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Ann Rabson Obituary
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.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
97 Entries
Alice Brown
March 26, 2013
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.
March 2, 2013
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
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Annieville Blues
February 17, 2013
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.
Sharon
February 13, 2013
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
R Jones
February 10, 2013
Thank you Ann for showing your beautiful heart and music, you will be missed!!
Audrey Kopecky
February 6, 2013
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.
Cat Terry
February 6, 2013
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.
jim jones
February 5, 2013
missed.
Carmella Jackson
February 4, 2013
Deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort and peace in the loss of a talented musician and a really terrific person. I will remember many great Saffire performances. Ann's rendition of Sloppy Drunk was my favorite.
Chad Pryson
February 4, 2013
Going to Memphis now for the IBC awards just won't be the same because seeing you at King's was one big reason we went. For you Ann, the music will never stop. Thanks for the best boogie woogie piano I ever heard. RIP.
andrea peterson
February 3, 2013
Now, for you ann, the music never stops!!!! Rest in peace!
Craig T Adams
February 3, 2013
Those are some musical memories that won't be disappearing anytime soon. Thanks and blessings.
Joan Delamater
February 2, 2013
You were such a good perfomer.
February 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
lyn williams
February 2, 2013
Thanks for sharing your incredible talent! You will truely be missed. Love& rrs to the family. Lyn Williams
Dave Russell
February 1, 2013
George, my heart goes out to you and Ann's family.Peace be with you. Get in touch when you can. I would love to hear from you.
Cindy Bauers
February 1, 2013
My ex husband turned me on to the Blues and I am forever grateful. We saw Saffire more times than I can count, and they never disappointed. I have all their CD's and have given them as gifts to many friends who needed to smile. Ann I will continue to smile every time I hear you sing the blues. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent!
Cindy Bauers Canal Winchester,Oh
Jonathan Roberts
February 1, 2013
George and family my deepest condolences, the world lost a wonderful talent music makin' mama. I was fortunate enough to see Saffire at the Handlebar in Greenville, SC and The Grey Eagle in Asheville. She played and sung deep from the depths of her heart, the trio was awesome. Cancer and any deathly sickness I pray one day let there be a cure.
Steve Salter
February 1, 2013
I always loved Saffire Ann was a true gem.
Archie Gleason
February 1, 2013
I never got the chance to see her but I do have a couple of songs by her. What a great entertainer. To Ann's family and friends, so sorry for your loss.
Kris
February 1, 2013
My friends and I saw Saffire in Reno and LOVED them. Ann will be missed.
February 1, 2013
Sympathy to family and friends,sorry for your loss.Eccl.9:5.
February 1, 2013
The loss of a loved one is a very sad and heavy load to bear. May you find comfort in the hope given at: (2 Cor. 1:3)
Sara Steele
February 1, 2013
Ann was my Blues piano teacher in the summertime at Augusta Heritage Center a Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV. I don't know how I can manage from now on without her as she had not yet finished teaching me "the vocabulary."
She was a great lady, a fun lady, and she will be greatly missed by many, many people. Sara Steele
Robert Curran
January 31, 2013
I first saw Ann so many years ago at a free concert on the river in Columbus, OH before Andra Fay joined Saffire. I was smitten with these delightful ladies and saw them many times including the swan song at West Virginia Music Festival. I have turned many many people on to her great band as well as the awsome live performances. RIP Ann I will miss you.
Don DiVito
January 31, 2013
Ann! I will be missing you! The BLUES will not be the same without you!
rita rose
January 31, 2013
Ann Rabson was one of the finest Blues musicians of the century. From her smokey to gutsy vocals to her unique way of piano and guitar playing. The blues poured right from her soul into her voice and out through her fingertips and when she played those "88's" all the energy and the feeling of the blues came pouring out in an avalanche of sound for all to feel and hear. She will always be the Queen of the barrelhouse blues. We will miss you here but Heaven has in their midst one great "Music Making Mama." Love you Ann.
your friend,
Rita
Kit Taylor
January 31, 2013
RIP. Heaven is a happier place with you and your piano music there. Glad I have several of your CDs.
January 31, 2013
Just discovered Ann's music this past year and love it! What a gifted musician. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Joanne Garland
January 31, 2013
RIP, Ann. We will miss you so much.
TG and Jo
Michael Ingmire is a Blues musician from Norfolk, VA. and is now based in the Charlotte, NC area.
Michael Ingmire
January 31, 2013
Ann was a great human being and a great musician. She showed me endearing kindness in our encounters thru the years. She was a force of nature and is going to be missed by our musical community.
Rick & Kim Knight
January 31, 2013
Ann was our Prof at Germannia, played music with cousins Todds Tavern Band, and someone we are truly glad to have met in life. Our thoughts and prayers to her family for their loss.
