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ALAN WHITE Obituary

WHITE--Alan "Chip", died August 5 in New York City, at 73. A jazz musician and composer, Chip White was a proud drummer in the band and cherished by a wide circle of friends. The son of Algernon White and Norma White, he was the beloved partner of the late Sibyl Golden and the devoted brother of Raymond White. Chip was a cosmic traveler in the jazz universe for decades, working with musical icons including Etta Jones, Houston Person, Teddy Edwards, Jaki Byard and many others. He produced many CDs of his own music, including "Family Dedications and More" in 2014. He was the author of a book of poems about jazz musicians, "I'm Just a Drummer in the Band." And so he was. And so much more.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Eric J. Copper

Yesterday

As Chipper would say we were friends starting at age 3 and remained so for his life: Always admired his accomplishments and was in awe of his long-term memory. The last I heard from him was when he left a message wishing me happy birthday at 12:01 AM 7/13 saying he wanted to be the first. That was Chipper- a true dear friend. He is deeply missed. God rest my brother.

Eric Cooper

December 29, 2020

Chipper was my friend starting at age 3 in Peekskill. He was a brilliant musician and was blessed with a sharp wit and intelligence. The last time I heard from him was when he wanted to be the first to wish me a happy birthday at 12:01am 7/13. He will be deeply missed.

Linda Alvey

September 12, 2020

I called him Chip. Knew him since the 70's from our time together living in 14th Street loft. Our friendship was rekindled in recent years. He was a very special friend and love. He was such a dedicated and prolific musician, composer and leader. It was a sudden and unexpected loss. The eternal optimist. I miss him so much.

Jeanette Hady

September 5, 2020

There are no words to express my sorrow. Chip was a best friend for over 25 years. It was really a treat to be at his gigs, never have I seen a drummer with the velocity and dexterity equal to his. I'll never forget seeing one of his drumsticks fly right out of his hand !
An intellectual with a wonderful sense of humour, he was like an encyclopedia of knowledge.
The world's biggest optimist, nothing ever got him down.
I will always love and miss my darling Alan Chip White.

Tim Mehne - DJ Chef Tim

August 18, 2020

Chip was THE BEST drum teacher I ever had, and a friend as well. Red or Lemon Zinger Tea after my lesson while Michael Brecker constantly practiced his Sax upstairs was a Great lasting memory. Chip & I reconnected after 40 years and I featured him on my KTSU 90.9 FM jazz radio show July 14th Tuesday Tribute. It was a blessing to reconnect and to have Chip hear his tribute before he became a member of ‘Heaven’s Jazz Bands!! “Play On Chip!”

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