DiasporaCultureMusicObituaries
Remembering Udi Harry Minassian (1937 – 2020)
The Armenian music community has lost another gentle giant, Harry Minassian.
Known throughout the east coast as a prominent oud player (Middle Eastern lute, 11 strings) as well as a singer, Harry's playing and vocal skills made him a versatile musician who joined the ranks of oud players, such as Charles "Chick" Ganimian and Richard A.
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Ara this is a beautiful tribute to Harry. Your words captured him perfectly. Harry was very special to me to quote Johnny B “there will never be another Harry” your article brought tears of wonderful memories. I was so lucky to perform with Him many times. We have His music to enjoy and remember Him and He would want that, to continue the “Kef” Miss you Dear Harry RIP my friend “
Asdvadz Hokin Loosavoreh for Harry and his family! May we all continue to remember so many wonderful and happy memories that we had seeing,listening and enjoying Harry’s exciting music! Oudi Harry was truly blessed to be Tutored under Oudi Hrant! What and honor to experience this! Harry always played and sang from his heart! He will always be remembered as one of the Great Old School Armenian Entertainers! All our Love and Prayers, Gregory and Cookie Vosbikian and Family
Ara, beautiful article for a beautiful man! Thank you Harry for years of enjoyment….. RIP.
Harry was an outstanding Oudist and Vocalist. Harry had that unique style, and was a master playing the Oud , and his vocals were superb. Credit Oudi Hrant. I met Harry when he was playing with the Orientales, at the Seventh Veil , Kef’s on Cape Cod, and other venues. Harry became and was a great musician and entertainer, and we were blessed to hear him play and sing for many years . During ,The Golden Years.
Harry will truly be missed.
ASDVADZ HOKIN LOOSAVOREH
We’ve lost our brother, Harry Minassian. Our sincere condolences to Gail and his family. I was fortunate to have his friendship since Watertown High School days. When our Orientales Band needed another oud player other than my brother Carl, I immediately called upon Harry to join our band. This was best thing that could’ve happened to our band. My brother Carl, with his experience and vocals, helped bring Harry into world of middle eastern showmanship and Harry excelled in that realm. The Armenian community, as well as the Middle Eastern and Greek, immediately responded to the “duo”. Harry developed his own style and as The “Orientales era faded, Harry’s popularity established a legacy that will always be remembered. God bless and help Harry’s wife, Gail and her family cope with their loss as we all must do. I will never forget him.
Thank you Ara for a wonderful tribute to Harry. We will miss him as a musician but perhaps more, as a man of uncommon talent and humility. There was one Harry Minassian, I will never forget him.
I was a lucky young man to be accepted into the near eastern music community thanks to Harry Minassian and George Righellis…… I have and cherish life long memories of playing dumbeg at the Khiam ..Zara …El Morocco and other clubs..with them and others…I miss Harry..!!..🙏🏻
Rest in peace Mr.Minassian. Your songs brought together Armenians and Turks alwaays. We will never forget you. From Istanbul with love and respect.
So nicely written. He was larger than life and his presence in our hearts will be eternal.