Jim and Karen Cunningham
January 31, 2013
Apart from being a great entertainer, Ann was always kind and gracious to her fans. She stood patiently while we took pictures at several blues festivals and sat with us between sets at one of her solo shows. While she was surely a gifted musician and musicologist, she was also wonderful person. Heartfelt condolences to her family on the loss of such a great soul. We'll miss her.
January 31, 2013
RIP Ann we will miss her but her music will live on and on may God bless .
Chick Willis
Mary Elsheimer
January 31, 2013
Another blues artist taken too soon. I dearly loved all your music. Have fun with that big band in the sky. Condolences to the friends and family. .PLAY ON ANN PLAY ON
R Washburn
January 31, 2013
She will be sorely missed.
Chris M
January 31, 2013
I hope you will meet Hubert Sumlin and Pinetop Perkins on the other side of the rainbow
Karin joslen
January 31, 2013
I truly loved her voice and you will be surly missed in the world of blues. It just won't be the same without you. Your music inspired me to be open and honest and CLEAN.....
January 31, 2013
The world has truly lost a great artist.
Linda Hunley, Roanoke, VA
Clarence Davis
January 31, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jacqueline Martin
January 31, 2013
I am so sorry to read of Ann Rabson's passing. We saw Saffire twice and both times were struck by the joy and energy of the performances.
Much sympathy to her family.
Ivy
January 31, 2013
God Bless You,Sweet Soul.
Barbara Curtis
January 31, 2013
Ann was truly an original, a driving force in blues. I loved her gutsy feminist twist. She will be greatly missed. Prayers of comfort to family and friends.
Lynne
January 31, 2013
I saw Saffire in New Haven CT many years ago, with a dear friend (who also passed too soon). Ann gave me an autograph and to me to "stay uppity!", and I like to think I have - I sure hope I haven't let her down!
My sincere condolences to all who knew her. Her venerable piano playing and powerful voice have joined that great big band in the great big beyond! RIP and God bless!
david orth
January 31, 2013
Sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I always had a lot of fun at Saffire concerts. I was so happy to meet her and the other ladies, they sure laid down some fun music.
Melanie Webre
January 31, 2013
RIP. Heaven must be a rockin'.
Anne
January 31, 2013
I saw the trio perform twice - they were amazing. A legend in her own time - rest in peace.
Dick Gross
January 31, 2013
Dear Ann, thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us. I will never forget the lively & lovely twinkle in your eye. My sincere sympathy to your family.
Shirley Cumberbatch
January 31, 2013
Greetings from Barbados.May God continue to bless the family,and close friends at this time of bereavement.
Eve Hassett
January 31, 2013
Rest in peace, my friend. May you music live in our hearts and souls forever.
This picture was taken in 1990-1991, I believe. it was an album release party, during the first few years of our friendship.
Wanda Fears
January 31, 2013
My heart aches this morning after seeing the loss of one of my favorite Blues Women. She was a gift to all who knew her. She was a talented writer and
player. She will be so missed. To her family and her Saffire family, my
prayers for strength to see you through this sad time.
Lovingly yours Wanda Fears
Jay & Chris Pilling
January 31, 2013
We saw the Uppity Blues Women in the Algonquin Theater in Manasquan, NJ. They were amazing together. Condolences to Ann's family, Gaye and Andra. She will be missed but, will live on forever in her recordings.
JC
January 31, 2013
MAY THE TRUE GOD OF COMFORT BE WITH THE FAMILY OF ANN RABSON.
Barbara Baird
January 31, 2013
So sad to hear this! Ann was a great woman and musician. My warm wishes to her family and friends. Her sweetness will be remembered by all who met her.
Ed Herring
January 31, 2013
I still hear the music.
Nathan Pye
January 31, 2013
to a great legend r i p.
January 31, 2013
Saw Saffire at Gilly's in Dayton, OH and made them honorary SWTABs; don't know if Ann still had the plaque we presented to them but she will always be in my heart. Thanks for the music and memories. Rest in peace.
Connie Bryson
January 31, 2013
Rest in peace, Ann.
Jane Dowling
January 31, 2013
God bless you and rest in peace ~ prayers to your loved ones.
January 31, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Rabson family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there is to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
January 31, 2013
Ann was a great musician and showperson.....I first bought Saffire records on Alligator label and loved their low down gritty blues feel....She will be missed by many many people.....
Dan Panella
January 31, 2013
To George and Family,
May you take comfort in knowing that Ann is healthy and strong now and giving the Lord some barrel-house piano tunes that has Him tapping His feet and clapping His mighty hands.
Rest In Peace, Ann.
January 31, 2013
seen Ann in Milwaukee about 8 years ago and enjoyed them so much. My sister and I went and we had a good time. RIP Ann.
