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Joe Morello Obituary
Family members said Morello died Saturday at his home in northern New Jersey. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Brubeck said the loss of his friend "came as a complete shock to me."
"Many people consider the rhythm section of (bassist) Eugene Wright and Joe Morello in my quartet as being one of the most consistent, swinging rhythm sections in jazz," Brubeck said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press. "Drummers worldwide remember Joe as one of the greatest drummers we have known."
Morello's decision to join Brubeck's quartet in 1956 paved the way for the leader's experiments in unusual rhythms on a series of groundbreaking "Time" albums in the late '50s and early ' 60s that earned popular and critical acclaim.
"Joe was a pioneer in odd time signatures and a vital part of the "Time" series the Quartet made at Columbia Records," said Brubeck. "His drum solo on 'Take Five' is still being heard around the world."
Brubeck got the inspiration for "Take Five" after hearing Morello playing a 5/4 beat while warming up backstage before a concert with alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. The pianist asked Desmond to write a melody in 5/4 time for a tune that would feature a Morello drum solo. Brubeck suggested combining two themes that Desmond wrote to create "Take Five," which became a surprise Top 40 hit on jukeboxes and one of the most best-known jazz recordings.
Raised in Springfield, Mass., with impaired vision from birth, Morello initially studied the violin before becoming a drummer in his teen years.
He eventually made his way to New York City, where he played with many leading jazz musicians over the years, and first cam e to prominence for his work as part of pianist Marian McPartland's Hickory House Trio in the early '50s.
"I'm going to miss him terribly. He was a wonderful man, a wonderful drummer, a great educator" said McPartland, who has hosted "Piano Jazz" on National Public Radio for years. "When we first started playing together (along with bassist Bill Crow), you could see that Joe was going to be a star because he was terrific in every possible way. And pretty soon, he was so in demand, and he felt he had to move on."
In 1956, Morello turned down offers to join the Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey bands to go on a temporary tour with Brubeck's quartet after the pianist promised to feature him more prominently than was typical for jazz drummers at the time.
At their first concert, Brubeck gave him a drum solo, and Morello ended up staying with the pianist for 12 years. Morello won Downbeat magazine's best drummer award for five years in a row.
Morello recorded more than 60 albums with the quartet, starting with "Jazz Impressions Of The U.S.A." and "Dave Digs Disney" in 1957. He was with the quartet on its 1958 State Department-sponsored tour that took the group to 14 countries, including Poland, India, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.
That tour inspired Brubeck to explore unusual time signatures on the experimental 1959 album "Time Out," which became the first jazz album to sell more than 1 million copies. Besides "Take Five," it also included "Blue Rondo a la Turk" based on a complicated 9/8 rhythm that Brubeck heard Turkish street musicians playing. Morello's drums were prominently featured on such tracks as "Everybody's Jumpin'" and "Pick Up Sticks." On the follow up 1961 album "Time Further Out," Morello soloed using only his drumsticks on another Brubeck classic, "Unsquare Dance," in 7/4 time.
After Brubeck disbanded the quartet in late 1967 to focus on composing extended orchestral and choral works, Morello tur ned to teaching and writing instructional books while making occasional guest solo appearances and performing with his own group in the New York area. His discography includes more than 120 albums.
Friends say he truly enjoyed helping young musicians and teaching them their craft.
"He did so much for so many people, he should be recognized for the important person he was. Music was his life, he truly loved it," said McPartland.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
114 Entries
Ronald Schreffler aka Ronny Schreff
August 27, 2024
Joe, you were one of the greatest drummers and teachers ever. More importantly you were a fine man. Thank you for everything. Ronny Schreff
Ronny Schreff
May 6, 2022
To one of my teachers and friend, Joe was not only one of the greatest drummers ever he was also one " one super nice guy ".
Chris Carter
October 4, 2020
Joe you taught me so much. Not just about Drumming but how to not be so hard on myself. I'd be beating myself up after a mistake and you would say" That's ok don worry abodit Just take it easy".with that New Jersey accent. I used to love that drive from Hackensack down to Union City. I miss you man. Thanks for everything
Chris Carter
How you can show support
August 15, 2014
can,t get enough from your work !
h. pijpstra / haarlem / holland.
Tony Madejczyk
February 6, 2014
It's no special day Joe, just another "I sure miss Joe Morello" day..... Just practicing and thinking about you!
