Myrtle Beach musicians remember Kenny “Big Daddy” Irvin of the Southside Band
Sadness and shock swept through the old guard music scene here in Myrtle Beach last week as news of the death of the Southside Band’s bassist and vocalist, Kenny Irvin, spread through the community. Irvin was 61 when he died on Aug. 25 at the Conway Medical Center surrounded by family and a close friend. Early reports attribute the death to a pulmonary embolism, leading to cardiac arrest.
Few venues capture the quintessential essence of a traditional beach party quite like Ocean Annie’s (Sands Ocean Club) off Shore Drive, and few entertainers can claim to have lead that party in the same way, and for the same duration, as Irvin. A co-founder of the Southside Band, Irvin had a steady gig entertaining tourists and locals at the venerable pool bar for some 18 years, as one of the many house bands to come and go. Ocean Annie’s is known for its abundant live music rotating three to four bands, ten hours a day, seven days per week in nearly all but the coldest months of the year.
Among the many mourning Irvin’s passing are remaining Southside Band members Dawn Crans (vocalist), Scott Watkins (drums/vocals), and Mark Ahearn (guitar/vocals).
The Show Must Go On
“Kenny absolutely would have wanted the band he started to keep playing,” said Crans, who’d been Irvin’s musical partner and close friend for 14 years. She offered a touching eulogy for a large crowd at Irvin’s memorial service at McMillan-Small Funeral Home on Aug. 29, where musical friends and former band members performed. “It was a fitting tribute to a man loved by many,” wrote longtime friend and musician Steve Calfe. “I’ve known Kenny since I was 16. He was my brother and best friend in every way possible. We shared a couple of lifetimes worth of laughter, sorrow, good times, bad times, and the kind of brothers-in-arms times you just can’t explain to someone…”
Crans said Irvin had been performing all week just prior to his death, and said that “he just wasn’t feeling right,” and that his illness “came on very suddenly.” The band has been performing with Terry Harper filling in as Southside’s bassist during recent gigs.
Irvin’s band was known for mixing hard rock sing-a-longs with urban dance classics, modern and classic country, southern rock and more. The Southside Band shares the Ocean Annie’s stage with the bands Roadside Assistance, the Marsha Morgan Band, and the A-Team. Individual members of those acts have commented on the loss felt by so many.
Big Daddy
“He’d been a musician since he was 15,” recalled Crans. “It’s all he knew. He was a fantastic bass player, marvelous singer, he took care of our contracts, he was our rock. We called him ‘Big Daddy.’ He kept everybody together and was the king of efficiency. He was a man who would never say a bad word about anyone. He had the patience of Job, and was a true southern gentleman, one of those rare gems.” Irvin was originally from Virginia, but lived in the area since the 1970s. “He was my musical husband,” continued Crans. “We were a good team, and it was a great partnership.”
“We’re going to continue on as Kenny Irvin would have it,” said Crans. “We will attempt to fill his shoes, and go on in his honor, the best we can. He was one of those guys you never want to see go.”
This story was originally published September 3, 2014 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Myrtle Beach musicians remember Kenny “Big Daddy” Irvin of the Southside Band."