What makes a city a place worth living? Its history matters. Iconic or historic buildings make a difference. Its culture provides its contextual interest. In the end, while all these are critical, a place is only as good as its people. I’ve paid tribute to many great people on this site. In many cases, I’ve been able to introduce people who are doing good things for the city. Periodically, I’ve drawn attention to those we’ve lost. Today is one of those days.
I’ve chosen today, Thanksgiving Day, to write about Brandon Gibson, who died last week at the age of 36, because today is a day of giving thanks. Some things in life are earned, both good and bad. But much of what brings great joy to our lives comes to us as a gift. We didn’t earn it. We didn’t necessarily deserve it, but it is ours. Brandon was such a gift and today I’m expressing thanks for what he gave our city.
“I didn’t know Brandon well . . .” So start many of the tributes posted to social media in recent days. In a way, that is even more a measure of his impact than the tributes from those who did know him well. What inspires so many people who would be considered casual acquaintances of a person to post moving tributes? It’s because of one of the great truths of Brandon’s very existence: If you encountered him, he made you feel like you were a friend or at least wish you could be. As a number of people have said, he made you feel seen and heard. And he probably made you laugh.
It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved Managing Director, Brandon Gibson. He was a truly talented and wonderful human who brought so much joy to those around him through his beautiful voice, presence on stage, and written word. Brandon was full of life and dedicated so much of his heart and soul into Marble City Opera and his other work in our community. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the community of Knoxville.
Unspeakably tragic news, the passing (and final exit) of this dear human, Brandon Gibson, artist, friend, and CBT/UTK Theatres company member; actor, singer, VOICE of Audrey II, as well as luminous, enthusiastic, and most charming box office employee. Truly, there are no words to adequately reflect the enormity of this loss to our community and, frankly, to the world. But, if you’ve got a moment or two or, two thousand, take a scroll through Facebook and one will immediately understand the incredible void we are all feeling, a collective sob, a hollow and empty space now exists wherever Brandon stood. Thank you, Brandon, for reminding us, moment to moment, day to day, and so forth, there is still lots of good in this universe. God Speed…
Knoxville Opera is heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague Brandon Gibson, Managing Director of Marble City Opera. Brandon graced the Knoxville Opera stage many times, and his resounding voice, infectious laugh, and generous spirit will be missed by all.
