A statute of Charlotte jazz legend Loonis McGlohon, reportedly taken earlier this month from Middle C Jazz was returned this past Friday. The statute holds significant value, not only in its $20,000 price tag but in its representation of a cherished local figure in North Carolina's music history, according to WCNC.
Charlotte Crime Stoppers previously disseminated images seeking public assistance to locate the art piece, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was investigating the incident. The nightclub's owner confirmed the return of the statue, with it, was an apology note expressing regret for any suffering caused to the family, as reported by WBTV. The note read, "I want to apologize that this was removed from you. I was not under the impression that this was a family monumental. This was under the influence night. Please accept my apology. I didn’t want to bring any suffering to your family."
The incident initially involved two suspects who took the miniature sculpture from Middle C Jazz during a private event on December 9. Teddy Johnson, the Chief Operating Officer of the club, stated they were not part of the private event, as detailed by QC News. Law enforcement responded the next day upon being notified of the theft.
Loonis McGlohon, a North Carolina-born songwriter and jazz pianist, has a life-sized statue on display at the Charlotte Trail of History. He served as music director for WBT (AM) radio and WBTV after World War II and passed away in 2002 from lymphoma. Larry Farber, owner of Middle C Jazz and committee member of the Trail of History, said the sculpture was intended as a gift to McGlohon’s family but remains at the jazz club to complement its musical ambiance, according to QC News.
As of now, it remains unclear if any arrests have been made following the return of the statue.