John Seals
November 11, 2013
He changed my life with his playing.
Thank You Joe
albert martinez
December 25, 2012
Like most of us I fell in love with the drums early in life, every thing around me was a drum.When I first heard the " Take Five " album,I was an instant fan of Mr. Joe Morello, I would crank the sound up all the way and just listen to every beat, not allways the best thing to do when i lived on the second floor of a six flat in Chicago. I actually got to see my hero at a drum clinic at Bill Crowden's Drum Unlimited shop on Walbash Ave in Chicago,I don't remember much, but I do remember seeing Joe doing a roll with his left hand, to an 18 year kid that I was at the time,that put me into shock . I'm 69 years old now, and Mr.Morello is still my hero, may he rest in peace.
March 12, 2012
I had seen Joe in the early 1960's in Auckland,New Zealand with the DBQ. They came again in the mid 1960s'.. and by that time I was playing drums...after being mesmerised by Joe at the first concert!
In 1991 I went to New York and went over to New Jersey and spent 3 hours with Joe at a diner next to Glen Weber's drum shop. It was one of life's highlights for me. He was a gentle funny, smart , amusing and sharp guy.
As we we strolled back to the drumshop for Joe to begin teaching, he said:" Hey Dave, how can I repay you for this afternoon" ?
I was bowled over. I replied: "Hey , it's the other way around Joe. Me and thousands of drummers around the world need to thank YOU."
"We need to thank you for your humour, your passion, your technique,and the amazingly brave time signature adventures you took us on. The dedication to simplicity of being and .. the kindness that you have always shown to learners like me."
He was really quite humbled by my comments.It is this that makes Joe Morello.. in my eyes.. a real MAN.
Joe : Rest In Peace dear friend.
Dave Williamson,68 yrs, Sydney, Australia
lea button
March 11, 2012
Good luck with your friends and family members.
Rob Eastlund
July 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Joe! Your legacy will live on forever! Just spoke w/your wife Jean. Tremendous woman.
Your unique teaching style will influence me til the end...
June 14, 2011
I saw Joe perform with Brubeck in 1960. I asked him during intermission to do a solo. He had me sit off stage and played the greatest solo I have ever witnessed. He was my idol. Tex Dean (Boone, IA)
Kevin Willis
June 8, 2011
I remember hearing the Brubeck piece "Castilian Drums", which also show-cased Paul Desmond (whom I also love).
Joe Morello sounded so good, fresh and unique to me, that I just had to sit and listen, and listen, and listen. :)
What a great talent, and I'm sure with a beautiful personality to match.
Louis Contino
May 14, 2011
My early drum teacher, Dave Christopher studied with Morello when he was going to college. One of the funniest stories I ever heard was Joe telling Dave about doing some work with the great timpanist Saul Goodman. When Dave asked Morello what it was like for Morello being a swing drummer working with a classical percussionist, Morello replied, " He couldn't swing if you hung him from a rope." He had tremendous respect for Saul as a timpanist but you gotta laugh when you picture Morello sayin' that one. Beautiful man. Rest in The Lord.
Lou
Roger Bougie
April 22, 2011
Wow I just found out about the sad news. I used to come up from Montreal, Canada every two weeks to study with Mr. Morello. I remember of this one time after my lesson I had to go back to Newark to wait for the train that was to bring me back to Montreal and with his assistant we drove around to kill some time before my train departure and he kindly offered me to go for supper. He actually paid for the whole meal. It costed more than what i actually paid him for the lesson. He was a very kind, patient, respectful and generous man. And wow his left hand. It floored me everytime. Another page is turned. A very generous soul indeed, rest in peace sir.
April 21, 2011
I studied with Joe in the mid 70's....never will I look at a part of my life the same. Joe was an incredible teacher, and drummer..it was a sad day when we lost an icon of american music...
ChrisD
I wish I could say more
April 13, 2011
Joe did the black v neck my wife knitted keep you warm, remember the music box. Oh so many memories you live, You will see your fans again.
Love Tommy Izzo
Patricia Holt
April 11, 2011
RIP oh great one......the beat goes on in heaven. Your mark on the Jazz world lives on.
