Great pianist and educator James Williams has past away. He resided on the East Coast in New York and was known to so many who loved, admired and adored him. I was introduced to him by my good friend Vanessa Rubin. We were all hanging out at the International Convention for Jazz Educators. Well, Vanessa and I were hanging out. James had a booth which had his music for sale as well as promotion for himself as an educator.

In the five minutes, as we stood there talking with James, I personally saw at least 3 of his students come up, joke, laugh and play around with him for a few moments. He greeted them with love and mutual respect. I did not know him well but, seeing how others flocked to him told me how much respect everyone had for him.

53 is much too young to go and when talented and dedicated musicians leave our earth, massive pieces of knowledge, wisdom and musical enlightenment leave as well. Thank God that we are left with the spirit and the memories and the music.
Here is a link to an article that was written today in the New York AP news.

Condolences, peace and love
LeRoy Downs
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