Birth date: Oct 22, 1947 Death date: Sep 19, 2025
Nashville’s Native Son, Jay Thomas Dawson, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, September 19, 2025. During a professional music career spanning almost 60 years, the award-winning Conductor, Composer, Arranger and Read Obituary
In a city of amazing musicians, Jay was a standout. I loved to hear him play and loved to work with him for several years when his bagpipe arrangements werethe highlight of our Church’s Christmas program. What a lovely man. Our family extends our deepest sympathy to Jay’s family. May God bless and comfort you.
Had the honor to stay with Jay and Cindy while adjudicating Contest of Champions. Jay was so gracious to share their home. We had a blast that weekend! Rest in peace.
Rob James
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jay. Although I only knew him for a small portion of his life his impact will be forever life changing for me. How do you thank someone who has given you the gift of music?
Jay introduced me to the pipes thru my church and under his instruction provided me and many others a glimpse of a world I never would have otherwise seen.
I will always think of him and give him a quick thought of thanks when I play. I often play his original tune “Highland Processional” and it has become one of my favorites.
I have heard it said that “ To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” and in this thought Jay will live long into the future in many hearts.
“We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” Please take comfort in the fact that Jay has done this in so many ways and for so many people. He will continue to be a part of our lives and the lives of our students in the future. a grateful piper, Tom Wilhoite
Over the past several years I appreciated Jay Dawson more and more. He became a member of Dalewood United Methodist Church in the 90’s. Since then he became a leader in the music ministry at Dalewood. While being the choir director at Dalewood he also became the driving force of Dalewood’s ministry at Stratford High School. During his time in this ministry he gave it his all. Every week during the football season he witnessed to the players and was an ear to any questions they had about religion. During this time he also developed a close relationship with the players. I also remembered and enjoyed the times that I saw him dressed in his Scottish regalia and playing his beloved bagpipes
Over the past several years I appreciated Jay Dawson more and more. He became a member of Dalewood United Methodist Church in the 90’s. Since then he became a leader in the music ministry at Dalewood. While being the choir director at Dalewood he also became the driving force of Dalewood’s ministry at Stratford High School. During his time in this ministry he gave it his all. Every week during the football season he witnessed to the players and was an ear to any questions they had about religion. During this time he also developed a close relationship with the players. I also remembered and enjoyed the times that I saw him dressed in his Scottish regalia and playing his beloved bag-pipes.
When playing bagpipes for weddings, Jay would always ask what color the bridesmaid's dresses were - he wanted his kilt to match!
I am a McGavock class of 1979, French Horn player. Jay wrote a piece for us to play at the Tournament of Roses Parade on 1 Jan 1979. Jay made me want to play my horn better, my whole McGavock band experience made me want to be better. Thank you Jay for being such positive influence on me and the scores of players before and after me. You will be missed but the ripple effect of your influence will last forever.
Sincerely,
Don Shenenberger, MD
Chesapeake, VA
McGavock class of 1979
Jay was my cousin & although we met later in life, really accepted & took me into the fold. My most funny & fond memory, was when I was visiting the cousins and we all gathered at Sarah Claire’s, Jay, Pam & Debbie’s dear Mom’s house, Jay brought his bagpipes & played for us dressed in full regalia. We are talking a low ceiling smallish living room 😂 oh my…. I never realized bagpipes could cut through eardrums like butter! 🤣 And not to miss an opportunity for an audience, yup, this wasn’t a short song… Bless you Cousin Jay for us staying in touch. My deepest condolences to your wife, & your sisters & their families…All the stories I ever heard were those of kindness & your deep love of music. Fly high Cousin 💜
As my husband Mark passed in Oct 2021, truly, my heart goes out to you all.
💜 Laurel
I enjoyed going to Blessing of the hounds and then to The Puffy Muffin for lunch.
Dear friend of the family; my older sisters went to Issac Litton H.S. and from the time I was small, I heard the cool guy on French horn. Years later, he encouraged me in my music and later on, in music ministry at my church. Everytime we met was a special coffee moment. My deepest sympathy to the family.
