Nathaniel Bess Lee

1954 - 2024

Nathaniel "Nat" Bess Lee, 69, was born on May 25, 1954 in Richmond, Virginia. He passed away on January 14, 2024 after an extended illness. Nat was an outstanding multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger, a kind gentleman with a friendly smile, and a warm-hearted friend to all.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Nathaniel Lee and Dorothy Bess Lee of Richmond; paternal grandparents; Nathaniel Lee and Hattie Hooper Lee of Cincinnati, OH; maternal grandparents, Isaiah Winfield "I.W." Bess and Alice Erwin Bess, his aunt, Frances Bess Bishop, all of Richmond; and his cousin, Deborah "Debbie" Lee, of Cincinnati, OH.

Nat grew up in the Maymont neighborhood on South Meadow Street and later moved to Norwood Court in Northside as a teenager. He and his Maymont neighborhood friends, Melvin (Ras Mel) Glover, Jr., Bobby Kirksey, and George Black, started their first band together. He attended John Marshall High School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1972, where he played on the tennis team and performed in local bands.

Born with an innate musical talent like his Oberlin-trained father, Nat studied music since childhood and graduated from Virginia State University in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in music education. His versatility as a musician ranged from soul, funk, R&B, Jazz, Reggae, and European classical music. He played the keyboards for several local musical groups, including Stacy Henry and the Majestics, Oneness of JuJu, Southern Energy Ensemble, and many others. After graduation he was affiliated with the music industry based in Philadelphia through his connection to the Hayes family. He showcased his musical talents as a keyboardist, music arranger, and producer for various nationally known popular groups and vocalists, including Evelyn "Champagne" King, Teddy Pendergrass, Gloria Estefan, Tony Bennett, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, among others.

Following in his father's footsteps, Nat began his career as a music teacher for Richmond Public Schools. He served as the band director for Armstrong High School. In the late 1980s Nat expanded his musical prowess, talents, opportunities, and skills in entertainment arenas from New York City to Miami. By 1996 he began to travel across the globe as the first African American music director for any major cruise lines, as the music director for Princess Cruise Lines (known as the "Love Boat"). In 2009, Nat returned to Richmond to provide care for his widowed mother and extended his caring nature to elderly family friends also in need of support. He assisted the Richmond Jazz Society with outreach programs to children and senior citizen audiences throughout his career.

Nat is survived by his brother, Todd Winfield Lee of Richmond, and cousins Nora Jay Miller, Lem Jenkins II, and Gloria Lee, all of Cincinnati, OH, and his godmother, Julia Mae Williams of Hampton and Boston. He also leaves behind a host of friends. Those most devoted include Winfred Hayes, Diane Hayes, and the Hayes family, Ras Mel Glover, Bill McGee, Carmen Foster, Colette Foster Groves, and the Foster family, Marsha Meekins, and a special "mother" and family friend, Gloria B. Johnson. His friends are grateful for many kindnesses by the staff at Elizabeth A. Crump Manor, especially Shemeka Burton, Vicki McSparren, and Toccarra Blue, during Nat's stay at the facility.

Nat inspired and taught many young musicians throughout his life. He will be remembered for his dedication to music, his impact on the lives of those he mentored, and the joy and smiles that he brought to those who heard his music.

A memorial service celebration will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 am at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223, Rev. Rodney M. Hunter, officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will conduct an Omega service at 10:30 am before the memorial service.

A private burial was held at Maury/Mt. Olivet Cemetery where he rests alongside his family.

Memorial contributions can be made in Nat's name to the Richmond Jazz Society at P.O. Box 25723, Richmond, VA 23260 or online at www.vajazz.org.