COVID-19 -- April 3, 2020

COVID-19 continues to take its toll.  New Orleans pianist and teacher, Ellis Marsalis, Jr, father of musicians Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason, has died from COVID-19 caused pneumonia.

Trumpeter Wallace Roney, who studied with Miles Davis has died.

Adam Schlesinger, member of Fountains of Wayne and one of the composers of "Stacy's Mom," died of complications from COVID-19.

Bill Withers, whose songs have always moved me, died, but of heart disease rather than something related to COVID-19.

I'm afraid I will have to continue to update this list.

Today should have been opening day for the Giants.

Churches are closed.  Restaurants are closed, except for take-out or delivery.

Joe Williams 100, Grover Washington, Jr 75 -- December 12, 2018

Singer Big Joe Williams was born 100 years ago today, on 12-December-1918.  He sang with Lionel Hampton in the 1940s and Count Basie in the 1950s.  He had a powerful voice.







Christmas is coming.


Sax player Grover Washington, Jr was born 75 years ago today, on 12-December-1943. He often played jazz-funk. "Just the Two of Us" with Bill Withers was a big crossover hit.







Both Joe Williams and Grover Washington, Jr died in 1999.