Elizabeth in Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Loonis McGlohon
Songwriter, composer, jazz pianist
— Charlotte Trail of History —
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
1. Loonis McGlohon Marker, Side One
Loonis McGlohon (the name was proudly Scots-Irish) learned piano in church as a boy in Ayden, NC, and fell in love with the new swing jazz he heard on the radio. He played in the Army Air Force band during World War II, then settled in Charlotte where he became long-time staff musician at WBT/WBTV.
For more than four decades his music formed part of the soundtrack of Charlotte life - on the air, at civic events, in church and at social gatherings.
(captions)
Loonis McGlohon in studio at WBTV
The Loonis McGlohon Trio played to jazz enthusiasts around the world.
Photos: WBT/WBTV Corporate Reconds, J. Murray Akins Library. Special Collections and University Archives, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
(right panel)
McGlohon enjoyed a national reputation as a gifted collaborator.
Loonis McGlohon recorded more than 35 LPs and wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs. He served as musical director for international tours by such noted singers as Mabel Mercer and Eileen Farrell.
McGlohon teamed up with popular CBS television newsman Charles Kuralt in 1983 to create North Carolina is My Home, a celebration of their native state in words and music.
He co-hosted one of the earliest national series
this page online
(caption) Loonis (left) with Charles Kuralt. Biography published by East Carolina University Foundation 2004.
Erected 2024 by Charlotte Trail of History. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 35° 13.051′ N, 80° 49.972′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Elizabeth. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Kings Drive and East Fourth Street (North Carolina Route 16), on the right when traveling south. The marker and statue is on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Kings Dr, Charlotte NC 28204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Annie Alexander (a few steps from this marker); Captain Jack: Herald of Liberty / Rebellion of May 1775 (within shouting distance of this marker); Mecklenburg County Vietnam Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
2. Loonis McGlohon Marker, Side Two
More about this marker. Parking is available on East 4th Street west of North Kings Drive. To access marker go past Captain Jack plaza at intersection and descend steps. Marker and statue is at far end of adjacent circle.
NOTE: current markers are portable, as unveiling took place June 2024.
Also see . . . Loonis McGlohon. Charlotte Trail of History biography for Loonis McGlohon
Loonis McGlohon was one of America’s most beloved songwriters and jazz pianists. Born in the small town of Ayden in Pitt County, North Carolina, Loonis Reeves McGlohon was enthralled as a boy by the big-band sound that permeated across the airwaves in the 1940s and learned to play piano from the organist at his family’s(Submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)church. After graduating from East Carolina University, Loonis enlisted in the military and was assigned to the Army Air Force, where he became an official pianist.Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 20243. Loonis McGlohon Marker and statue
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 12, 2024
4. Loonis McGlohon statue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
