Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
A public viewing will be held Friday in New York for drummer Max Roach, who died from complications of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease on Aug. 16 at the age of 83. His daughters Maxine and Dara were at his bedside at the time of his death, according to family spokesperson Terrie Williams.
Roach’s public viewing will be held at Riverside Church, located at 490 Riverside Drive in Manhattan, from 9-10:30 a.m., with a public funeral service from 11-1 p.m. The legendary drummer will then be buried in a private ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
Born on Jan. 10, 1924, in Newland, N.C., Roach is survived by his five children: Daryl Keith Roach, Maxine Roach, Raoul Roach, Ayo Roach and Dara Roach.
The family issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by our beloved father’s passing. We wish to convey our sincere thanks and appreciation for all the blessings and condolences we have received at this time. As his family we are fortunate to have been a part of his life and we will continue to share his legacy as a musician, educator and social activist with the world.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill., 60601-7633; or Veritas Therapeutic Community, Inc. (which provides substance abuse services), 912 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY, 10025, where Roach was a Veritas Foundation trustee and founder.
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
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At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
