Jay Thomas Dawson's Obituary
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 Multi-Instrument Musician left a lasting imprint on the Global Music Community, influencing generations of musicians and helping to transform the Marching Band World.
Jay began his music journey playing French Horn at Isaac Litton High School as one of ‘The Marching 100+’ and the Nashville Symphony Youth Orchestra, later moving on to The Nashville Symphony Orchestra and earning his Music Degree at George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt) with further studies at Southern California and Northwestern Universities. After completing his studies, he started his professional career at East High School, then McGavock High School as Associate Band Director. Jay went on to become the Assistant Conductor for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Nashville Symphony Youth Orchestra Conductor, along with numerous other musical appointments and accomplishments over the years.
Jay co-founded Arrangers Publishing Company and set in motion the reshaping of traditional Marching Band music, taking contemporary popular songs and arranging them for Band. In effect, making Marching Band music ‘cool’ and delighting crowds at High Schools and Universities across the country with arrangements that directors love to rehearse and students love to play. Jay was greatly respected for his compositions and arrangements for Concert Band, as well. During his time as President, Editor, and Arranger at APC, Jay composed over 300 arrangements, with 170 publications still in print.
He was the Pipe Major for the Nashville Pipes and Drums for 14 years, during which time he expanded and led the band to two back-to-back US Open Pipe Band Championship wins.
Jay leaves a legacy in his body of work that will live on and continue to inspire musicians for years to come.
Jay’s love for music was echoed in his love for his garden, where he enjoyed spending time designing beautiful, complex flower beds. He was a man of strong Faith who was devoted to his church and serving his community. He loved his family and many friends and was a natural entertainer, welcoming host, and amazing Pawpaw.
Jay Thomas Dawson was preceded in death by his parents J. Thomas Dawson and Sarah (Mims) Dawson. He is survived by Cindy, his devoted wife of 22 years, stepson Nathan Dungan (Ashley), stepdaughter Suni Goff (Chris), grandchildren (Bailey, Toby, Brayden, and Anna Claire), sister Pam Dawson (Gil Gibbs), and sister Debbie Shelton.
A memorial service to honor Jay is forthcoming and details will be announced at a later date.
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