Obituary

Hoyt M. Garrick, Jr.

December 16, 1946 - February 10, 2024

On February 10, 2024, Hoyt M. Garrick, Jr. died at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Garrick was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Hoyt M. Garrick and Juanita Sweeney. He attended BHS where he excelled in track and basketball. Following graduation in 1964, Hoyt attended college at LSU. He was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. As a student, he expanded his interest in songwriting and musical performance.

Hoyt briefly moved to Orange County, California with his young family. Following their return to Louisiana, Hoyt continued to develop his talent for songwriting. Throughout the 1970’s, he formed many long-term relationships with musicians and performers from around the world. He sustained those connections until his death.

Hoyt first recorded his material at Studio in the Country, built and developed by Bill Evans. In 1978, Louisiana’s LeRoux, released a song titled “New Orleans Ladies”. The song, written about his wife, quickly advanced on the Billboard Music charts and became a regional hit. Gambit named it the best New Orleans song of the Twentieth Century.

Countless artist have performed his work over the last fifty years. He particularly enjoyed working with Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. They maintained a deeply respectful personal and professional relationship until Gate’s passing.

Honoring his musical achievements, Hoyt was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

Hoyt was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Juanita Garrick, and a sister, Linda G. Greene.

He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and daughter; Russell Shay and Michelle Susan Garrick of Harrisburg, PA, and Kasey L. Garrick of Carriere, MS. Further, Hoyt is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Becky” Garrick of Bowling Green, KY; three nephews, Shayne Greene, Cade and Tanner Perry; and grandsons, Zaiden, Zayne, and Finley.