Daniel M. Horton

1929 - 2014

Daniel ("Danny") Mack Horton, 85, of Los Angeles, CA passed away peacefully August 14, 2014 at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA. Over the last eight years, he defied the odds and bounced back from a stroke, heart valve replacement surgery, dialysis complications and a few cardiac arrests - going on to live a vibrant and victorious life. After overcoming these health challenges many times over, Daniel endured another cardiac arrest which ultimately caused his body to expire. However, his spirit lives on through his music, family and friends.

Danny was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 19, 1929 to the late Norman James Horton and Rocksy Alberta Horton. The family migrated to southern California in the late 1930's, joining the great migration of Blacks folks from the South and mid-West to southern California. He and his siblings grew up in Pasadena, California, and attended Cleveland Elementary, Washington Jr. High, Pasadena High School and John Muir Junior College. He and his brothers played and attended school with neighborhood buddies, brothers Jackie and Mack Robinson.

Having begun to play and study piano at the age of 3, Danny was always playing and perfecting his talent. After earning an AA Degree, he joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and was immediately assigned to be a "Senior Instrumentalist, 1st Musician and Instructor." He was selected to play in the special performance band for all dignitary visits, ceremonies, graduations and the officer's clubs.

Throughout Danny's career, he played piano and organ at Lincoln Avenue Methodist, Community Baptist and First A.M.E. Zion churches in Pasadena. He performed and toured with a variety of musical groups including The Harmonichord, Creative Sounds, the Platters and the Ikeda Kings Orchestra. He regularly played at numerous nightclubs, supper clubs and major events across southern California for more than seven decades.



He is preceded in death by both parents, along with step-father James Moses Horton; brothers Norman James, Rudolph Abulard and Claude Horton and sister, Jennie Victoria Coffee. He is survived by one brother, Alpha Horton; three children, Sundra "Sunday" Neal Horton, Derek Mark Horton, Sr. and Zabrina Horton; one grandson, Derek Mark Horton, Jr.; future son-in-law, Kevin Robert Harris; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life musical memorial service will be held at the SGI Los Angeles Friendship Center, 5899 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019 on September 14, 2014 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. A repass "jam session" will follow immediately at 8049 W. Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey, CA 90293. In his honor, attire is bright and jazzy.