April 5, 2011
There never was, nor will there ever be a finer man, musician, drummer, or human being who shared his talents with everyone who wanted to learn. Joe (Geno) and the Brubeck aggregation were each - individually and collectively - indescribable! From sitting with each of them in the tents at the Newport Jazz Festival during warm-up to being given close up center seats in Lincoln Center in New York City for the premier of Light in the Wilderness. I could go on and on here about my early years and wonderful experiences with the group and each of them. RIP my friend. You are in some great company. We miss you. You can NEVER be replaced.
March 22, 2011
I first heard Joe's immaculate playing in the early 60's and immediately wanted to be HIM! While the other kids were listening to Ringo I was busy collecting Brubeck albums and trying to copy all of Joe's licks.
What a marvelous influence Joe was. I will always miss him.
Don Kroll
March 21, 2011
You always were - and always will be - an inspiration and supreme influence in my life. Thanks for the countless tips, advice and most of all, your friendship. You are missed by many you dear, sweet man. RIP, Joe. Have a ball!
Peter Levine
March 20, 2011
Like losing a friend. Being a drummer and an avid fan of joe Morello since my teens, I will miss his music. He was gift to jazz lovers and thankfully we still have his music to enjoy.
Jean Johnson
March 20, 2011
I had the pleasure of enjoying a Dave Brubeck concert in Houston in the early 60's. Being 21 and a young lady at the time - all my friends thought I was strange because I liked jazz rather than rock & roll. I could hardly contain myself just to see Brubeck, Desmond, Morello, etc. in concert. We have lost another jazz giant. My God bless the Morello family. We thank you for sharing him with the music world!
Elaine Miller
March 19, 2011
Thank you for the great contribution you made to music! Take Five has been my favorite for many years! May the memories give family strength!
Joe Kaiser
March 19, 2011
To Joe's family, I am so sorry for your loss....thank you Joe for all the great music and inspiration.....I am sure you are up there jamming with the other great ones.....God bless you....
Bruce Lindsey
March 18, 2011
I still have a pair of "Joe Morello" model drumsticks from the 60's. What a great musician. He will be missed.
Bruce Lindsey
KCMO
David Simpson
March 17, 2011
Joe, The ripples that travelled through the water when you made your splash are still being felt throughout the music world and will continue..... as will the respect, love, and cherished memories of his family, friends,students,and fans.
You are a bright light even now. I'm grateful for your influence on me musically and my sincere prayers go out to you and all who loved you.
March 17, 2011
Take Five and Blue Rondo a la Turk are my all time favorites. What Joe could do with a pair of sticks! To his family, thank you for sharing your Joe with the world. He will live on through his wonderful music. G. Thompson (Sweetwater, TX)
Tom Cupp
March 17, 2011
This is a sad day. My sincere condolences to the Morello family.
I came across Joe's playing in 1967, and have been impressed ever since. He's been one of my favorites since then. Words cannot describe the impact he had on my drumming. We have truly lost one of the great jazz musicians in this country.
Toney Zahel
March 17, 2011
What a loss fortunetly we can still enjoy seeing and hearing Joe at Drummer World .com
John Abbott
March 17, 2011
Joe, you gave us so much, and we thank you.
Tom Engel
March 17, 2011
Saw Joe at a clinic when I was a young aspiring drummer in the 1960s. He gave me one of his sticks - which I still have.
Derek Dreizen
March 17, 2011
He was a true original. Nobody could do what Morello could do! No one like him before or since.
Leo Gayten
March 17, 2011
I remember my first drum teacher speaking of Joe Morello, he is Armand Santerelli, who wrote the book Rudimental Jazz with him. Joe was a master drummer and technician, and Armand showed me the way to excel as I needed. I missed studying with Joe because I opted to go to New York and study with Tony Williams at the time. Joe was my major influence when i was a young drummer in high school, and I always thought one day I would be able to learn more from him personally. R.I.P. Joe, you are and were a master drummer
March 16, 2011
Jean, please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and you. The drumming community has lost a true drumming Icon. I was privileged to have heard Joe play a few times and each time I came away in awe! Joe's playing was so inspirational, as was his wit. I will forever remember Joe's words after he signed his autograph on a piece of paper I had which also contained many signatures of legendary drummers I was fortunate to have seen ( Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Bernard Purdie, Elvin Jones, and Louie Bellson, to name a few.) Joe signed his name, then handed me the paper and with a straight face, and wondering if he had, in fact, signed the paper at all, said, "did I get it?" I said "Yes, Joe, you did good!"
