Ed “Dr. Eddie” McLellan 1950-2006
Ed McLellan, longtime Chicago-area guitarist, instrument repairman, teacher, and music store owner, passed away at home on March 6th. Known to many as “Dr. Eddie” for his skill at instrument repair, McLellan had been an active participant in the Chicago music scene since the late 1960s.
He began teaching guitar at Mar-Cole Music while still a Bellwood teenager and continued to give lessons for most of his life. Later years found him working at Perry’s Music in Villa Park and Murphy’s Music in Streamwood, and he spent the last 13 years of his life as co-owner of Dr. Eddie’s Goodtime Music, also in Streamwood. Eddie was an accomplished guitarist and jobbed around Chicagoland and on the road with many different bands, most notably the Average Wedding Band (AWB) and Elvis entertainer Trent Carlini, working all levels of the business from clubs and casuals to the Rosemont Theatre and the Las Vegas Hilton.
Eddie suffered from many health problems in his later days, which eventually sidelined him from performing and repair work, but he continued to teach up until a few days before his death. Eddie had a reputation for being one of the friendliest people to deal with in the area and as an excellent instructor to hundreds, maybe thousands of students over the years. His friends, family, and all who knew him will miss his generous spirit and giving nature. The local music community is a little poorer today for the loss of the good Doctor, but those of us who knew Eddie are left that much richer from the miles and memories shared.
— Mike O’Cull
You made me a better guitar player
and a better person Dr. Eddie!
R.I.P.!
Eddie, you and Stevie have spoiled me for life, and happily so.
I’m gonna miss you darlin, always.
Jules
Eddie, we have watched you mold our grandson into a very talanted guitarist in the past ten years. You will live in our memory everytime we hear him play. We love you and miss you very much. Heaven now has one of the greatest guitarist ever.
Jack & Carole Miller
Eddie has made such a positive impact on so many people and changed lives forever. He will be truely missed and things will never be the same without him. We can never thank him enough for all he has done for the last 10 1/2 years as a wonderful teacher and even better friend.
It is difficult to speak words of encoragment when someone you have loved so dearly has left this life. But, I just wanted to drop a note. I also have been thinking about Eddie VERY MUCH. Although Eddie’s life was sadly cut short, he has left a wonderful eternal, indelible bond and impression on those AND with those he has known and loved and also with those who have loved him.
You are missed Eddie. Till we meet again in heaven!
Peace.
Love
D’
As a musician, you meet a lot of interesting people. With some 40 years in the business, I have to say how fortunate I feel to have known Eddie.
He was just one of those people you were always happy to see, and who was always happy to see you. I’m very sorry to see him go so soon. But I feel lucky that mine was one of the many lives he touched.
Edwin, When I hear Bruce Conte, or Onnie McIntyre I hear you. YOU inspired those guys. Loved your sweet flavored open sound. You will alway’s be to my “stage left” no matter who I work with. Thanks for the many laughs and keepin me rollin on the floor. Remember “The Attitude is Gratitude”. And I’ll see ya when I see ya. Wait for us my friend.
Greg
Eddie, I would love to hear you play Affirmation just one more time! Luckily, I have numerous recordings of all those memorable years and incredible gigs! You always seemed to be able to elevate all of us “average” musicians to a different level. Thanks for all that inspiration, remarkable music, and friendship. Rock on, dear old freind……It’s break time!….Car Wash or Breezin? Car Wash it is!!!! But this time see if you could funk it up a bit! Till that time, Billy
Dr. Eddie to most of you but to me he was Uncle ED. If I remember him for anything it would be his love of music.
And if I could say one thing to him it would be I love you, and thanks for good memories.
,Don
To my wonderful brother-in law Eddie.
You were a joy and pleasure to be around. Never a dull moment when you were with Eddie. Thanks for the music and memories. We will miss you very
much and look forward to meeting with you again! God bless you very precious heart!
Chip, Mary Ann & Hermann Novosel
I never realy talked to Eddie at the store that much until one day I was checking a set-up on my old acoustic, and played “Dance With Me” by Orleans. Turns out, Ed was as big a fan I am, and he knew all those old songs, and we spent the next hour passing the guitar back and forth over the counter, each showing the little details off that first album, that nobody knows. I felt I’d found a kindred spirit, and now feel so cheated that he’s already gone. In my heaven, he will be playing with all his powers, and singing like a bird. clb
TO ALL WHO KNEW ED AS A MUSICAN, TEACHER A FREIND, I WOULD LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW THE OTHER HALF. HE WAS A HUSBAND, A FATHER, A BROTHER, A UNCLE A FATHER IN LAW AND MOST OF ALL A GRANDFATHER (PA PA). HE LOVED YOU ALL.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
YOUR BEST FRIEND,
PAULINE
TO ALL WHO KNEW ED AS A MUSICAN, TEACHER A FREIND, I WOULD LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW THE OTHER HALF. HE WAS A HUSBAND, A FATHER, A BROTHER, A UNCLE, A FATHER INLAW, BROTHER IN LAW AND MOST OF ALL A GRANDFATHER (PA PA). HE LOVED YOU ALL.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS!
YOUR BEST FRIEND,
PAULINE
I would like :Pauline Hersick to email me.
Joe
Eddie will always be in a happy place n my heart. We shared a few really good but short moments together in our lives and I’m a richer person for knowing him. He is missed.
Dr. Ed,
Jam sessions are not the same without you.
Thanks for taking the time to learn my charts and making sure I sang them in the right key. You always made me sound better than I really am and I will always love you for that. You were a special man at a time when there were too few special people. You always had time for a friend or time to make a new friend and I am proud to have had you as my friend. You are dearly missed. I love you.
Michael
Grandpa Ed,
I still think of you . And reading this about you brings tears to my eyes. You were the most amazing man in my life . I miss you so much grandpa ..