Richard Clark Ehrman

I've spent several years trying to find my old friend, Rich Ehrman before coming across this Memories Page, and learning of his passing. Rich and I shared an adjoining wall in Fukuoka, Japan where we were both international exchange students. Our worlds of origin could hardly have been more different. I am a Southern Baptist from Arkansas, but in Rich I found a fellow sojourner. He introduced me to Bob Dylan, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Van Morrison, the backstories of the Beatles, Jack Kerouac,...

I vividly recall playing a gig at the Outpost with Rich and Liz 12 years ago, about three days before he passed. We had a blast. We were getting something very meaningful and special through playing together. Rich was getting new tunes under his fingers like "Goodbye Porkiepie Hat". It seems like just the other day when we would hook up for music or chess. I note that he lived his life fully and happily. He always was learning something new and shared his positive outlook and insights...

Rich, while here and still now, bestowed us with many memories, lessons, shared experiences, love and friendships. He lost life, but we gained life's important meanings from living with him. Dear Rich, see you, one day, again, on the other side, i hope, but not too soon. ISAO

Dear Ritchie, As we approach what would have been your 60th bday I find myself thinking of all the great times we shared and the tremendous influence you had on me. You were my very first friend as a youngster and turned me on to so many new experiences. I recall the time at 108 Wooster St when you couldn't play a single tune on the piano. You always had your opinions on jazz musicians and when I asked how could you opine without even playing an instrument you simply pointed to your head and...

hey bud, its been a year but it ain't getting any easier. still missing you every day. you made quite an impression during your time on earth. probably making an equally profound one wherever you are. you kicking it with sun ra yet?

I am shocked and saddened to learn this news. I worked with Rich at the Concert Office for nine years, first as a student and then as his assistant. He was one of the biggest influences on me in my life. Especially during those very formative years. And he treated me like an adult, even when I was still a kid. Thank you Rich. Thanks for James Brown, Fela Kuti, Sun Ra and the countless other musicians, films, books and culture that you turned me on to. I'll never forget you.

I am so deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend. I knew Richard for many years and will always remember his smile and sense of humor. He will be missed.

I just learned of Rich's passing and want to express my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. I knew Rich from our years working together at Berklee in the late 80s. When I think of him, I'm struck by how such a large presence also walked so softly. While his passing is so untimely, he certainly reverberates to those who knew him at all. . .

I learned of Richard's passing hours before i sent out a newsletter to my band Club d'Elf's email list. This is what I wrote:

I learned just a few hours ago that my dear friend Richard Ehrman passed early this morning. This is hard stuff, dear readers. Rich - or Bud Struggle as he sometimes was called - was my oldest friend in Boston, having met each other in freshman listening and analysis at Berklee many moons ago. It was there that we were introduced together to the joys of the...