Jack Brand 1938—2016
Jack Brand, 78, of Rockford, peacefully went to his eternal rest on Thursday, September 15, 2016, after a long illness. Born John Frederick Brand in Springfield, IL, he was called "Jack: from infancy. Jack's father died when he was four and his mother, a telephone company supervisor was sent to San Francisco for the war effort. Jack was sent to live with his grandparents in Mason City, IL, where his interest in playing the drums blossomed. By 5th grade he was invited to play with the high school band. Jack's mother remarried and took Jack with her to Rockford where Jack obtained a used drum kit in 6th grade. In 7th grade he became a member of a small jazz group that won several contests in Rockford and Chicago. As Jack entered high school he was playing with older musicians in local nite clubs and began teaching. Upon graduation he went on the road playing with several bands across the country. After 3 years, he decided the 'road' and one-night stands was not for him and returned to Rockford to teach and play with the very best of local musicians in dozens of venues, from circuses to the Symphony and all the best nite clubs in the area. In the early 90's Jack taught at Beloit College and as head of the Percussion Department instituted their Percussion Ensemble program. At the entryway to his teaching studio are two large drum heads filled with the signatures of some of the hundreds of drummers he has tutored. Jack also published several drum method books and a coffee table book on his idol, jazz and studio legend Shelly Manne, which received world-wide acclaim. "To help drummers improve their craft and then use that craft in a musical way has been my life's work." Jack received the RAMI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Jack is survived by daughters, Beth (Joel) Porter and Lisa (Stephen Beck) Brand. Predeceased by his parents and stepfather, daughter, Rebecca Benhoff and son, Jason Brand.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Rockford Area Youth Symphony, 711 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 assisted the family. Express condolences online at fitzgeraldfh.com

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Published by Rockford Register Star on Sep. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Brand

Sponsored by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel.

16 Entries

Steve Fleming

August 30, 2019

I took drum lessons from Jack when I was in my early teens. He taught me the importance of hearing and counting the beats in my head while playing and listening to music. He was a great man, and he will be missed.

Thanks for the drum lessons my friend

Glen Swangren

September 20, 2018

Scot Nyman

January 14, 2017

My apologies for the late entry, I just learned about Jacks passing a few minutes ago. I wish that we had had more time together. Your dad was the greatest character I've ever known. His wit and knowledge of FLW, Abe Lincoln and so many musicians was phenomenal. I've spent the last 30 minutes reflecting on so many memories of P.V. Nasby, Walnut Hulling and so on. It brought a smile to my sadness. We would email each other occasionally up until a couple years ago. He was going to send a photo of the pergola and front entrance decorative panels we made together. Hope that someday I can see them again, and pause a few moments to remember the times we shared constructing them. Rest well my friend.

Stu Cruden

October 3, 2016

He taught me how to play and how to play well. I will miss his insights, his wisdom, and his horrible golf swing. Rest in peace, mentor.

Michelle Crain (wysong)

September 22, 2016

I will always cherish the memories of Jack playing with my dad (Gene Wysong) and the times he came over to visit. Jack was always my favorite of my dad's friends. I will hold those pictures I have of Jack and my dad along with the reels to reels I have of them jamming together even closer to my heart. I know you are up in heaven Jack, making great music again with likes of my dad and many others. May you rest in peace Jack.

Zach Holder

September 20, 2016

I took drum lessons from Jack when I was in middle school and he taught me so much. Jack was a great man, patient teacher and an incredible drummer. I will miss the nick names he gave me and his humor. Rest in peace Jack...I hope you're playing with all the great musicians in heaven.

Gloria Nissen

September 19, 2016

This is for you,Jack. Your family will miss you forever. "See you later". Love all of your cousins

September 19, 2016

So sorry for your loss. I remember sneaking by the drum studio in the house on Benderwirt when we had our slumber parties.

Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Karla (Schmidt)

Valeri DeCastris

September 18, 2016

Oh, what a sad shock I had when I read the newspaper this morning. Not Jack! I am Val Eddy's daughter and Jack played with my Dad before Jack even could drive, as he used to tell me. He and my father were good friends and now Jack has joined my Dad's jazz band in Heaven too. This is terrible news. Jack was a hoot and a great guy and musician. I had so much fun with him. I recall when he was so excited writing the book on Shelly Manne and hanging around Canterbury Books. He used to go to the Tuesday "musician's lunch" when it was at Genghis Khan, but when it closed, he refused to then go to Stockholm Inn (where the "old people go" as he used to say!) He was such a stitch! I got a kick out of him calling himself "Walnut Hulling" as his new moniker. I had called him from time to time after he had his back surgery and would ask Guy Fiorenza about him. I knew he had complications from it but thought he was doing better. My Dad almost had the same back surgery by the same doctor and I recall Jack telling me that he didn't recommend it. I know that he had some other conditions later too. So sad. Boy, will he be missed. I really appreciate him coming to my Dad's funeral in August 2014 even though his back was bothering him. I look forward to his memorial. It will be well attended by his many friends, musicians and students. Rest in Peace, Jack. We all loved ya!

Jeep Capone

September 17, 2016

Jack was a world class drummer and educator. He was an all around great guy, intelligent and funny. Knowing him made me a better drummer and person. He will live on through all of us drummers he took under his wing. We'll pass it on to our students. Thank you Jack for sharing your gift.

My condolences to all of his loved ones.

Jeep Capone

Carole Rose

September 17, 2016

Lisa & Beth,
I am so very sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this very sad time.
Carole Rose

Joe & Laura Spinello Family

September 17, 2016

Lisa, I'm volunteering for a fund raiser at the Nordloft Theater tonite given by Jim Johnson to benefit youth interested in becoming sound engineers. Last nite during rehearsal the local musicians that Jim assembled all spoke very fondly of your Father ! I pray the Peace of the Lord over you and your family at this most difficult time in your lives. My memory reluctantly goes back to another difficult time we once shared together eight days after I moved back to Rockford in the fall of 1975. Love, Joe Spinello

September 17, 2016

Dear Lisa, Beth and Family,
Jack was such a good friend of mine for so many years. He gave me so many opportunities to be a part of his various projects-The Fusion Book, The Shelley Manne Book. He was a very giving person and one of the finest drummers I ever heard. I thought the world of Jack and I really loved the guy. I will truly miss him. To all of you, I send my most sincere sympathy. Bob DeVita

September 17, 2016

Lisa, My deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers. I will be in touch! Love you!

Donna M. Leggero

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