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Mark Murphy
1932 - 2015
Mark Murphy
1932 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1932
DIED
2015
Mark Murphy Obituary
Manager Jean-Pierre Leduc says Murphy died Thursday at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood.
Murphy was raised in Syracuse, New York, where he was discovered at a jam session by Sammy Davis Jr. in 1953.
He was a six-time Grammy Award nominee who sang with a wide range of techniques, from scatting and vocalese to spoken word. He released more than 40 recordings since making his debut with the 1956 album "Meet Mark Murphy."
He worked as an actor in London in the 1960s before returning to the U.S., where he began recording highly acclaimed albums for the Muse label including tributes to Jack Kerouac and Nat King Cole.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
49 Entries
Robert Campanini
December 30, 2023
You left a great memory and inspiration when I met you at the Jazz Clinic at Sydney Con in 1983.
Joy Kendal
December 10, 2020
His vocal stylings live on. He will be sorely missed for is innovations.
John Frey
October 3, 2018
There was a small club called Stephen's' After All in Chapel Hill NC which had great music and great performers despite being definitely off the beaten path. One night I had a chance to see Mark Murphy and it was simply extraordinary and really life changing - I have been listening to his work and looking for similar artists - no luck - since the mid 80's. He was so interactive with the audience, comfortable and unpretentious but brilliant - sang the Waters of March impromptu and it was wondrous, All the Sad Young Men which stays in my head always. What a gift he had, what a wonderful thing that he shared it with so many people, even in the backroads of North Carolina. Sorry not to have written before.
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Bella Wilson
March 5, 2016
"The Peacocks" was my introduction to Mark Murphy. I was hooked. I had the pleasure of seeing him 3 times, on 2 different continents and of even speaking to him. You will be missed, My Brother. Thank you and sleep well.
Len Scheiner
March 2, 2016
I was deeply saddened to learn, only recently, of the passing of Mark Murphy. I was always confused by his apparent lack of more widespread notoriety . But his professional peers knew. It was said that Ella Fitzgerald once described him as 'my equal.' With the diversity of types of music appreciated worldwide , who can describe how any of us process these sounds. It's fully individualistic. I believe that it's through the mind, the heart, and the soul. Mark tapped into all of that for me like no other singer. He 'll never be forgotten.
Jack Whitlinger
January 9, 2016
Such a great jazz singer. He will be missed.
January 3, 2016
So sorry about Mark Murphy's death. My father loved Mark and we had the rare opportunity to see him live when he performed at a jazz club in Pittsburgh. He knew my father was a big fan and personally came and talked with all of us. He made us feel special and he was an ultimate professional. His last album is one of my favorites and I play it all the time at work. We will miss him!
December 8, 2015
Revelasion 21.3.4.5.es una promesa y se ba a cumplir
David Leong
November 25, 2015
Mark Murphy was the best Jazz vocalist I've ever heard. His two albums BOP FOR KEROUAC & KEROUAC THEN AND NOW are classics. He always had a great band backing him up too. A real pro and a true artist.
November 18, 2015
A real artist, true to his muse. He paid the price by being underrated. History will catch up to him.
Harry Satenstein
November 7, 2015
A musical genius for his inventive language of Universal Human Truth as voiced in his own jazzy utterances that will speak through the ages. God bless his soul! A true legend like no other! Long live the Stolen Moments you shared with us. !
Dawoud Sabu Adeyola
November 5, 2015
Sincere condolences to the family of Mark Murphy who I had pleasure of working with in the seventies as a young bassist. He was always a pensive person who seemed to be constantly in deep thought. I learned quite a bit in our 5 year musical association especially about the music of bygone eras that he loved to give new life to. He will be missed by many
wraymond Alexander Drobko
November 4, 2015
I have been moved over the years from yur outstanding performances at places like The Dakota in Minnesota and The Blue Note in NYC; but never more so than listening to your desert island recording with the Metrooole Orchestra, 'The Dream'-shuld serve as essential listening for any singer or fan of incomparable singing at its very best...Ray Alexander, Host of Canada's No 1 FM Radio/internet jazz show, 'Fascinating Rhythm' on CJUM in WInnipeg.
Sara Sachs
November 4, 2015
I enjoyed seeing you when you sang in Seattle. What a talent and beautiful voice you had! I enjoyed chatting with you at Patti Summers, and wish I had gotten to know you better. Blessings on your transition.
