The statue project began in the year 2000. Since then, the committee has placed six statues throughout the area with the help of Urbana artist Mike Major.
>>RELATED: Springfield jazz great finally gets a headstone for his resting place
>>MORE DETAILS: The real Johnny Lytle: Good vibes, bad business
The Johnny Lytle statue is pending Clark State Community College Board of Trustees approval, but plans are being made public.
“I’m really enthusiastic to continue,” Major said. “This project will end up being a gift to the community like the other statues.”
Major works closely with Mike Morris, the chair of the Springfield Outdoor Sculpture Committee, to make great influences in Springfield’s history known.
“We want to encourage public appreciation of talent in this town,” Morris said.
Lytle was a Springfield native and a famous vibraphonist during the late 1950s and into the 1970s. He died in 1995.
“Lytle is important in the legacy of Springfield,” Major said.
He toured with organist Hiram “Boots” Johnson and landed gigs all over the U.S. and Europe. He died of kidney failure a few months following his final performance at the Clark State Community College Performing Arts Center (PAC).
“I actually attended this show, and retained my tickets, knowing it was an historic occasion,” Morris wrote on Facebook.
Major will sculpt Lytle in front of the PAC to honor his influence on the community and to connect Lytle to his other sculptures like world-champion boxer Davey Moore and Gen. George Rogers Clark.
“All of the sculptures are within five or six blocks of one another,” Morris said. “This is part of the downtown revitalization, getting people out of their cars…(and) promoting walking tours.”
The project will cost $90,000 to $100,000. Morris stated that the committee is still asking for tax-deductible donations through the Springfield Foundation.
“Public support is always appreciated,” he said.
Champion City Guide and Supply will re-issue their signature Johnny Lytle T-shirt, and proceeds of sales will go toward the statue fund.
Morris hopes the construction will be finished by September of next year for a dedication ceremony.
“Johnny Lytle is considered the greatest vibraphonist ever,” Morris said. “We hope the public will support (the project).”
Contact Morris at 937-605-9958 for more information about donating.
About the Author