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Dave McKenna Obituary
"I play saloon piano. I like to stay close to the melody" was Dad's description of his playing. Raised with a love for music in a musical household with two sisters, Jean and Pat, and his brother, Donald, who all share his musical enthusiasm, and helmed by his father, William, who played drums, and his mother, Catherine, who played violin and piano, Dad was a natural. With the piano playing of Nat King Cole as a great influence, Dad launched his musical odyssey early on and never stopped until he stopped.
He worked with a number of big bands and had the honor of playing with the wonderful Bobby Hackett, who introduced him to the Cape. He moved here in 1966, with my mom, Frances, my big brother, Steve, and myself, Doug. He played at many places here on the Cape, most notably at "The Columns" in West Dennis, and shared the stage there with the great Teddy Wilson in a wondrous week of "dueling pianos." He was also much on the road.
Dad was the resident piano player at the Copley Plaza Bar in Boston for a legendary 10-year stint, during which time he took in all the Red Sox games he could.
He loved playing with his close pals, Dick Johnson and Lou Colombo, as well as with his good friend, the late Zoot Sims. He was proud of his younger friend, Gray Sargent, a marvelous guitar player, with whom he recorded a wonderful album, "No More Ouzo for Puzo."
Dad was renowned all over the world and released many recordings, both ensemble and solo, which are, and will be, enjoyed by many always.
Disabled with diabetes and, most recently, lung cancer, Dad hadn't played professionally for some years but remained, and remains, a titan for those who love his music and him.
He IS LOVED and already missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jim Rice
November 5, 2008
I just learned of Dave McKenna's death today and was most saddened! I first knew of Dave through his inclusion in the "Smithsonian Collection of Jazz Piano." After collecting all his CDs I could find I planned to fly back to the East Coast to hear him play. Luckily, I got to hear him perform with Scott Hamilton at Jazz Alley in Seattle in the summer of 1997 and will never forget the experience. He was the greatest!
Billy Marcus
November 3, 2008
Dave was an inspiration to generations of pianists and other
musicians. His genius touched all
of us. His legacy will continue to
influence future jazz players.
He will be greatly missed.
Billy Marcus
Rik Tinory
October 29, 2008
THE JOURNEY
We in music, can only dream that life will allow that one last note before our journey begins.
Play on Dave,Your Journey has begun. You dream has come true.
Rik Tinory
Maura L Cavanaugh
October 24, 2008
Dear Mckenna Family
Dave's music brought such comfort and pleasure to my father and family during my father's illlness and passing. Jack Rudnick , one of Dave's biggest fans and proud to have him to call his friend, passed away the very same day. We all have many cherished memories of evenings spent listening to Dave at the Columns and other places that he played on the Cape. Our deepest sympathy and gratitude for the many years of listening and cherished memories that live on forever in our lives and in our hearts.
With love
The Rudnick family
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Kathy Cahill
October 23, 2008
I have listened to Dave, both recorded and live, since the late 70's. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to hear him several times.
To Dave's family and friends, I extend my sympathy on his passing. His music has brought me so much joy over the years and still does.
Rest in peace, Dave.
PAUL VERRETTE
October 22, 2008
October 22, 2008
In an age when the academic respectability of jazz all too
often produces somewhat generic results, Dave McKenna's
unique style will forever stand as both an inspiration and an
entity impossible of imitation. Our thanks is eternal.
PAUL F. VERRETTE (LEE,NH)
Doug mckenna
October 22, 2008
Thanks to all who have responded to the featured guest book and for all the good wishes....
David Fitzgerald
October 22, 2008
I loved Dave. He was my friend for 35 years. He was the most unique piano stylist that I have ever heard, and a remarkable man. We shared Red Sox weekend season tickets for a number of years, and I came to know him rather well. My wife Susan and I last saw him play at the Bishop Terrace lounge on Cape Cod not long before he stopped performing. His health was declining, but the music was still magnificent. I have kept contact with Dave since he moved to Pennsylvania, and it was always a joy for us to talk to him. We will miss him very much. I once stood two feet away from Dave and Tony Bennett and heard Tony say, "This is the greatest jazz pianist I have ever heard". He was right. Dave was also one of the finest gentlest men I have ever known.
John Pizzarelli
October 22, 2008
History will show that Dave was as great a pianist that has ever lived. What joy he brought to so many and what chords he played that I continue to steal from his recordings every day. I hope he's having a beer with Ted Williams wherever he is right now.
Al Boudreau
October 22, 2008
We last saw Dave at the Big Arts Center in Sanibel Florida. He was playing with our friend,Herb Pomeroy,(who he is with right now) and we got to hang out after the gig. What a wonderful man as well as a great pianist.We will surely miss him. Al & Barbara Boudreau
DON MACKAY
October 22, 2008
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO DAVES FAMILY.I HAVE LOVED DAVES MUSIC,HIS WARMTH AND GENEROSITY EVER SINCE WORKING WITH HIM AT THE HEUBLEIN HOTEL IN HARTFORD IN TH 60S. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU
Charlie Jennison
October 22, 2008
The late Tommy Gallant, influential jazz pianist and music educator from the Seacoast Area of New Hampshire, for those not familiar with him, often told me as a young piano student that I "needed to listen to Dave McKenna." Once Tommy took me to a session in Rye, NH with Dave and clarinetist Kenny Davern. I hung out in the background, listening to Dave play his unique brand of solo piano between tunes and wondered if he actually had three hands - where were those countermelodies coming from? It was a memorable experience, one I recounted when hearing Dave in later years at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. Humble and gracious, he will continue to be an inspiration to us all through his recordings.
