Strumming the Right Chord

Well-known Central Florida guitarist Greg Pando will be missed.

He played a mean guitar. And he played it alongside legendary musicians. Some say he could’ve gone big time, but he chose to stay home and perform for his hordes of fans in Central Florida.

Musician Greg Pando died on Sept. 27 after a long battle with cancer.

But the majestic sound of his guitar won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Greg, a native of New York City, honed his guitar-playing skills as a teenager. By age 16, he began performing at New York City’s most recognized music venues. He moved to Ocala in 1991 and later played in the original Katie Bar The Door Band at Katie Belle’s in The Villages. He would eventually form his own band, Rewind, and become a regular performer in The Villages, as well as The Mojo Grill and Catering in Ocala. Rewind opened for and performed with notables such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Bo Diddley. The band also performed at many blues festivals throughout Central Florida.

Those who knew him best offered heartfelt words for the talented musician and even better man.

“An incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and musician all rolled into one,” says his wife, Debbie. “Always ready to help or play. Well known for his hugs. If you needed help, he’d be there. If you needed music for a benefit, he’d be there. If you needed someone to talk to, he’d be there. Always hugging, always smiling, always ready to help. He was intelligent and he was deep. No problem was too small. He was the best friend a person could have.”