Obituary News

Russ Freeman: Important West Coast Pianist Dies at 76

Source: All About Jazz

Born May 28, 1926, Pianist Russ Freeman (full name Russell Donald Freeman) was best known for his work with trumpeter Chet Baker and drummer Shelly Manne in the 1950s. Although born in Chicago, he did most of his playign and recording in Los Angeles (although he did record with Serge Chaloff in Boston in 1954). He worked with most if not all of the major West Coast jazz names, including Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, ...

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Billboard Editor In Chief Timothy White Dies

Source: All About Jazz

Timothy White, Billboard's editor in chief and a giant of music journalism, died suddenly today in New York. He was 50.

White apparently suffered a heart attack after returning to the Billboard offices from lunch with a long-time friend. He was unable to be revived after being rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. White leaves behind his wife, Judy, and their 10-year-old twin sons, Christopher and Alexander.

White's sudden passing left the Billboard offices in a ...

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Gwen Cleveland Jazz/Gospel Vocalist Dead

Source: All About Jazz

Gwen Cleveland (vocalist) who was known for her hard driving blues died on June 7th, 2002 after suffering illness. Funeral Services were held at Quinn-Fogarty Funeral Home in Flushing, New York on Wednesday, June 12th, 2002. Reverend Dale. R. Lind, conducted services. Many top musicians showed up to pay their respects some of which included Walter Perkins,Walter Kelly,Ulysses Slaughter,Ed Stoute, John Dooley,bass,Hank Johnson,and many others.

GWEN CLEVELAND January 10th, 1929 - June 7th, 2002

Gwen Cleveland was laid to rest ...

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Jazz Vibist, Ray Alexander Dead From Complications of Surgery

Source: All About Jazz

Jazz Vibist Ray Alexander died on Saturday, June 8th, 2002 at 7:05 A.M. after suffering from complications of surgery. There also will be a memorial event at Five Towns College on July 21, 2002 at 1:00P.M. to 6:00P.M. where he taught music. Five Towns College is located on Long Island, New York. Photo and tribute to Ray Alexander also has been posted on the website of “Jazzbone Records" http://www.jazzbonerecords.com A link also to Ray's website is also provided where you ...

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Shirley Scott: Leading Lady of Soul Jazz

Source: All About Jazz

Shirley Scott was a leading figure in one of the most popular of all jazz movements, the off-shoot of hard bop known as soul jazz. The style was led by Hammond organ players like Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff, and although her initial ambition was to succeed on piano, Scott established her reputation on the Hammond B3 alongside these titans. She developed her own distinctive approach to the instrument. Despite her slight build, she was a ...

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Cuban Jazz Pioneer Dead at 90

Source: All About Jazz

According to several official Cuban news organizations, Armando Romeu died on March 11, of a heart attack. He was 90 years old and one of the Jazz pioneers of the world.

This saxophonist, teacher, composer, arranger and band leader, born July 17, 1911, was involved with seminal groups until becoming Director of the Tropicana orchestra in 1942. As early as 1926, he was playing Jazz with North American groups in Cuba, eventually doing so with his own group throughout South ...

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Shirley Scott, 67, a Philadelphia native and "Queen of the Organ"

Source: All About Jazz

Shirley Scott, 67, the Philadelphia-born “Queen of the Organ" known for her crisp sense of swing, died Sunday at Presbyterian Medical Center after a long battle with heart disease.

Though she spent decades as one of the most visible and beloved members of the Philadelphia jazz community, Ms. Scott, who lived in West Chester, made headlines most recently as a litigant.

In February 2000, she won an $8 million settlement against American Home Products, manufacturers of the now-banned diet drug ...

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Daniel Pearl-the jazz musician

Source: All About Jazz

DANIEL WAS A PEARL

Yes, Daniel Pearl was a gem of a person. A real gentleman and probably the sweetest soul on earth. I met Daniel for the first time at 'Soul Fry' a restaurant in Mumbai where i played with my jazz ensemble. This lone gentleman seated on a barstool stood out from the crowd in the house that evening. Daniel was listening to us with childlike awe. I knew he was a musician. I spoke to him in ...

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