Search by Name

Dave Brubeck Obituary

Pianist introduced millions to a new sound

Dave Brubeck, the jazz pianist who had unparalleled commercial success, expanding musical boundaries with his daring compositions and carrying jazz throughout the world on tours sponsored by the State Department, died Dec. 5Wednesday at a hospital in Norwalk, Conn. He died — one day before his 92nd birthday.

His manager, Russell Gloyd, said Mr. Brubeck was on his way to a regular medical checkup |when his heart gave out at a hospital in Norwalk, Conn.

In a seven-decade career, Mr. Brubeck wrote hundreds of tunes, including the oft-recorded "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke."

His quartet, featuring alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, was one of the most popular jazz groups in history and in 1959 recorded the million-selling instrumental hit "Take Five."

Mr. Brubeck composed ambitious classical and choral works, released nearly 100 albums and remained a charismatic and indefatigable performer into old age.

In December 2010, the month Mr. Brubeck turned 90, his quartet won the readers' poll of DownBeat magazine as the best group in jazz — 57 years after he first won the poll.

A bespectacled cowboy who grew up on a remote California ranch, Mr. Brubeck was known for his complex rhythmic patterns, which he said were inspired by riding his horse and listening to its syncopated hoofbeats striking the ground.

He studied in the 1940s with the experimental French composer Darius Milhaud, who encouraged his interest in jazz. Brubeck was among the first jazz musicians to make wide use of polytonality, or playing in more than one musical key at a time. He was also an early advocate of "world music," adopting exotic sounds that he heard in his worldwide travels.

After forming his quartet in California in the early 1950s, Mr. Brubeck sought to branch out from the dank nightclubs of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

His wife, Iola, suggested that the quartet perform on college campuses, which produced a nationwide sensation, with record sales to match.

"We reached them musically," he told The New York Times in 1967. "We had no singers, no beards, no jokes. All we presented was music."

With their curly hair and horn-rimmed glasses, Desmond and Brubeck looked like professorial brothers and were unlikely jazz stars. The two had an instant musical bond and could anticipate each other's bandstand improvisations, as Desmond's ethereal, upper-register saxophone soared above Brubeck's driving keyboard attack.

With the release of "Time Out" in 1959, Mr. Brubeck had the first jazz album to sell more than 1 million copies. It reached No. 2 on the pop charts, and its eternally catchy signature tune, "Take Five," became a surprise hit.

The tune, written by Desmond but heavily arranged by Mr. Brubeck, built a memorable melody over a complex rhythm in the unusual time signature of 5/4. "Take Five" became a staple of his concerts and helped make the Dave Brubeck Quartet the most popular jazz group of the 1950s and '60s.

"Every once in a while," jazz historian and critic Ted Gioia wrote in an e-mail exchange with The Washington Post, "jazz is blessed by one of those great figures who can do it all. They give us a body of work that is full of musical riches ... but the music also can appeal to the average listener. Dave Brubeck is one of those figures."

Diplomat of jazz

Mr. Brubeck's position in musical history has often been debated. He was born the same year as Charlie Parker, the tortured genius of the bebop movement who brought a new rhythmic and harmonic sophistication to jazz in the 1940s, but Brubeck was never a true bebopper. He defied the raffish image of the jazz musician by being a clean-living family man who lived with his wife and six children.

He was considered a seminal force in the West Coast's understated "Cool Jazz" school of the 1950s, but he disdained the "Cool Jazz" label and preferred to forge an original musical path.

After early struggles, Mr. Brubeck was reportedly earning more than $100,000 a year by 1954, the year he became the second jazz musician to be featured on the cover of Time magazine (after Louis Armstrong in 1949).

Some musicians and critics openly resented |his success, and others questioned his prominence in a form of music that was created primarily by black musicians.

But Mr. Brubeck was an outspoken advocate of racial harmony and often used his music as a platform for cross-cultural understanding. He once canceled 23 of 25 concerts in the South when local officials would not allow his African-American bass player, Eugene Wright, to appear with the rest of the group.

