Monday, November 12, 2007

In memory of a manager

After a week of fun and sun, this week starts off with rain and gloom.

My boss, John Lyle Sanford, died late last night, coming as a shock to us all. Like his ability to cut through the crap and get to the point of a subject, his death hit us right between the eyes, without preparation -- not that any could soften the blow. I know most of us under him consider him the best boss we ever had. His straight shooting ruffled a few feathers, but you always knew where you stood with him and he was the best champion an employee could hope for. Another blog site has been set up to help remember him.

John was a big music fan, so here's a playlist featuring most of his favorite artists. Being from Texas, he had a great appreciation for outlaw country and Americana music, so expect a few tears in your beer.

Playlist: In Memory of John Lyle Sanford

1. You're Gonna Miss Me - 13th Floor Elevators
2. Song For A Lost Friend - Badfinger
3. What A Wonderful Man - My Morning Jacket
4. Rex's Blues - Townes Van Zandt
5. I Remember You - Steve Earle
6. Tear Stained Eye - Son Volt
7. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Bob Dylan
8. After You're Gone - Iris Dement
9. John, I'm Only Dancing - David Bowie
10. Gotta Travel On - Jimmie Dale Gilmore
11. Stars All Seem To Weep - Beth Orton
12. The Long Cut - Uncle Tupelo
13. What's Going Ahn - Big Star
14. I'm Set Free - The Velvet Underground
15. Red-Eyed And Blue - Wilco
16. The Sunny Side Of My Life - Merle Haggard
17. I Wish I Was The Moon - Neko Case
18. These Are Difficult Times / Remember The Good Times - Willie Nelson
19. Cry One More Time (1973 Live Version) - Gram Parsons
20. Losing You - Kelly Willis
21. Walkin' With Sorrow - Hank Williams III
22. Learning How To Live - Lucinda Williams
23. Ballad Of Easy Rider - The Byrds
24. Is Heaven Good Enough For You - Allison Moorer

5 comments:

Michelle Auer said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I found out this morning that my Auntie died yesterday. Seems like the day for this kind of news. :-(
I'm sure he would appreciate the mix you came up for him though! xom

Shawn Anderson said...

Sorry about your Auntie...

I think he'd appreciate it... might bristle at some of the sentimentality (I'm looking at you Alison Moorer) but they're all his faves.

Kim Carney said...

I adored JLS, I also enjoyed him as a great boss at msnbc.com, and I am just in shock to hear about his death.

Shawn Anderson said...

Kim...we've started a website and a flickr photo pool to collect thoughts and photos for all that admired him.

ario said...

John was hands down one of the best people I've ever worked with. It's a tremendous loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends.