Anyone who was near Susie knows well her passionate love for music.
Her tastes were cast wide, from old-school rock & roll and blues, to country, to dubstep and chiptunes. Her passion was infectious, and everywhere she went, she spread a little bit of her love for music. That’s why it was so appropriate, in the hours and days following Susie’s death, that her friends began working with her favorite media in tribute. The first tribute to Susie was by friend Adam Trilling, who composed and recorded a wonderful piano piece called “Live Like Susie.” You can listen to his piece below:
Adam, a videographer, also filmed his performance, which you can view below:
But musical tributes to Susie did not end there. On January 6, Susie’s friends put on a benefit concert at Rocky Point High School called “Songs for Susie.” It featured beautiful performances by her friends and former classmates and teachers: Dominick Piganell, Tom Quartararo, Joe Cambridge, Brianna Martensen, Nancy McCarville, Adam Trilling, Zachary Krase, Sarah Soltysik, Brittany Infranco, Julia Tavolaro, Kerrin Blieka, and Mr. Michael Conlon and the Sound Choice Music Club.
“Songs for Susie” was a touching success, generating a humbling $1,900 to kick-off Susie’s scholarship. An appropriate number, given her age. Find the original program from that night below:
On March 19, 2012, Peter Yarrow, of Peter Paul and Mary, appeared on the Good Day New York show, sporting a purple Live Like Susie bracelet. To see a video of his performance, click here. (Note: link seems broken now – stay tuned!) Mr. Yarrow is the founder of an anti-bullying foundation called “Operation Respect.” Susie was not a very large target for bullies, but that didn’t prevent her from speaking out when someone else was being attacked. Living Like Susie very much means standing up for what’s right, including standing up to bullies. After hearing about Susie’s story, Mr. Yarrow insisted on wearing the bracelet and spreading her story in his own organization. We are honored to also share his organization here on Live Like Susie. Find out more about Operation Respect by clicking here.
Here we have Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Gregg Allman, glad to be wearing a Live Like Susie bracelet. Susie would have been proud!
Roger Daltrey, lead singer for The Who.
From left to right: “Little Steven” , Steven Van Zandt; actor & musician, Lyle Lovett, singer-songwriter & actor, and Boyd Tinsley, Dave Matthews Band, as he dedicates a song to Susie.
Truly, music was a great part of Susie’s life. These tributes and events are both testaments to Susie’s own love for music, and her wonderful success in bringing inspiration to those around her. We are forever thankful to the people behind these tributes, and hope to continue to spread that spark and inspiration as Susie so effortlessly did.