On a tour in the Netherlands in the 1950s, African-American pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith was asked, in Mr. Brubeck's presence, "Isn't it true that no white man can play jazz?"

Without answering at first, Smith gestured toward Mr. Brubeck and said to the reporter, "I'd like you to meet my son."

In 1958, Mr. Brubeck and his quartet undertook an arduous international tour for the State Department, spreading the improvisatory spirit of jazz to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Sri Lanka, among other countries. In Poland they were among the first U.S. jazz musicians to perform behind the Iron Curtain.

In each new country, Mr. Brubeck mingled with musicians, absorbing local rhythms and melodies. Long before the term "world music" gained currency, he was writing compositions that borrowed elements he had heard in Mexico, Japan, Turkey, India, Afghanistan and other countries.

In 1988, Mr. Brubeck and his quartet performed at a gala dinner at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Moscow during a summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

During "Take Five," observers noticed that Gorbachev was tapping his fingers along with the music.

"I can't understand Russian," Mr. Brubeck said at the time, "but I can understand body language."

"The next day,"Gloyd, Mr. Brubeck's manager, told to The Washington Post 20 years later that the next day, Secretary of State George P. Shultz "broke through the ranks, gave Dave a big hug and said, ï¾'Dave, you made the summit. No one was talking after three days. You made the breakthrough.'x"

A cowboy childhood

David Warren Brubeck was born Dec. 6, 1920, in Concord, Calif. He and his family lived on a 45,000-acre ranch near Ione, Calif.

His father was a champion rodeo roper and his mother was a conservatory-trained pianist who had studied in London with concert star Dame Myra Hess. She gave her three sons a surprisingly advanced musical education, and Mr. Brubeck's two older brothers, Henry and Howard, became music teachers and composers.

Because of early eyesight problems, Mr. Brubeck always had difficulty reading musical notation. He compensated by learning to improvise and to play by ear, which served him well in jazz.

At the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., Mr. Brubeck had planned to study veterinary medicine. But a zoology professor saw how much time he spent in the music department and suggested that the young Mr. Brubeck change majors.

He worked as a pianist in clubs through college, developing a powerful boogie-woogie style, but his sight-reading remained rudimentary at best. A dean called him a disgrace but allowed Mr. Brubeck to graduate after a professor pleaded on his behalf, calling him a budding genius.

In college, Mr. Brubeck proposed on his first date with Iola Whitlock, and the two were married in 1942. She sometimes wrote lyrics for his music and managed their growing household.

During World War II, Mr. Brubeck was pulled from the ranks of an infantry unit by an Army colonel, who asked him to start a jazz band to entertain troops on the front lines. The group he formed was perhaps the only integrated musical unit in the military during the war.

After the war, Mr. Brubeck did graduate work at Mills College in Oakland, Calif., with Milhaud and wrote and performed avant-garde jazz.

Based in San Francisco early in his career, he worked for low pay and scrounged for dented cans of food that he could buy at a discount.

"We lived in a tin, corrugated one-room shack with no windows," he told The Washington Post in 2008. "We were so broke, God almighty."

Just when Mr. Brubeck began to develop a following, he damaged his spinal cord and several vertebrae while diving in the surf in Hawaii in 1951. He said emergency workers in the ambulance described him as a "DOA" — dead on arrival. He recovered and continued playing, although he had residual nerve pain in his hands for years.

Realizing he couldn't handle the burden of being the sole leader of a group, he reached out to Desmond, whose dry, lyrical style on alto saxophone was a bracing contrast to Mr. Brubeck's vigorous approach on the piano.

Drummer Joe Morello joined the quartet in 1956, followed by Wright in 1958, forming a group that recorded dozens of records and found international acclaim.

Despite the challenging nature of Mr. Brubeck's music, with its unusual rhythmic patterns and sometimes unfamiliar tunes, his quartet had a huge following until it split up in 1967."You could hardly find a less likely formula for popularity," Gioia, the author of "West Coast Jazz," wrote in an e-mail. "Brubeck, by all definitions, was a fringe within a fringe. Despite all this, he managed to achieve a rare degree of fame and popularity. How did he pull this off? Mostly through the sheer brilliance and audacity of his musical vision."

