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In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Music industry executive Clive Davis (right), shown here at a Grammy ceremony with Carlos Santana, championed the careers of pop stars and landmark jazz artists alike.
(Photo: Courtesy CliveDavis.com)Clive Davis, one of the music industry’s most powerful and outspoken executives, died on June 22 at his home in Manhattan. He was 94 and had recently been hospitalized with respiratory problems.
Davis, whose last position was chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment, had a profound effect on the world of music and helped shaped the careers of pop stars and landmark jazz artists alike over the course of decades working in the business.
After rising to the position of president of Columbia Records in 1967, the Brooklyn-born Davis was directly responsible for signing Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report and Tony Williams Lifetime. He figured prominently in shaping career turning points for these artists and numerous others on the Columbia roster before departing the label in 1973 and publishing his book, Clive: Inside The Record Business. The following year, he founded Arista Records and hired Steve Backer to lead Arista Novus, a jazz-focused imprint that gave a major boost to the careers of progressive jazz artists Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, Oliver Lake, Steve Lacy, Larry Coryell, Henry Theadgill and numerous others, including smooth-jazz superstar Kenny G.
Arista became home to a long list of pop and r&b chart-toppers including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Santana, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Kenny G, Dionne Warwick, Daryl Hall & John Oates and Carly Simon.
In 2000, Davis announced the formation of J Records, which dominated the charts with hit albums by Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Luther Vandross and Rod Stewart, among others. In 2008, he was appointed Chief Creative Officer for all of Sony Music Entertainment. DB
Trumpeter Rayse Biggs, a stalwart of the Detroit music scene, died June 16 after several years of health setbacks and progressing dementia. He was 72. His performances, arrangements, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the city’s artistic legacy helped shape the sound of Detroit.
“Rayse inspired generations of artists,” wrote Detroit Jazz Festival President Chris Collins in an online post following Biggs’ passing. “He was the quintessential Detroit musician-equally at home in jazz, funk, pop and a myriad of other styles. Always creative. Always musical. And, always generous sharing his knowledge and time to support aspiring artists. His joy and love for this music was infectious and will continue to resonate and inspire!”
In a 2024 GoFundMe request seeking financial support after Biggs announced his retirement from live performance, the trumpeter wrote: “If I can share one piece of advice with my fellow musicians, it would be this: prepare early for the possibility that one day, sooner than you think, the winds of change may blow hard in your direction, and you might find yourself unable to play.”
Biggs shared his gifts with legends including B.B. King, Lou Rawls, Martha Reeves, Freddie Hubbard, Kem and countless others, while also inspiring generations of musicians who followed in his footsteps. DB
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…
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Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
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Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
