Milton "Bimp" Larry's Obituary
Milton "Bimp" Q. Larry
Milton Q. Larry was born on March 25, 1938 in Harlem, New York. He was the fifth child to the union of Solen Larry and Grace Lenore West. Milton grew up in Harlem and discovered music at an early age. Milton lived around the corner from the World-Famous Apollo Theatre, he always dreamed of performing there. When he was a young boy, his Mother created a singing group with Milton and two of his brothers. He was a member of several vocal groups in New York including the Black Cats.
He joined the Army in 1955. "It was my ticket out of New York". While in the Army he formed a group called the "KP's" (Kitchen Police) every time they got something happening, they got put back on KP. They sang all over the United States. Milton loved Colorado after visiting while touring with the "KP's". After leaving the Military in 1958 he moved to Colorado.
In 1970 he began working for the Rio Grande Railroad/Union Pacific and became the first African American Journeyman Machinist where he worked for almost 30 years. After retiring he became an Insurance Agent for many years to stay busy between his music and his newfound love of golf.
Larry "Bimp" as he was fondly called by his friends and fellow musician continued to pursue his musical journey. "Bimp" loved to perform and if he wasn't in a band, he had his own. He met and performed with many musicians at all the night clubs on the five points in the early 60's. In the early 70's he joined the Monterey's, a big band that played many of the Debutante Balls, The Slippers and Sliders, and many others. He also loved performing for many of Colorado's dignitaries, especially Former Mayor Welling Webb.
Later in life, he continued to pursue his musical ambitions with the B.I.M.P. (Best in Musical Presentation). "Bimp" created a theme called "What's Your Tone" and became Dr. Tone. He said everyone has a voice and everyone has a tone. It's your God-given talent. As his Grandson Myles started playing the piano, he created gigs for them entitled "G & G Grandpa and Grandson". They played everywhere, especially nursing and retirement homes. They often performed at Heather Gardens. "Bimp" embraced technology and didn't like the fact that people were always on their phones and created a song with his family band entitled "Please Please Please Please Please Don't Be an FOP" (Fool on the Phone) He called it the safety song. He wanted it to be heard all over the world.
He truly loved the community at Heather Gardens and invited many of his friends to move to the "Gardens" as he called it. He made many friends over the past twenty years.
Milton was married four times.
Bimp leaves to cherish his memory a brother John Larry (Salt Lake City, UT) five children, Teresa "Tree" Larry-King, Tina Larry, Miltjohnearl "Tito Larry, Angela Larry, and Theresa Larry, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and many bonus children and bonus grandchildren. 2 nephews, 2 nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be broadcast via Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2854957484
Airing will begin at 12:45 MST on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
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