Tar Heel voices: Cy Rawls

I didn't go to college anywhere in this time zone, let alone in the Triangle, so I've never cared much one way or the other about any of the local schools' fight songs. But I heard a very moving version of the University of North Carolina's fight song, "Hark the Sound," Saturday morning -- at a "Celebration of Life" ceremony for the late Cy Rawls, who died last October.

More than once over the past few months, I've been at a show and caught myself looking around in search of Rawls, the local music scene's biggest supporter. You can bet he would have been at all three nights of Raleigh Undercover, and more than likely at the Loners' album-release show Friday night.

Saturday's service included Rawls' friends telling lots of funny and touching stories about him, recounting everything from goofy wedding presents to the coolest Las Vegas trip anyone has ever taken. More than one speaker also noted Rawls' passionate fandom of his alma mater, UNC. Since the Tar Heels will tip off against arch-rival Duke on Sunday, it seemed appropriate for the service to conclude with everyone singing a piano-accompanied version of "Hark the Sound":

Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices.
Ringing clear and true.
Singing Carolina's praises.
Shouting N-C-U.
Hail to the brightest star of all.
Clear its radiance shine.
Carolina priceless gem.
Receive all praises thine.

'Twas nice.