Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images Nine days after the deadly tornado that touched…
Boney James Hospitalized After Being Hit by Driver
- Posted on May 18th 2010 10:00AM by John D. Luerssen
Acclaimed saxophonist Boney James was injured Saturday when his BMW was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver on California's 405 Freeway. On his way home from a performance at the California Newport Jazz Festival, the 48-year-old James was stopped in traffic and talking with his wife on the speakerphone when he was struck by a vehicle that was going 70 miles an hour, according to a statement from his publicist.The Grammy-nominated smooth jazz pioneer was hospitalized with a gash in his chin that resulted in 14 stitches, a fractured jaw and two broken front teeth. He was discharged from the hospital early Sunday morning and was immediately seen by his dentist, who temporarily repaired his teeth.
"I'm lucky I wasn't killed. I just had a near death experience and am relatively unscathed," James said in a statement. "I'm euphoric."
Witnesses quickly pulled James from his car, which was totaled, following the impact because the striking vehicle had caught fire. Long Beach Fire and Rescue authorities responded to the scene of the accident.
James' performance scheduled for Friday, May 21, in Columbia, S.C. has been cancelled, with a gig in Sacramento next month up in the air until an orthodontist evaluation later this week. James also cautioned fans, "Please don't drink and drive."
- Filed under: Concerts and Tours, News, Holy Hell, Jazz
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Perry
I have witnessed Boney's outstanding jazz talents during performances here in Memphis, Tennessee. I have a picture of me and Boney on my cell phone that was taken after one of his concerts. My prayers are with you (Boney) and your family for God's comfort and for a speedy recovery.
Hope to see you again soon in Memphis, Tennessee.
A true Boney and jazz fan
Perry Bond
Helen
I pity you. Something has twisted your mind so badly that it is obvious that delusion has reigned supreme in your thinking. How do you equate this horrible, unfortunate accident to an entire group of people, labeling them as modern-day "boogie-men" that steal kid's lunches???? Do you hurt for Mr. James? Do you wish him recovery and good health? OR do you make any and all news items platforms to smear hatred? I am sorry you are so angry. It must hurt. Still, try an appropriate message board for your racist rants.
Be well, think deeply, and read.
Mycroft Der Cheesecraft
Hope for a quick recovery Boney. Now I'm going to try to recover from all of these idiotic posts!
May 19 2010 at 2:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Mycroft Der Cheesecraft
In the wrong hands it can be a crass instrument, sounding like not much more than a metal goose with spasms.
May 19 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
hawk
He is suspected or alleged until conviction, this is America, you know innocent until proven guilty.
May 19 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
GLORY
GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!! THANK GOD THAT YOU ARE OK. I WAS AT SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL IN APRIL AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR MUSIC. I HOPE YOU COME BACK TO SEABREEZE NEXT YEAR AND BE BETTER THAN EVER!!
May 19 2010 at 2:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
LAURAJ
So glad he's alright! A great musician.
May 19 2010 at 2:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Helen
hey, just a couple or so questions:
1.) What "jerk" were you referring to? The victim or the speeding drunk? (Perhaps yourself?)
2.) So... let me understand correctly - because you are not familiar with this musicians' work, he is not worthy of your concern?
3.) How about the innocents of any age? You feel drunks slamming into a vehicle and wiping out a baby or maybe an entire family due to the lack of some random drunks' judgment?
4.) Do you have family or friends that deserve the victimization of a f-uped individuals' cruely deliberate careless disregard for human life?
5.) I don't know you, what (if anything) you contribute to our society at large, but would be heartsick if you like anyone else, would be harmed by a sick souless drunk. DO YOU POSSSESS A CONSCIENCE?
leni
When will people learn? I want to vomit everytime I hear someone say they drive better drunk than most people drive sober. Or when someone swerves all over the road and then boasts that they were driving just fine. Or how about the attitude that it's the middle of the night, the other drivers should assume they're drunk and stay out of their way? I've heard them all while working in a bail bonds office.
Thank God James was not more seriously injured, although this type of injury could be devastating to a saxaphonist.
Blessings to James and his family and wishes for a speedy and thorough recovery.
VERONICA JONES
Huge fan of Smooth Jazz, than God for sparing your life.
May 19 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
87 Comments