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Rudy Van Gelder Obituary
NEW YORK (AP) - Rudy Van Gelder, the audio engineer who helped shape the sound of modern jazz on thousands of recordings, including such timeless albums as John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" and Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," has died. He was 91.
Blue Note Records spokesman Cem Kurosman said Van Gelder died Thursday morning at his home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The home was also the site of Van Gelder's studio for more than half a century.
The National Endowment for the Arts, in a tribute to Van Gelder, noted that he was "considered by many the greatest recording engineer in jazz" who "recorded practically every major jazz musician of the 1950s and 1960s."
"My ambition from the start as a recording engineer was to capture and reproduce the music better than other engineers at the time," Van Gelder said in a 2012 interview with jazz writer Mark Myers. "I was driven to make the music sound closer to the way it sounded in the studio. This was a constant struggle – to get electronics to accurately capture the human spirit."
An amateur radio buff and jazz fan, Van Gelder set up his first studio in the living room of his parents' house in Hackensack, New Jersey, recording local musicians.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rudy Van Gelder
Shirley Naso
November 8, 2017
So sorry to hear about Rudy's passing. I met with him at his studio shortly before he passed. He was in his wheelchair but otherwise very spry and upbeat, and well, for those that knew him - Rudy being Rudy. He was one of a kind in the music world but others may not know what an avid nature lover and bird enthusiast he was. I loved listening to his stories about a lot of the greats, i.e., Herbie Hancock, etc. He will surely be missed.
Bill Arcarese
January 28, 2017
I could never thank Rudy enough for his incredible contribution to jazz. Thanks to him, so much great music will live on to be appreciated by millions and millions of listeners. And Rudy, your memory will live on too!
MA
October 26, 2016
To the family,
I send my condolences. May God give you peace as you cope with your loss.
ALAN WINGROVE
September 3, 2016
What a wonderful world you opened for me.
Through your artistry,others talents were shown to the world in the best possible interpretation of their work.
Together you and they....and that period of music and recording industry history live on.
A "THANK YOU" to you is a small thing to say but nevertheless it is richly deserved.
AW
September 2, 2016
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Ed Nelson
August 31, 2016
RIP Rudy. You were the true Master.
Ed Nelson (Dr Moto)
August 31, 2016
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
August 31, 2016
Sorry for your lost and he will be miss, you made some of the world's best jazz know to man and I thank you for your work.
Music Lover
August 30, 2016
You don't see music giants like this anymore, the mold was broken with Mr. Van Gelder. His ironic sound will live on.
Edward Wolfrum
August 30, 2016
I will miss you Rudy and our discussions about acoustics, digital audio and Amateur Radio...and adjusting to "getting older."
Thanks for your friendship through the years and your preservation of audio purity. The audio and music community will miss you greatly...but we won't miss your driveway!
May you now rest in the Peace of Christ, my friend.
Ed Wolfrum
Dan Dinoto
August 29, 2016
This man was a GIANT. I certainly hope that the powers that be in the recording industry see to it that his memory is given the honor it certainly deserves. Without George Martin, The Beatles might have been just another rock and roll band. Without Rudy Van Gelder an entire Genre (which stands as America's greatest art form) might have been severely shortchanged. R.I.P. Mr.Van Gelder.There aren't adequate words to thank you for what you achieved.
Marty Cohen
August 29, 2016
You made the music that was the essence of my youth. You were always a part of the best in jazz recording. May your memory be a blessing.
Scott Chamberland
August 29, 2016
Rest in Peace
michelle plakas-kaiser
August 29, 2016
rip
August 29, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 29, 2016
Such great talent isn't always recognize but it is always admired. The way of music is universal bringing people together. My sincere condolence for your loss.
August 29, 2016
Gelder Family,
Our condolences and prayers to the family. May the Go who gives peace be with all of you.
August 29, 2016
Thank you Rudy for your expertise. May all now cherish his memory through his legacy of music.
Christopher Maduri
Cleveland, Ohio
August 29, 2016
What a good long life Rudy enjoyed! His fine legacy will surely be remembered. May precious memories forever live in our hearts and in God's "book of life."
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