Brian Robert Mott

Brian Robert Mott of Madison, WI passed peacefully into the next chapter of his journey on September 27th, 2024, surrounded by love. He was 74.

Talented musician, devoted husband, dedicated father, and loyal friend. Brian showed up for the people in his life demonstrating his love through action. He could always find the melody and the humor in this world.

Brian was predeceased by his parents Paul J. Mott and Christine Mae Mott (nee Best). He is survived by his wife, Cathleen Mott; children, Andrew Mott (Amanda DeVoogdt), Semone DesJardins, K. Corrina Mott; Rom DesJardins, Galen Thompson (Ana Jahns), Owen Thompson, Rhiannon DesJardins and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ellen Mott (Rick) Jablonski and their family.

Brian grew up on the north side of Chicago. Music became central to his life, drawn in by the enticement of a shiny red accordion. Those lessons gave way to piano then keyboard following the siren song of rock and roll. His first paying gigs began while a student at Lane Tech High School in Chicago. As a young man at Northwestern University, Brian forged friendships and musical collaborations carrying him through the decades. Post graduation, he joined Chicago's Free Street Theater, giving him the opportunity to showcase his musical talent and humor while entertaining Chicago's populace. This leg of the journey culminated in participating in Free Street's European tour and writing the enduring theme song “The Rhythm of the City.”

Brian followed his muse to Ireland, focusing on songwriting. Then, onto California where he worked as a musician, then music shop manager. He had taught himself to tune pianos, leading him to answer a rare “piano tuner wanted” advert kicking off the career Brian would pursue with excellence. Tuning for Steinway in Chicago preceded a move to Madison, Wisconsin where he tuned for a loyal clientele including the Madison Symphony Orchestra. He was a proud Registered Piano Technician (RPT) enjoying a long history with the Piano Technicians Guild.

Brian never stopped playing. In Madison his musical endeavors included swing, traditional Irish and always rock 'n roll. His bands formed friendships, his friendships formed bands. This music became the soundtrack for the decades in his adopted hometown. 

Brian's life had many chapters and he touched many lives along the way. He dedicated himself to his extended family, instilled in his children a strong foundation and a sense of magic. He showed us all that anything was possible.

While Brian treasured the connections he made with the people in his life, he didn't want us making a fuss after his passing. There will be a small, private remembrance for immediate family.

If you would like to celebrate Brian's life and legacy, we invite you to listen to his music. We've posted two songs, Grace, which Brian recorded at Audio for the Arts, Madison, WI while on hospice and Ocean of Love here (http://bit.ly/4eMhael). An album of original songs will be shared there as well in the coming weeks.

Brian's memory, his music, and his love lives on. Our thanks to the staff of Agrace Hospice Care.