God bless you, Joe, Jean, Family, Friends, and the Drumming Community.
Mike Totaro, Middletown, NJ.
Vic Bragman
March 16, 2011
Joe's drum tuition books always made you appreciate the drums as being a Musical instrument they were always interesting and challenging to play. When you are are a great artist the beautiful thing is you can still inspire and educate future generations of aspiring drummers. Rest in Peace Joe and thank you for your great musical drumming.
Dr. Clifford Whitelegg
March 16, 2011
May you rest in peace Joe. Your legacy will live on for future generations.
Rio Clemente
March 16, 2011
Jean,
My deepest sympathy. Joe was a good friend and a Monster musician. Always loved his stories and sense of humor. He will be truly missed. I loved having the opportunity to play with him.
God be with you. Rio Clemente
Carol Brockman Castro
March 16, 2011
What talent!!!! They just don't make them like Mr. Morello anymore. Thank God I have the Dave Brubeck Quintet in my iTunes library!!! Such great music that made you feel REALLY HIP!!! Thank you to the Morello family for sharing him with us. Most sincerely,
March 16, 2011
Another Jazz Legend Departs, leaving a huge void and a recorded legacy. In thy absence, your recorded history shall have to suffice. An all too small consolation for those of us left behind...
March 16, 2011
Like millions of others, my first knowledge of Joe was in seeing him with the DAVE BRUBECK QUINTET.
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe,not only as a musical and business colleague in my Ludwig-Premier-Yamaha Drum company days, but as a good friend when he taught privately in Union NJ. He was ALWAYS approachable, and for those of us close enough to him, used his sense of humor in just the right way at the right time!
Joe, you will be sorely missed, but always appreciated for making it a brighter world!!
May God Bless You
Bud DiFluri
Nick Stefano
March 16, 2011
Joe. You were great! RIP
Doug George
March 16, 2011
While in the U.S. Air Force I was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany from 1965 to 1968. In the Fall of 1967 a friend of mine and I drove to Frankfurt to see The Dave Brubeck Quartet in concert. It was incredible. When the quartet did "Castilian Drums", Brubeck, Desmond, and Wright walked off stage and stood to the right of the stage as Joe Morello performed his solo which lasted about 10 minutes. The three of them had time to each smoke a cigarette before returning to their instruments onstage to join back in and finish the number. The crowd went nuts at the end of the piece and gave Joe an incredible ovatation.
Morello moved so smoothly over the drums during the solo, it seemed to be a totally effortless performance. When listening to that solo on their Carnigie Hall concert album, you would think he was flying all over the drums as Gene Krupa used to do. Joe Morello was remarkably smooth, and a genius with unbelievable coordination.
I am so glad that I was able to see that quartet in concert, and that drum solo will always stick out in my mind.
Joe Morello, his family, friends, and other loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 16, 2011
I always waned to play like Joe.
Keep the beat Joe!
Jim Gory
March 16, 2011
The music world has lost one of it's greatest member, RIP Joe.
Lou Gonzales
March 16, 2011
Say Hi to Frank Arsenault for me Joe. I am missing you both and your clinics.
Stan Bergoich
March 16, 2011
A mentor to thousands upon thousands of drummers...including myself..He is a Global treasure who will be missed dearly. RIP
Stan Bergoich
David Rogers
March 15, 2011
Great drummer!!!!!
Boomer
March 15, 2011
When you mention our Joe Morello all you can think of is CLEAN PRECISE ARTICULATE DRUMMING. I can see and hear our Joe up there in heaven with BUDDY GENE LOUIE ELVIN AND MAX. Can you imagine the drumming going on with those giants? We love you JOE always will and you will remain in our hearts for eternity. Miss You and Love You JOE
George Lyman
March 15, 2011
I am deeply affected by this bad news. Joe was a master with no peer in my humble opinion. He was absolutely the finest technician who ever played the drums. Thank God that Joe left a masterful legacy. His audio, video and written works will continue to inspire and teach many generations of drummers to come. I have studied Joe's technique at length and have always been humbled when witnessing his musical prowess. God Bless Joe Morello an his family. He will be missed and nevr fogotten. - George Lyman- Austin, Texas
Gary W. Kelly
March 15, 2011
I fell in love with "Take Five" before I ever really got into music as a youth because it was different. Took nearly twenty years to find the 45rpm; and then it was a Columbia European pressing. "Time Out" was easier to find a Columbia U.S. copy in the 1980's.
