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Herb Ellis Obituary
Mitch Ellis, the musician's son, told The New York Times and Los Angeles Times that his father died of complications associated with Alzheimer's disease at his Los Angeles home.
Ellis, born in 1921 in Farmersville, Texas, was regarded as one of the finest jazz guitar soloists. He mixed bebop with country twang in a career that spanned six decades.
After an early stint playing with big band leader Jimmy Dorsey, Ellis and two Dorsey colleagues formed the Soft Winds trio, whose "Detour Ahead" became a jazz standard, recorded most memorably by Billie Holiday.
"As jazz has changed through the years and different styles have developed, Ellis always remained true to the form he played from the beginning," Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. "The jazz world has lost a great musician, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all who enjoyed his work."
Ellis attracted the most notoriety performing with the Oscar Peterson Trio for five years from 1953 to 1958 with pianist Peterson and bassist Ray Brown. He later went on to tour and record with Fitzgerald and was a frequent participant in record producer Norman Granz's all-star Jazz at the Philharmonic touring shows.
Ellis is survived by his wife Patti, son, daughter and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
55 Entries
Noreen Jackson
July 7, 2017
Dearest Patti,
I remember hearing that Herb had gone to be with The Lord but never knew how to contact you. I thought you had moved from California. I will not forget how you shared with me when Blue Mitchell, who was a friend, passed. I hope you are doing well. I live in Colorado.
Much .
Noreen
August 18, 2010
Herb was a great man with a wonderful heart. My best to Mitch and all the family
Christine Berry Solzberg
Blair Karsch
April 28, 2010
Dear Herb's family - since 15 years old, myself and a group of friends were obsessed with Jazz guitar. We sent hours watching Herb and Barney in the early 70's when the clubs weren't crowded. He was always gracious, warm, and curious. We saw him at the Hyatt in Indianapolis, at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Seattle, Huntington Beach and more. He always remembered us!
I am in search of a mailing address and curious about a painting a friend gave to him and it's where-abouts.
I can be reached at Blair Karsch on Facebook, or [email protected] or even call me at 317.875-5815 and please extend my deepest sympathies to all.
Regards also from Craig and Andy.
How you can show support
yolanda
April 10, 2010
In these last days that we are facing so many are losing that battle of life. He was a great musician that gave us pleasure and comfort. Now we have to look for comfort in the one whom Never dies, our Mighty Creater. Ps 83:18 (2 cor. 1:2-4;John 17:3)
Tommie Taylor
April 9, 2010
Thank God for giving the world such a fabulous musician as Herb Ellis and thank God he was such a disciplined and creative musician dedicated to his art. May God bless and keep your family always.
Marley
April 9, 2010
May the peace of God that excels all thoughts comfort you during this time of need. (philipians4:7)
sincerly
Derrell
April 8, 2010
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Herb Ellis. Although we haven’t met, all of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. Turn to the Holy Scriptures for guidance and to help soothe your heart. Psalms 34;18 assures us that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
April 7, 2010
God bless you and thank you Herb for all of the great music you left us!
K Scott!
Edward Wooldridge
April 6, 2010
I only knew Herb's music, never met the man. But I know what kind of a person he was just having listened to how he played. May he find peace w/His Maker, and may I one day meet him in Heaven. Musically, Ed Wooldridge (guitarist-fan)
wayne gray
April 6, 2010
I was fortunate to see Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, and Charlie Byrd in Annapolis many years back at the Maryland Inn. I grew up with their music; the world becomes less bright with their passing.
Richard Neiswonger
April 6, 2010
May peace be bestowed upon on the family and the grief over Herb be brief .Herb was a great musician who really love his work.. I first found Herb on the Steve Allen show..
He was outstanding and Steve knew it and let him take his licks every week..
We are slowly losing all our great jazz musicians. My biggest regret was never getting to see him in person.
God Bless him and I hope he finds a great combo so he can play for our Lord, but I am sure the Lord would welcome one of his great solos..
I have his dvd's and I can remember him everyday and probably will..
