It's been one year since the passing of Kent Finlay, who left us on Texas Independence Day 2015. Finlay helped launch the careers for many, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Strait. He was a songwriting mentor to so many Texans, having co-written songs with Randy Rogers, William Clark Green, Slaid Cleaves and Walt Wilkins to name just a few.

Last year Cheatham Street Warehouse made the announcement on its Facebook page: 

On behalf of the Cheatham Street Warehouse Family, it is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Kent Finlay in the early morning Monday, March 2. Kent was surrounded by family and friends telling stories and swapping songs when he passed.

Kent was the longtime owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse, the legendary San Marcos-based venue known best for the songwriter circle he hosted Wednesday nights. Kent was a dedicated songwriter, mentor to hundreds of others and perhaps most importantly a dreamer. Kent’s limitless passion for music and songwriting inspired him to create Cheatham Street Warehouse, a launching pad for countless young artists. His inspiration, talent, humor and guidance truly will be missed.

Jenni, Sterling, HalleyAnna and the rest of the entire Cheatham Street Family wish to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this time.

Plans for a memorial service are still pending at this time and will be announced as soon as details emerge.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Cheatham Street Music Foundation. www.CheathamStreetFoundation.org.

Every week befor his songwriter’s circle, Finlay would open the night with his song, “I’ll Sing You a Story, I’ll Tell You a Song.” When he handed out business cards, it read simply “Kent Finlay: Dreamer.” And he died on Texas Independence Day. “You know he would have loved that,” his daughter, Jenni, said. RIP Kent Finlay.

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