This should really go up on news...
I found out last night that Carnell Pipkin passed away. Carnell started dancing in Houston, TX in 1996 and by 1998 was an ALHC champion. Carnell was a motivating force in the Houston swing scene and especially for the Houston Swing Dance Society (www.hsds.org - that bring us Great Southwest Lindyfest every year). He was the founding member/director/choreographer for the Houston Hepcats and taught nationally and competed, primarily with Tena Morales. His influence lives on in the actions of his many students such as Jeramie Anderson or Nathan Bugh, winner of the 2007 ALHC Cabaret division.
Condolences to his family and friends...
--R
Yehoodi has received an announcement, sent by his longtime partner, Tena Morales, aka TexasToast.
It reads, in part:
"Our beloved friend Carnell Pipkin has gone to a better place where he is no longer suffering and is set free.
He was suffering from kidney failure for a few years and other complications that came along with that but, Carnell always felt that God had never forsaken him. He was offered peace and a glimpse of heaven and my dear friend decided to take it. Although he's gone and the pain from losing him will linger, he will always be remembered and memories of him will remain forever. May he rest in peace."
We will post a news item and keep the community informed regarding memorial events.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all who mourn his loss -- in Texas and everywhere. RIP.
Wow. When I saw this last night I searched one of the Houston forums and didn't see anything, so I hoped Beckto was just on her way out of town after a visit or something. This is such sad news.
Carnell was one of my first teachers in Houston. He was funny and you have to get on his dance card to dance w/ him at night. I will miss his humor, he was a great teacher, and his smiling face.
When I saw what Beckto wrote I thought the same exact thing.
When I started dancing I remember Carnell as one of the "big 3" in Texas. Carnell and Tena, Matt and Laura, and Jeff and Elaine. The one thing that stood out with Houston was that they felt like family. I remember the night during Lindyfest that Carnell "retired" from dance to take care of his brother. He was a good man with a big heart.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mama Tena, HSDS, and Carnell's family and friends.
A sad day for Lindy Hop. Rudy and I send our sincerest condolences to Carnell's family, his friends and the Houston Swing Dance Society.
We met Carnell and Tena at the first ALHC. He and Tena won the Classic Division handily, and I told him after they danced, "If you don't win this, I am going to get a short stick and bust this place down top the ground."
Carnell was a delightfully animated and entertaining dancer, a gentleman and a credit to Lindy Hop and to the Houston scene. In his later years, and in poor health, he always seemed able to put in a brief appearance at the Southwest Lindy Fest. Rudy and I always looked forward to seeing him there so we could share a few words--this year will be different.
I never had the honor of meeting Carnell, but in reading about his accomplishments and how much people admire him I can understand that his death is a huge loss to the lindy community.
However he has obviously left a legacy that will remain with us -- in particular the Houston Swing Dance Society which may perhaps be his principal memorial.
"A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having" - V
I am at a loss for words. Carnell will be forever missed but, his love for lindy hop will continue on. He was a huge inspiration for so many dancers, including myself. I am truly grateful for knowing such a kind and warm-hearted individual. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
I don't even know what to say. Being from a really small community in Oklahoma, Carnell and Tena and the rest of Houston became my surrogate family. I have not missed a Lindyfest since I started dancing, this year will be no exception. However, for all of us that knew him, this one just won't be the same.
He was forever an inspiration, and will be missed.
I, too, remember the Lindyfest when he retired, and it was very emotional for everyone.
This has absolutely taken me back. I can't believe we've lost such a great man.
To Tena and my Houston "family" you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gang, the family is reading your comments and appreciating them very much. Your words matter. Keep 'em comin'. :)
Although more details will come, plans for memorial services thus far include:
Lafayette, LA Memorial Service - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Flowers and cards can be sent to:
Syrie Funeral Home
1417 E Simcoe St
Lafayette, LA 70501-5047
Phone: (337) 235-2305
Houston, TX Memorial Service - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov 10
Flowers and cards may be sent to:
Clay & Clay Funeral Home
7335 Marilyn Ln
Houston, TX 77016
Tel. 1 713.223.8820
A reception and celebration of life will follow (address will be available at the service... we'd rather not print the address of the private home here without express permission of the homeowners)
I didn't live in Houston, so my time with Carnell was very limited. He was always willing to have fun. Once, some dancers were exhulting how great X&Y were, how they never did anything flashy, how they avoided aerials, etc. And they compared this couple to Carnell and Tena.
