We usually tackle a bit of Carroll County history in this space as opposed to current events. Maybe this week we can do both.

More than 250 friends and family members gathered at the New Windsor Fire and Hose Co. hall on Oct. 4, for a memorial service for Guy Babylon.

He was known to the local area as a New Windsor native who excelled in sports and graduated from Francis Scott Key High School in 1974. He was known to many in the rest of the world as Elton John's keyboardist for 21 years.

Babylon died at his Los Angles home Sept. 2, of an apparent heart attack. He was 52. He was born Dec. 20, 1956, the son of Graham and Mary Babylon, owners of the Babylon Vault Company, a Carroll business that dates back to 1930.

Although he was a distant relative of my wife, I never knew him. However, I was aware of his talent and work with Elton John.

The memorial service was conducted by Dan Hartzler, who noted that the entertainment world may claim Babylon, but he will always belong to Carroll County.

As a youth, Babylon excelled at swimming, football, basketball and track and field; so much so that John Seaman, the Francis Scott Key principal, said he will nominate Babylon for Carroll County's Sports Hall of Fame.

Babylon's sister, Donna, shared a number of humorous stories about her brother and how much he stayed grounded and devoted to his family.

Regina Roop, Babylon's first grade teacher, shared her memories of Guy, the first grader, who even then was a generous and kind child.

Dick Krantz, Babylon's swimming coach at the Frederick YMCA from 1964 to 1970, spoke about not only his athletic abilities but that, "Guy was fantastic ... inspiring to be around."

Krantz coached Babylon and three of his friends, Mark Keener, Tim and Pam Phillips. He beamed with pride to note the talent of the foursome and say Babylon, "had every record in the free style, butterfly, and individual medley."

Phillips, who traveled from Boston to attend the service, recalled visiting the Babylons in New Windsor.

"Guy would be at the piano in the family room playing ferocious rock 'n' roll acoustic piano -- 'Johnny B Goode' into 'Great Balls of Fire' -- his fingers flying with that same physical grace and purpose up and down the keyboard..."

Babylon earned a degree in music composition from the University of South Florida. In 1980, six months after graduation, he moved to California, where he established himself as a keyboardist and composer.

Elton John's official Web site notes that, "Guy's first performance with Elton was for a benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in July 1988, and his first world tour as part of the Elton John Band began two months later in Miami, Fla."

On the site, John stated: "He was one of the most brilliant musicians I ever knew, a true genius, a gentle angel -- and I loved him so much."

Carroll County also loved him. The world will miss his music. Our community will miss a kind-hearted family man and friend ... who happened to play keyboard for Elton John.

When he is not listening to "Madman Across the Water," Kevin Dayhoff may reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net.

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