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My Tribute to William Joel "Taz" DiGregorio

    



William Joel "Taz" DiGregorio (1944-2011)

©2011 By Bronson Herrmuth


I went to Taz's funeral on October 17th, 2011, and it was perfect. Since the Charlie Daniels Band is as much of an extended family as it is a band, they all came out to honor Taz and celebrate his life. The minister spoke about God, and then several of the Charlie Daniels Band family members spoke about Taz.

Roger Campbell spoke and cried, and told several great road stories about Taz then added, "I consider Charlie Daniels as the brain and heart of the Charlie Daniels Band and Taz was the soul." (quoted as best I remember his words) David Corlew also spoke through tears about his long time friend and Carolyn Corlew sang, several times resting her hand on Taz's closed casket. Dennis Winters also sang an old mountain hymn A cappella, Dennis was best man when Taz and Danielle were married.

Charlie sang, "How Great Thou Art", and then he talked about his love for Taz and his words were quite emotional and heartfelt. The service was a wonderful celebration of Taz's life. There were hundreds of mourners and standing room only in the Harpeth Hills funeral home filled with musicians, singers, songwriters, a galaxy of male and female road warriors paying their respects. Everyone loved Taz, he was just that kind of spirit. All that music he made and not one lesson, such an incredible God gifted talent.

Watching Charlie Daniels, Charlie Hayward, David Corlew, Jimmy Burton, Roger Campbell, Dean Tubb, Jimmy Potts and Dennis Winters, carry Taz to his grave was a moment in time I will never forget. Watching two Servicemen fold Taz's flag and then present it to his wife Danielle, made me sad but as a veteran, very proud at the same time for his military service, knowing what a sterling American patriot Taz was. One thing about 'ol Taz, there was never any gray area when it came to his feelings or beliefs about anything. He shot from the hip and told you straight up his thoughts at all times, good or bad.

Taz's dog is named Dakota and he was mentioned more then once during the service, and there were some awesome photos of Taz, spread out through out the hall, several of them taken with Dakota. Taz sure did love that dog and that dog worshipped Taz. Rest in peace my brother, your music and your memory will live forever.

Here's a link to Taz's obituary as it appeared in the Tennessean, if you'd like to read it.

Taz DiGregorio Obituary

You can read/listen to My 2007 interview with Taz


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