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In memory of

Michael Earl Royal

Sarasota, FL
August 12, 1950 - May 24, 2023
Aug 12, 1950 - May 24, 2023
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I am just finding out about the passing of Michael and I am very saddened and heartbroken. He was one of the best pianist I ever heard!  We go back to the days of Plant High School in Tampa, Florida and had many adventures together he will be truly missed RIP, my friend!
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It's unfathomable that a year has passed by already since we lost this piece of Heaven on Earth. Michael was such a Gift and a Blessing to all who knew him - even the many furbabies he rescued. His lifes ending was an unfairly delt hand which was not deserved. My heart bleeds for him and the fear and confusion he must have endured - and for his family to see this fate. Your legacy will live on forver, Michel and I will always feel grateful and privileged to have met and worked with you. 
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I met Michael when we were both at St. Petersburg Junior College in either the fall of 1968 or 1969. We were both music majors. I totally fell in love with him the very first time I heard him play piano in the practice room, It was not meant to be for us, but I never forgot him. Always in my thoughts and heart. So unbelievably sad to hear of his passing. He was a genius musician and an awesome person. I am so very sorry and sad for your loss. His piano playing was ethereal and unforgettable.
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I was Music Director for The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre.  We were holding auditions in the mid-70’s.  A young woman came in to audition and she brought her accompanist with her.  I believe she sang My Funny Valentine.  As soon as they started their presentation, I could only focus on the skinny guy in black who was making magic at the piano with no music.  That was my introduction to Michael.  I knew immediately that he was someone really special and in the ensuing years I sought him out whenever my husband and I were in Sarasota.  On one magical afternoon, he invited us to his apartment on Palm Avenue and gave us a wonderful demonstration of some of his practice techniques , as well as giving my husband a lesson in jazz singing.  
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I am sadden by the passing of Michael Royal an exceptional musician.  My late husband Don Williams loved Michael & the music he created. One of my fondest memories of Michael was his coming to our home to play music for Don on his 94h birthday.  
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I have no new words to describe how much Michael meant to me (I am a pianist) as a musician - his passion for the music , his love of sharing that passion, his joy in mentoring those of us less gifted.  His loss leaves a hole in my life that cannot be filled.
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Michael gave a lot to the world, to us — music and kindness. I first saw him play at TR Murphy’s back in the ‘70s. I’d ask him questions about jazz during the breaks, and he was always gracious. We’ll miss him!
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Jazz at Two
2015, Sarasota, FL
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Jazz at Two
2016, Sarasota, FL
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Michael was always a hit at The Jazz Club of Sarasota

Gordon Garrett, former president

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What do two jazz pianists talk about when they get together? In our case it was Horowitz, Richter, and other titans of classical music. Michael and I met in the spring of 1981 when I was playing in Sarasota and we’d stayed in touch, always attempting to get together on my periodic Florida visits for lunch and some four-handed piano. It was a great disappointment to have missed him in person this winter (he’d gotten a new phone number) but he phoned me in May- and I never expected that would be the last time we’d speak. Our condolences to Lea, Michael, Katherine, and the family. Chris & Jackie Neville
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Mike was my first jazz piano mentor in 1976. I just happened to hear him playing with great jazz drummer Majid Shabazz in our Tampa hometown. We hit it off right away having gone to the same high school (he graduated 5 years before) and loving jazz. The next day we got together and Mike took me to a record store and having just met me the night before and knowing I worshipped Oscar Peterson, he bought me a Bill Evans album and a McCoy Tyner album. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship that I felt truly blessed to have with him. After another 15 years I became a working jazz pianist thanks to the seeds Mike planted together with his encouragement, support and friendship.
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Lea,

Darling girl. I’m here if you need to talk unfiltered. I knew you better than I knew your Dad but I enjoyed him at a few venues especially John and Vicky’s  house. Your journey has been intense and you are not alone. 941-914-3859

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Michael was such a virtuoso. We were lucky, due to his friendship with John, to have him play at our house multiple times and his playing was transcendent! My reward for cooking serving a large group at our annual big party was to sit in the music room and listen to Michael play the piano and Ruffus play sax. The music was as good as it gets. His life was music and his music was divine!
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what  happened?
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His great piano, Euphemia Haye, his lessons to me and my grandchildren. we miss him. Judy and Gene krasnow
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Recent contributions

$100.00
Ed Linehan
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Lurline Aslanian
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Jill Buzan
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Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to For funeral expenses and awareness.
$1,910.00
total raised
Learn more & giveRight arrow

Recent contributions

$100.00
Ed Linehan
$60.00
Lurline Aslanian
$200.00
Jill Buzan
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$100.00
Ed Linehan
$60.00
Lurline Aslanian
$200.00
Jill Buzan
See all contributionsRight arrow
Created with love by Lea Royal (Michael's daughter).
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