D. Burgess
January 31, 2013
Ann Rabson Family,
May the love shown through Anns' music bring joy to your hearts. What beautiful memories you must have of her. Cherish the memories she left behind for you to treasure.
DB NJ
January 31, 2013
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.
January 31, 2013
So Sad. I hope she left us knowing how much enjoyment she brought to many! R.I.P.
Barry Blum
January 31, 2013
My prayers to the family. I knew Ann for over 55 yrs. she was raised in Yellow Springs OH. She was a GREAT LADY, and will be greatly missed
January 31, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
Sally Cox-Preston
January 31, 2013
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
? Maya Angelou
I will never forget how as a child I would spend time at Ann's house with Liz. They were special and cherished. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time and know that she touched countless peoples' lives positively throughout hers.
Shirley Brus
January 31, 2013
I am so sad, I loved watching and hearing the uppity blues woman. I will miss Ann so much. She was so delightful
Martha Snyder
January 31, 2013
I saw Ann a few years ago when she and her fellow band members played in Burlington , vermont. I loved their passion and their joy. We will all miss her.
January 31, 2013
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dear loved one. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.RO.15:33 Deepest Sympathy
January 31, 2013
Thank You for The Music.
D W
January 30, 2013
My deepest sympathies. May the God of all comfort, comfort the family during your time of grief.
Paulie Griswold
January 30, 2013
A wonderful, talented, warm-hearted person will be missed, but never fogotten.
rita rose
January 30, 2013
My sympathy to your family. Today we lost a blues legend but her music will live on in our hearts and will play on for all to enjoy in the decades to come. Her personality was electric, she was a commanding presence on the stage. Her vocal ability and style of guitar and piano playing was unique. I had the pleasure of meeting her many times. For this I am grateful. My heart is heavy. You are sorely missed. Love,
R.B.Rose Author/friend
January 30, 2013
Ann Rabson remains an inspiration to me and my 7 daughters. We know her through her music. Our condolences to you, her family and all who loved her.
Liz Blodgett
January 30, 2013
To George and family--I'm so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. My mun and dad(Maureen and Bill) and I lived on Princess Anne St. in Fredericksburg a while back and we all enjoyed Saffire and your very talented wife!
January 30, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Do not isolate yourself from others, thinking that you will be a burden to them. On the contrary, association with others can be like a bridge that helps you cross over from grief to acceptance. The Bible describes a true friend as one born for when there is distress. Proverbs 17:17 Sarah Watson/Ohio
January 30, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Beth Manning
January 30, 2013
I was always bowled over by Ann's musical talent. Her warm and witty way with her fans was icing on the cake. I will miss this truly kind and talented Lady. I can only imagine the grief of her family and extended family of friends, and hope they find comfort for the loss of this fine human being.
Suzanne FitzGerald
January 30, 2013
"I know someday I'll wake up and these blues will be gone..."
Wonderful artist!
Suzanne
David Anderson
January 30, 2013
An incredible talent from my hometown.
R.I.P.
B Lucas
January 30, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Ann your dear loved one. May your good and fond memories of her bring comfort. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you show. [email protected]
dorothy crookshank
January 30, 2013
ann, sweet ann the musical magic ann of the blues...rip my thoughts are with george and elizabeth.. can't believe this is so...
Bobbie
January 30, 2013
Hope it's one big Concert in the sky... Saw and got your autograph at Wheatland ! Godspeed !
Jim
January 30, 2013
So sorry to hear about Ann's passing. She will be missed so much. Loved playing with her over the years.
Jim - Raindogs
January 30, 2013
I never met her, but I loved her piano playing nd her voice.I bought one of her cd's on a whim and bought several others because they were so good. She will be missed.
An admirer from Massachusetts
S.Griggs
January 30, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Beth Godbee
January 30, 2013
I was introduced to Saffire when a friend gave me one of their CDs as a gift. I was hooked. I had the priviledge of seeing them in concert at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and several times at the Handlebar in Greenville. One of those times was their farewell tour. Ann made so many great contributions in the field of blues music and I am forever appreciative. For me it opened up a whole new world of music. My thoughts are with her family as they go through this time of loss.
Nancy Adams
January 30, 2013
We loved seeing Saffire at the Wheatland Music Festival in Michigan. When they were on the schedule, we knew a good time would be had! What a great trio of talented women! So sorry to hear of Ann's passing.
marshall, matthew & randall shuman
January 30, 2013
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Patrick
January 30, 2013
I only met Ann once as she was unloading her equipment from a friend's car at Dulles Airport. They seemed to be struggling a little with the heavy equipment so I stopped to help them. They were so appreciative she handed me one of her CDs. May she rest in peace.
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