Kent, Loren E. (1895-1977) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Kent, Loren E. (1895-1977)

Historical Note: Loren Earl Kent (1895-1977) was a professional tuba musician and barber. Kent was born in Richland County, the son of Earl Calvin and Alice Kent. He started his career as a member of the Smith Kid Band in 1907. By 1912 he was performing with the Cummins Community Band in Olney, IL. During the outbreak of WWI, Kent joined the Great Lakes Navy Battalion 7th Regiment Band in 1917, performing with John Philip Sousa. He later toured with the John Philip Sousa Band for two years (1926 and 1927). Following his final tour with Sousa, Kent began managing the Cummins Community Band in Olney, he would serve as the band manager until his death in 1977. Kent also played tuba in the Sousa Fraternal Society and was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge 140, Olney Elks Lodge 926, and Richland American Legion Post 30.

Sources:

Paul Bierley, "Kent, Loren Earl," in The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2006): 218.

Karen Davis, "A Touch of Sousa," Evansville Press (Evansville, IN), Sunday July 18, 1976: 66.

"Loren Earl Kent," Obituary, Decatur Herald Review (Decatur, IL), Thursday December 1, 1977: 38.

Note Author: Kendall McFarlin and Nolan Vallier