Hi, Marty and all.
I've just been on Al Jarreau's official website, and copied this.
Al Jarreau passed away this morning, February 12, 2017. He was in the
hospital, kept comfortable by his wife, son, and a few family and close
friends. He will be missed. The family asks that no flowers or gifts are
sent. Instead, please consider a contribution to the Wisconsin Foundation
for School Music, a wonderful organization which supports music
opportunities, teachers, and scholarships for students in Milwaukee and
throughout Wisconsin. Link to the donation Page:
http://foundation4schoolmusic.org/lifetime-achievement-award/al-jarreau/.
Even if you do not plan to contribute, please visit that page and give
yourself a minute to watch a beautiful tribute video which was produced by
Wisconsin Public Television. A few days ago, I was asked to describe Al to
someone who knew of his success, but did not know him as a person. I
responded with this: His 2nd priority in life was music. There was no 3rd.
His 1st priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone
in need. Whether it was emotional pain, or physical discomfort, or any
other cause of suffering, he needed to put our minds at ease and our hearts
at rest. He needed to see a warm, affirming smile where there had not been
one before. Song was just his tool for making that happen. A few things I
think Al would want mentioned right now: To Al's wife, son, sister, brothers
and family: You allowed Al to share himself with the world. He was
grateful that you gave him that gift. He knew it was difficult, and
regretted that more than he could explain. Please know that your gift was
to us, too, and that we are also grateful. To everyone who attended his
concerts and listened to his albums: He needed you, and you were always
there for him, for more than 50 years. He was thankful for you every day
and tried to show that to each of you. To his band, and to the many, many
talented musicians, writers, composers, and arrangers who played and
collaborated with him over the years: You enabled, supported and thrilled
him. He treasured you, and considered you brilliant. He loved sharing the
stage with you, and was honored that you shared it with him. To each
promoter, presenter and producer: Thank you for your faith in him. Your
commitment to Al was both essential and endless, and he never took you for
granted. To his agents, managers, crew, counselors, publicists, and
journalists who supported his work, and also to all of the airline, hotel,
venue and other people who hosted him like royalty: He noticed every bit of
the dedication and effort that you unselfishly provided without limits.
And, he appreciated you completely. To young people everywhere, especially
the musicians he was grateful to meet at school workshops, musical
competitions, residencies, and at concerts: From you, Al asks a favor.
Please find any artistic thing that you can do with passion, and do it.
With art in your life, you will be a better family member, neighbor, friend,
and citizen. Finally, to Al Jarreau, from all of us: Thank you. You
completed your ministry in a gracious way. Godspeed... you've earned it.
I took care not to rely on Wikipedia, because I know that you, Marty,
mentioned that many of their articles publish facts that aren't really
facts. The site, should you want to check it out, is
www.aljarreau.com
Devon.:
-----Original Message-----
From: ourplace-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ourplace-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Marty Rimpau
Sent: February-12-17 8:37 PM
To: ourplace@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ourplace] I just heard that al jarreau has passed away
Hi all, I just heard that al jarreau has passed away, I just got the
message, and this is all I know.
Marty
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