MICHAEL RAY TYLER

August 21, 2023, Michael Ray Tyler, 58, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away at home with his beloved wife, Janet (Robinson) Tyler, and his 15-week-old puppy, Charlie, by his side. Early that morning, the clouds lifted, and heaven gained a beautifully talented soul. Michael Ray, the youngest of seven children, was born on May 15, 1965, in Dallas, TX, to John C. and Willie Lee Tyler. John Tyler formed the Family St. John Show Band featuring Michael’s mother, Willie, as the prominent vocalist. Each child was expected to learn two instruments, and at the age of four, Michael learned to play the trumpet from a guitar book and chose to also play the drums. Michael attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he flourished in both jazz and classical genres. In the spring of 1983, Michael applied to KU and was accepted on a trumpet scholarship. In the fall of 1983, Michael became a member of the University of Kansas Marching Jayhawks, the KU Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Combo I, as well as the KU Symphonic Band. Throughout his time at KU, Michael Ray studied private trumpet and flugelhorn with Dr. Roger Stoner and while working with jazz director, Dr. Ronald C. Mccurdy, Michael continued to be acknowledged for his outstanding performance and composition/arranging skills. In the fall of 1983, while attending his first music education class, Michael Ray met his college sweetheart, Janet Robinson. Their friendship was immediate, and in February of 1984, they went on their first date. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education, Michael Ray received a call asking if he would like to audition and play for the Las Vegas legend, Wayne Newton. Michael took the job and was a part of a remarkable tour, with the 7th performance being at the Arsenio Hall Show. Michael and Janet relocated to Las Vegas in the summer of 1992. Michael performed with Wayne Newton for eight months. In 1993, when Wayne Newton moved his show to Branson, MO, the band was downsized, and Michael stayed in Vegas and began substitute teaching. Michael was fortunate enough to continue performing on the Vegas strip with various bandleaders: Mark Barrett, Bobby Morris, Gary Stevens, and Jazzin’ Jeanne Brie. Michael was extremely creative. Over the years, he wrote over 100 big band and combo jazz pieces as well as many big band arrangements. In 1999, Michael received a Master of Jazz Composition from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Michael’s 3 CD Odyssey was a five-year endeavor and so many fans enjoyed these albums. No matter where Michael Ray traveled, he would be recognized. He would always run into someone that knew him from either shows on the Strip or as a substitute teacher in the secondary classroom. He had a presence that people never forgot. In Las Vegas, there were countless instances where Michael Ray would run into adults who were fortunate enough to have had him as a guest teacher in middle or high school. They always mentioned his performance of the “Cheeseburger Rap”, and what a cool teacher he was. The “Cheeseburger Rap” was one of the final pieces that Michael had completed. Michael was preceded in death by his father John C. Tyler, his mother Willie Lee (Lilton) Tyler, his sister Bernadette Tyler, his nephew Bernard Lilton, and his niece Stephanie Tyler. Michael is survived by his wife Janet (Robinson) Tyler, brothers Ricky and Derrick Tyler, sister Kay Tyler, stepbrother Earl “Shagg” Lilton, and stepsister Mary “Sue” Lilton. In lieu of flowers, please consider either donating to the jazz scholarship fund, or donating to help his wife publish his big band and combo scores. The Michael Ray Tyler Jazz Scholarship is currently being created for music students at Michael’s alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, in Dallas, TX. In order to donate to this scholarship fund, please contact the school: 2501 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201 or email: smodabberi@dallasisd.org. Please make checks payable to: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Include in the Memo portion - MRT Jazz Scholarship. Donations may also be directed to Michael’s spouse. A fund will be established to ensure that Michael’s music is published and continues to be played and heard.