Maynard Ferguson, trumpet virtuoso, dead at 78

[Patsy Stone]

Maynard Ferguson passed away yesterday at the age of 78.

Click here for the statement released by Maynard's management:

http://www.maynardferguson.com/

LEGENDARY MUSICIAN MAYNARD FERGUSON DIES
Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for "Gonna Fly Now"
Theme To Movie "ROCKY" was 78

Ojai, CA (August 24, 2006) - Walter "Maynard" Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and band leaders in the history of Jazz, passed away August 23rd at 8:00 pm Pacific Time at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California. He was 78 years old. His death was the result of kidney and liver failure brought on by an abdominal infection. Mr. Ferguson's four daughters, Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family members were at his side when he passed away after this brief illness. He spoke by phone with his friend and manager Steve Schankman from St. Louis, longtime tour manager Ed Sargent, and friend, and fellow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Mr. Ferguson had recently returned home to California from New York after several sold out performances in July at the famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey.

[LisaM]

1. Ah, that's too bad.

I didn't realize he was 78 years old, though.

[jaysunb]

2. RIP Maynard...

One of the Greatest.

[John Q. Citizen]

3. He was a pleasure to listen to and to see. RIP n/t

[Nozebro]

4. I saw him perform at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, in 1961

Rufus Jones played drums and Willie Maiden was on Tenor Sax. I saw them perform several times over the course of '61-'62. I really like his versions of "Hey There" and "Malaguena".

MF, what a great loss for all who admire and appreciate such a high-grade talent like him who will be 78 forever.
Goodbye, Maynard.

[Richardo]

5. :(

As an earnest yet untalented trumpet player in the 70s, Maynard was one of my role models. Loved his records. Got to see him perform on a number of occasions.

RIP, Maynard O8)

[Dudley_DUright]

6. I saw him twice at summerfest in Milwaukee

Since I was a lead trumpet player in a jazz band in college, I really enjoyed listening to Maynard "wail". I also have quite a few of his records in my collection. I stole many a lick from him for my own solos. He was truly a trumpet great.

[Keefer]

7. Man...

... he was my hero when I played trumpet in high school.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

8. Everyone moves up a chair.

Gotta break out some old "MF Horn" albums tonight.

[Vidar]

9. Damn ....Rip Mr. Ferguson.

[DeSwiss]

10. He will be sorely missed...

...as a jazz fan I've always loved his sound. A true virtuoso.

Gabriel take five, Maynard's here now.

RIP

[crankybubba]

11. rest in peace

saw him in 82 and 84 got to meet him once...nice guy. rest in peace

[Gormy Cuss]

12. He was great.

I'm glad that he was still playing gigs until the end.

[saltpoint]

13. Some time back now, I heard Maynard Ferguson at Radio City Music

Hall in NYC.

It was one of the most spectacular nights of music I'd ever had poured into my ears.

Thank you for that, Maynard.

RIP.

[EFerrari]

14. My bro got to tour with him for a while. Very sad news.

:(

[Patsy Stone]

21. That's very cool

I saw him when I was in high school. Our whole jazz band went.

RIP.

:hi:

[slampoet]

15. This one time at band camp......

I saw Maynard. a great performer and a a fun guy.

Too bad, but good to hear he was surrounded by loved ones. RIP.

[LifeDuringWartime]

16. high school

in high school, maynard ferguson played a show at our school. there was also a clinic with his band and the high school jazz ensemble (I played bass). we opened for them.

[IronLionZion]

17. But not before he came to my high school in my tiny little hometown

RIP Maynard. What a good man. His music will live on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynard_Ferguson

[Lars39]

18. Our high school band went to see him in Nashville, 1978 or 79.

Wonderful memories of a great musician.

[goclark]

19. One of the very best! RIP

[fishwax]

20. that's too bad

I was fortunate to see him perform while I was in high school. They put on a helluva show.

[Patsy Stone]

22. Reading this thread

I'm struck by how many of us connected with him in high school. I thought ours was the only band to take a field trip to see him.

That warms my heart.

[Burma Jones]

23. Rest in Peace Maynard

Well maybe, I suppose he would rather rest playing stratospheric notes.

I am truly sad to hear of his passing. My band nickname was Maynard since I was the Trumpeter with the highest range. I idolized Maynard up until I got into college and wanted to play more like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. This was a guy with HUGE presence and a real dedication to teaching. I went to a couple of workshops he led and he also introduced me to Yoga and Yogic breathing.

He played so fiercely that he had to move his embochure all over his mouth to find muscles he didn't wipe out. Another idol of my youth is gone......

[PurityOfEssence]

24. He blew a mean horn, alright

I can't think of anyone with a richer high, high register than him except perhaps the late Bill Chase. When he'd go up there it was just awesome.

[upi402]

25. i like screachers!

bix lives