Francesca Miano
November 2, 2015
Your light will continue to shine, through the great musical legacy you have left us. Love, Your "Cha"
King Cason
November 1, 2015
One of the most unique vocalist I've ever heard...we lost a good one...RIP
Bob Emery
October 29, 2015
We first met around 1961 when he was playing at The Racquet Club in Dayton. As the years went by we would catch up when he was in Chicago and the Midwest. What a great guy and what an amazing, unique talent. Will be missed on both counts.
Brian Scherer
October 27, 2015
Indeed, we have lost one of the greats. May he rest in peace while his musical legacy lives on.
Philip Burge
October 26, 2015
RIP to a fantastic singer. I was blown away when I saw him on the Mike Douglas show when I was about 12 years old. Unforgetable.
Merrill Owens
October 25, 2015
I was a member of "The Mark Murphy Appreciation Society" back before the internet, when news of his music and touring came to you by mail. I was in my 30's(I'm now in my 60'S).This admiration from a young African American growing up in Brooklyn. Thank you, and miss you Mark.Your music is always with me.
Barbara King
October 25, 2015
...and the river bank talks
Of the Waters of March
It's the end of all strain
It's the joy in your heart.
Thank you for all the joy Mark.
Barbara King
October 25, 2015
Deepest sympathies to all of Marks family and friends. And thank you dear Mark for your wonderful music and heart lifting performances. I was lucky to hear you sing so many times since I first fell in love with your voice on Rah in the early 80s - you were a genius and your legacy will live on in your amazing singing. We will miss you always.
Caroline Blake
October 24, 2015
His singing and inventive lyrics are
respected. I love listening to the CDs. He was always growing as an artist.
Rest in Peace Mark. Your fans love you.
BELL
October 24, 2015
A WONDERFUL SINGER HAS PASSED. I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU.
Edmund Mc Gonigle
October 24, 2015
I was totally shocked to hear of his death,as I was totally blown away by his interpretation of Brazilian songs by Jobim,Nascimento etc..Wore out the records as they were so good,and got to see him twice in Britain..He was amazing !!! Miss him already !!!
Molley Rodgers
October 24, 2015
I saw Mark in East Aurora 25+ years ago. He completely mesmerized the appreciative audience with his vocal acrobatics, his inventiveness, and his warmth. I will never forget that night. So sorry he was ill so long. Will miss him greatly, there is no one like him.
October 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
terry martini
October 23, 2015
rest in peace and condolences to the murphy family.
October 23, 2015
My sympathies to Mr. Murphy's family. Thank you for sharing his life and music with others. May God give you peace and comfort you in the days ahead.
Bobbie
October 23, 2015
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mark's sickness and death. My thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family for I, too, feel the loss of this legend. May the God of all comfort, our loving heavenly Father, grant you peace and provide a degree of solace during your grief.
Scott Chamberland
October 23, 2015
Rest in Peace
Donna Terranova-Seeber
October 23, 2015
My mother was his father's secretary when Mark was a kid. My mother was always so proud of Mark and what a wonderful jazz player he became and spoke of him often. Prayers to his family and friends.
October 23, 2015
what a wonderful singer. i will miss him.
October 23, 2015
Mr. Murphy's music will live on in the hearts of music lovers for generations to come. I'm so sorry for your loss and I pray that the God of all comfort, comforts you and give you what you need to sustain you now and in the days to come.
~SS, Cincinnati,Ohio
Rolland Phillips
October 23, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Mark's family. He and I were members of a youth fellowship group at the Methodist church in Fulton, NY. What a great singer and friend.
Wilson
October 23, 2015
May God bless the family with comfort and strength at this time of sorrow.
S S
October 23, 2015
To all who mourn for Mr. Mark Murphy... May your cherished memories bring you comfort and may the Father of tender mercies be with you.
Tammy Davis
October 23, 2015
My condolences go out to the family. "Who comforts us in all our trails so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God. So sorry for your loss.
October 23, 2015
He lives on in his music for generations to come. My deep condolences to his family.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
October 23, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Rose D
October 23, 2015
May the family and friends of Mark Murphy find comfort from the God of all comfort, who give comfort to those in need. You have my deepest sympathy.
Adrian Barnette
October 23, 2015
We'll miss you !
October 23, 2015
My prayers are with you and your family.
October 23, 2015
Murphy Family,
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time in your lives. So many people have enjoyed listening too his music. He will be dearly missed. May the God who gives peace be with all of you--RO.15:33
October 22, 2015
My condolences to The Murphy Family. Grief can be so hard but the love and support of family and friends help cope. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.
October 22, 2015
My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God during this difficult time and know that he hears prayers : Isaiah 59 : 1.
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