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Cecil Taylor
1929 - 2018
Cecil Taylor
1929 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1929
DIED
2018
Cecil Taylor Obituary
Taylor's legal guardian, Adam C. Wilner, confirmed the death to The Associated Press by phone Friday. No more details were provided.
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Taylor, born in New York on March 25, 1929, was known as one of the pioneers of the free jazz movement, and was seen as both a grounding breaking and uncompromising artist.
Taylor released his first album, "Jazz Advance," in 1956. He was also known as a poet and would recite his poems at live shows.
"Cecil had a magical touch on the keys and was a genius at the arts. He lives on through his uncanny ability to express his music and poetry in various forms of beauty, pain, injustice and peace," Wilner said in a statement to the AP. "He will always be remembered in the history of Jazz for his free-form improvisational notes. He will be missed by his family, friends and fellow musicians."
Taylor returned to the stage in 2016 in New York City after years away, using a cane and holding his assistant's arm. He received a standing ovation.
We invite you to share condolences for Cecil Taylor in our Guest Book.
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Written by the ASSOCIATED PRESS
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
54 Entries
August 14, 2020
Genius
August 15, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
M C
May 4, 2018
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. He will be remembered for his contribution to the music industry. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
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John Case
May 3, 2018
Cecil Taylor's uncompromising art is an astonishing musical accomplishment which will continue to inspire gifted listeners worldwide.
He's been my free jazz hero for 54 years, and he'll remain the revolutionary pianist/composer without equal.
April 29, 2018
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the entire family of Cecil. May God grant solace during this most challenging time. Cecil was a brilliant and talented man. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
April 26, 2018
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Taylor. May our Heavenly Father provide solace during this distressing time.
james flessas
April 24, 2018
I love you Cecil❤
Nigel Miller
April 19, 2018
My deepest condolences go to cecil's family. Thank you cecil for the wonderful music you made that helps me through rough patches in my life.
Fellow Jazzer
April 15, 2018
As a musician myself, I couldn't believe what I was hearing the first time I heard Cecil Taylor's music, he wasn't showing new musical universes, he was creating them! RIP Sir and thank you for the gift of your music, and of your self!
Juanita
April 14, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family for your great loss. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning.
Regina Glasper
April 13, 2018
My condolences to your family. . . May the God of all comfort grant you peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Very soon death will longer have a hold on humankind as everlasting life is promised. John 3:16
Mildred
April 12, 2018
My heart goes out to the family. May those around you help you through the days ahead. Hold thought to good memories of Mr Cecil for comfort and lean on God for strenght
April 11, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans who have suffered the loss of this talented musician. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
Sally
April 10, 2018
We thank Mr Taylor and his family for the wonderful music that he left for our enjoyment. We are so sad that he is not with us any longer but thanks to our creator we can look forward to being reunited with him again one day soon in our future. In the meantime may family and friends draw close to God and get to know about all te wonderful blessings that he has in store for us and our loved ones who have passed in death. John 17:3 invite us to do just that. God love us so much.
Mark Jones
April 10, 2018
CT was a major influence on my life and art. I was so privileged to have studied with him as well as been thrilled and inspired by his performances over the past 48 years.
James Hurt
April 10, 2018
I met Cecil in the kitchen of Smalls in the early 1990's. He inspired our generation to challenge all boundaries as exemplified by his body of work. Cecil was an inspirational teacher to all of humanity as a pioneering artist, activist, and a free American.
Allan Graubard
April 10, 2018
I celebrate the life and work of Cecil Taylor, ever an inspiration, calling us to create more richly in service to music, poetry, the arts, dance -- the culture we live and love and that makes us what we are for ourselvces and for each other.
Allan Graubard
Mike Resil
April 10, 2018
The musical genius who changed my life in 1973 when I saw him perform for the first time. I enjoyed the conversations we had after many performances over the years. He was the greatest and most important musician in my life and he gave me such exciting memories during each performance I saw him..especially all my visits to NYC.I will miss him greatly. THANK YOU CECIL!
Virgil Varner
April 9, 2018
Truly Grateful for the Giant Steps forward fo You made for our favorite Ear candy and the thought provocation with Your spoken words. Rest in Paradise Brother Taylor. Family be strong in Love.
William Hooker
April 9, 2018
I know you are with us right now. I am wishing you peace as you transition to other planes.