(Optional add end)

Brubeck began to write more symphonic and sacred music, then toured with a quartet that included baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. The original quartet had occasional reunions before Desmond's death in 1977, and Brubeck often performed with his musical sons — Dan, Darius, Chris and Matthew. Another son, Michael Brubeck, died in 2009.

Besides his wife, of Wilton, Conn., survivors include his four sons and a daughter, Catherine Brubeck Yaghsizian.

In the early 1980s, Brubeck formed a new quartet, with which he toured until shortly before his death. Even in his final years, when he was physically frail, he exuded energy at the keyboard.

A solo piano recording from 2007, "Indian Summer," won many awards and was considered one of his finest albums.

In 1996 Brubeck received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement. He was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2009.

When he reached his 80s, Brubeck stopped traveling overseas. But if his jazz diplomacy could help unite superpowers, it could also bring families together.

In 1971, Brubeck gave a concert in Honolulu that marked, President Obama wrote in one of his books, the last time he ever saw his father.

When Brubeck received his Kennedy Center award at the White House in 2009, Obama recalled that concert and said, "You can't understand American without understanding jazz, and you can't understand jazz without understanding Dave Brubeck."

Published by The Record/Herald News on Dec. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Dave Brubeck

Not sure what to say?





383 Entries

Was a pivotal influence in this composer´s/pianist´s career. Thank you Dave, Paul,Joe &Eugene

Russ Brown

Other

January 22, 2024

Dave was my hero and got me addicted to jazz. RIP Sir Dave and thank you for changing my life!!!

Fred L

February 13, 2023

Please accept very late condolences to Matt, my sister diarmid and all of the brubek family. What a wonderful guy.

Ken Campbell

May 30, 2018

Dave Brubeck was my inspiration as a young man studying the piano. In my repertoire I have about four or five of his compositions, most unknown to most people, like "Swing Bells", and, of course, his most famous, "Take Five". His passing hit me hard.

Ned Rodgers

October 7, 2017

Valenda Newell

May 29, 2017

Great Music! Wonderful Man!

Nazarene Mckinney

March 5, 2017

Rest Dave, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Harry Simpson

December 5, 2015

I'll slways love your music, your honesty. I have in mind you rwfused to play somewhere because "someone" did not approve a negro muscitian of your group.

sandra cid

July 8, 2015

very shocked and saddened when I heard of the passing of a true giant. listening to his monster hit "Take Five" tears came to my eyes not only by Dave's playing but also the smooth sax of Paul Desmond. thank god that his sons are taking over his legacy of playing his great music. I am glad that we will always have his wonderful music to remember him by. may the god of love pour out his blessings of comfort on his family at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Dave, a REAL AMBASSADOR of this great music

victor checketts

November 21, 2013

A true inspiration - and long lasting inluence on many - around the world. His sons will carry on...the traditions and create new pathways.
Thank you Master Brubeck. AlaTurk
Becky Friend - voice/flute-jazz NYC

June 13, 2013

r i p

christin kandell

May 22, 2013

I saw him play a few years ago in Newport during the Jazz Fastival w/his Son and Grandson. What a true gentleman he was.

John Messier

April 22, 2013

I am 18 years old and saw the Take Five Album Cover at an Apple Keynote event where Steve Jobs was speaking (It was on an Ipod or Iphone Steve Jobs was holding and he actually played it in front of the audience). I looked into the album cover and found Brubeck's music. I can not stop listening to Take Five and Bossa Nova. R.I.P. Dave Brubeck and may your music live on forever!

Hakeem

March 28, 2013

Take Five Forever! Rest In Peace, Mr. Brubeck. see You On The Other Side.

Richard Owen

March 2, 2013

Dave's honorable life was indeed a life well lived. Dave's music has had a wonderfully profound impact on my family: thirty years ago, as a teenager, I discovered my dad's Brubeck LPs that he discovered 30 years prior, when he was a young traveling musician. And now my sons and I continue to play the music and the dream lives on. Godspeed Mr. Brubeck!