"Blue Rondo A La Turk" is good, too. Al Jareau putr a vocal on it that Warner Bros released, but I do not remember any promotion of it. I found Jareau's "Take Five" on 45rpm shortened (butchered) from the 7:45 LP to under 4:00. This was during the disco-long-songs period. I complain because the flip is the 5:00 "Loving You". Found that 45rpm two years after it was released in a used record store. I had believed since rock was emphasized by the record companies that Jazz 45's would be a rarity. 78's in Jazz were easier to find, still are, too. Just not as new as desired on playback.
Wish I could have seen The Dave Brubeck Quartet perform live. I did find segments on YouTube. Too bad some are not in color.
March 15, 2011
God Bless --- may he continue to make wonderful music in Heaven
Chris Schultz
March 15, 2011
WE LOST A GREAT ONE, BUT LUCKY TO HAVE HIM AROUND.
I FIRST SAW AND MET JOE AT A U of MIAMI PERCUSSION SYMPOSIUM 1973.A COUPLE OF EMAILS ABOUT FRIEND BILLY COBHAM.REMEMBER BROTHER'S STORY ( while in the marines with his brother!)OF SEEING HIM WITH BRUBECK-WHEN THE BAND ACTUALLY TOOK 10-15 WHILE JOE WAS DOING HIS THING.HE WILL ALWAYS CONTINUE INSPIRING US.
Ed Rosen
March 15, 2011
Jean,
I was heartbroken to hear of Joe's passing. I have wonderful memories of the time that I studied with Joe and got to go out with him after the lessons. In my opinion he was the greatest drummer of all time. My prayers are with you.
Ed Rosen
tom harmon
March 15, 2011
I have been a huge fan of Joe Morello most of my life. I had the opportunity to see him in concert & drum clinics on several ocassions. He was the most musical drummer. His ability to play odd time signatures with such creativity made the DBQ as great as it was. Joe will be missed but not forgotten!
Thank you & God bless you & your family.
T. Harmon, Chgo. I'll.
Frederick Schilling
March 15, 2011
Sad Day for me! As I am sure it has been for many, learning of Mr. Morello's passing. As a very lucky aspiring 12 year old drummer, I was taken to a clinic and introduced to Joe @ the Univ Of Miami, My drum teacher Vincent Mott, a U of M professor thought it would be a good idea. WOW good idea? I was never the same. My late Dad and I would love to chat about being at that clinic. The last e-mail I got from Joe, ended with "Fred, Anything I can do to help you with your drumming, just let me know" So for more than half a century, I have been not only inspired, impressed and entertained but forever gratefull for all that Joe has given. Sat down to play last night: Just couldn't focus.... Thanks Joe.
Jim Tutak
March 15, 2011
The first record I ever bought with my own money at the age of 14 was Time Further Out. I worked as a drummer in cocktail groups through college but always viewed Joe as the drummer's drummer. Rich may have been more of a showman, but Joe was always tasteful and understated, and made it look easy. To this day, I warm up in 5/4.
Rest in peace, Joe.
March 15, 2011
Joe,
You were an inspiration !!!!
Ron Schaefer
March 15, 2011
Joe,
You were an inspriation to us all.
Ron
M Jarman
March 15, 2011
In the mid-60's I took our high school drum section to Rome, Ga. to see Joe in a clinic. Great teacher, great performer, great Drummer! Still an inspiration.
Jay De Pol
March 15, 2011
When I was a young boy at 12 years of age, my drum teacher was a student of Joe's. He snuck me in to Gulliver's at age 15 to see Joe play a gig. I met Mr Morello and he was a very gracious man. I'll never forget that evening so many years ago. Thanks, Joe, for your great music, and great drumming. My condolences to the Morello and extended family.
March 15, 2011
Thanks Joe , great man , drummer , teacher , never be another , RIP George Nolte
March 15, 2011
When I became interested in playing the drums in 1965, a friend of mine told me to listen to a drummer named Joe Morello with The Dave Brubeck Quartet - wow! Then in 1968 I had the pleasure of attending a clinic at Baylor University presented by Joe - I could not believe my eyes and ears!
What talent. Thank you Joe - C.J., Waco, Texas
John Slay
March 15, 2011
I met you at a percussion clinic in Englewood , Colorado in 1961 ... but had admired your skills for years prior to that time . Joe , you were the 'best of the best" and an inspiration to me , as well as many other drummers .... young and old !
