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…
“His music will live on forever,” the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation said in a statement.
(Photo: Courtesy of the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation)On July 5, a street sign co-named Onaje Allan Gumbs Way was erected at the intersection of De Kruif Place and Dreiser Loop in the Bronx, New York, where Gumbs lived. A pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and educator who performed in jazz, R&B, pop and others genres for nearly five decades, Gumbs worked with a wide range of musicians — from Norman Connors and Phyliss Hyman to Kenny Burrell and Kurtis Blow. He died in June 2021.
New York City Councilman Kevin C. Riley, along with the staff of the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation, officiated the ceremony. Many guest speakers and notable musicians were also in attendance.
“The foundation is happy to announce the street co-naming of Onaje Allan Gumbs,” it said in a statement. “We are all the better for Onaje’s contribution to music. His music will live on forever.” DB
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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