Condolences

For all the special musicians who have gone to that better place, your memories will live forever.

I am posting here today because I miss my friend, Luther DeJarunett. I hope I'm posting in the right place. I miss him dearly and need to vent my pain at not being able to dial his number and hear his voice, which I did often.

 

For the past few years I have been somewhat preoccupied and have not kept in touch with many people, but he was one of the few that I stayed in contact with. He was someone who was always ready to lend an ear, always there when I needed someone to talk to. There were times when he could not get out and about and I didn't mind doing whatever I could to help him as well.

 

When I heard of his death two days ago, I thought I got the information wrong so I began calling people, hoping that a mistake had been made...then I went to his Facebook page and the reality hit me...a day late. I had just talked to him two days before. He was planning to do his next gig, an annual fundraiser that he looked forward to every year with the Tim Stevens Project. He had a bad cold and said he was going to get some rest.

I talked to one of his long time friends, Michelle, this morning who advised me to try not to be upset and that folks were taking care of the burial/ceremonial plans. I talked to his neighbor (he found him) who also assured me that everything is being taken care of and that relatives who live outside of Pittsburgh have been contacted. One is a nurse, fortunately. There are questions to be answered.

What Luther and I had in common was an inability to sleep sometimes. From the beginning of our friendship he was one that I called and I was one that he called at ANY time, night or day. He talked about not wanting to die alone...not wanting to die soon and that is exactly what happened. As time passed and I took on another 'life assignment', we didn't talk as long or as much at night, but I kept in touch with him on a regular basis. I miss him so much and I am angry at what has happened to him. I know that I am supposed to be accepting, since there isn't a damn thing to be done now, but that is not happening. I am restless and I think that his spirit must be, also.

I am in Houston now and unfortunately won't be there for the service, so I'll continue to be in contact with those who are 'in the mix' right now. Luther was a fantastic musician, a wonderful person and I miss him incredibly. I don't know if he is resting in peace though...he's just gone. Too soon. His death was untimely, unexpected and unnecessary. Right now, I need to hear from Butch McGhee and Nelson.

has anyone heard any news about Roland Draft?

Melvin Sparks Dies at 64

Luther was really one of the best, he will be missed.

It is so very important to remember & praise those who have been such an important part of our lives. Very, very important!

I remember when Melvin Sparks first came to Pittsburgh as the replacement for George Benson in the Jack McDuff Quartet at the Hurricane.  I last saw him at the Detroit Jazz Festival in September 2010 backing singer Ernie Andrews along with Louis Hayes, Bobby Watson and an organist.

Imagine the 'joyous noise' . . Luther, Gene, Squirrel, Lena joining Errol, Art, Billy, Dakota and too many others that we have lost. .  representing Pittsburgh! Everytime we loose such a talent, it's like we've lost them all, all over again. 

Alvin (Lou) Brock  has made his Transition

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Alvin (Lou) Brock died Saturday May 28. Lou entertained jazz lovers in and around Pittsburgh for many many years. When you think of Lou you think of Carl's Cork and Keg and the many other places that Lou played.

He is survived by his wife Nadine (Phipps) Brock, Sons Alvin Jr. and David. Daughters Karen and Robin. Brothers Richard and Phillip and Sister Helen

Viewing will be Friday June 3, @ Jones Funeral Home Wylie Ave Pittsburgh PA 15219 from 4PM unitl 8PM

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Will miss Lou Brock

 

Lou Brock will be missed, he seem happiest when he was entertaining and what a true entertainer he was!!

 

I first met Lou when he had The Soul Barons, back in the late 60's.  The man was a mentor without really trying to be.  He taught/showed a lot of us younger musicians in and around Homewood, East Liberity, Hill Disitrict and other locales how to conduct yourself on and off the bandstand.   He showed me what it took to entertain folks of all walks of life and race.   I'll miss that big voice of his.........I'll miss him.  But I'll never forget him!

I will miss you, Lou! Now you'll be singing, having passed, in the Best Place!!

The Pittsburgh music family has lost yet another gifted musician, Lou Brock. Such a talented man with a heart of gold. We will all you miss him. Rest in Peace dear Lou, job well done.

Memorial for Frank Benjamin Foster, III
Born in Cincinnati, OH
Departed on Jul. 26, 2011 and resided in Chesapeake, VA.

Visitation: Monday, Aug. 1, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011
11:00 am
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.







Frank Benjamin Foster, III, 82, of the 1700 block of Woodgrove Street, Chesapeake, VA, passed away from complications due to kidney failure July 26, 2011, in his home.

A native of Cincinnati, OH, he was a professional musician and a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He also was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, VA.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cecilia Ann Foster; three sons, Anthony K. Foster of San Diego, CA, Donald B. Foster of Los Angeles, CA and Frank B. Foster, IV of Chesapeake, VA; a daughter, Andrea J. Innis of Chesapeake, VA; six grandchildren, Marcus and Brian Foster of California, Carl Bennett, Jr. of Chesapeake, VA and Andrew, Cecilia and Raina Innis of Chesapeake, VA; and a host of cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with Pastor Finley O. Jones officiating. The burial will follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1485 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA Monday, August 1, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Jazz Foundation of America. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.