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The traditional Death Knell & Nine Tailors rung / tolled on the tenor bell at 5pm as a mark of respect and in fond memory of J SAMUEL HAMMOND ‘SAM’ who sadly passed away yesterday, 25th February, aged 73.

Sam was Carillonneur at Duke University in Durham North Carolina holding the post for 53 years between 1965 up to his retirement in 2018 when the University honoured him by making him University Carillonneur Emeritus and the University carillon/instrument was renamed in his honour ‘The J Samuel Hammond Carillon’. He played the instrument each day during the week at 5pm as classes ended and twice on a Sunday around services and gave over 15,000 performances on the Duke Carillon during his lifetime. His beloved carillon/instrument is a testament to the care and attention Sam gave it over the years and is one of the finest instruments in North America, and was much loved by him – he was rightly very proud of it. He had a passion for Taylor bells, with Dukes 50 bells being cast at Loughborough in 1932 and especially loved the sound of its 5 tonne bass bell. Sam oversaw the restoration of the instrument by Taylor’s in 1992 and has carefully looked after it ever since which has kept it in fantastic condition. His legacy and spirit will continue through the sound of the Duke Carillon.

Sam was a true gent, warm, welcoming, unassuming, humble and had a heart of gold. His southern welcome and humour will be greatly missed, and it was an honour to have known him and to have called him a friend. It was lovely to meet up with him again on a recent visit to Taylor’s in 2019 whilst he was over in the UK on holiday. Rest in peace dear friend or as Sam would say Requiesce in Pace.

Tolled on our Taylor Tenor cast in 1897 – I think Sam would have approved!

(Recital played on the Duke Carillon on the evening of Sam’s death, starts at 1 min 9)

(Sam shortly before his retirement)

(the Sam I remember)

(Sam plays Dear Old Duke - Alma Mater)