William Hooker
Christian
April 9, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cecil. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
April 9, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Yc
April 9, 2018
My condolences to the Taylor Family and friends for the loss of your beloved CECIL. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together; and may the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Patrick Brennan Brennan
April 9, 2018
An uncompromising and singular artist .
An uncompromising and singular Human Being .
His gave us a new understanding of what
music could be . Open minded , Free of boundaries .
Cecil Taylor's music has inspired generations and
will continue to inspire many more .
Patrick Brennan (NY. NY.)
April 9, 2018
To The family of DuShon Cecil Taylor
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who binds up the broken-hearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2.
Weasel Walter
April 9, 2018
MAESTRO
April 9, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 9, 2018
May the wonderful memories the family, friends, and fans share bring comfort during this time of loss. So talented, nice relaxing clean music for the whole family to enjoy...Proverbs 17:17
Chianti
April 9, 2018
Through his music he brought joy to many, and with heavy hearts, your loved one will be truly missed. May you rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep and perservere in prayer.-Romans 12:12,15.
Ms Morgan
April 8, 2018
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Cecil Taylor's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Kathleen Conlon
April 8, 2018
We had some good times. When I remember Cecil,it shall be all those wee hour salons. He holding court. The steady stream of smoke,encircling the stream of conciseness emitting from his wizened tongue. Always a more interesting evening in his company. Of which for me,for a time was often. Glad you were part of my life.
Babs J. Fitzs
April 8, 2018
My condolences to the Taylor family.Thanks for sharing Mr. Cecil Taylor with us.May the PEACE of GOD rest in your lives and home's. R.I.P. Mr. Cecil Taylor.
Herman Milligan
April 8, 2018
Cecil came to UW-Madison in the Spring of 1970 as a result of the Black Student Strike in 1969. One of our 13 Demands was to have a Black American Composer-Musician in the School of Music. Bruce Benward, then Chair of the Music Dept. contacted Gunther Schuller then Head of The New England Conservatory and Gunther recommended Cecil. As a member of Cecil's Black Music Ensemble in Madison, WI during 1971, I became a more complete person through the experience of playing with and knowing him, as well as meeting all those other great musicians I got to play with and know. He was one of the world's greatest composers and musicians irrespective of the music idiom. His writings revealed his literary, philosophical, and cultural genius as to the meaning of his life and influences and leaves lessons for all of us to learn from and to execute in our daily lives. He became a long-time friend and I'm very grateful for that. I will miss him dearly but pledge to carry those beliefs forward to make this is a better world in which to live.
Adrian Barnette
April 8, 2018
We'll miss you !
April 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Gaurdian. He lived a long life. Looking forward to our future from Job 33:25 Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.
Edward Dane
April 8, 2018
Dear Cecil ...your are missed, Your jazz liberated my fingers and hands. Thank you for being free, May God Bless you and your family
April 8, 2018
Please accept my condolences and prayer. May God give you strength to cope with your loss. Psalms 145:18,19
wmc
April 8, 2018
R.I.P Cecil
April 8, 2018
Condolences to loved ones of Mr. Taylor.
April 8, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the family. Treasure the wonderful memories you shared with your loved one. May you find comfort in the God of tender mercies and trust that he will strength you to endure this great loss. (Psalms 29:11)
L W
April 8, 2018
I'm truly sorry for his passing and your grief that must endure. May the God of all comfort be near to all who mourn his passing. Psalms145:18,19
April 8, 2018
My condolences to the Family. May the God of all comfort give you strength and peace, while you mourn the loss of your loved one.
Bradie Speller
April 7, 2018
The most towering figure in the progression of music in the 20th century. Cecil challenged all the norms, broke all the barriers, and left a legacy with every single artist that performed with him and every person who witnessed his genius. Thank you Cecil.
G. Freeman
April 7, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Adrian Barnette
April 7, 2018
We'll miss you !
April 7, 2018
May family and friends find peace and comfort in your loving memories of Cecil and his wonderful musical gifts he left for others to enjoy.
GM
Cleveland,Ohio
Steven Rosen
April 7, 2018
He remains a formidable lifelong influence on the way I think about music and life. Thank you.
George Edward
April 6, 2018
Always inspired and challenged by Cecil Taylor's performances.
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