David Whitaker was an English orchestral arranger and composer whose impact left on pop music as well. Over the course of his lengthy career, he worked with the likes of Lee Hazlewood, Simply Red, the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, and Serge Gainsbourg. David Whitaker passed away on January 11, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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.
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.
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.
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.