Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Ranky Tanky bassist Kevin Hamilton (left); vocalist and trumpeter Charlton Singleton; vocalist Quiana Parler; Resilience Music Alliance co-founders Steven Ruchefsky and Rondi Charleston; drummer Quentin E. Baxter; and guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross meet after a performance in Charleston, South Carolina.
(Photo: Courtesy DL Media)Following a performance at the 2018 Spoleto Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, the accomplishments of ensemble Ranky Tanky were marked by its label.
The band’s self-titled 2017 album reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard jazz chart (Jan. 27) and performed well on both the iTunes and Amazon charts as well. Resilience Music Alliance founders Steve Ruchefsky and Rondi Charleston presented bandmembers—Kevin Hamilton, Charlton Singleton, Quiana Parler, Quentin E. Baxter and Clay Ross—with plaques commemorating their accomplishments.
For more information about the group, visit its website. DB
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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