Charles Hiroshi Garrett Obituary: Charles Hiroshi Garrett, Eminent University of Michigan Musicology Professor and Influential Scholar in American Music Studies, Tragically Passes Away on July 18th, 2024; A Comprehensive Tribute to His Remarkable Life and Contributions
On the somber morning of July 18, 2024, the academic and musicology communities were profoundly shaken by the untimely passing of Charles Hiroshi Garrett, a revered professor at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Known for his groundbreaking work in American music studies, Garrett’s death has left an indelible void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his scholarship. His passing was announced through a Facebook post by the University, which conveyed the profound shock and sadness felt by the institution and the broader academic community. The cause of Garrett’s death has not been publicly disclosed, adding an element of sorrowful uncertainty to the loss.
Garrett’s career, marked by his profound contributions to the understanding of American musical traditions, began when he joined the University of Michigan faculty in 2004. Over nearly two decades, he became a cornerstone of the university’s musicology program, known for his expertise and passion for the subject. His scholarly pursuits were vast and varied, encompassing popular music, jazz, technology, sound studies, digital culture, nationalism, and race and ethnicity. These diverse areas of focus reflected Garrett’s commitment to exploring the intersections of music with broader societal and cultural dynamics, highlighting his ability to weave complex narratives around the role of music in American life.
Throughout his distinguished career, Garrett made significant strides in American music scholarship. His seminal book, “Struggling to Define a Nation: American Music and the Twentieth Century” (2008), is a testament to his scholarly rigor and insight. This work not only garnered the Irving Lowens Memorial Book Award from the Society for American Music but also received an honorable mention for the Woody Guthrie Award from the International Association for the Study of Popular Music – US. These accolades underscore the book’s impact and its role in shaping contemporary discourse on American music.
Garrett’s contributions to jazz scholarship were equally noteworthy. His co-editorship of “Jazz/Not Jazz: The Music and Its Boundaries” (2012) demonstrated his critical engagement with the evolving nature of jazz in modern culture. This collection examined the boundaries of jazz music and its significance, reflecting Garrett’s ability to navigate and interpret the shifting landscape of musical genres. His editorial work continued with “Sounding Together: Collaborative Perspectives on U.S. Music in the 21st Century” (2021), co-edited with Carol J. Oja. This volume explored collaborative approaches to understanding American music, further showcasing Garrett’s dedication to advancing scholarly dialogue.
One of Garrett’s most notable achievements was his role as editor-in-chief for “The Grove Dictionary of American Music, second edition” (2013). This comprehensive reference work, published by Oxford/Grove Music Online, stands as a definitive resource for scholars and enthusiasts of American music. Garrett’s stewardship of this monumental project reflects his deep knowledge and commitment to preserving and expanding the understanding of American musical traditions.
Beyond his published works and editorial contributions, Garrett’s influence extended to his teaching and mentorship. His dedication to his students was evident through his role as a mentor, guiding a new generation of scholars in their academic and professional pursuits. His recognition through the Faculty Recognition Award in 2014 and the John H. D’Arms Faculty Award for Distinguished Graduate Mentoring in the Humanities in 2023 speaks volumes about his impact on his students and colleagues. These awards highlight his exceptional ability to inspire and nurture future scholars, ensuring that his legacy will continue through those he mentored.
Garrett’s scholarly endeavors were complemented by his engagement with broader cultural and technological trends. His research on the intersection of music with technology and digital culture reflects his forward-thinking approach and his ability to contextualize music within contemporary societal changes. His work in sound studies, popular music, and issues of nationalism and race further underscores his comprehensive approach to understanding the multifaceted nature of music and its role in American society.
The news of Garrett’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from the academic community and beyond. Colleagues, students, and friends have come together to honor his memory and celebrate his contributions. Vigils and remembrance gatherings are being organized to pay tribute to a scholar whose work has profoundly influenced the field of musicology. These gatherings serve as a testament to the impact Garrett had on those around him and the enduring legacy of his scholarly achievements.
As the University of Michigan and the wider academic community grapple with this loss, the focus will inevitably turn to reflecting on Garrett’s life and contributions. His work has left a lasting mark on the field of American music studies, and his absence will be deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to know him and benefit from his scholarship. The process of mourning and remembrance will undoubtedly highlight the profound impact Garrett had on his field and the lives of those he touched.
In summary, Charles Hiroshi Garrett’s passing represents a significant loss to the world of musicology and American music studies. His extensive research, impactful publications, and dedicated teaching have left an indelible legacy that will continue to influence the field for years to come. As the community comes to terms with this tragic loss, the focus will remain on celebrating Garrett’s life and contributions, ensuring that his memory endures through the ongoing work of his colleagues, students, and the broader academic community.
