Gregory Bandy Obituary
Gregory Charles Bandy was born March 18, 1951, and transitioned May 23, 2025. Greg was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools system and graduated from Glenville High School in 1969. He briefly attended Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. At the age of 20, he moved to New York City to pursue a career as a jazz drummer. Starting in the 1970's, he worked with various jazz musicians, as well as headlined his own groups. Greg had an extensive career both nationally and internationally for almost 50 years until 2021, when health issues prevented him from performing. Over the years, he performed with Roy Ayers, Joe Henderson, Arthur Prysock, Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Gary Bartz, Olu Dara, Eddie Henderson, and many others. He was a percussion instructor at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and at the Cuyahoga Community College Jazz Studies Program.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Jane and Charles Bandy, son Rashaad Bandy and brother Napoleon Griffin.
He is survived by: sons – Khalid Bandy, Idris Bandy and Gregory Bandy II (Nikki); daughter Eladia Clark; sister Ernestine Creasy; mothers of his children Gloria Bandy and Egeria Bennett, granddaughters Khaleona Martin and Lily Bandy; great-grandson Khalil Calhoun; sister-in-law, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
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4 Entries
Patricia Evans
June 11, 2025
I grew up with Greg at St. John AME church in Cleveland, Ohio. Eventhough he was a few years older than me, his Sister Ernestine was one of my childhood friends. He was the typical "older brother." But even after he moved to New York and started his musical career, he never forgot about us "church girls!" Whenever he came home and sat in on gigs at the Boarding House, Club Isabella, or the Bop Stop, and we were there, he ALWAYS shouted us out! He will be missed but I know he's still keeping the beat for all those musicians Up Yonder. Rest well Greg
Georgene Artis-Crosby
June 4, 2025
Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved.
Where there is deep grief, there was, and will always be, great love in the hearts of those who knew Greg .
The "Creator" has a Master Plan", and Gregory has become a part of it for all eternity. RIP, my FRIEND
LaFrae Olivia Sci
May 31, 2025
Greg was my musical mentor. He took me under his wing when I was a student at Oberlin, and he helped me get started with gigs when I moved to NYC. I love him like a Father, and will forever be grateful for his guidance and life lessons.
Cheree-Anne Evans
May 30, 2025
I met Gregory on a few occasions while in the USA,
Greg was such a talented musician with a heart of gold. His beautiful smile would light up a room. Greg was always so welcoming, kind & funny.
Sending Prayers & love to all his family & friends
Cheree xx
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