Tony Kadlec

January 10, 2013

My father brought Dave 's music to my attention as a young girl and my life journey led my son and me right into the center of the family. Dave and Iola were a huge inspiration in our lives, including us in their family of music. I am incredibly grateful for this amazing blessing and for my close friendships with Danny and Chris. They were also very supportive to our lives(Demian and me). I posted 2 tributes on FB which many friends are reading and responding to and I sent 2 messages to Chris and Danny. I was so devastated yesterday and today and have to drive two miles to get reception and have been on a learning curve with all of this as well. My heart goes out to Iola, the wind beneath his wings, his soulmate and strength....a great team they were....and all of his brilliant and talented children...Chris, Danny, Darius, Matthew, and Cathy. I love you all and I hope you will be able to read my other posts. There are many memories that I could recall. I will do so at another time....a bit at a time.So much love....Zan Oh.....
It was through attending NCSA with Danny Brubeck that Demian and I became members of the Brubeck "tribe"....many wonderful memories and many incredible concerts. Oh and, last but not least my best wishes to Russell Gloyd who was always there for us all, and to all of Dave's great musicians.
PS... One of the memorable things Dave said to me that I always treasured was that some of his favorite musical experiences were playing with his sons. I was fortunate to be able to share that sentiment with his sons many years ago. It meant a lot to them, as they were not aware at that time of how happy it made Dave to make music with them. I might as well add to this story one other brief one which I included in my other tributes. When Dave and Iola attended University of Pacific, Dave told me that when he saw her across campus he said, "I am going to marry that woman."
.And the rest is history! God bless you all! Love again and again and again....Zan P.S. If I could begin again, I would rewrite this entire passage brilliantly. But I do not know how to do this here because I cannot see the entire piece as I am writing. I've only just begun this form of communication recently because my tendency has always been to pick up my guitar, write a song, or play the piano rather than get on line, thus, my tribute is not at all organized but straight from the heart. I am also sitting in a car 2 miles from home in freezing weather.
Now all of this time has passed and it is January 7th and the unfinished original tribute I was trying to post on Dec. 5th or 6th just now appeared out of nowhere. I did not know how to access it and thought I had lost it. Let me post it now before I lose it again...Special love to you, Iola.

Zan Daes

January 8, 2013

Dave Brubeck was and "always" will be JAZZ ROYALITY! Now, he's making Heavenly music. Returning from his Moscow tour, Brubeck gave an "exclusive" interview to my Son, although it was announced no interviews would be allowed. Brubeck granted the interview because he stated my Son reminded him of his own Sons, whom he loved very much. It aired on an Ocala, Florida radio program. We loved attending the unique concerts. Thanks for the music, Dave...and all the recordings you've left to your fans to enjoy and forever celebrate and remember your life. Dave's in God's Arms, he's there to stay. He lived life fully, in every way. It was an honor to meet and talk with Dave Brubeck on Disney's Orlando backlot. My family and I will continue to enjoy his musical talents. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family of Dave Brubeck and all his fans who share in the sorrow of his passing. He lived a long and beautiful life and shared his one-of-a-kind gifted talents,which we'll forever treasure. We'll truly miss you.

Laraine Palumbo

December 29, 2012

Our sincerest condolences to Dave's extended family. He will surely be missed by the world. The angels will have a whole new style of music to choose from. Rest in Peace, Dave.

Ramona Bialick

December 14, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Romeo Varone

December 14, 2012

May you find true comfort from our Heavenly Father. 1Cor. 1:3. Sorry for your loss.

December 14, 2012

Loved your music for decades,you were a true legend! xo

December 12, 2012

I learned music appreciation from Dave. Mills College, Oakland, CA. 1950's His music continues to this day. Prayers & many thanks.

Warren Boehm

December 12, 2012

I can remember listening to his music as a young girl and loving it. I can only pray that your family can find peace in knowing what a wonderful legacy he has left to the world, not only the jazz world,but the world of music.

