Ann-Rabson-Obituary

Ann Rabson

Obituary

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Pianist and vocalist Ann Rabson, co-founder of the trio Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, has died in Virginia after a battle with cancer.

Alligator Records says Rabson died Wednesday in Fredericksburg. She was 67.

Rabson recorded eight albums with Saffire and one solo CD for Alligator Records, and three solo albums for other labels. A barrelhouse blues pianist, Rabson was also a songwriter and guitarist.

The native New Yorker moved to Fredericksburg in 1971 where she gave music lessons on the side. She and one of her students, Gaye Adegbalola, decided to perform together, launching what eventually would be Saffire. Andra Faye McIntosh rounded out the trio.

The trio disbanded in 2009 after 25 years of performing.

Rabson is survived by her husband, George Newman, her daughter and a granddaughter.


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I'm so glad I got see her perform at the King Biscuit Festival last fall. I can't count the times her music made me smile.

Thank-you Ann for sharing your talent. I saw you at the Casino in CT a few times & always enjoyed Saffire-the Uppity Blues Ladies. I still love to listen to the tapes I purchased. I was just listening to you on you-tube & that how I found out about your passing. May you rest in peace. Rock it in heaven. :) S Biondo, St Louis, MO

My sincere condolences to Ann's family. Ann -Thank you for the excellent music,friendship and inspiration you gave to all of us. I shall miss making music & laughing with you. I know some where you & the piano are playing up a storm with the Blues & Boogie Woogie "Greats" as you are! God I miss you.

My sincere condolences to your family. Thank you for your inspiration to my daughters and me,and sharing your gift with us Ann! Love your music!! We had the pleasure of seeing you in concert a few times and always left uplifted and laughing! You will be truly missed, but never forgotten. RIP

Thank you Ann for showing your beautiful heart and music, you will be missed!!

So sorry to hear of the loss of a great blueswoman. My sincerest sympathies to all her friends, family and loved ones. She will be sorely missed, but her music will live on.

To the loved ones of Ms. Rabson, I am truely sorry for your loss. She touched my heart with laughter with her music. She was a talent that will be missed greatly.