Van Cliburn, Who was raised in Kilgore, learned his piano skills from his mother when he was just three years old.
Annette Morgan also practiced with his mom. And became very close to Cliburn.
"He was a friend of mine, and my entire family. A very good friend." - Annette Cliburn
"I am standing in front of the Van Cliburn Auditorium in Kilgore, named after a man who's piano skills transcended the realm of music" - Kevin Boyce
"He brought to our country, and Russia. A new feeling. And opened a door." - Morgan
Cliburn won the first ever International Tchiakovsky Competition in Moscow during the height of the Cold War, bringing a small opportunity of peace between the countries.
His musical accolades and accomplishments are endless, and will be studied for years.
But for Morgan, she will miss more than his music. She will always remember his care for others.
"He never met a stranger, he never wanted to talk about himself. It was all about you, and what you were doing with your life."
Cliburn died Wednesday morning after losing a battle with bone cancer.
