"I’ve never met a person more deserving of life than Gus and right now I’m hurt beyond belief for his family, Lisa and the entire world. Fly High Forever Gus!"

"My heart and prayers to all who knew and loved Gus. And to Marquise and the band. Truly, he had a life changing impact on me and ANYONE who ever met him knows about those magnetic, loving vibes. You will always be remembered Gus. What a legacy. Fly free dear brother."

"I appreciate the time this Legendary Piece of Music History imparted on me. Thank you, Gus. Rest Well, Sir. You've more than earned it."

"Rest in Paradise to one of the very best humans I’ve ever known. Someone who has literally watched me grow up from a very young child to this day and someone who literally helped raise and cultivate that young boy into a good man."

"My friend. My roommate. My bandmate. My idol. My brother. My family. I will miss you as long as I have a heartbeat."

"He was the nicest, coolest and most humble guy imaginable and it is an honor to call him family. This world will never be the same without Gus but the stamp and the groove that he left on it will live on forever. RIP to my best friend and brother Mr. Gus Thornton."

"A uniquely irreplaceable musician, and especially a uniquely irreplaceable human being."

"I was sad to hear of the passing of Gus Thornton yesterday. I met him twice playing with Quise Knox. He was really sweet and a great bass player. Rest in Peace, Gus." 💔

"One of the finest men to have ever picked up a bass guitar has passed away. Rest in peace Gus Thornton. You were a true Prince among men"

"In all the time I worked with Gus, I never heard him say one bad word about ANYBODY. If I was going to sum up my feelings for him to someone that didn’t know him, I should lead with that. He was always cheerful and patient, and when he spoke his words were always thoughtful and mild mannered. He handed out compliments in a genuine way that made you feel like he meant it. The most upright gentleman I have ever encountered in this music “business”. We all loved him dearly."

GUS THORNTON ❤️
"If you say the word “Gus” here in St Louis, most folks think of one of two things —- maybe both. You might envision and smell a warm steaming pretzel sold on a street corner that was baked by a fabled pretzel shop near the Anheuser-Busch Brewery on I-55. Or you might see a wide smile with equally warm eyes and hear some of the best blues bass playing the planet has ever produced.Thank you Gus Thornton for calling me your friend. It’s hard to think of you in past tense, but I feel you shining down on us even now. I may speak as one, but believe I feel like many. Love you friend. God bless you. And thank you."

"Very sad that Gus Thornton left our realm... his smile, man, as everyone knows and has said, his smile and warmth just stupendously amazingly special, let alone his musical skills, just his beautiful heart and soul, so awesome. Gus, the amazing cool bass player, smiling, playing, enjoying music and sharing his warmth with others, may he be bending them bass strings in the next realm, with his endearing smile and essence for all the angels."

"Gus was a gentleman of the kindest nature and a true master of bass playing. I am grateful for all the memories shared with him. He performed alongside legends like Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Johnnie Johnson. He was more than a musician; he was my friend. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Gus Thornton. Your legacy will always be remembered"

"Gus Thornton's career exemplifies the principles of integrity, empathy, vision, and mutual respect. These qualities have been essential in earning the allegiance and admiration of his peers and fans, both on and off-stage. His journey offers valuable insights into the profound impact that these attributes can have in the realm of music and beyond."

"Gus made the world a happier, more musical place. We're honored to have had him serenade our walls in his time here and hope his light spreads throughout the universe. Rest well, friend."

"This hits hard For St. Louis, Blues world and me personally. He was the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Condolences to his Family and Quise Knox, Sharon Bear, and all the other musicians he played with."

"There’s that smile! This is Gus Thornton, at the recording session for my next record, at Blue Lotus Studios (w/Paul Niehaus producing) in St. Louis. Gus was my first choice for bassist and did an awesome job. Thank you Gus and rest in heaven."

"There are those who are master musicians, and there are people in our lives who gladden the hearts of whomever they see, because they carry such a positive glow. As world class a musician he was, how can we ever know how many faces wore a smile in his presence? That was our friend Gus. Blessings on his family, as well as our memories of this man."

"Gus was in the Johnnie Johnson band when I joined as a Vocalist ~1980. We then toured with Albert King. He was the Tour Manager. but if Albert got mad at Frank Dunbar, he would switch to Gus on Bass. I'll never forget the desperation in Albert's voice to get Gus back in the band after both had left. 40+ years later, I formed the Albert King Alumni Tribute Show. Gus was so excited & loved being with everybody. He didn't move his body much, but his fingers on that Bass moved like a fiery locomotive train! I saw him a few months ago where I was hosting the Big Muddy Blues Festival stage. His body had thinned but that big toothy grin was still shining through as we embraced for photos. I’ll miss our talks & reminiscing. My thoughts are only fondness & in awe of his exceptional talent."