Claude-Nobs-Obituary

Claude Nobs

Obituary

GENEVA (AP) - Claude Nobs, the founder and general manager of the Montreux Jazz Festival, whose passion for music and artistry introduced generations of legendary musicians to international audiences on the Swiss stage, has died. He was 76.

The Jazz Festival said Nobs, a native of Montreux, died Thursday after sustaining injuries from a fall while cross-country skiing in nearby Caux-sur-Montreux on Christmas Eve. He was taken to the hospital and fell into a coma from which he never recovered.

Nobs worked his way from being a chef and director of Montreux's tourism office, where he organized charity concerts, to overseeing one of the most iconic music festivals in the world.

On its website, the festival said Nobs' death came by "surprise as if to remind us once more, that in life as in music, each great performance could be the last one even if the show must go on."

A visit to the New York offices of Atlantic Records led to the first fe stival in his home city in June 1967, featuring musicians such as Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette.

The festival was an overnight success, building over the decades on Nobs' passion for jazz, as much as his gumption and contacts abroad.

"'And why not?' You would repeatedly ask the same question when we tried to explain why a project would not be feasible," festival officials wrote in an homage to Nobs on the web site that praised his audacity to dream big. "The Montreux Jazz Festival is the ultimate proof of that! But not the only one!"

From that meeting in New York, Nobs went on to gain career-forming introductions to musical greats such as Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin, who would make her first European tour at his request. The musical acts at the festival also would gradually broaden to include rock and pop.

An early incident involving the rock group Deep Purple, which had come to Montreux to record an album after performing with Frank Zappa, b ecame forever linked with Nobs.

During a fire at Zappa's concert in 1971, Nobs rushed to save several young concert-goers. Deep Purple's hit song, "Smoke on the Water," would memorialize the accident - Nobs as "Funky Claude" pulling kids to safety.

Two years later, Nobs became director of the Swiss branch of Warner, Elektra and Atlantic, a position that gave him added clout to introduce heavyweights on the Montreux stage.

By the 1990s, he was sharing festival-directing duties with the music producer Quincy Jones and bringing in Miles Davis as an honorary host.

Nobs, whose enthusiasm for greeting musicians at his office and chalet home cemented his standing and boosted the profile of his home, also became known for occasionally taking the stage to play harmonica.

In an interview with Swiss video magazine NVP3D posted on YouTube, Nobs' compared the mix of tradition and creative innovation that he sought at his festivals to the popular Swiss German breakfast dish Bircher Muesli, a combination of rolled oats, fruits, nuts and dairy products.

"Which means it's going to be like a fruit panorama, like a rainbow of different music, and this is what I like about Montreux," he said in the interview, published in June 2012. "To make it really with such a variety of sound, of smell, of views and scene, that it makes it a real experience."

JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Claude Nobs' love of American music kept us entertained at his cafe in Territet. We were students at Monte Rosa, across the street in 1964 and 65. How inspiring that he took his love to a level that made himself and Montreux a world-class event in the history of music. Thanks Claude.

From our first meeting in May 1969 to London 2011 @ the big Party. Years working together -building a marvellous legacy. "Salut" to A great "little big man". A wonderful charismatic personality that made me what I am. My prayers are with you
Claude, till we meet again, but not yet , not just yet. RIP

I will always remember Claude from all the Montreux Festivals I had been too. Every time he would give me a back stage pass and they have always been and remain my memory of Claude and His Montreux. Thank you Claude Rest in Peace.

To the family of Claude - Claude was such an inspiration to us all.... we have fond memories of our times together in Vermont and Santa Fe at Barbara's and seeing you in Montreux. You will be missed by us and our fond memories keep you alive in our minds....

You were an inspiration to so many people, and a true friend to the jazz world. Your loss will be great but I am glad I met you and had the great fortune to attend the most of montreux jazz festival in 1990. My condolences to all your family.

My sincere condolence for the loss of Claude your dear loved one. May you receive comfort from your fond memories of him. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit you show. [email protected]

"May the God who gives peace be with all you." I pray that your family can have peace & comfort during this difficult time.

happy are the mild tempered,since they will inherit the earth.(matt.5:5)sincere condolence for your loss.....g