Elvin Jones Very Ill

[cgarges]

Not to spread vicious internet runors or anything, but did anybody see this or know anything about it?

http://www.patmethenygroup.com/pmg/foru ... bNum=12573

Man, it bummed me out.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[chetatkinsdiet]

Yeah, I saw this a few days ago on RMMP. It's really sad to see our favs go. Higgins a few years back, Buddy, now Elvin isn't doing well. It's really a shame to think that the drummer in Bang Tango probably made more money than Elvin Jones. (No offense to the Bang Tango guys, that was just the first random 80s metal band that came to mind). Guys like Elvin and the others that shaped not only jazz, but music in the 50s-60s are a national treasure. It's a shame that the Smithsonian or some other heritage society can't step in with proper insurance coverage. Heck, forget that...why can't some very wealthy musicians step in and help out. Who knows...aging and mortality...we've all probably got relatives or know someone that does, that's gone through this. Grandparents or great-grandparents that didn't have proper medical insurance to take care of themselves. It's just a shame when it's someone that's touched so many of us like these guys.
Elvin's in my thoughts,
m

[mikesmodern]

Having dialogue about jazz, maybe the most soul quenching music in the world, on forums like this one, would help the problem a little bit.

[Rigsby]

It's very sad. You have to respect his wife for allowing him what he wants if he is indeed on his last legs rather than trying to prolong his life, she must really and truly adore him. I guess as well as being quite a drummer, he must be quite a man.

[cgarges]

His wife has always been sort of supportive and "managerial." She has been setting up and tearing down his drums for years.

I got the very fortunate chance to meet him in Nashville about 7 or 8 years ago. He was an incredibly warm and friendly man, soft-spoken, with big, powerful hands. It was like shaking hands with a brick. He signed my copy of "A Love Supreme," saying over and over agian, "Man, this is a beautiful album... a beautiful, beautiful album." I was like, "Yeah, man, you don't have to tell me!"

I've known for some time that this would happen. Elvin was my first real bebop hero. It makes me sad. Really, really sad.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[goldenarmes]

man, i am so bummed to hear this. elvin is my favorite musician of all time. i really dont have words to describe how the music he created radically altered my life. ive never seen him live. he was to play a gig here in san diego a few years back but had to cancel due to an injury or health problem...i was bummed, i talked a friend of mine into booking the show and she was so cool she did it anyways ....im so bummed

[percussion boy]

I remember seeing the documentary about him ("Different Drummer"). He was very clear about the choices he's made and and the value of what he was doing.

I don't ever want him to go, but at least he knows his life has been meaningful -- how many people can say that?

[EasyGo]

That's really sad. EJ is one of the true living legends. I got to see him on tour in the early 90s, and it was a religious awakening of sorts.

Not only has he played on some of the greatest records in jazz, he's gotta be the biggest influence on Mitch Mitchell.

Sad

[supafuzz]

yeah I also heard from one of his longtime friends..that Ray charles is really sick..jeez!!

[schnozzle]

I saw him speak at a Cal Arts graduation years ago, like in 1996 or something. His speech was: "My Mama always told me I talked too much, so I'll just play." Then he sat down and played like a 15-minute drum solo. It was awesome.