Patti WICKS-CAMPFIELD

WICKS-CAMPFIELD, Patti

Patti left us on March 7, 2014. She died of complications due to heart failure. Born Patricia Ellen Chappell to Robert and Virginia Chappell in Bay Shore, NY on February 24, 1945 and she graduated from Islip High School in 1962. An accomplished jazz pianist and singer, Patti was beloved by critics and fans alike. She had a distinctive harmonic approach to jazz and the great American songbook. Her voice was smoky and mature. This wise voice and exceptional talent for interpreting a lyric garnered recognition and respect from some of the greatest jazz musicians, singers and aficionados of our time. Patti received awards from her Alma Mater, SUNY Potsdam, Crane School of Music and the equivalent of a Grammy in Italy with her Italian trio for Best Jazz Album of the Year in 2009. A chapter in Jazz Women at the Keyboard by Mary Unterbrink, and The Jazz Singers - The Ultimate Guide by Scott Yanow, countless newspaper and magazine articles, numerous radio interviews and a feature hour on NPR have helped cement her place as an innovator, educator and ambassador. She is survived by her two loving sisters Joan Capuano of Islip, NY, Anne Dewey and her husband Tom of Chester, PA, seven nieces and nephews, two step children, David and Ashley Campfield, and her and husband Kevin Campfield. Patti Wicks will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The jazz world grieves her passing. She was 69 years old. Condolences may be directed to the family c/o Joan Capuano at 81 Whitman Ave. in Islip, NY 11751-1409, Anne Dewey 3024 Carter Ave. Chester, PA 19013 or Kevin Campfield at 6201 SW 31st Ave. #142 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312. A jazz celebration for Patti will be held at a later date in West Palm Beach. Donations honoring her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

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