From across the room, Carnell comes out to dance with another dancer for the next song and pulls of a flawless aerial. Bam. Charleston. Bam. Big, massive jump turn. Bam. He was living the music right then, having the time of his life.
Our prayers are with Carnell and his family and friends.
We were fortunate to have met him once.
When Sheri and I were first dancing and totally oblivious to just about everything in the swing scene, we flew out to ALHC on a whim in 2000.
The first day we were having lunch at the deli across the street from the hotel. The only other person in the deli was Carnell so we all had lunch together. He was such a great friendly person - so humble and gracious. We had no idea who he was either :) ( Later that weekend we did find out of course that he was a big celebrity)
And the rest of the weekend whenever he saw us he'd give us a big smile and hello.
Even though it was a brief meeting, it was memorable.
Quote After reading the notes about Carnell's work in dance really lifted my spirits. Carnell was my choir and vocal teacher when I was growing up at Good Hope Baptist Church. I was about twelve then. He was the organist and Youth Choral Director there. He went to Paul Breaux with my sister Rose and brothers Antione and Rodney who passed two months ago. Although we all have moved to different parts of the state, once in a while we would run into each other on hoildays, vacations etc. The neighborhood is sadden once again at the lost. May his family find Peace and Strengh.
Carnell was my first dance and I had the privledge of being on the Hepcats under his direction. He was a great man.
I also had the honor of speaking at his memorial service this past weekend and I wanted you all to know that your kind and loving words about Carnell were heard by his friends and family. They were all touched and pleased to hear that he was so well loved.
Thanks Carnell...You will be forever remembered and forever loved.
I heard the news the day after he died from some friends from Austin. I didn't believe it of course. Last I remember Carnell had retired from dancing to take care of his brother. I remember thinking at that time what a great man and wonderful brother to take such a step to care for a loved one.
Carnell was one of the people that epitomized Houston and its dance scene for me. It's a sad loss. May you find peace and joy in Heaven. And to our fellow Houston dancers and friends, my condolences.
Below are the details below for Carnell's Memorial Service this coming weekend.
Please wear a touch of "Lime Green" if you can, in honor of Carnell. The Celebration of Life Repass will follow immediately after at the home of Buddy and Rowena. We plan on sending Carnell home to glory with a joyful Second Line. Please pass this on to anyone who we may have missed.
Houston, TX Memorial Service - Saturday, November 10th, 2007 1:00PM
Shady Acres Church of Christ
730 W 26th St
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-6625
Followed immediately by a Celebration of Life:
Home of Buddy Steves and Rowena Young
2320 Bluebonnet
Houston, 77030
Flowers and Cards may be sent to:
Clay & Clay Funeral Home
7335 Marilyn Ln
Houston, TX 77016
Tel. 1 713.223.8820
Truly encourage those of you Texas local to come down for the Celebration of Carnell's life. If funeral & memorial services is not your thing, there will be a Second Line and a Celebration of Life in his honor. That will proof to be lively and fun, just like he was. So, please come and join us.
Carnell Pipkin, RIP
Beckto
I don't know where else to say this.
But, I'll sure miss you, man.
Much love.
RD
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TheRiz
This should really go up on news...
I found out last night that Carnell Pipkin passed away. Carnell started dancing in Houston, TX in 1996 and by 1998 was an ALHC champion. Carnell was a motivating force in the Houston swing scene and especially for the Houston Swing Dance Society (www.hsds.org - that bring us Great Southwest Lindyfest every year). He was the founding member/director/choreographer for the Houston Hepcats and taught nationally and competed, primarily with Tena Morales. His influence lives on in the actions of his many students such as Jeramie Anderson or Nathan Bugh, winner of the 2007 ALHC Cabaret division.
Condolences to his family and friends...
--R
Atalanta
I was afraid that's what Beckto was saying, but I for one wanted to wait for confirmation.
It's a huge loss for our community. :(
Please use this thread to share memories of Carnell Pipkin and condolences to his family, friends and students.
We'll also watch it for announcements of memorial events, which we'll keep at the top, and in News as appropriate.
