Died On This Date (October 8, 2011) Piet Noordijk / Respected Dutch Saxophonist

Piet Noordijk
May 26, 1932 – October 8, 2011

Piet Noordijk was a respected Dutch saxophonist who, over a career that stretched several decades played in both orchestras and big bands.  The list of groups he played with includes the Skymasters, Malando, the Ramblers, and the Metropole Orchestra.  In 1965, Noordijk was presented with the Boy Edgar Prize, the highest achievement for a Dutch jazz musician, and in 1987, he won the Bird Award which is also bestowed upon only the best in his field.  He went on to win other awards as well. Over the course of his career, Noordijk is known to have played with the likes of Nina Simone, Dexter Gordon, Toots Thielemans, and Wynton Marsalis.  Piet Noordijk was 79 when he passed away on October 8, 2011.

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

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Swinging With Strings (Live At the Bimhuis Amsterdam) - Piet Noordijk & The String & Rhythm Section of The Metropole Orchestra

Died On This Date (May 25, 1994) Eric Gale / Jazz Guitarist

Eric Gale
September 20, 1938 – May 25, 1994

galeEric Gale was a jazz guitarist whose skills made him one of the most in-demand session players, appearing on some 500 albums.  Those he recorded with include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Nina SimoneLena Horne, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Grover Washington Jr., Jesse Belvin, and Carly Simon.  He died of cancer on May 25, 1994.

 

Died On This Date (April 21, 2003) Nina Simone / Iconic Jazz Singer

Nina Simone
February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003

Nina Simone was a vocalist whose style defied categorization. She might have been a jazz singer to one, but another would call her soul. To another, gospel, and yet to another, R&B. but above all, she was just great, having been nominated for a Grammy 15 times. With over 40 studio and live albums to her credit, and as a civil rights activist, she made an indelible contribution to African-American culture. Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys have all cited her as a major influence. Simone passed away in her home on April 21, 2003 after a long illness.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Nina Simone

Died On This Date (December 28, 1952) Fletcher Henderson / Jazz Great

Fletcher Henderson
December 18, 1897 – December 28, 1952

Fletcher Henderson was a respected big band and swing jazz pianist, composer and band leader.  During a career that began in the early ’20s, Henderson lead bands that included the likes of Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, Sun Ra and Benny Carter.  As a composer, his most famous song was “Gin House Blues,” which found itself recorded by Bessie Smith and Nina Simone among others.  As an arranger, he was responsible for key recordings by Benny Goodman and others.  In 1950, Fletcher Henderson suffered a stroke that left him unable to play the piano.  He passed away two years later.