KENNETH NOBLE

Ken and I were fellow jazz collectors. His liner notes appear on a Musicraft LP devoted to the jazz pianist Herman Chittison. We met for the first time at the home of jazz pianist Brooks Kerr, who had set up a listening session to validate my claim that I had a previously un-issued / unknown piano solo by our mutual hero, the jazz pianist James P. Johnson. Ken had contributed to the first Johnson discography, and was considered to be a leading authority on the Johnson recordings. The bottom line is that Ken agreed with my diagnosis, and my rare gem was subsequently issued on a rare collectors' LP. Ken was generous with his time, and his collection of rare recordings. We spoke last around the time of the final Jazz in July at the 92nd Street Y, which to be organized by our mutual friend, Dick Hyman, in 2004.

I haven't seen Ken since we graduated from NYU School of Medicine in 1968, but he was one of the very sweetest people in our class. I'm so sorry to hear of his death, and extend warm condolences to his loved ones.

I wish to express my deep sorrow at the loss of your loved one and my friend and colleague, Ken. We were both members of the New York Ophthalmological Society and attended a monthly meeting and dinner at the Union Club. His passing was announced at our meeting last night. We all will miss his warm and friendly presence at our meetings but know he is at peace.
R. Linsy Farris, M.D.