3 Final Bars: Obituaries on Roswell Rudd, Keely Smith, Kevin Mahogany

  I  
Image

Roswell Rudd (1935–2017)

(Photo: Courtesy hubtone PR)

The jazz world recently bid farewell to trombonist Roswell Rudd, singer Keely Smith and vocalist/educator Kevin Mahogany, three artists who made significant contributions to the art form.

To read DownBeat’s most recent interview with Rudd, click here.

For information regarding Smith’s passing, click here.

To read Mahogany’s obituary and a Classic Interview from DownBeat’s archives, click here. DB



  • Sonny_Rollins_by_Michael_Jackson_copy.jpg

    Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.

    Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95

    Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…

  • NikBaertschs_RONIN_by_Christian_Senti.jpg

    “We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”

  • The_Bad_Plus_by_Evelyn_Freja_copy1.jpg

    ​Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.

  • Ava_Preston_Courtesy_Ava_Preston.jpg

    Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.

  • Davis_Miles_by_Jack_Vartoogian_lo_res_copy.jpg

    How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.


On Sale Now
June 2026
Marcus Gilmore, Blank For.ms & Jason Moran
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad