Detroit musician remembered 1 year after being murdered Christmas Eve

It was this week one year ago a Detroit musician stopped at store while on his way to deliver Christmas presents to his kids and was shot and killed in a robbery.

Gone but not forgotten Detroit pays tribute to world renowned bass player Anthony Tolson.

It's a cold night but hearts are made warm inside 1917 American Bistro in northwest Detroit where family, friends and even strangers are celebrating the life of slain bassist Anthony Tolson.

"I'm so happy so many people turned out to help celebrate his life," said Allison Tolson, his mother. "Just to enjoy the music, have a good time and show that we remember him in a loving way for the loving person that he was."

Tolson was gunned down on Christmas Eve last year. The three men responsible are behind bars.

Tolson had just finished playing bass at a church service and was driving to see his three kids on Detroit's eastside when he was killed.

FOX 2 spoke with two of them, now celebrating their second Christmas without their dad.

"One of the memories is my dad used to play Little Mermaid for me every Christmas Eve," said his daughter, Amber Tolson.

"Through his gift, through his talent, through his music, through his friendships, through his family, he leaves a legacy and we're here to just celebrate a life," said a musician to the crowd.

Tolson, an accomplished musician, toured with singers like Ne-Yo, J. Moss and rapper Jeezy.

Tolson's 13-year-old son Aaron is following in his dad's footsteps.

"I play cello, violin, piano and I'm trying to learn how to play steel drum," he said.

Two bands Tolson performed with, 313 Live Experience and Enchanted, played at American Bistro Monday night.

Owner-chef Don Studvent says Tolson performed here often.

"I know him, I know him very well, great guy," Studvent said. "He's missed but he still lives on. Look at this, and this is just the beginning of it. We have more musicians and more people coming. We're going to be here for a while."

Another tribute Tuesday night at the legendary Baker's Keyboard Lounge. Tolson played there often.