Bob Grimes -- "Almost a Celebrity"

San Francisco will honor the delightful movie-song savant Bob Grimes at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. Now 88, Bob was one of our interviewees for QUEER ICON, but is most famous for sharing his vast collection of original sheet music — over 32,000 pieces — with singers and performers all over the world, making him a beloved legend in the realm of cabaret. He began collecting photos of movie stars and sheet music as a boy in Longview, Texas.

Useful info: Warren Hinkle is of course the noted journalist based in San Francisco. "Dianne" is Dianne Feinstein, former S.F. supervisor and mayor and current California senator. George Cory, referred to at the end, wrote the music to "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." And the city's official song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvK_gD3ulaw

Bob's collection of sheet music is now with the Michael Feinstein Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the Great American Songbook.

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[BSPics]

A biography of Bob by his friend Peter Minton is on Internet Movie Database, at the following link:

imdb.com/name/nm3323214/bio

[add the usual to above to get to IMDb bio (can't post url on YouTube)]

[BSPics]

[Continued from previous posting.]

He is off on another adventure unknown to us, but Bob without a doubt lives on through his child-like wonder, his generosity, his friendships, his laughter and his music -- the self of him that he shared with each of us. Bob certainly demonstrated through his life that the greatness of any man is what he gives to others and the example he lives. May we all learn from that.

[BSPics]

From Vance Nesbitt, Bob Grimes’ nephew:

Bob Grimes passed away peacefully mid-day today [October 8, 2011] at CPMC, leaving behind an incredible legacy of 89 wonder-full years. What came to mind was the phrase I had heard before, "He took the train to Chicago" as a metaphorical phrase to describe someone's passing.

[See next posting for the rest of Vance Nesbitt's message.]

[BSPics]

@swegler109 Bob was so full of energy and life, it's hard to believe he's gone. Yes, he will be missed dearly.

[swegler109]

A true treasure, who will be missed dearly.

[BSPics]

@VaudevileSchtick101

We're delighted to be able to share this video with Bob's many friends and fans.

Thanks for taking the time to post a comment.

[VaudevileSchtick101]

Great to see Bob here!!! Its been over 25 years since I've seen him.