Lynda Giordano

December 12, 2012

My heartfelt condolences goes out to Iola and the children. I have been a loving fan of Dave's since I first saw him here in Indiana, at an Evansville Jazz Festival, where he announced they'd just finished recording a song for an album that would be out in a couple months....written in 5/4 time and hoped we liked it. I knew then that would put them at the top of the charts. My last attended concert was at Goshen College here in Indiana in October, 2006, where I had 2nd row center seats. It was magical, I tell you. I can't tell you how much I've treasured his music nor the way he has lifted my soul over the years. Thank God for Dave. He seemed to be a friend of mine.

Loretta Dodd

December 12, 2012

A fan since hearing 'Jazz goes to College'in 1958! Fortunate to see and talk with him at the Blue Note, I believe it was in 1994. A man from Russia that I met there took our picture. What a gift you were - and with all you left the world - A true man of peace.

Ed Sager

December 11, 2012

My condolences to the Brubeck family. I grew up listening to Dave's music in our household and continued to do so as I got older. We have lost another musical legend.
Rest in Peace ...

Angelo Alonzo

December 11, 2012

TO THE BRUBECK FAMILY SORRY FOR THE LOSS
OF ONE SO DEAR TO YOU.I AS A FAN OF JAZZ
REMEMBER HEARING HIS SIGNURE SONG AT THE
AGE OF 6,1961.IAM 56 YRS OLD,STILL LOVE
HIS MUSIC SORRY I NEVER I GOT TO HEAR OR SEE HIM LIVE.HE LEFT US A WONDERFUL LEGACY.R.I.P. A LOVING FAN.

TERRY REED

December 11, 2012

WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCE TO THE BRUBECK FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. BRUBECK.

KEN&MARY O'DANIEL

December 11, 2012

Dave was the pioneer of jazz time signatures. He was a true professional with a vision that can not be duplicated. The music world lost a great but his music will last the test of "TIME"
Russ Dorsey
Les Elgart Orchestra

Russ Dorsey

December 11, 2012

Dave Brubeck was one of my few musical heros - along with Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and Herbie Mann. I often wished back in the 60s that they would put on a concert together. May you rest in peace!

Bob Vick

December 11, 2012

The world is saddened by the loss of not only a wonderful musician, but also a wonderful man. His music will live forever.

Peggy Buzzetti

December 11, 2012

What a legacy... to make so much wonderful music that will live forever. Your music just makes me feel good. May God bless you.

B Truitt

December 11, 2012

Dear Danny, Our prayers our with you &your family.Hope all is well with you .I miss seeing you & our chats.Do you ever come back east? I bet your children are getting big.Just wanted to tell you you 're in my thoughts.

Wanda Powell

December 10, 2012

My condolences to BRUBECK family during this time of grief.

December 10, 2012

Dear Brubeck and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. He will be known forever and to the ages as the jazz musicians and he won hearts of millions. God bless him and his family.

Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis

December 10, 2012

Catherine:
Although I have not been in recent contact, when I learned of your dad's passing, I could not help but remember the concert at Quinnipiac College that Arne, (who I miss also) and I attended where I met you dad at the "after party". I was a little nervous at first but after Arne introduced me; your dad smiled, shook my hand and gave me a hug and signed a CD of him I had. His calm nature and reassuring words made our meeting something I always will remember. After that I told him I needed to "Take-Five". He laughingly agreed. Thoughts and prayers.

Dennis

Dennis Arsenault

December 10, 2012

I remember listening to your music as a child. May the God of comfort, comfort your family at this time. Isiah 25:8. death will be gone forever.

CP Covington GA

December 10, 2012

Forty-two years ago, my piano teacher introduced me to jazz through two artists; Dave Brubeck was one of them, and I have enjoyed his work ever since. What a blessing Mr. Brubeck's musical legacy is to the world.

Lois Nonneman Agnello

December 10, 2012

Mr. Brubeck your music will live for generations to come. I Have admired your music for over 20 years, especially Take Five. May you rest in peace. You have done your part very well. I wish I could have met you. I pray your family find peace knowing you are at peace. GOD BLESS.

December 10, 2012

"MANY YEARS OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC,THE SOUL IS GONE,BUT THE MUSIC PLAYS ON."

