Whenever I wax nostalgic about the Parnelli Awards, I cannot help but think of those who have been part of the awards through the years that are no longer with us. I am quite sure their spirits are with us every year when we gather to bring new honorees into this special Parnelli Ring of Honor.
The beloved Patrick Stansfield, who named the awards after his good friend, Rick “Parnelli” O’Brien, said to me, “At the end of the day, making these awards happen is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.” Patrick’s love for the industry had no bounds. He cherished his ability to honor his peers and to help mentor the next generation of production professionals. There are countless tour buses full of industry veterans who owe a debt of gratitude to Patrick — myself included.
Patrick took great pride in honoring those who moved our profession forward. He wanted to ensure these individuals whose life’s work of countless hours working to define the mantra of the “show must go on” were given their due. Indeed, the Parnelli Awards have achieved a status in the industry that Patrick had hoped for.
To be selected for a lifetime Parnelli Award is an honor people cherish throughout their life and beyond. I was so touched when Dennis Sheehan — in his New York Times obituary — was recognized as a Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Alas, when an institution like the Parnelli Awards reaches a milestone of 20 years, many of our recipients have gone to the final load-out. Bob See — another legend who helped so many get started in the industry — was a great supporter of the Parnelli Awards from its beginnings. Benny Collins — one of the industry’s most beloved — at his celebration of life had his Parnelli acceptance speech replayed. Other Parnelli recipients we have lost through the years include production managers Gerry Stickells and Mo Morrison — both living legends that helped define our industry — along with audio icons such as Bruce Jackson, Ross Ritto and Gene Clair.
In addition to these award recipients, the Parnelli Awards have also seen the loss within their own production family. Stephen Gudis — Parnelli Board member and award show stage manager — brought a dedication to the awards for over 15 years. I’ve no doubt that he too continues to share the stage with us in spirit.
So, as we move in to the next 20 years, the foundation we have laid to ensure our best and brightest will receive the accolades they deserve is secure. We will endure more losses, but whenever the Parnelli Awards come around, we must feel the spirits of those who have left us will join us once again at the annual gathering of the tribe.
—Terry Lowe, PLSN/FOH Publisher, Parnelli Awards Executive Producer
