Obituary News

Louie Bellson

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
February 19, 2009

What to add to the hundreds of tributes to Louie Bellson in the wake of his death last weekend? The outpouring of accolades emphasizes what anyone who ever encountered him knows: he was full of warmth, generosity and the largest available portion of human spirit. Dozens of obituaries are quoting Duke Ellington's assessment of Bellson as not only the world's greatest drummer but the world's greatest musician. There are excellent obits by Howard Reich in the Chicago Tribune, Nate Chinen ...

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Louie Bellson (1924-2009)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
February 17, 2009

Louie Bellson, one of the last headline drummers of the big band era whose twin bass drums and high-energy beat-keeping thrilled audiences and powered orchestras ranging from Benny Goodman to Duke Ellington, died on February 14. He was 84 and had been recovering at home from a broken hip.

Considered a swing drummer, Louie's style was less pronounced than Gene Krupa's and Buddy Rich's but could be equally bombastic and showy. Louie had a different sort of vigor than other ...

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Louie Bellson: Duke Ellington Called Him "The World's Greatest Drummer"

Source: Michael Ricci
February 17, 2009

Louie Bellson, performing at the Olympic Jazz Festival in 1984, was widely respected for his technical skill, refined rhythms and ability to adapt to various genres. “Not only is Louie Bellson the world’s greatest drummer . . . he’s the world’s greatest musician!" Duke Ellington once said of his former bandmate.

Louie Bellson, a jazz drummer and bandleader who combined remarkable instrumental virtuosity with far-ranging compositional skills, has died. He was 84. According to his wife Francine, Bellson died Saturday ...

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Louie Bellson Dies at 84

Source: All About Jazz
February 16, 2009

We regret to announce the unexpected passing of Louie Bellson on February 14, 2009. Tenative plans are for an L.A. area funeral, followed by funeral and burial in Moline, Illinois, his boyhood home. Details forthcoming. Condolences and cards to: Mrs. Louie Bellson c/o Remo, Inc. 28101 Industry Drive Valencia, CA 91355

About Louie Bellson One of the world’s greatest drummers, Louie Bellson has been an exciting crowd pleaser for over ...

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Estelle Bennett a Life of Troubles Followed a Singer's Burst of Fame

Source: Michael Ricci
February 16, 2009

She was the quiet Ronette, the one people called the prettiest, the one who was content to remain in the shadow of her younger sister, Ronnie, because even in the shadow there’s still some spotlight.

Ms. Bennett, who died last week, struggled with anorexia and schizophrenia, and was sometimes homeless.

For a few years in the mid-1960s Estelle Bennett lived a girl-group fairy tale, posing for magazine covers with her fellow Ronettes and dating the likes of George Harrison and ...

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Joe Cuba NYC Salsa Band Leader Dies

Source: All About Jazz
February 16, 2009

Salsa band leader Joe Cuba, dubbed the “Father of Latin Boogaloo" for weaving a fluid, bilingual mix of musical influences, died Sunday in New York City, a member of his group said. He was 78.

The musician, a friend and contemporary of the late salsa giant Tito Puente, died from complications of a persistent bacterial infection at Mount Sinai Medical Center a day after doctors disconnected his life support, said Cheo Feliciano, a longtime friend and singer in the Joe ...

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Gerry Niewood

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
February 16, 2009

Portland, Oregon - At the Portland Jazz Festival between concerts and after hours, much of the talk among musicians is about the death of Gerry Niewood. The saxophonist was one of 50 people who died in a plane crash Thursday night near Buffalo, New York. He and guitarist Coleman Mellett were on their way to Buffalo to perform with Chuck Mangione's band. Mellett was also killed in the crash.

Niewood was a childhood friend of Mangione. He and the trumpeter played ...

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Coleman Mellett One of Fifty Varied Lives Ended on a Cold Foggy Night

Source: Michael Ricci
February 14, 2009

A mere sampling of the musicians and law students, parents and pilots on the flight were among the 50 people who died at roughly 10:20 p.m. Thursday when the 74-seat commuter plane plummeted to earth.

It hit a home in the quiet hamlet of Clarence Center as it approached Buffalo Niagara International Airport a few miles away, killing all 49 on board and one in the home.

It was perhaps not the most glamorous of destinations, or the most luxurious ...

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