Bob Pearson
April 5, 2010
HERB, I will always remember the name, the talent, the great sound of your guitar. I always managed to include you in my radio shows when I was a DJ ... and Thanks to Billboard Magazine one of the TOP FIVE MOR Jocks two years running just behind GARY OWENS of "Laugh In" fame. Thank you Sir for all you did. BOB PEARSON - San Antonio and Dallas DJ .. and ABC Newsman - semi retired in Dallas.
April 5, 2010
My prayers are for the family at this time. But I will always remember his appearance on "SANFORD AND SON." EXTRAORDINARILY BEAUTIFUL.
DARRYL ARTISON
MEMPHIS, TN
Antonio
April 5, 2010
Dear family of Herb Ellis I am so sorry for your lost. Let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
Bill Simpson
April 5, 2010
An American treasure, thank you Herb for playing so well for us. I was fortunate enough to see Herb, Barney Kessel and Charlie Byrd at the Mechanics Theatre in Baltimore, what a night! Thanks to the Ellis family for sharing Herb with us.
Matthew S
April 4, 2010
Saw Herb Ellis with the Great Guitars - alongside the great Charlie Byrd and Barnie Kessel - at the Armadillo World HQ in Austin, Texas. Quite possibly the best concert I'll ever get to. Ellis brought an emotional quality to his guitar playing that set him apart.
ann agne
April 4, 2010
Thank you for the great joy you brought to my life over the years. Listening to your music was always a thrill.
Joyce Laidlaw
April 3, 2010
The great Herb Ellis has left us all - but I, for one, will always remember his music.
It's so sad that the old masters of Jazz & Blues are dying, but luckily - Music Lives Forever. It really does.
Bye, Mr. Ellis.
S Logan
April 3, 2010
Thanks Mr. Ellis, for THE best music in the world. I'll be requesting copies of your work w/Ella+Louie be buried W/me when it's my time. S.Logan.
Dave Lynch
April 3, 2010
I first saw the Herb Ellis model Gibson guitar when I was working as a young player in a local music store: it was a beautiful ES-165 sunburst - While I was aware of who he was I had never really gotten a close listen to his style, so I went out in search of his recordings. I was floored at his mastery of the fingerboard - chords and melody like a pianist and it sounded so fun an easy. I bought the guitar and that's when my music education really began. Thanks Herb, for all you have done. The world is a much better place for your contributions, and safe travels on your new adventure!
Dave Lynch, Sacramento, Ca
April 3, 2010
For Herb...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
jeff smith
April 3, 2010
keep playing man
Bill Jackson
April 3, 2010
I was fortunate enough to have been able to sit in a jam session when Herbie was playing. As a young "piano picker", I learned more in that hour than in the next 20 years. God is smiling at having you in his rhythm section!
Rudy McNeely
April 3, 2010
I'm thankful to have been alive, while Herb Ellis was playing such wonderful, inspiring music, and the world will be a little less, without him, but better for his having been here. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jack Hickam
April 2, 2010
What a wonderful guitarist he was. I admired him very much. Now he
will play with his fellow guitarist in heaven. Thanks for the
inspiration.
jim washington
April 2, 2010
I don't know any musician who defines the term 'great technician' and 'excellent instrumentalist',whenever his music is playing, more than Herb Ellis. I will always remember the many listening opportunities I've enjoyed, in person, and recorded of this musicians' musician. GOD bless his memory.
denise gledhill
April 2, 2010
I am a jazz follower, and had been a great fan of Herbie since the mid 50's. An amazing guitarist, a very special man. They don't make many like him!
April 2, 2010
As a young guitar player, I sought role models playing the standards in the melody-chord style. Herb was one of my firsts after reading about him in early issues of Guitar Player magazine. I purchased his music on vinyl, later on CD, and most recently viewing his playing on YouTube.
It was a surreal experience when I had the pleasure to attend 2 performances while he was touring with Barney Kessel. Barney wore the ascot, Herb was always in tie and jacket. They plugged in their small Walter Woods amplifiers and those standard tunes came to life. Herb seemed to be the one in charge of leading the local sidemen through the arrangements. I never heard the theme for "The Flintstones" played so well! Herb would tap on his axe in rhythmic fashion as he had done in the Oscar Peterson Trio- so simple, yet so hip.
