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Obituary
Lauren K. Keiser
WOODBURY
Lauren Keiser passed away on May 22, 2020 after a long illness. Born in Portland, Oregon on June 13, 1945, Lauren joined the military after graduation from high school. He served in the Army Security Agency as a linguist at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea) from 1966-68, then headed to the east coast to pursue a career in music.
Lauren’s passion for music began in his teens when he began to compose music on the piano. While in New York, he studied privately with composers Elie Siegmeister, Isaac Nemiroff and Krzysztof Penderecki. He became a talented composer and innovative music publisher for over 40 years, working at Alfred, Cherry Lane and Carl Fischer Music. While president of Cherry Lane Music, the company published songbooks, sheet music and choral music for popular singer/songwriters of the 70s and 80s including John Denver, Kenny Rogers, the Muppets and The Beatles. A huge fan of the music of the Beatles, Lauren was proud to be part of the creation of the piano/vocal/guitar two volume set The Compleat Beatles in 1981. As an arranger and editor of the work, he insisted that the printed music and guitar chords be accurate and in the same key as the Beatles’ recorded music. He also created a monthly magazine entitled Guitar for the Practicing Musician in 1982, which was published until 1999 and was the most popular music publication at newsstands.
Lauren was president of the Music Publishers Association of the United States from 2005-2012. He addressed issues of illegal downloads and created a campaign to educate school administrators and school boards about the legal uses of print music.
In 2007, his composition EROS for string orchestra was given its world premiere in Moscow, Russia in the Hall of Composers. He and his son Matthew were in attendance for the performance.
Most recently, Lauren was the owner and President of Keiser Southern Music. His son Matthew has succeeded him as President and will continue the work of publishing fine quality and accurate band, orchestral and instrumental music.
Lauren is survived by his wife Patti of Woodbury, CT, their son Matthew of Oakville, CT, his son Jonathan and his wife Nary of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, his grandson Frederick, granddaughters Alexandra and Julia, his sister, Jeannine Kafoury and her husband Ivan of Portland, Oregon, his nephew Jerry Upham and his wife Dona of Palm Desert, California, his grandniece Morgan Upham of Los Angeles, California and his sister-in-law Susan Pierson and her husband Richard of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Funeral services are private. A celebration of Lauren’s life will take place in New York City at a later date. Arrangements are by Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT. To leave an online condolence, visit www.MunsonLovetereFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Laurens memory may be made to the ASCAP Foundation, 250 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10107.
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Douglas Adams
Laddie was a good friend, greatly enjoyed his com pany. Doug Adams
Ned Johnson
I met Laddie when we both played in the Jefferson High band, me on alto sax, him on clarinet. The next time I saw him after we graduated was at a reunion shortly after his company, Cherry Music, began publishing the Beatles music. I was pursuing a musical career myself at the time, and was totally impressed that a classmate of mine had achieved such a penultimate role in the world history of music. But he didn't stop there.
Just a few years ago, shortly after the debut of his magnum opus in Moscow, our paths crossed again, as usual with a musical theme. This time we exchanged links to each of our favorite recorded compositions. We were both impressed at the accomplishments of the other. We exchanged several emails and a phone call or two.
As is so often the case, I felt like we had forever to pick up our friendship periodically as we always had. Today, I found that it was not to be so. He left us all behind, and I, for one, didn't see it coming because we weren't in frequent contact.
I must say it gives me pause to reflect that we will all move on at some point, and that we don't often know who will be next, especially at our age. Maybe we should all take more seriously doing what we can to assure that we say and do everything we'd like to with everyone while we have the chance.
To Laddie, I can only say, "bon voyage," old friend. May the music of your life follow you wherever you go. Thanks for gracing our world as you did for three-quarters of a century. It was always a pleasure knowing you.
Your friend and fan,
Ned
Norman Sylvester
Lauren was always friendly, smiling and he projected positive energy. I thank him for his service and for his contribution to Music. I send prayers for love and comfort to his Family and Class of 1963 classmates. RIP my "Rock Star Brother"
Nancy Koenig (Sopwith)
Seeing Laddie's photo reminded me of my admiration from a far of this boy. Reading his obituary brought back my understanding he was different, a very intellegent person - a musical genuis I suppose. We are loosing many of our classmates as we all become 70-76ish this year. Honoring our high school friends seems to be fitting and right to do so. All lives matter and as we age honoring each other. seems highly sppropriate. HIgh school for me a turning point, growing away from my birth family into a bigger community. Blessings to you all.