Gordon-Powell-Obituary

Gordon "Specs" Powell

Obituary

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jazz drummer Gordon "Specs" Powell, who recorded with Billie Holiday and played for "The Ed Sullivan Show" as part of the CBS network orchestra, has died. He was 85.

Powell, who died Saturday of complications from kidney disease, also had heart trouble. He died at a care center near his home in the northern San Diego County suburb of San Marcos, according to his son, Ted Smith.

Powell began his career doubling as a pianist, but rose to fame as a drummer during the swing era and became a fixture on the 52nd Street jazz scene in New York.

In 1943, he was hired by CBS, becoming one of the first black musicians to play for a national network.

Powell was a versatile percussionist who carried a kit filled with castanets, clickers and other noisemakers he referred to as his "bag of tricks."

Powell was born in New York on June 5, 1922.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press


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Not sure what to say?

Mr. Powell, after reading more in the comment section, I learned, was only 21 years old when he started playing for the Ed Sullivan Show, in the early 1940s.

What a TRAILBLAZING Genius! RIP..... both you and my Friend, your uber talented daughter, Tina Allen.

Both of you are sorely missed, and though Tina always referred to me as the other Peggy, hopefully one day we will meet....... Peggy (smile).

And, of course,,Tina LOVED THE BOTH of you two so much, and...

Chilling to see her make an entry in May and depart in Sept. I worked with Tina on "Black Focus" and saw her in Vegas at the unveiling in 2000.

It's chilling to see Tina's comment in May 2008 and her departure in December.

I was lucky enough to work with Specs in recording studios during the late 60s, and can't tell you what confidence it gave a young arranger/conductor to know that the percussion section was always under control! Unfailingy cheerful, professional and humble, despite his virtuosity, he was a joy to work with. Although we were not close friends, I do remember one wonderful afternoon spent at his apartment in NY. It was at that time that he stressed upon me the importance of being "a...

I MISS YOU DAD, I MISS YOU DAD

I remember my mother, Maxine Sullivan taking me to his home in 1949 to a barbeque in New York. I was 4 years old and his daughter Donna was a little younger. We along with other children played with his xylophone and other percussion instruments. Attending this party was a very young Sydney Portier. My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Powell made it possible for other African American musicians to get into the studios. I have seen him recently on reruns of, "What's My Line,"...

We offer our sincere condolences on the lost of 'Specs' Powell. We truly loved 'Specs'. What we found to be most interesting was his humbleness, considering his influences in the music industry. We continue to say a special prayer for the family.