James R. Lawson

Carillonneur. The Riverside Church, NYC and The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. He hosted annual New Years parties for a few friends in his office on the 22nd floor of the Riverside tower. Born in Cody, WY, and always told people that the sign welcoming motorists to Cody said "Home of Buffalo Bill and James Lawson". Many years as adjunct professor of music at Lehman College in the Bronx, teaching introductory music appreciation. Known to carillonneurs as coining the term "carillonneuse", and insisting that it be used to describe female bell ringers. Had no respect for fake (amplified rod) carillons and those who played them. Wrote an unpublished play called "Adonis in Hell" in which a main character is Oscar Wilde. Passed away in 2003 at age 84. He respected organists Steve Empson and McNeil Robinson, and carillonneur Donald R. Traser.