Obituary News

Micky Correa - Big Band Leader - Bombay Jazzman 1913-2011

Source: Susheel Kurien
September 24, 2011

Micky Correa- The Sultan of Swing from Bombay, India passed away on September 22nd 2011 He would have turned 98 on September 26. Micky's career was almost legendary, with a longevity that is cherished both by his fans in Bombay, and those who got to know him from visits to the Taj Hotel, where he was resident for almost 25 years. His musicianship continued well into his life, maintaining a loyal student following through the last months of his life. ...

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Frank Driggs, 1930-2011

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
September 23, 2011

Frank Driggs, a tireless jazz researcher and historian who collected photographs familiar to millions, died this week at the age of 81. In the1950s as a producer for Columbia Records, Driggs oversaw the organizing and reissuing of historically important recordings by Billie Holiday, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington and Gene Krupa. In 1991, he won a Grammy for Robert Johnson, The Complete Recordings, the recorded work of the seminal blues singer and guitarist. He began documenting the history of jazz at ...

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Jazz Trumpeter and Mentor Chuck Miller Dies

Source: Donald Harris
September 21, 2011

The Jazz World Says Farewell To Another Music Legend Former UNO Adjunct Professor of Black Studies Charles (Chuck) Miller, widely respected for his musical talent and dedication to Omaha's “at risk" youth, passed away on Saturday, September 17, at a local hospital. Chuck Miller was mentor to many of Omaha's finest musicians. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Omaha Black Music and Community Hall of Fame in July, for his many musical accomplishments and community work. Music ...

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Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (1936-2011): An Appreciation

Source: Something Else!
September 17, 2011

Willie “Big Eyes" Smith, a former sideman with Muddy Waters who became a Grammy-winning performer in his own right, has died. A new message on his Web site reads: “We are deeply saddened to report that Willie “Big Eyes" Smith passed away early the morning of September 16, 2011 at his home in Chicago from a stroke. All arrangements are pending and information will be forthcoming." Smith, born in Helena, Ark, on January 19, 1936, was raised by sharecropper grandparents. ...

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Graham Collier, 1937-2011

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
September 12, 2011

raham Collier died last night at home in Greece. A British composer, author and bandleader on the forward edge of modern music, Collier was 74. Early reports are that he succumbed suddenly to a massive heart attack or stroke. From the announcement by Birmingham Jazz: Graham Collier had a major influence on British jazz, being one of the first contemporary jazz composers to write extended works for a large ensemble, and one of the first jazz people to receive commissions ...

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Legendary R&B Songwriting Team Gamble & Huff on the Passing of Jerry Leiber

Source: Randex Communications
August 26, 2011

Leon Huff played piano on numerous Leiber & Stoller classics From Leon Huff: “Jerry Lieber was a great inspiration and was vital to the start of my songwriting career. I also had the fortunate opportunity to play piano on many Leiber & Stoller recording sessions as a musician in the early days. When I had dreams of being a producer, I met Leiber & Stoller in the Brill Building when they called me to play on 'Boy From New York ...

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Statement from Gamble & Huff of Passing of Nick Ashford

Source: Randex Communications
August 26, 2011

Joint Statement from Legendary R&B Production Team Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff on Passing of Nick Ashford of Legendary Songwriting Duo Ashford & Simpson

Ashford produced Gamble & Huff smash “I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" for Motown; Ashford & Simpson were key link between Motown Sound and Sound of Philadelphia

Philadelphia: “Nick Ashford was truly one of our favorite songwriting colleagues and producers. He and Valerie Simpson had a major impact on Gamble & Huff's songwriting career, as Nick ...

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Jerry Leiber (1933-2011)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 24, 2011

Lyricist Jerry Leiber died on Monday at age 78. As I write in  today's Wall Street Journal (go here), Leiber was the first major wordsmith of the rock 'n' roll era, composing hundreds of songs with writing partner Mike Stoller starting in 1952. His list of hits includes Hound Dog, Kansas City, Jailhouse Rock, Love Potion #9, Stand By Me and Peggy Lee's “Brill meets Weill" opus, Is That All There Is? What made Leiber special was a deep, passionate ...

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