Shirley Lacroix
October 21, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the entire McKenna family. I was flying to Boston today when I heard the news from a friend. Like others that have signed the guest book, I have fond memories of many an evening at the Copley or a Sunday on the Cape. My friends introduced me to Dave and his music in the 80s. I have since always enjoyed his music with his distinct sound. I'm sorry the world of music has lost another great legend.
Paul Hensler
October 21, 2008
How sad to learn of the passing of a man who helped bring us into the world of jazz. Frequent vacationers to Cape Cod beginning in 1990, we had the pleasure of seeing Dave at The Roadhouse in Hyannis, where he played our requests for "Old Cape Cod" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" one chilly February night. At about that time while listening to the "Night Lights" radio program on WQRC and later WOCN we could easily identify his distinctive style, and this encouraged us to explore more of the wonderful world of jazz. Thanks, Dave, for opening our eyes and ears to the musical genre to which you contributed so much. Paul and Donna Hensler
James Foster
October 21, 2008
Thru my friendshipship with Doug I had the privilege of listening to his Father play and will always hold those memories close. My heart goes out to Doug and his family for we all will miss a great musician and person.
Peter Homer
October 21, 2008
Steve and Doug,
I've got alot of fond memories of playing ball in the field next door to your house.Your Parents were wonderful and Your Dad was always the Gentleman.I am sorry for Your loss.
Tom Santos
October 21, 2008
My father played many years with Dave and while I was young I always loved the way Dave made the beautiful music. He and my father were friends and bandmates for many years. I know he will be missed greatly. I often listen to the album recorded at Johnny Yee's in Yarmouth that my father, Dave, Dick Johnson, Lou Colombo, Tony Defazio, Art Pelosi and Sonny Cain played as the "Magnificent Seven". It is some of the best big band stuff in the world.
Van Coleman
October 21, 2008
I will always remember Dave at the Columns, his style,great talent, personality,and the wonderful memories my dad, Vern Coleman and I shared with him on various gigs. My dad recorded Dave's music years ago and I still enjoy hearing his Jazz. There arn't many left on the Cape that I knew when I grew up in Centerville with his talent. May you be comforted in knowing that Dave touched many lives and left a legacy not to be forgotten. My condolences to the entire family.
james white
October 21, 2008
A family friend, who not only was a great musician, but had a wonderful sense of humor, Dave will be missed. Dave played with the Jazz giants, but was just as happy doing solo piano in a corner lounge. Always interested in what others were doing and listening to new music, a gentle giant. Steve and Doug we are sorry for your loss.
Harry Seviour
October 21, 2008
Dave Has passed on.But his music will always remain in my head,from the 123 lounge to the Asa Bearse House. David you will be missed the Gentelman that you were always.
Harry Seviour
Jack and Dottie Morgan
October 21, 2008
Thought of Dave this summer when I bought five of his hard-to-find Concord LPs. We heard him play many times on the Cape, and send the family our sincere condolences. We will miss him.
John Gale
October 21, 2008
My sincer condolences to the Mckenna Family. Dave & Frankie were neighbors to my parents in S. Yarmouth. Great musician & his music playing will be missed.
Sincerly, John C. Gale
Ellen James
October 20, 2008
Right now NPR is playing Dave--" I'm in the Money"--- I loved him, his music, his wonderful being. I will never forget him . His music will live on in the hearts of everyone who adored his music. He was a genius of admirable humility .Ellen James
Jeff Kos
October 20, 2008
To the McKenna Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was very fortunate to have met Dave and heard him play many times while living in Southern New England. I will always be grateful for his talent and person and continue to listen to his wonderful recordings.
Jeff Kos
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Michelle Fey
October 20, 2008
I am Bobby Hackett's granddaughter. I know my grandfather loved him both as a person, and as his favorite pianist. They are together now, and will live on through their music. He will be sorely missed buy all who knew him.
Tom and Kathei McCarthy
October 19, 2008
Dave McKenna has touched alot of lives throught his music. For that we are thankful. We have known his son Steve McKenna for more than 25 years and I know how much he meant to him. Our heart goes out his Steve, Hyia and Caitlin. You took such great care of him. May his music live on through all of you. I know right now he watching over his favorite team in baseball... the Sox.
Bob Duerden
October 19, 2008
Back in the 1980s, when I lived in the Boston area, the greatest way to top off a night out was to have an after dinner drink in the Plaza Bar at the Copley Plaza Hotel where we could enjoy listening to Dave McKenna. He could do more on a piano with his left hand than most piano players could do with both hands.
Besides his wonderful music, he was a nice man.
Very sorry to learn of his passing. There will never be another like him.
Sincere condolences to his family and friends
Michele Puzo
October 19, 2008
Our hearts are broken as we think about our Dave. Having first met Dave in the 80's through my husband, I wasn't too sure he would marry me unless I understood that Dave was the best jazz pianest that ever lived. It would be wonderful to celebrate Dave's life with a big bowl of pasta and meatballs, Go Redsox, lots of music and a "salute" to Dave. Steve and Doug,thanks for sharing your Dad. He will live on in our home!
M Puzo
George Lyons
October 19, 2008
Sincere condolences to the McKenna family; Dave will be missed by all who enjoyed his singularly magnificent playing. He "owned" The Oak Bar (Room). RIP, Dave.
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