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John Almond Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Almond
Mason
March 9, 2024
My friend is actually a descendent of John almonds brother Ron almond so I'm glad to see his dad's uncle was epic
Patricia Walker
October 25, 2023
His music will be with me forever. I was a young woman of 17. I'm 66 now. Resting in Peace now sir. Thank you.
T. Christian
January 14, 2023
Wonderful to listen to Johny & Jon’s greatest hits compilation this morning. These two compiled some of the most heartfelt music found anywhere in times gone by into present days. . . Thanks to all in that circle (here & gone). . It’s 1/14/23 with time still on the wing. . I say a prayer for the Organ Grinder’s Monkey, wherever that little soul may be.
NANNI IGUERA
November 17, 2022
I will always remember the music of Johnny Almond. He was a great musician in his own time.
Roy Edward Almond
July 25, 2022
I’m John’s cousin, born and raised in the next street to John in Enfield, England. Our fathers were (Ted and Bert) were close. I am a year older than John but I remember him at primary school in the 1950s. Used to go to see him play in local gigs and followed his career until time took us in different directions. So sad to hear he has gone. I remember a gentle sensitive young man who will be missed. Best wishes to his family.
Steve Emming
September 24, 2021
We will miss you Johnny! RIP
Sonia Grimes
June 11, 2021
Article by Johnny in ‘Melody Maker’. Mid 1960’s.
Sonia Grimes
June 10, 2021
Johnny came regularly to our home in Enfield in the late 1950’s / early 1960’s for saxophone lessons from my late father Fred Cranstone. When recently going through dad’s possessions, I found several photos of Johnny as a quite young boy. He was playing sax on a bandstand in a Butlin’s holiday camp competition. The photo is signed with the words, “Best Wishes to my teacher, Mr Cranstone 1959”. Dad also carefully kept a “Melody Maker” article where Johnny spoke about the importance of getting a good teacher.
I thought Johnny’s family would like to see the photo
Nanni Iguera
February 2, 2021
La grande sensibilità musicale di Johnny Almond resterà nel cuore degli appassionati di tutto il mondo per sempre. Mark-Almond è stato uno dei gruppi più innovativi e emozionanti di sempre
Nanni Iguera Genova, Italia
bruce kelso
October 1, 2020
johnny was a great tenor player. his flute work was like watching bird fly in the sky. along with fellow tenor player steve gregory they made a fine horn section evident on the fleetwood mac mr wonderfull lp and on chicken shacks 40 blue fingers lp but he will always be remembered for that outstanding solo on john mayalls california from the turning point lp.rest in peace johnny.
Peter Frost
November 19, 2010
Johnny Almond and Jon Mark kept me going in my teenage years and have sustained me since (now 56). I personally have never heard any sax player to match him at his best. All those years of people wondering why I liked 'Marc Almond' and in the end it did not matter as they were the best!
Gerald Monteros
November 16, 2010
Thanks Mr. Almond, thanks
Jerry McCann
November 11, 2010
Hello Ginny, I just heard about Johnny's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's been a lot of years since we last saw each other. I always looked back fondly on the time John and I played together. I hope you and your family are doing well. Once again, my sympathies to you and yours. God Bless. Jerry McCann
September 26, 2010
I watched Johnny play with "Johnny Almond and the Rhythm Review" in the San Diego area back in the 80's. Everytime I saw him I bought him a Moosehead beer. He was a great guy and a great musician. Thanks Johnny...Paul Heagerty
August 1, 2010
Hello, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I have recently put together a cd from tapes made of some of his performances with the St. Louis Slim Band in 1992 in Pleasanton. I give them out to friends and people I want to greatly impress. If you would like I would be happy to give you a copy (ies). Sincerely, Charles Dillett, drummer,
[email protected], 925-933-7266
March 31, 2010
Ginny, I'm deeply saddened to hear of Johnny's passing. I played keyboards with him in the Heroe's in San Diego. As everyone knows he was the best of the best and I'm proud to say that he was my friend and band mate. I remember when you and Johnny stayed at my house after the New Years Eve gig we played. We stayed up all night and talked. Johnny was a treasure and he will be missed by all of us.
Mike Radi
Giorgio Salvo-Beltrandi
March 15, 2010
So sad to know you passed away John.
Just thank you for the music you gave me. I'll remember you forever.
Peace - Giorgio
Danny Donnelly
March 2, 2010
The greatest sax solo l've ever heard or expect to hear in my life, was that recorded in 1969, the song "California" on "The Turning Point" l received the album from my older brother Larry who has since passed. l had just turned 14 in nov. of that year.The song was and continues to be a spiritual inspiration to me, and the reason l made California my home. l had no idea johnny was so young at the time of the recording. To this day l still get chills when l listen to that song. peace
Randall Anderson
February 13, 2010
I first became aware of Johnny's playing on "The Turning Point", John Mayall's great group. Later, Mark Almond's jazz/rock compositions were one of a kind. In 1980 I was lucky enough to meet Johnny at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach and watch him play in an intimate venue. What a great talent and soulful man! My condolences to his family. His music is, and will always be, timeless.