Thank you ... for inspiring us and showing us what a master percussionist could produce !
March 14, 2011
Dear, Morello Family & friends, I offer you my deepest sympathies on not only your loss, but to all of the fellow drummers and musicians alike. May God bless and keep you through this hour of grief. D.F. Sickles Jackson, Ohio
Paul Malmstrom
March 14, 2011
Joe Morello, one of the greatest drummers that ever lived. He was with the Dave Brubek Quartet for many years and had a marvelous solo in the famous "Take 5" song. I was fortunate enough to meet him when I was 12 yrs. old at the old Terrace Ballroom in SLC when I was a young up and coming drummer. RIP my friend.
Robert Mathis
March 14, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
March 14, 2011
Joe, I love you man, I hope you're in a better place.
March 14, 2011
I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Joe on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans in the late 50's. We were seated in the third row and halfway thru the concert Joe snapped a tip. He threw the broken stick into the audience and it landed in my lap. I kept and cherished it for many years until I lost it in one of many moves. The stick is gone, but my memories of Joe's artistry will live as long as I. Music has lost another giant. RIP Joe
Bill McGann-Titusville, Fl.
Steve Snyder
March 14, 2011
Joe, I had the experience watching you play in Los Angeles in a clinic you gave. Then later that evening with Dave Brubeck that night. While I was about 16 years old, and now 62, the memories are vivid. "The Never Be Another You." Thank you. May you rest in peace, and take five Joe.
Anthony D'Agostino
March 14, 2011
To the Morello family,sorry for the loss
of Mr.Joe Morello.
Joe Morello is truely a giant in the drum
world,we drummers can only dream of greatness,while Joe Morello embodied greatness!
Joe will be missed,but his drumming
will inspire genorations to come.
Mr.Joe Morello,[Take Five]you've earned
it! R.I.P.!!!
Randall Green
March 14, 2011
Mr. Joe Morello was one of the greatest drummers ever to walk this earth, and I don't mean Jazz drummer, drummer period!! His solo on the cut Take 5 is by far the greatest ever. Rest In Peace Joe.
March 14, 2011
"I want the Morello Family to know, they have my deepest sympathy. At times like these, drawing close to God in prayer is what will "sustain you."
(Psalm 55:22)
C. Wilson
Tom Galloway
March 14, 2011
Joe at once inspired me and made me want to go home and burn my sticks. He was amazing. I remember a tribute to him by "BC" cartoonist Johnny Hart. RIP Joe!
Jerry Bianco
March 14, 2011
I saw Joe play back in the 60's at Seton Hall university, NJ and again 5 years ago...He was an amazing drummer and my all time favorite.. I actually had lessons from one of his students.. Joe will be missed terribly.
Robert
March 14, 2011
Mr. Morello was one of those rare players who created something truly original. The music of the Dave Brubeck Quartet opened so many ears. The influence goes beyond jazz. Thank You for expanding my (and many others) musical horizon.
Bill Collins
March 14, 2011
I marvelled, as a young drummer, how anyone could play such precise and complex drum patterns. Joe Morello was the best, and he influenced alot of people with his style. A fantastic musician! To Joe's family, my prayers for comfort at this trying time.
Stewart
March 14, 2011
I was going through a serious Max Roach appreciation and learning phase when I heard of his death. Shortly thereafter, I turned to Joe Morello. For the last 2 years, I have been buying up all of the Joe Morello I can from Amazon to listen to his magic. When I first read the title of this thread, I really hoped it would be another of those internet-grafted urban legend hype stories...but those rarely come for drummers.
This is the only place I can properly grieve about the death of one of the great drummers who ever lived. My workmates, girlfriend, or family cannot relate. My fellow drummers here can surely feel the loss with me.
A couple of years ago, when it came time to get new glasses, I went for a really retro-styled, thick black frame, as my own odd way of honoring Joe. Being severly nearsighted, I could relate somewhat with his lack of acuity. Joe, though, had an otherwise visionary level of talent.
We'll never see another like him.
RIP, Joe. We will miss you.
R Golay
March 14, 2011
To the the family of Joe Morello - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Joe will be missed by many.
March 14, 2011
And at the door stood Art Blakey, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich and so many others waiting to welcome you home. Thanks for the memories.