MRS.BILLIE JEAN LACEY

December 10, 2012

He will be missed but his music and legend will go on to more generations.

Joni Howard

December 10, 2012

For many years, Mr. Brubeck's music has been very enlightening, you cannot put an appropriate adjective on it, just marvelous sounds. I loved it and he had such a outstanding music ability. Just love it even now and I'm sure forever.

Eunice Hunt
WPB, Fl

December 10, 2012

I discovered Jazz Goes To College in 1955 during my college days. There are passages of Balcony Rock that stimulates my advanced calculus studies memories. Daves' music has been and will continue to be an important part of my daily life. THANK YOU, DAVE.

Bob Rubier

December 10, 2012

I have listened to the music of Dave Brubeck nearly every day for the last 30 years and now my daughter does the same. I only wish I could have met him. P.Kroll,Ventura,Ca.

December 9, 2012

I was always so proud to graduate from the University of the Pacific because of the wonderful Dave Brubeck.Thanks for your wonderful talent and contribution to our world Mr.Brubeck,we will miss you

Cindy Cohen

December 9, 2012

Thank you Dave for the ways in which you helped bring jazz to the masses. RIP.

Brenda Lane

December 9, 2012

My condolences to the family and friends. "Take Five" is my all time favorite arrangement. Thanks Mr. B. Peaceful rest.

C Ross

December 9, 2012

debra

December 9, 2012

so sorry for your loss i loved his music God bless you

debra

December 9, 2012

I love your Music. Way to go.
RIP Dave.

Linda F

December 9, 2012

Thank you Dave: as Always, "Take Five"
Bob Phillips

December 9, 2012

I have many fond memories of the Dave Brubeck Quartet performing at Western Reserve University and a tent performance venue in East Cleveland (the name escapes me). As a young jazz sax player, the experience of listening to Paul Desmond's "flights of fancy" in concert and also on record inspired me to study music and pursue a career in jazz education. I was so enamored by his sound and jazz lines that I memorized note-for-note all his solos on his "Desmond and Friends" Album.
What I recall totally unique about Brubeck was how he shared the spotlight with the rest of the Quartet, especially Paul. I still can envision how Dave would take a chorus or two and then Paul would saunter up to the microphone and spin out a dozen or more, each building, captivating and enthralling - the audience fixated on each developing phrase. And what was Brubeck doing during those Desmond "flights"? Many a time Dave would stop "comping" and just listen to Paul, smiling like a Cheshire cat, enjoying the moment with the rest of us. Sadly, the recordings of the 50's and 60's never allowed Dave and Paul to stretch out like they did in those concert settings.
And one more observation kind reader: Dave and Paul had this unique ability to employ musical "quotation" in their improvisation. Anybody can interpose a familiar phrase or corny tune in a solo, but to select that just right melodic snippet and weave it logically into a solo is quite a heady trick. Many times the two soloists would engage in a sort of melodic "conversation" - trading lines like two women at a Hadassah party. The audiences loved it and always responded enthusiastically. The result of all of this was oftentimes absolutely hilarious - a complete jazz experience. Where is there any humor in jazz today?
For old hipsters like myself on the bright side of senility, Dave and his faithful music companion Paul Desmond were my heroes, my musical friends, my teachers and source of inspiration, and I miss them. I hope today's hipsters discover their essence and learn from them. Good night Dave, enjoy that session with Paul - I hear he found a good reed.

Dr. Tom Husak, Artistic Director, Austin Community College Jazz Ensemble, Austin, Texas

December 9, 2012

My grandmother said that you were a good student and your parents were great friends. Ione misses you.

Scot Martin

December 9, 2012

A special soul.

j k

December 9, 2012

I remember well the jazz concert that Dave and his Quartet, Joe, Gene, and Paul, held in my college in 1962. It was especially rewarding since me and a few of my classmates were asked to sell Dave's programs for the event. As a result we had the honor of going into the locker room area to meet Dave and the Quartet during intermission and at the show ending. I enjoyed it thoroughly and will always remember it. I still have a program, in pristine condition, autographed by all four individuals. We will miss you Dave.

