COVID-19 has had its pick of millions of lives across the world, on this lockdown anniversary we remember some of the musical talent that succumbed to the virus.
We have compiled a playlist in their honour to commemorate the way their musical genius has touched our lives.
This playlist will also be featured on Colin’s Evergreen’s Soul and Jazz this Sunday, exclusive to Kaya 959.
Henry Grimes – Lonesome Lover (Taken from Billy Taylor’s Custom Taylored)
Philadelphia-born bassist Henry Grimes, died April 15 2020 at the age of 84. His wife Margaret Grimes confirmed the cause of his death to be attributed to complications from COVID-19.
Marcelo Peralta – Chovendo Na Roseira
The jazz world has suffered its first COVID-19 casualty on 10 March 2020 when Marcelo Peralta, an Argentine saxophonist died at a hospital in Madrid, Spain, six days after turning 59.
Lee Konitz – Thingin
Saxophonist Lee Konitz, died at 92 from complications of Covid-19. Konitz sounded like a jazz player from a different habitat entirely – a man immersed in contemplation more than impassioned tumult, a patient explorer of fine-tuned nuances.
Ellis Marsalis – Mo’better Blues
Jazz pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis, died at the age of 85 of COVID-19 complications.
He reportedly went into the hospital over a weekend with symptoms of pneumonia. His son Branford confirmed his cause of death was complications from COVID-19.
Bootsie Barnes – Quasimodo’s Uncle
Bootsie Barnes, a tenor saxophonist, and bandleader died at the age of 82.
His wife, poet Sandra Turner-Barnes, said the cause was the coronavirus.
Wallace Roney – Don’t Stop Me Now
Trumpeter Wallace Roney, died March 31 at the age of 59 due to complications from COVID-19.
“I am saddened to confirm that the iconic trumpeter and jazz legend Wallace Roney passed away due to complications of COVID-19 this morning just before noon,” publicist Lydia Liebman wrote in a press release.
Manu Dibango – Besoka on Salsa
The African saxophone icon Manu Dibango died in Paris after contracting COVID-19. Best known for his 1972 his Soul Makossa, he was 86 when he died.
Bucky Pizzarelli – A Beautiful Friendship
Bucky Pizzarelli died a few days after testing positive with Covid-19. The guitarist worked with many fine musicians in jazz, popular and classical music and left behind an extensive recorded legacy.
Aurlus Mabele – Femme Ivoirienne
Congolese music star Aurlus Mabele died aged 67. According to media reports, he developed complications arising from a stroke and coronavirus infection.
The shocking news of Mabele’s death was announced by his daughter Liza Monet on her social media account.
“My dad died of coronavirus this morning [Thursday night] … Thank you for honoring his memory. He is a great legend of the Soukouss that the Congolese people are losing today. I am inconsolable and collapsed. My dad whom I love so much … Aurlus Mabele,” Liza posted on her Twitter account.
