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Bass guitarist Grant Morris is driven from Legacy Care Center to his "music gigs" by his son Randy. At 89, Morris has Alzheimer's and is hard of hearing.

At one time, he played for generals and officers in World War II. After leaving the military, he joined a band. But when he married, his wife gave him a choice: her or the band. He chose his wife.

The octogenarian had not played an instrument for 60 years until about eight months ago, when he told his son he wanted to play. Randy bought him a string bass and his father, who has difficulty remembering his children's names, was able to play in perfect key.

"He can remember," Randy Morris said. "It is so important to see what he can connect with. It keeps him healthy and active."

Morris is one of the newer members of the Golden Years Jazz Band.

The band has been playing at care facilities in Bountiful every Friday for 32 years, said band President Charlotte Maxwell, 68. She plays the Yamaha Melodica and has been with the band since 1987. At the time, she was not a senior citizen but worked with seniors, so band members made an exception and let her join.

The last original member of the band, Margaret Graham, died last year. Twenty-seven band members have died since the group started. The oldest active member is John DeWaal, 92, who plays harmonica.

"We are all volunteers who like to make people happy playing old songs," Maxwell said. "We desperately need a saxophone or clarinet player, and they don't have to be available all the time." She noted the band can provide instruments.

The band is well-received. "They are darlings," said Terri Willdon, a certified nursing assistant at Sante Assisted Living. "We so enjoy them coming, and the residents love them."

The group plays at five different long-term care facilities in Bountiful. Payment for their performances is in the form of lunches at the facilities. Band members vary for different gigs, depending on who is in Arizona for the winter, who is on a cruise, who is on vacation and who is in the hospital.

When Laura Mortenson is not playing the violin in the band, she performs as a tap-dancing grandma. "I think it's a good service. The music brings a lot of joy. It's a live jam session," she said.

George Best, 73, has been playing in bands since 1954 and plays electric guitar for Golden Years. He has backed up country music stars in Salt Lake City, produced a record with his wife and performed on KSOP and KSL. Best still teaches guitar and banjo four days a week at a studio in his home. "It's hard to be humble when you are the best," he said.

Twila Allen, 51, who drives her husband to performances, said she was railroaded into joining the band. "Charlotte said if you are going to be here, you might as well perform." Allen plays the tambourine.

carol@lindsay.net The Golden Years Jazz Band

The band plays at 10:30 a.m. Fridays

1st Friday of the month • Avalon Care Center, 523 N. Main

2nd Friday of the month • Sante Assisted Living, 905 W. 4000 South

3rd Friday of the month • Legacy House 79 E. Center St.

4th Friday of the month • North Canyon Care Center, 350 S. 400 East

5th Friday of the month • Heritage Place, 1150 S. Main —

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