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Jazz Guitarist Herb Ellis Dead at 88
- Posted on Apr 1st 2010 11:00AM by John D. Luerssen
Famed jazz guitarist Herb Ellis -- who played alongside the legendary Ella Fitzgerald during his storied career -- died Sunday at home in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press. Ellis, 88, passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.Ellis originally got his start with big band icon Jimmy Dorsey but the jazz soloist was regarded for his work with the Oscar Peterson Trio. Following his stretch playing with Dorsey, he co-founded the Soft Winds trio. That outfit's song 'Detour Ahead' was embraced by Billie Holliday, who helped make it a standard in the jazz genre. Later, Ellis joined pianist Peterson and bassist Ray Brown for a productive run between 1953 and 1958 before touring and recording as a sideman to Fitzgerald.
A native of Farmersville, Texas, Ellis was an innovative player who fused bebop with country twang, and was touted as one of the genre's finest guitarists. In addition to his aforementioned efforts, Ellis was a recurrent contributor to Norman Granz's all-star Jazz at the Philharmonic tours.
In a statement, Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said, "Ellis always remained true to the form he played from the beginning. The jazz world has lost a great musician, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all who enjoyed his work."
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Michael Durig
A chance meeting with Herb in '78 started my jazz guitar education. Now he's gone along with Joe, Barney, Charlie, and the rest of my teachers. God Bless them all and thank you for my special moments of learning.
April 03 2010 at 6:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Karl Carrasco
Mr. Ellis was a great human-being as well as one of the most incredible jazz artists of our time. He will be missed. I send my heat-felt condolances to his family and to everyone who were fans of his unique playing style. Heaven has gained a powerful guitarist and the band will swing even harder now! God rest his soul.
April 02 2010 at 5:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Bill Turner
Herb was one of the consistently best players--a master of tone and touch. He will be missed.
April 02 2010 at 4:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
sonny
one of the all time greats...you will be missed herb
April 02 2010 at 4:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Lifestrand.net
Memorial for Herb Hellis. Feel free to express your memories
http://lifestrand.net/herb_ellis
Ron Davis
I had the pleasure of recording Herb a few times, one was a live recording with Red Mitchell down at Ray Brown's club in LA. The cover of that LP was illustrated by none other than Gary Larson (The Far Side) who, the inside story goes, said he would do the cover (the ONLY one he has ever agreed to do) for a million dollars OR a couple of guitar lessons with Herb. He got his guitar lessons, lol! Will miss you Herb. Thanks for the great memories...
April 02 2010 at 3:31 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
David
A TRUE GIANT.....HE PLAYED AND HUNG WITH THE VERY, VERY BEST. RIP BROTHER!!!!
April 02 2010 at 1:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
bert
Herb's gone but his notes ring in my head still. There will never be another, but there will be echoes and reverberations.
April 02 2010 at 1:31 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
seyjazz
Herb May be gone from this world but he is in another world where he will carrie on with his great music. Thanks Herb for all the enjoyment you gave me and to so many other people while you were here. You will be missed very much. God Bless you and see you later. Condolences to his family and many, many friends.
April 02 2010 at 1:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
souldust
This man knew what he was doing. The real deal!RIP
April 02 2010 at 1:23 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
30 Comments