RIP, Carnell.
rikomatic
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tena, HSDS, and Carnell's family and friends in this time.
Flappers, Dandies & Lindy Hoppers Take over Governors Island for the "Jazz Age Lawn Party" (video)
Blowout Final Concert & Dance Competition for 2010 Midsummer Night Swing Festival
mousethief
Oh my God.
Please let this be some kind of mistake. I had heard that another local dancer, Douglas Peabody, had passed away on Sunday.
Kalman
Moonmist
Unfortunately, that is true. That was Thursday evening. We are thinking of putting together a dance in his honor. More details soon.
Atalanta
Yehoodi has received an announcement, sent by his longtime partner, Tena Morales, aka TexasToast.
It reads, in part:
"Our beloved friend Carnell Pipkin has gone to a better place where he is no longer suffering and is set free.
He was suffering from kidney failure for a few years and other complications that came along with that but, Carnell always felt that God had never forsaken him. He was offered peace and a glimpse of heaven and my dear friend decided to take it. Although he's gone and the pain from losing him will linger, he will always be remembered and memories of him will remain forever. May he rest in peace."
We will post a news item and keep the community informed regarding memorial events.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all who mourn his loss -- in Texas and everywhere. RIP.
mousethief
Crap crap crap crap crap.
Carnell was the man. Period. I'm floored - just floored. I know he's in a better place now but this place just got lonelier.
My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Kalman
gatorgal
This is really sad and unfortunate news. My prayers go out to his family, friends and Houston dance family.
Tina 8)
bluesSHOUT! 2010 is coming to Austin!
http://www.bluesshout.com
Favorite Tim Tebow-ism: Jesus opens presents on Tim Tebow's birthday. :)
jphilli1
Wow. When I saw this last night I searched one of the Houston forums and didn't see anything, so I hoped Beckto was just on her way out of town after a visit or something. This is such sad news.
RIP
Lindy Trollop
I did the same thing, Jamie, and was hoping I was wrong in my interpretation. What a loss. My heart and prayers are with his family and friends.
Moonmist
Carnell was one of my first teachers in Houston. He was funny and you have to get on his dance card to dance w/ him at night. I will miss his humor, he was a great teacher, and his smiling face.
sassy
When I saw what Beckto wrote I thought the same exact thing.
When I started dancing I remember Carnell as one of the "big 3" in Texas. Carnell and Tena, Matt and Laura, and Jeff and Elaine. The one thing that stood out with Houston was that they felt like family. I remember the night during Lindyfest that Carnell "retired" from dance to take care of his brother. He was a good man with a big heart.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mama Tena, HSDS, and Carnell's family and friends.
Effervescent
Really sorry to learn this. :(
-Eff
Taken by a Sicilian -Trazy
Ain't cha! -Eff
mrmusichall
A sad day for Lindy Hop. Rudy and I send our sincerest condolences to Carnell's family, his friends and the Houston Swing Dance Society.
We met Carnell and Tena at the first ALHC. He and Tena won the Classic Division handily, and I told him after they danced, "If you don't win this, I am going to get a short stick and bust this place down top the ground."
Carnell was a delightfully animated and entertaining dancer, a gentleman and a credit to Lindy Hop and to the Houston scene. In his later years, and in poor health, he always seemed able to put in a brief appearance at the Southwest Lindy Fest. Rudy and I always looked forward to seeing him there so we could share a few words--this year will be different.
Allen and Rudy Hall
Air
Very sad news :(
Do you know how awkward it is to have a political argument with a naked man?
Racetrack
I never had the honor of meeting Carnell, but in reading about his accomplishments and how much people admire him I can understand that his death is a huge loss to the lindy community.
However he has obviously left a legacy that will remain with us -- in particular the Houston Swing Dance Society which may perhaps be his principal memorial.
"A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having" - V
Emmysue4you
My sympathies to all who knew him.
"...a brilliant combination of foodie, cold war, vintage and biblical. If you replace cold war with band geek." -kimpossible
flying squirrel
I am at a loss for words. Carnell will be forever missed but, his love for lindy hop will continue on. He was a huge inspiration for so many dancers, including myself. I am truly grateful for knowing such a kind and warm-hearted individual. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
--Allison
The one and only
Wow.
