April 21, 1923 – November 6, 2007
Eugene L. Price, "Gene" to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home on November 6.
Gene was born in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1923. He attended Eastern Illinois University (B.S. Journalism, Business Ad) and State University of Iowa (M.F.A. Creative Writing). As a Lieutenant in the USNR (1942-1946), he served as a communications officer on the USS Livermore in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific Theatres of War.
In New York City, Gene was on staff with The New Yorker and contributed to the "Talk of the Town" column. He was acquainted with Truman Capote, Noel Coward, and many other gay icons.
A long-time resident of San Francisco, Gene expressed his avid love of the arts as a publicist, producer, writer, and journalist. For over 20 years, he worked as an arts journalist with the SF Bay Times , attending performances on a nightly basis until his early 80s. He covered the work of thousands of cabaret performers, dancers, artists, and theatre companies.
Gene passionately promoted the creation of San Francisco's emerging cabaret scene in the late 1970s. He co-authored Marco Polo, a cabaret musical; co-authored and co-produced Piaf, Her Story and Songs; authored and co-produced Jule!, the Broadway Music of Jule Styne, a 1981 benefit for the AIDS Emergency Fund; authored and produced Blue Jelly ; and produced the cabaret review Very McVerry.
A long-time member of the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, he coordinated many of their annual awards galas which honor and celebrate theatrical excellence.
He is survived by five siblings: Dale Price, Royal Price and Rosetta Cox, Gerry Hill, and Norman Price. His sister June preceded him in death.
A true gentleman and quintessential supporter of the arts, he inspired countless artists of all disciplines. At his request, no memorial or celebration of life will take place. Please take a moment to remember this wonderful man. He will certainly be missed.