Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives/Atlantic Records)
Ndugu Chancler (1952-2018)
(Photo: Suzette Niess)
Eddy Clearwater (1935-2018)
(Photo: Courtesy of the Artist)
Bob Dorough (1923–2018)
(Photo: Courtesy bobdorough.com)
Roy Hargrove (1969–2018)
(Photo: Mark Sheldon)
Hugh Masekela (1939-2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives)
Otis Rush (1935–2018)
(Photo: Kirk West/DownBeat Archives)
Tomasz Stańko (1942-2018)
(Photo: Andrzej Tyszko)
Cecil Taylor (1929-2018)
(Photo: Hyou Vielz)
Randy Weston (1926-2018)
(Photo: Udo Salters)
Nancy Wilson (1937–2018)
(Photo: DownBeat Archives)From jazz trumpeters and blues guitarists to genre-defining soul singers and avant-garde soothsayers, DownBeat presents a look back at some of the talented performers who passed away during 2018. DB
• Eddie C. Campbell (1939–2018)
• Ndugu Chancler (1952-2018)
• Eddy Clearwater (1935-2018)
• Bob Dorough (1923–2018)
• Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)
• Roy Hargrove (1969–2018)
• Hugh Masekela (1939-2018)
• Randy Weston (1926-2018)
• Nancy Wilson (1937–2018)
• Otis Rush (1935-2018)
• Tomasz Stańko (1942-2018)
• Cecil Taylor (1929-2018)
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“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.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