Richard Goodwin
February 7, 2010
Have just read of Johny Almonds death. He has always been one of my favorite musicians since his appearence on John Mayall's Turning Point album, and his music as part of the band Mark Almond. In reading his obituary, I was very moved to hear that he obviously had a genuine faith in Christ. A line from a song called "The Ghetto" from Mark Almond's firsts album says, "sometimes I get down on my knees - I wonder if he sees. I'm thankful that he obviously recieved an answer to his question, and it was in the affirmative. Sure hope you get to play in heaven Johnny, - I hope to be there to hear you. God speed.
Richard Brown
January 8, 2010
Just thank you for the music Johnny.
Rest in Peace
Roy ALMOND
January 7, 2010
So sorry to hear about John - I am his cousin Roy Almond, born in the next street in Enfield, North London. I remember John's family, particularly his father, my Uncle Bert and Aunt Mabel. I went to the same school and remember his early development as a musician and going to watch him at local gigs in pubs and clubs in N. London - he was a phenomenal talent. He was there among my heroes - Clapton, Mayall and the Stones. Good luck and best wishes to you all - I am proud to have known him.
Jim Brule
January 2, 2010
I met Johnny in Syracuse at a very intimate concert; I was just a member of the small audience, but his music touched me so deeply then, and to this day.
So sorry to hear of your loss. His was a great heart, and a great talent.
Carol Okronglis
January 1, 2010
Ginny. I don't know if you remember me, but I used to hang out with you and Johnny at the Blue Dolphin years ago. I was discussing the sax with my 10 year old son, and said that I knew the most incredible sax player in the world and decided to google Johnny to see if I could find out where you are today. It just breaks my heart to find that he is gone! I have storys to tell my son about how this GREAT man played my saxaphone whenever I brought it to him! May God bless you Ginny and your family in this time of sadness and know that Johnny blessed the lives of everyone he met!
December 11, 2009
play some golf, have a scotch and blow your horn for us in heaven!
Steve Guthrie
December 10, 2009
Johnny Almond was incredible in John Mayall's live version of "California", from the album "Turning Point." And I remember as most of us from the 60's were trying to get our heads back on straight, and mellow out a bit in the 70's diggin' the great sounds of the MARK-ALMOND BAND. "One Way Sunday", "What Am I Living For" and "The City"....what absolute CLASSICS these were from the early 70's.
Funny - I would have given anything just to have met you in person. I never had the chance to let you know how absolutely talented you truly were. And now I am signing your "Memorial" guest book...
"Thank-you" Johnny - - for making my life a little better because of your talents and goodness.
May the Lord Jesus Christ have you for the rest of eternity. Maybe we will meet someday after all Johnny Almond ! You will be missed....
Richard Smith
December 10, 2009
Dear Ginny and family,
I was so sad to hear of John's passing.
I live in Scotland and I was only 17 when I first heard his playing, with John Mayall.
He was really the first saxophone player I ever really listened to; so has remained an inspiration ever since.
- He inspired me to take up the saxophone all those years ago.
I still return to his music to this day, and regularly listen to the his playing with John Mayall, his 'Music Machine' albums and the Mark-Almond albums.
I bought myself a tenor 5 years ago - and I'm still trying to play like Johnny!
- I know he is remembered fondly in Scotland and the rest of the UK by many many music fans and musicians; my only regret is that I never had a chance to meet him.
I'm not sure if he new how much loved he was over here?
- In the last few months I had been talking to a few (mainly younger!) musicians here about his playing, with a view to re-creating the sound of Mark-Almond and Mayall's 'Turning Point' band (especially the earlier work).
I know in his younger days he like to joke an do anything for a laugh; so I suspect the above would probably sound a bit serious to Johnny!
Finally, my sincere Condolences.
and may he rest in peace,
Richard Smith
Mark Ross
December 9, 2009
The most amazing music just came through Johnny- he made it seem effortless. Touring and recording with the Mark-Almond Band in the 70's was a dream gig for me.
As gifted as Johnny was, he was also kind and generous in spirit, both as a musician and as a friend.
December 7, 2009
Wow. Just read the news. I've listened to JA's music since the early 70s, from John Mayall days on. Played versions of "City Suite" in various bands. A wonderful tone, voice, phrasing. Thanks for all the beautiful music. Rest in peace, your music lives on.
Ginny Almond
December 7, 2009
Thank you all for the kind words for Johnny. I knew him as my best friend and husband for 32 years. He was not only one the finest saxophonist, but by far was the sweetest and kindest soul I've been blessed to know.
I hope to see you in Heaven's concert one day and forever my darling Johnny.
Ginny Almond
December 5, 2009
I WILL LOVE JOHNNY'S SPIRIT AND EXTRAORDINARY TALENT IN HEAVEN AS I DID AS HIS FIRST AMERICAN WIFE. MAY GOD GIVE COMFORT & PEACE TO HIS CHILDREN, HIS FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD.
MADDIE ALMOND-LARSON
John Altman
November 29, 2009
Very sorry to hear the news - our careers were intertwined in the UK many years ago and only recently I was talking about John with someone who confused us. RIP
Sonny & Mona Snell
November 24, 2009
We were truly blessed by our friendship and will miss him dearly.
Kevin McCann
November 23, 2009
His music brought great happiness and peace to my life. May his horn blow forever in heaven.
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