Kirk Whalum Blog
June 16, 2008
The Black Panther Who Saved Franklin, TN
I want to offer a formal goodbye to my friend, Pastor Denny Denson who passed away just an hour ago. Having been a member of the Black Panthers in Chicago as a young man, he was a very unlikely candidate to help bring racial reconciliation to the wealthy (predominately white) suburb of Franklin. But that is exactly what he did -- with the vengeance of a panther.
When we last hung out, at the Cinqo de Mayo celebration in Franklin, TN (see the entry earlier in May) I leaned over and put my saxophone bell close to him there in the park and played one of his favorites - "Body And Soul." I offer that thought to his lovely wife Lela Denson today. Denny loved you Body And Soul. Now the angels are fitting him for his new suit!
Kirk,
I also thank you for the tribute to Denny. I will be putting something up on my blog as well (when it's back online). I wish I could have been at the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Franklin (now half a world away), if nothing else just to say Goodbye.
Denny was a hero in the faith. He will be missed - but if there was anyone who was ready to go Home ... it was Denny.
Posted by: Bernie Anderson | June 17, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Thank you Kirk for blessing us with such kinds words about Rev. Denson. We will truly miss him, and I am so glad you had a chance to encourage him with your presence at Cinco De Mayo last month. God is good and I know you know what the family is feeling right now as you laid to rest your own father not too long ago. Thank you for being smooth in your life, words, ministry, and music. You ARE smooth Jazz and I Love you. Your brother, Chris
Posted by: Chris Williamson | June 16, 2008 at 10:38 PM