Peter Kundra

December 8, 2012

Prayers to you and your brothers Danny. Jennifer Burke

December 8, 2012

Now you will have the greatest concert with Cal, Mel, and Paul for eternity.
You will never be forgotten.
joe W

Joe Warfel

December 8, 2012

I am so saddened by the passing of the great Dave Brubeck- his music was always the swinginist & I always enjoyed it. On a trip to So. Africa in 2001, we went to a little township for a music tour & there, at a Bed & Breakfast, we enjoyed African jazz with the finale being "Take Five". Indeed, his music was loved world-wide, his influence was immense. He made such a positive impact in the world of music & he will be deeply missed. Wishing he & his family peace. Mrs. Jody Snyder, Fremont, CA ([email protected])

Jody Snyder

December 8, 2012

I remember attending a jazz concert by Brebeck at Yale in 1968. It was spell binding.I rerember it so well. It was a perfect evening and wonderful experience. He will always be remember through his music,a great and lasting legacy

Davis Buckley

December 8, 2012

We learned to love jazz listening to Mr. Dave as we grew up. Thanks & rest in peace.
Smith,SC

December 8, 2012

We were married in 1959, and became serious fans while we were engaged. His music was so different and great. Still have original 33 1/3 albums. The Guleys, upstate N.Y.

December 8, 2012

Rest in peace Dave Brubeck. I treasure your album "Take Five". Sat through your Sets at The Jazz Workshop in San Francisco, 1961.
A memorable experience I will never forget.Thank you~
Eosemarie in Bakersfield,CA

December 8, 2012

A great American treasure a wonderful musician and person, a man of faith .we offer our prayers and thought to his family.

henry May

December 8, 2012

Deborah C

December 8, 2012

I grew up listening to my brother's Dave Brubeck record. Thanks for the music!

Deborah

December 8, 2012

Our condolences to the Brubeck family. We have loved Dave Brubeck and his music since the 50's, and he will never be forgotten in our home.

Ned & Diane Middlesworth

December 8, 2012

The very first album we owned was "Dave Brubeck, J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding: Live at the Newport Jazz Festival". Mr. Brubeck was a good musician who made excellent music. Thank God for the gift of Dave Brubeck. - Rosemary Cosby, Erie, PA

Rosemary Cosby

December 8, 2012

I was drawn to the music of Dave Brubeck as an 11 year living in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 60's. The Dave Brubeck Quartet played in various Cleveland venues through the 60's and my friend and I saw them often. We would wander backstage and were able to spend time with Mr. Brubeck, Gene Wright, Paul Desmond and Joe Morello on numerous occasions over the years. They were all incredibly kind, decent, friendly gents who always seemed to have time my stupid questions. Dave Brubeck(and his group) were superstars with the kindest hearts you could ever hope to encounter. Apart from their music, they were wonderful people. Rest in peace,Dave, people like you make our planet a better place.

Gary Glazer

December 8, 2012

I remeber hearing ny parents listen to Take Five as a youngester. I love your
elegant sounds Ruby

ruby Lee

December 8, 2012

He was much more than a gift from God. He was a thousand gifts from God.

Dee Schaefer

December 8, 2012

Thank you Dave for the joy you brought so many.

December 8, 2012

Learned to love Jazz listening to Dave and the quartet in college back in the 60's.
Thank you Dave for the introduction and keeping my love for jazz growing. Peace

Bruce Dawson

December 8, 2012

My condolences to the family,may you draw strength through prayer (psalms 146;1).

December 8, 2012

I started listening to The Dave Brubeck Quartet when I was in high school in the early 60's. I have enjoyed his music for over fifty years.
He was a gifted musician and composer.
The music world has lost an icon, but his legacy will last forever.
Thank you David for your great gifts to the world of music, rest in peace.

Vic Giannini

December 8, 2012

TO MR DAVE family, the world has lose a great man, but his music lives on, may God bless the family and friends.

VR

December 8, 2012

PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY!

