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Nat Hentoff
1925 - 2017
Nat Hentoff
1925 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1925
DIED
2017
Nat Hentoff Obituary
His son, Nick Hentoff, confirmed his death in a tweet. “Sad to report the death of my father tonight at the age of 91," he wrote. "He died surrounded by family listening to Billie Holiday.”
Hentoff was a jazz critic and columnist for the Village Voice for 50 years. He was let go from the paper in 2008. He told NPR at the time that condolences he received from readers afterward were "like reading one's obituary while you're still alive." He continued to write, and over his long career, his articles appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Downbeat magazine.
Hentoff told NPR in an interview in 2010 that he fell in love with jazz at an early age. He said he was hooked as an 11-year-old after hearing the song "Nightmare" by Artie Shaw coming through an open door at a record store. "It just reached inside me. I rushed into the store, 'What was that?'"
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He was born June 10, 1925, in Boston. He started hosting jazz shows on the radio and then became a columnist for Downbeat in 1952. In 1958, he co-founded “The Jazz Review” and began his long stretch working for the Village Voice.
Hentoff was also well-known as a civil libertarian and often wrote about issues such as freedom of speech. He was the author of over 30 books during his career. His novel “The Day They Came To Arrest the Book” in 1982 took on the issue of censorship and the First Amendment.
Hentoff was an early admirer of Bob Dylan, and he wrote the sleeve notes for Dylan’s 1963 album “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.” Hentoff wrote, "Throughout everything he writes and sings, there is the surge of a young man, looking into as many diverse scenes and people as he can find … and of a man looking for himself."
He also wrote the liner notes for albums by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Charles Mingus.
In 2004, Hentoff was the first nonmusician to be named a jazz master by the National Endowment for the Arts. A documentary about his life was released in 2014.
42 Entries
David Stanczak
March 3, 2017
One of my regrets in life is not appreciating who and what Nat was until about 2 years ago. The more I learn about him (I'm enjoying Speaking Freely now), the more I appreciate what a genuine, moral and conscientious human being he was. I'll miss his commentaries (even the ones I disagreed with). My final thought is that, with his passing, heaven is probably a decidedly less tranquil place.
Robert Bragg
February 12, 2017
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
with my Dad
Jessica Hentoff
February 2, 2017
Thank you to all who have posted here. This quote from Laurie Anderson has been resonating with me: When my father died, it was like a whole library had burned down.
Nat Hentoff, was my father. My father was a mensch. He taught me telling stories was important; saying your truth out loud was imperative; standing up for others had to happen; maintaining integrity was seamless; words that lead to actions matter. I consider my work an homage to him.
Jessica Hentoff
CLL
January 19, 2017
May Almighty God, along with your precious memories of your loved one of Mr. Nat Hentoff continue comforting each of you. My sincere condolences are to the Family. Psalms 94:19
How you can show support
January 13, 2017
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. He left memories that can ease the pain. God will comfort and sustain you because he cares for you.
January 13, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God help in your time of need. Jer 29:11
Frequent NAT HENTOF Reader from New York City
January 12, 2017
I particularly followed NAT's journalistic exchanges with the late CARDINAL JOHN O'CONNOR of New York City. While both were "polar opposites" in their theological views, their concern for the less fortunate and needy of New York City was legendary.
Let's hope Cardinal O'Connor was on hand to greet NAT when he entered the next life--his journalistic concern for the poor will not be forgotten! Rest in Peace, NAT!
A Catholic frequent NAT HENTOFF Reader
from New York City
January 11, 2017
I would like to express my condolences to the Hentoff family during this time of bereavement for the passing of Nat. Please know that God will provide your family with the strength that you need during this time of grief and sorrow. Matthew 5:4
Monica M
Freda Matthews
January 11, 2017
Rip... A pleasure to work with you.
January 10, 2017
My condolences are with you and your family during this difficult time.
carlotta
January 10, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Hentoff family and friends at this difficult time.
January 10, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family.
Sincerely
Molly
January 10, 2017
Thank you for your contribution to music. My sympathies to his family and friends for your loss. As you continue forward may your keep in mind that God is ready to help you cope.
Psalms 94:19
Marc Kantrowitz
January 10, 2017
Margot,
I am truly sorry about the death of Nat. I remember you, your family (and pets) with great fondness. Please accept my condolences.
ching
January 10, 2017
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that Nat will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
January 10, 2017
Sorry for your loss. From reading the guest book , he must was a great man. My prayers goes out to the family.
January 10, 2017
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in knowing Mr. Hentoff lived with special mightiness according to Psalms 90:10.
Carlo Pellegrini
January 9, 2017
Great man with a big heart, a bigger intellect, a keen ear, and a thirsty curiousity only satisfied by the swiftness of his pen to link them altogether.
Beth and Jeff Schoellkopf
January 9, 2017
What an amazing man! And what an amazing family. Love from your circus friends, Beth and Jeff Schoellkopf
Chris Norwood
January 9, 2017
Many lives touched and inspired
Donna James
January 9, 2017
May Your Soul of this jazz journalist be with God, for Eternity. Your works in the Village Voice Will never be forgotten!
Rest in Peace, Nat!
Jenkins Family
January 9, 2017
As your memories of Nat brings you joy know, that he is in God's memory also
Edward Weiner
January 9, 2017
Janet, My sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. May his long life and many accomplishments bring comfort to you
Valenda Newell
January 9, 2017
PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS...RIP
Jim Hughes
January 9, 2017
Nat was very helpful to the pro-life movement here in Canada. I loved his biography on John Cardinal O'Connor another great friend of the movement. Our condolences, love and prayers to all the family.
Jim Hughes and staff of Campaign Life Coalition, Canada
Stan Ludmer
January 9, 2017
Our Sympathies to Janet and Bert Krauss from Stan, Deana and Henry Ludmer
January 9, 2017
What a long and wonderful life! So many cannot say the same. May Nat Hentoff forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.
Darlene
January 9, 2017
Very talented gentleman he will be missed.
My condolences to his family and friends.
May you find comfort and strength from
Jesus words at Joh 6:44 at this difficult
time.
Adrian Barnette
January 9, 2017
We'll miss you !
January 9, 2017
Sorry for your loss. The Almighty God of all tender mercy will comfort you in your times of sadness. 2 Corin.1:3, 4
January 9, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May your fond memories comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. 1 Pet. 5:7
R. T., mich
Adrian Barnette
January 8, 2017
We'll miss you !
January 8, 2017
Prayer and word of comfort in their time of distress.
Ypsilanti, Michigan
D E
January 8, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dex & Lula
January 8, 2017
Nick, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. The pain of losing someone in death is the most devastating pain that one can feel. May the words in Psalms 94:19 be a source of great comfort to your family.
Johnson
January 8, 2017
Please accept my condolences for your loss. May the words at
Act 24:15 bring you comfort during this difficult time.
M William
January 8, 2017
Your Dad enjoyed life ,a life well lived.You were blessed to have himasyourDad. Hosea13:14
January 8, 2017
A true ambassador of Jazz long live the jazz music r.i.p. Marty Reynoso of Ind. a humble student of jazz
Hal Davis
January 8, 2017
Nat influenced me from the moment I decided to go into journalism, at age 13 in 1960. May his light shine forever.
January 8, 2017
I was a faithful reader of Nat's columns in Downbeat all the time. He was indeed an expert when it came to Jazz. I loved that he was a fan of George Shearing and wrote of him often. R I P
Isabel
January 8, 2017
What a wonderful life and what great memories made to share with those who were close to him and those who only knew him from afar. May God's love and comfort surround all of you at those moments when missing Nat seems unbearable.
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