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…
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.
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…
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