‘Life of the party’: Greg Nave, music manager of Kansas City’s 7th Heaven, dies at 56

Many businesses claim to be like a family. Yet we seldom find co-workers who can make fellow employees feel like an extended family and the job a second home. At 7th Heaven, that person was Greg Nave.

For decades Nave worked as the consignment manager at the store, 7621 Troost Ave., cultivating its extensive catalog of local music. At a place that has always been staffed with a revolving door of eccentric and eclectic employees, Nave was the connective tissue, bringing all corners together.

Now Nave is sorely missed. He died Jan. 14 due to health complications. He was 56.

Lakisha Thompson worked at 7th Heaven for over a decade before leaving last year as store manager. She became good friends with Nave and he would affectionately call her “Soul Sister.”

“I met Greg the first day I started. He was such a laid-back and cool dude,” says Thompson. “No matter what situation he was in, he always kept a smile on his face.”

His daughter Victoria Gibbs says the family was surprised to learn what a big part her father played in the lives of so many, but that’s the kind of man he was.

“He was really loyal. If he could help you in any way he would do it,” says Gibbs, second oldest of Nave’s four children. “He was always just a caring and fun-loving person who I never saw mad or upset. He was just the life of the party.”

Gibbs thinks her father will be most remembered through his deep ties to Kansas City’s music scene. But she will most remember him as a best friend. While his death was sudden, she is thankful that he died peacefully at home in his sleep.

“He had a very loving personality. If you were having a bad day, he knew what to say to lift your spirit,” she says.

Prophet Beach, who worked as a 7th Heaven department manager for several years, believes that Nave’s legacy will be seen as a man instrumental in the underground rap scene in Kansas City. He had an impeccable ear for talent and was always ahead of the curve of unsigned artists, so Nave made 7th Heaven the location for all things KC hip-hop.

“If it wasn’t for that man, the music scene here in KC would not have had an outlet to get their music out before the internet,” says Beach. “He was able to give new artists a chance and help them with advice. He used to say to them, just because your CD is in the store doesn’t mean you get to stop working now.”

Nave was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music, from jazz and classic soul to the most current pop artists. Nave was always seen on the music floor of 7th Heaven helping a customer locate an obscure mixtape or assisting a person in figuring out the name of a song with only a handful of lyrics.

Though Beach hadn’t seen Nave in years, he will always cherish their long talks and many laughs.

“It was like a family up there, and Greg was like everybody’s fun uncle. You could have fun with him but you can also get that wisdom from him because he was an elder,” he says.

Nave will long be remembered as one of the first faces you saw when you entered and more than likely the first person to greet you and ask if you needed help. With his welcoming demeanor, Nave made anyone’s visit memorable. Jen Schantz, who worked for 7th Heaven for 11 years, always wondered about his ability to connect with anyone and believes he’s the reason so many people returned to the store regularly.

“He was a man who never met a stranger,” says Schantz. “Every time I saw him he was smiling. He was always making everyone laugh and was the go-to person for anyone who needed anything.”

Starting as a cashier and working her way up to store manager, Schantz says that Nave was always a person she could depend on for sage advice.

“He was such a good listener, which is such a rare trait in most people. He was always checking on people and just conscious of people’s mood and went out of his way to take care of people,” she says.

Many people posted heartfelt sadness over losing such a beloved figure:

“You will be missed Greg Nave. 7th Heaven wont be the same without you.”

“This one hurt. Such a good, humble and solid brotha.”

“Bro always had good energy and a good spirit whenever I’ve dealt with him doing business with @7thheaven Record Shop.”

“Going to miss my Bro RIP Greg Nave.”

“Such a great man, this really makes me sad. My go to music guy when I needed something.”

Thompson believes that 7th Heaven lost more than an employee when Nave died.

“He was really like the heart and soul of the business,” says Thompson. “He was the person who everyone knew and he knew everyone who was a regular by name. He really made people feel like the store was a second home.”

Other remembrances

Windolyn Smith

Windolyn Smith, teacher and mother, died March 5. She was 75.

Smith was born in Hope, Arkansas, in 1947 to Winston Watson and Georgia Beene, and moved to Kansas City at the age of 7. Smith graduated from Central High School in 1965, where she became involved in various activities, such as American Field Service and the National Honors Society. She also joined the NAACP Youth Council, participating in marches and protests.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at Kansas Wesleyan University and master’s and education specialist degrees at University of Missouri-Kansas City. She joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Smith worked for Kansas City Public Schools for 43 years as a teacher, instructional coach and reading specialist.

She married her high school sweetheart, Frederick Smith, in 1969. The couple had one son, Derrick Smith. In addition, they enjoyed adventures such as traveling, playing golf and riverboat shows.

Smith is survived by her husband, Frederick; son, Derrick Omari; a grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Theodore Hightower Jr.

Theodore Hightower Jr., factory worker and contractor, died Feb 12. He was 85.

Hightower was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Roosevelt and Palsetta Hightower in 1938. The family moved to Kansas City, where Hightower graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956.

In 1959, Hightower married Evelyn Ford. They enjoyed 61 years together and had three daughters before her death in 2020.

Remembered by his family as a hardworking and loving father, Hightower worked for General Motors for 25 years. Even after his retirement, Hightower found himself working, finding a new passion as a real estate contractor.

He enjoyed nature-based vacations such as hunting, fishing, and boating.

He is survived by his daughters Sharron McDuffie, Terri Johnson and Tammy Spight, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.