Hui Yen Sam Louie 雷煦然先生
August 19, 1930 – March 12, 2025
Sam Louie was more than the owner of Grossman’s—he was its beating heart, the quiet force that kept the music alive in a world where venues disappear by the day. He understood what it meant to create a space where the blues could thrive, where musicians found a stage, and where regulars became family. Keeping a club like Grossman’s going was a lifelong devotion, a testament to the love of music, community, and tradition.
My own family spent decades doing the same, pouring everything into preserving the blues and supporting the community, and when they passed that torch to Sam and his family, they knew it was in the right hands. He – along with the entire Louie family – honoured the past while shaping the future, proving that live music was all about connection. He fought to keep that spirit alive, even as the world changed around him.
Grossman’s Tavern is a sanctuary, a place where the weight of the world lifted with every note played. Sam and his family made sure of that. They greeted you with warmth, made sure you felt welcome, and always kept the music front and centre. It takes a rare kind of person to carry that weight for as long as he did – look around, there’s not many venues left.
He fought, not just for himself, but for his family, his club, and the generations of musicians who found their home on his stage. He understood the success of Grossman’s Tavern is about the people, the stories, the moments that linger long after the band packs up for the night.
Toronto has lost a legend, but Sam’s presence will never fade from Grossman’s, just like my own family is etched into the walls (some would say you might have scratch a few layers of cigarette smoke to get to it, though.) His story, his legacy, and the music he protected will continue to echo through the bar, through every performance, every hang, and every person that walks through those doors.
Rest easy, Sam. The blues will keep playing for you.