Barbara, Boston, MA
March 14, 2011
When asked by a student at a seminar why he didn't play an "Octaplus" (read "lotsa drums")kit, he gently replied "When I learn how to play the three I've got, I'll get more."
Richard Krizan
March 14, 2011
I met Joe when I was a 17 year old aspiring jazz drummer, when the Dave Brubeck Quartet played a concert at Shorewood High School in Milwaukee in 1960.
We had front row seats and witnessed first hand the magic between Joe and Paul Desmond on "Take Five". That brief period of observation taught me more than a year of study.
After the concert, I hung around and helped Joe take his drums down. He was a gracious and friendly guy, and he even showed me some of his techniques. Then he introduced me to bassist Eugene Wright (Geno, as Joe called him) and took me and my girlfriend backstage to meet and shake hands with Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, all of whom were very gracious to us, even though we were just "kids".
And I still remember his words. "Most guys just want to play, they don't want to practice. You have to practice constantly to learn techniques and to maintain and improve your skill. Never stop practicing. You'll learn something new every time you do."
I never forgot that night. It inspired me to study and excel even more, and my first year out of high school, I was "jobbing" more than a lot of the "old" guys in my union local.
Sadly, the Army took my life in another direction, and I "lost the music", but I've never forgotten how Joe Morello took the time to mentor a skinny kid he could have easily blown off, after a tiring concert. I've tried my best to do the same, mentoring young people ever since.
God rest you well, Joe. You were one of a kind. You set a high standard for us to try to achieve, and you made our lives all the better for teaching us that success only comes with hard, unrelenting work and dedication.
David Holst
March 14, 2011
Mr. Morello your playing was impeccable, inspiring and interesting. You opened a new page in jazz drumming. Thanks ofr all your efforts
Diane B
March 14, 2011
A timeless talent, and a great loss.
Barbara
March 14, 2011
The percussion section in Heaven added another **STAR**.
R.I.P.
Robert Rossetti
March 14, 2011
RIP Joe , you have inspired millions . Robert Rossetti ( shelton CT. )
Ed Trasoline
March 14, 2011
"EL MAESTRO" of rhythm and syncopation ! Just go online to "you tube" and type in Joe Morello to see the master in action...an absolute phenom. .Thanks,Joe.
Jim Darling
March 14, 2011
Your work on "Take Five", along with Paul Desmond, is a timeless classic. Thank you.
J.D. Moffat
March 14, 2011
Joe ,,, You're "the Groover" of all time(no pun intended) What an great joy your brushes brought to me !! WOW!! Be in Peace J D Moffat
March 14, 2011
There will NEVER be another Joe Morello! He will be missed by generations of musicians and music lovers. R.I.P. Mr. Morello, you were the greatest.
Dr.Paul L Rashid, Lansing, Mi.
March 14, 2011
Rest in peace, Joe! Your drumming will always be remembered.
Karl Lohmann (Germany)
Hugh Breyer
March 14, 2011
The absolute best jazz drummer...I have you on celluloid forever.
LEE MEASOM
March 14, 2011
THANKS, You are the best. you will never be forgotten.
Richie Catalano
March 14, 2011
Always moving forward in true Morello style and passion. God bless Joe Morello.
March 14, 2011
Joe was an inspiration to an entire generation of drummers- and generations thereafter. He ranks as THE MASTER of innovative rythms as well as THE MASTER of technique. We lost an icon of jazz... Michael Brauning, Dover, Ohio
Dave Baker
March 14, 2011
Goodbye Joe Morello, the Heavens await the sweet sound of your drums. Everytime I hear thunder I'll know your still playing.
You inspired myself and countless numbers of young, "Morello WannaBe's" over the years. Thank you for the gifts you gave to the music world.
March 14, 2011
The most lyrical jazz drummer soloist ever! We have lost another jazz icon.
rick chinn
March 14, 2011
The significance of the drums as an instrument was lost on me until I heard Morello's solo in Castillian Drums on the Carnegie Hall Live double LP. After that, I was hooked. RIP Joe; ya done good!
Timothy Dunne
March 14, 2011
Rest in Peace Joe Morello a Hall of fame Drummer playing for all eternity in Heaven. There was no mistaking Joes style, he was a giant in the world of Drummers. My condolences to his family , friends, bandmates and fans all over the world.
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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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