The highlight of these concerts was afterward, when you could go up to these giants and ask them questions while they were winding up their cords and packing away their guitars. Here, we all learned about their influences, their philosophies, and the experiences responsible for their playing style.
Herb Ellis- a class act; not just a guitar player, but a consummate musician never to be forgotten.
Paul, Rocky Hill, CT
[email protected]
April 2, 2010
For Herb...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
April 2, 2010
YOU'LL PLAY FOR US AGAIN ONE DAY.........
Henryk Zaleski
April 2, 2010
The stage is empty and you may now rest in peace. Thank you for the music.
R Golay
April 1, 2010
To the the family of Herb Ellis - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Herb will be missed by many.
AK Anderson
April 1, 2010
Thank you for sharing your music with us!
J. Varner
April 1, 2010
To the family of Herb Ellis This is truly a talent that will be sadly missed
but you have the wonderful memories of Mr. Ellis playing with other great musicians such as himself continue to cherish those special pictures of him in your heart. May the God of all Comfort be with you.
April 1, 2010
I heard this great guitarist perform in Mannheim, Germany, in '56 or '57 with Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. He was all over that guitar. I will always remember that great evening of jazz. My sincere condolences to the family. --Gene Smith (SC)
jerry mckinnon
April 1, 2010
To the Ellis family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of Herb. I met Herb at the Southwest Guitar Conservatory in San Antonio,Tx. I loved every minute of his playing and especially his wonderful lessons. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Jerry McKinnon New Braunfels, Tx
April 1, 2010
For Herb...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Raymond
April 1, 2010
Just heard about the passing of the great herb ellis. I was ten years old when I first heard herb on a verve record with oscar peterson. Man back then I chose jazz as my music. All the kids back home were digging rock and roll and I knew there had to be something more technical and interesting? Herb Ellis set the record straight he played so melodic and so clean and exciting that he made you want to appreciate jazz and all the splendors he gave to his audience. I know he is up there in heaven having a jam session with all the greats. We will miss you Herb more than you ever will know.
Dr. Sowers
April 1, 2010
A talent that will be truly missed.
george schlossman
April 1, 2010
Thanks for the great sounds
Lee Green
April 1, 2010
Herb Ellis, great, great guitarist, I remember him appearing on a Christmas episode of Sanford and Son as the guitar playing landlord.
Anna G.
April 1, 2010
Herb Ellis was a great. I really loved his music. He will be missed by all. May Our Heavenly Father comfort those closest to him.
Alan Vinson
April 1, 2010
It is a loss for all of his fans that only copies of so many memorable performances are left to recall his genius. May he find music wherever his path takes him.
A Canady
April 1, 2010
What a wonderful musician. May he rest in peace!
Jan Brooks
April 1, 2010
A truly remarkable musician. He left a body of music to be cherished forever.
April 1, 2010
For Herb...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Deborah Hancock
April 1, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss and ours
Dave Iannopollo
April 1, 2010
A true legend of the guitar. RIP Herb
Victoria VZj
April 1, 2010
Condolences
To his family
circle of Life
A legend inside
music Box Archive
With tribute sealed
in Music in Honor`
RIP~HERB ELLIS~
Andrea Ricci Cannon
April 1, 2010
Herb influenced and inspired so many of us guitarists through his long career. The jazz duos with Joe Pass are staple rep and the many recordings will continue to teach us. Your music will live on, Herb. Thank You for swingin' so strong all these years!!
Carolyn Collini
April 1, 2010
Mr. Ellis will be truly missed by all of his many fans. He touched our lives and made them bright.
Marjorie Frierson
April 1, 2010
Mr. Ellis and his music will be truly missed, he was one of the Greats.
Bobby Bennett
April 1, 2010
To The Family: Herb was an inspiration to many guitarists and jazz artists around the world. He and Stan Getz combined to bring boss nova to the US and for that, I am forever grateful. Sleep and play well for the Angels, my friend!
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