Lyons Maxson, Rising Jazz Player, Is Dead At 60

By Emely Hernandez

Lyons Maxson, who died of a gunshot wound to the head in Pittsburgh at the age of 60, was a trumpet player in a famous jazz band. Lyons was a very caring and humble man. He was a son, friend, husband, and father. Lyons is the son of Troy Maxson and Gissele Woods. Lyons was raised by his mother, as his father, Troy, left him at a very young age. Having an absent father affected Lyons, as he later had resentment towards his father, but still tried to have a relationship with him once he was older, despite his father never supporting him in anything he was involved in. Lyons was loved by those around him, especially his mother. Before she passed, she always made sure that he was doing alright, and that he was happy and healthy. His mother knew that she needed to give extra love to her only son, as she was raising him on her own. Rose Maxson was someone whom he also loved as a mother. Both of the women in his life always showed love, and for that, he was grateful.

Lyons dedicated the last 15 years of his life to playing trumpet professionally for a very famous jazz band in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After having a rough patch with the police after getting caught with cashing other people’s checks, he found a job as a garbage collector, following in his father’s steps. Lyons was finally earning enough money for him to live comfortably, and no longer needed to borrow money. After a while, though, Lyons realized that he missed playing in a jazz band, and so he went out to look for any open opportunities, and was eventually reunited with the band that he played with in jail. The jazz band played in the same club, every night, seven days a week. The group was finally being recognized for their talent, and was scouted by a label, which is how the group was finally able to earn money for doing what they loved. 

After Bonnie and Lyons split up, he had trouble trying to find someone that he could spend his time with. After a few years, he finally settled down with a woman named Jazmine. Jazmine Prickett was ten years younger than Lyons. The couple met when she got a job as a waitress at the jazz club that Lyons’s jazz group performed in. They had a few conversations and some kisses, and eventually they began to date. Two years after dating (on again off again), Jazmine and Lyons tied the knot, and later that year, had a daughter, whom they named after his own mother, Gissele Maxson. The couple then had two more children, two boys named Gabriel (after Lyons uncle) and Daryl, who was named after Jazmine’s father. The family of five settled down in Pittsburgh. Jazmine was a stay at home mother and took care of her children. She was devoted to becoming the best stay at home mom someone could be. She supported Lyons on his love for music and showed him lots of love and compassion. 

Lyons was at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Lyons lived his life to the fullest, and continued on with his love of music, despite the lack of support that surrounded him when he was in his 30’s. He was filled with love and was surrounded by it, but was described as someone who would do anything for the ones he loved and the ones he felt protection for. Lyons needed extra money, as prices were being raised in Pittsburgh and he was the only one in his household who had a job. Old habits apparently do not die hard, as Lyons went back to his old ways and began to cash people’s checks again. Luckily for Lyons, he wasn’t caught, but there was a robbery happening near where Lyons was cashing his check. He walked out of the bank, clueless to what his fate was going to be. He noticed what was happening, but was just trying to go on with his day. Unfortunately, someone from the group that was doing the robbery, saw Lyons exit the bank that was a few stores down, and noticed that Lyons was now a witness. Despite Lyons pleas, the man knew he couldn’t risk it, so he pulled Lyons to a nearby alley, and shot him in the head, leaving Lyons Maxson to die alone in the alley. 

Lyons Maxson was loved by those who came in and out of his life, and his love for music will continue to inspire those who also have the same dream as him. His love for music, his family and kids, will always be remembered. Lyons lived his life to the fullest, and will be remembered by everyone around him. 

• Lyons Maxson, jazz musician born July 7th, 1923; died October 23rd 1983