the track, and just enough melodic calmness…kinda like God…always including His power, yet always reminding us of His quiet assurance. Lari listened to God…obviously. Let’s pray for the Lord to fill the huge void left with Lari’s home going with another creator who will closely listen to God every time he sits down at the piano…and live for Him every time he stands up.
Pictured: Rodney Griffin and Lari Goss
Words can’t express the hurt and sadness over the loss of our friend Lari Goss. I have spent a lifetime with him, from The LeFevres till now and love him like family. The very first time I went into the studio at LeFevre Sound I was terrified but Lari and the Goss brothers made me feel so at home. It was always my dream to have him work with us so Amber could work with him and be a part of that genius mind of his. He did that on The A Capella Sessions. He is irreplaceable! I always said if you can’t sing with Lari you can’t sing! Heaven is singing loudly now!
Pictured:Judy Nelon, Ed O'Neal, Lari Goss, Norman Holland, Kelly Nelon Clark
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