Friends we’ve lost: George Yanok 1938-2022

The world lost another beautiful soul a few days ago. Our dear friend George Yanok passed away following a brief illness. George came to us as a fine drummer 24 years ago when we first opened our doors as the Nashville Jazz Institute. He played in almost all of the classic jazz ensembles, accompanied many of the vocal classes, and was part of a community performing ensemble.

George was also a noted television and movie writer with several Emmy awards to his credit. George’s writing and production credits included the Lily Tomlin Show, Hee Haw, and Flip Wilson, among many others. George also was a gifted comedian and served as Master of Ceremonies for many of our early fall fundraisers. As if that weren’t enough, George was an accomplished visual artist, and if you won one of his awesome paintings in a silent auction, consider yourself lucky!

We will miss George’s wit and wisdom, his funny jokes, and his great love for the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Keep swingin’ George, and give our best to Duffy. There will be a memorial service and jam session in George’s honor at the NJW at a later date, TBD.