LINDA MERKISON

December 8, 2012

freddie snelling

December 8, 2012

So sorry for your loss, may you find comfort from Gods' word at Ps 9:9 He will be a secure height when we are crush and in times of distress. I hope that through his word you can find comfort in your time of sorrow.

Pat

December 8, 2012

May God comfort us all in the days ahead..Thanks you Dave for such Beautiful music !!

December 8, 2012

May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU. Amen. - Roman 15:33. May these words from the scripture comfort the friends and family of Mr. Dave Brubeck..

Margaret

December 7, 2012

Thank you for all the beautiful music!!! My prayers are with the family.

Joan Searls

December 7, 2012

He came to Mexico City several times. We jazz lovers never forgot him, always followed him. His piano in our hearts. An honorable man in the highest extension of the word. Thank You Dave.

December 7, 2012

I grew up in Rockford,IL.The T.V. would turn off at approx.2:30am. We could get Chicago WGN,and the music was great. ,Thanks to Dave. This music has kept Me a WGN fan today as well. He will be missed by many.Love to the Family,and Friends.

dan simmons

December 7, 2012

With deepest sympathies to family during your time of grief Psalms 46:1 says God is for us a refuge and strength a help that is readily to be found during difficult times may God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days Days ahead. Tina Los Angeles

Tina Morgan

December 7, 2012

What a great musician he was. I was 14 years old when I first heard of him, and learn to play by ear on piano, "Take Five." His music inspired me to take piano music lessons.

Linda Bunch

December 7, 2012

Thank you Dave Thank you!

Dave Robinson

December 7, 2012

The greatest ever.Take Five.

katherine morris

December 7, 2012

My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of a wonderful musician, and a great man.

Dave McAteer

December 7, 2012

Mr. Brubeck, will be missed. He was a great jazz musician.
My favorite was and will be:
TAKE FIVE. RIP

Ethel Dixon

December 7, 2012

He was the greatest!!!!!!!!!!
May all of his family be comforted at this time of loss.

NJSL

December 7, 2012

You might be gone from this earth and your body may be leaving soon, but your music will never leave. GOD bless the family.

Bobby Guillory

December 7, 2012

May the God of all comfort be with the family of Dave Brubeck, and may He strengthen you and provide you with the peace you need to fortify you during your time of sorrow. It is never too late to express our appreciation to Mr. Brubeck and his family for the sacrifices made and contributions shared that has exalted Jazz as we know it to its pivotal peak and its ability to bring people of all cultures peace and happiness both during critical times and peaceful ones. May the God of love value the life Dave Brubeck lived!--John 3:16

The Carter Family

December 7, 2012

What can we say? Thank you, thank you, and thank you for your music. I saw Dave perform several times in various places. May he rest in the embrace of our Creator. We must all go, but his music will live forever - what a legacy!

Ernesto Calderon

December 7, 2012

God Bless you Brubeck family...especially Kathy who i went to college with, RIP DAVE

Rev Gail Collinson

December 7, 2012

Thank you to the Brubeck Family for sharing your gift of Dave with the world. He was truly a legend and his music will play on for generations to come. May you have the peace of God during your time of mourning.

December 7, 2012

To the Brubeck Family,
So sorry for your loss.
I used to love listening to his music in the 60's and I still enjoy it. Such a talented man. He will be missed.
May you be blessed with the good memories you shared with him.

Brenda Wintersole

December 7, 2012

Until "Take Five" became a smash hit I had a very narrow viewpoint of Jazz. I bought the album, "Time Out", (which I still have), and my musical appreciation now has a much broader scope. Thanks, Dave, you leave a great void in the music world.

Lowell Hilton

December 7, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

G. Freeman

December 7, 2012

Rest in Peace

Scott Chamberland

December 7, 2012

I heard him perform several years ago, amazing, remember thinking his fingers were so long I thought he could probably easily span two octaves.... Wonderful performance, sorry I won't have a chance for another from this great artist

mary holloway

December 7, 2012

Showing 1 - 100 of 383 results

Make a Donation
in Dave Brubeck's name

How to support Dave's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dave Brubeck's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more