Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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)
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