I don't even know what to say. Being from a really small community in Oklahoma, Carnell and Tena and the rest of Houston became my surrogate family. I have not missed a Lindyfest since I started dancing, this year will be no exception. However, for all of us that knew him, this one just won't be the same.
He was forever an inspiration, and will be missed.
I, too, remember the Lindyfest when he retired, and it was very emotional for everyone.
This has absolutely taken me back. I can't believe we've lost such a great man.
To Tena and my Houston "family" you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Atalanta
Gang, the family is reading your comments and appreciating them very much. Your words matter. Keep 'em comin'. :)
Although more details will come, plans for memorial services thus far include:
Lafayette, LA Memorial Service - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Flowers and cards can be sent to:
Syrie Funeral Home
1417 E Simcoe St
Lafayette, LA 70501-5047
Phone: (337) 235-2305
Houston, TX Memorial Service - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov 10
Flowers and cards may be sent to:
Clay & Clay Funeral Home
7335 Marilyn Ln
Houston, TX 77016
Tel. 1 713.223.8820
A reception and celebration of life will follow (address will be available at the service... we'd rather not print the address of the private home here without express permission of the homeowners)
mousethief
I didn't live in Houston, so my time with Carnell was very limited. He was always willing to have fun. Once, some dancers were exhulting how great X&Y were, how they never did anything flashy, how they avoided aerials, etc. And they compared this couple to Carnell and Tena.
From across the room, Carnell comes out to dance with another dancer for the next song and pulls of a flawless aerial. Bam. Charleston. Bam. Big, massive jump turn. Bam. He was living the music right then, having the time of his life.
That's dancing.
Kalman
largegeorge
Ouch. This is truly sad news.
byau213
Our prayers are with Carnell and his family and friends.
We were fortunate to have met him once.
When Sheri and I were first dancing and totally oblivious to just about everything in the swing scene, we flew out to ALHC on a whim in 2000.
The first day we were having lunch at the deli across the street from the hotel. The only other person in the deli was Carnell so we all had lunch together. He was such a great friendly person - so humble and gracious. We had no idea who he was either :) ( Later that weekend we did find out of course that he was a big celebrity)
And the rest of the weekend whenever he saw us he'd give us a big smile and hello.
Even though it was a brief meeting, it was memorable.
Alex
Thank you for introducing me to lindyhop,
I'll never forget you,
I feel so privelaged to have known you.
-Alex Dreyer
Atalanta
Sent to Yehoodi:
Tacky Annie
Carnell was my first dance and I had the privledge of being on the Hepcats under his direction. He was a great man.
I also had the honor of speaking at his memorial service this past weekend and I wanted you all to know that your kind and loving words about Carnell were heard by his friends and family. They were all touched and pleased to hear that he was so well loved.
Thanks Carnell...You will be forever remembered and forever loved.
OnDaSide
I heard the news the day after he died from some friends from Austin. I didn't believe it of course. Last I remember Carnell had retired from dancing to take care of his brother. I remember thinking at that time what a great man and wonderful brother to take such a step to care for a loved one.
Carnell was one of the people that epitomized Houston and its dance scene for me. It's a sad loss. May you find peace and joy in Heaven. And to our fellow Houston dancers and friends, my condolences.
Tacky Annie
All,
Below are the details below for Carnell's Memorial Service this coming weekend.
Please wear a touch of "Lime Green" if you can, in honor of Carnell. The Celebration of Life Repass will follow immediately after at the home of Buddy and Rowena. We plan on sending Carnell home to glory with a joyful Second Line. Please pass this on to anyone who we may have missed.
Houston, TX Memorial Service - Saturday, November 10th, 2007 1:00PM
Shady Acres Church of Christ
730 W 26th St
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-6625
Followed immediately by a Celebration of Life:
Home of Buddy Steves and Rowena Young
2320 Bluebonnet
Houston, 77030
Flowers and Cards may be sent to:
Clay & Clay Funeral Home
7335 Marilyn Ln
Houston, TX 77016
Tel. 1 713.223.8820
Moonmist
Truly encourage those of you Texas local to come down for the Celebration of Carnell's life. If funeral & memorial services is not your thing, there will be a Second Line and a Celebration of Life in his honor. That will proof to be lively and fun, just like he was. So, please come and join us.
sassy
Keely and I will be there.
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