Died On This Date (December 15, 2011) Bob Brookmeyer / Notable Jazz Trombonist

Bob Brookmeyer
December 19, 1929 – December 15, 2011

Bob Brookmeyer was an American jazz musician, arranger and composer who is most often remembered for his contributions to Gerry Mulligan’s Quartet during the late ’50s.  He went on to work with the likes of Jimmy Giuffre, Clark Terry, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis.  In later years, Brookmeyer taught jazz composition at the New England Conservator of Music.  In 2006, he released Spirit Music which was nominated for a Grammy.  Bob Brookmeyer was 81 when he passed away on December 15, 2011.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.

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New Works - Bob Brookmeyer

Died On This Date (October 30, 2011) George Rountree / Four Tops Musical Director

George Rountree
May 13, 1950 – October 30,2011

George Rountree is perhaps best remembered as the long time music director for legendary Motown group, the Four Tops.  For over 30 years, Rountree helped the quartet deliver its best possible sound to adoring fans around the world.  He also served as their arranger, composer, and keyboardist from time to time.  Throughout the years, Rountree also performed with the likes of Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Temptations, Martha Reeves, and Frankie Valli, to name a few.  George Rountree was 61 when he passed away on October 30, 2011.  Cause of death was not immediately released.



Died On This Date (October 16, 2011) Pete Rugolo / Jazz Composer & Arranger

Pietro Rugolo
December 25, 1915 – October 16, 2011

Pete Rugolo was an Italian born American jazz composer and arranger who, over a career that spanned over five decades worked on albums by the likes of June Christy, Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Mel Torme, and Stan Kenton.  Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Rugolo focused primarily on television, helping create music for such TV programs as Leave It To Beaver, The Fugitive, Run For Your Life, and many others.  He also arranged and composed music for several films up until his retirement in the late ’90s.  Pete Rugolo was 95 when he passed away on October 16, 2011.

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Died On This Date (September 6, 2012) Wardell Quezergue / New Orleans R&B Legend

Wardell Quezergue
March 12, 1930 – September 6, 2011

Photo by Chris Granger

Wardell Quezergue was without a doubt one of the most important figures in New Orleans R&B for the better part of the last 60 years. It was during the ’40s that Quezergue began making his mark on the music world as a member of Dave Bartholomew’s band.  After a stint in the Army band in Korea, he settled back in New Orleans where he formed his own group and label, and began arranging pieces for the likes of Fats Domino and Professor Longhair.  As Quezergue’s reputation as an arranger and producer grew, so did the list of artists who wanted to employ his services.  Over the year’s that list grew to include the likes of the Dixie Cups (“Iko Iko”), Jean Knight (“Mr. Big Stuff”), Aaron Neville, Paul Simon, the Spinners, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Dr. John for whom he produced and arranged the Grammy-winning Goin’ Back To New Orleans.  Sadly, Quezergue lost most of his possessions to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but a fund-raiser by many leading musicians helped him get back on his feet.   Wardell Quezergue was 81 when he died of congestive heart failure on September 6, 2011.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus of the Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.

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Wardell Quezergue

Died On This Date (July 26, 2011) Frank Foster / American Jazz Sax Great

Frank Foster
September 23, 1928 – July 26, 2011

Frank Foster was a jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger who is most often associated with Count Basie for whom he played for many years.  Foster learned to play the sax and other wind instruments at a young age, and after going to college and serving in Korea for the U.S. Army, Foster joined the Count Basie Orchestra where he stayed for the next two decades.   While in Basie’s employ, Foster also arranged many of his songs.  That list includes “Shiny Stockings,” “Down For The Count,” and “Blues Backstage.”  During the ’70s, Foster went off to play with Elvin Jones, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, and Jimmy Smith.  He rejoined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1986 and remained until 1995.  Throughout his career, Foster also released numerous of his own albums for such prestigious labels as Blue Note, Savoy, and Concord.  He also won two Grammys, and in 2002, he was awarded the Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment of the Arts.  In 2001, Foster suffered a stroke which left him unable to play, but he continued on as a band leader, composer, and arranger for many years to come.  On July 26, 2011, Frank Foster passed away peacefully in his sleep.  He was 82.

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Leo Rising - Frank Foster