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BORN
1923
DIED
2014
Buddy DeFranco Obituary
DeFranco's family told The Associated Press that the famed musician died Wednesday evening at a Panama City hospital. His wife, Joyce, said he had been in declining health in recent years. The couple lived in Panama City.
DeFranco, who began his professional career as a teenager in the late 1930s, made both concert and recording appearances with many of the top singers and musicians of his era, including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum.
"We have received condolences from around the world," said Joyce DeFranco. She said her husband's influences on music will last long beyond his lifetime.
"Buddy DeFranco almost single-handedly was the clarinetist who moved the harmonic and rhythmic language forward from where Benny Goodman left off into the much more adventurous territory of bebop and beyond, while never forgetting his roots in swing music," said leading jazz clarinetist Ken Peplowski in an email to the AP. "He was also unfailingly kind and supportive to every other clarinetist who came after him."
Born in 1923 in Camden, N.J., DeFranco was raised in South Philadelphia and began playing the clarinet at age 9. By age 14, he had won a national Tommy Dorsey Swing contest and began his road career in 1939.
DeFranco said his favorite clarinetist at the time was Artie Shaw, who led his own big band.
"Artie Shaw was way ahead of most clarinetists and most jazz players," DeFranco said in a 2007 interview for the National Endowment of the Arts.
In the 1940s, DeFranco appeared in top swing bands led by Gene Krupa, Charlie Barnet and Tommy Dorsey. In 1950, as the big band era was in decline, he joined the Count Basie Septet.
Meanwhile, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were leading a modern jazz revolution, and DeFranco became excited about the improvisatory freedom in the new style known as bebop after hearing Parker play at Minton's club in Harlem.
"When I heard Charlie Parker, I knew that that was going to be the new wave, the new way to play jazz," said DeFranco in the 2007 NEA interview. "From that point on, I was sold with ... the idea of bebop. But that presented another problem with the clarinet because ... it was much more difficult to play. It was treacherous in many ways as far as fingering and articulation."
In the 1950s, DeFranco performed with Parker, Gillespie and other bebop legends. He formed his own quartet with drummer Art Blakey, pianist Kenny Drew and bassist Eugene Wright, and toured Europe with Holiday in 1954. Jazz at the Philharmonic producer Norman Granz paired DeFranco with pianists Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson for memorable recordings.
DeFranco performed at leading venues around the world and was repeatedly recognized as the top jazz clarinetist in magazine polls conducted by Downbeat, Metronome and Playboy.
DeFranco never lost his affinity for swing music, and led the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1966 to 1974. He also worked extensively in the studios and on television, and had his own show, "The Buddy DeFranco Jazz Forum" on public television.
He formed a lasting musical partnership with vibraphonist Terry Gibbs and they recorded a series of albums in the 1980s and 1990s. DeFranco made more than 160 recordings.
The Cuban-born jazz clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera credits DeFranco with helping keep the jazz clarinet legacy alive when younger musicians were shunning the instrument because of its difficulty to master in modern jazz.
"He was not only a great artist, but a very elegant gentleman with a great sense of camaraderie," D'Rivera said in an email.
In 2007, DeFranco was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, the nation's highest jazz honor.
"Charlie Parker and Art Tatum to me were genius, and I'm right below that," DeFranco said in the 2007 NEA interview. "I did in my own way do something different on the instrument and that's the way I'd like to be remembered."
DeFranco's family asked that contributions in his memory be made to the non-profit Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival which is held each spring at the University of Montana in Missoula.
DeFranco is survived by his wife and his son, Chad.
Charles J. Gans reported from New York.
MELISSA NELSON-GABRIEL, Associated Press
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Buddy DeFranco
47 Entries
Ray McDonald
February 7, 2024
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. DeFranco in Kansas City in 1990s. He was very generous of his time and signed my copy of Autumn Leaves.
Just today found two of his vinyl albums in used record store. Listening to them tonight takes me back to the early 1960s when I first heard his music and became an instant fan.
Rest in peace - we miss you.
Lena Williams
February 1, 2015
Rest in peace.
January 23, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
BC
January 9, 2015
Buddy DeFranco certainly made a great name for himself as a clarinet master adding much joy to the lives of many. May memories of Buddy's successful career and the end of his extended sickness comfort his loved ones and allow the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard your hearts. Buddy was greatly admired and will be remembered with fondness!
January 5, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 3, 2015
R.I.P.
January 2, 2015
Be assured that God will give the grieving strength to endure. 1 Cor. 10:13.
Rosagitta Podrovsky
January 1, 2015
Thanks to a kind and generous man who encouraged me as a young musician. He was a true gentleman and it was a pleasure meeting him.
Mary Smith
January 1, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. Your loved one will be missed. God cares and comforts you. 1 Pe. 5:7
George Yount
December 30, 2014
As a clarinetist who never, ever attained the heights of Buddy DeFranco, I give my condolences to his wife and son. He will never be forgotten. His legacy with the clarinet in jazz is set.
Patrice
December 30, 2014
Please accept my sincere condolences. May you gain comfort through the support of loving family and friends - Proverbs 17:17
December 30, 2014
Mrs. DeFranco and Chad please accept our deepest condolences. Many of us will forever remember his talent. As he sleeps and we look forward to the time we can see him again here on earth we pray for the comfort of the entire family.
SD
December 30, 2014
Mrs. DeFranco and Chad please accept our deepest condolences. Many of us will forever remember his talent. As he sleeps and we look forward to the time we can see him again here on earth we pray for the comfort of the entire family.
Lopez
December 30, 2014
DeFranco- His talent died with him, but his legacy is left behind for generations to enjoy later on. My sincere condolences to the family for their loss, and I hope they could be strengthen with the inner peace that our Heavenly Father can provide for them to cope with these difficult moments...
LAR Washington DC
December 30, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy regarding the loss of a historical figure from the big bang era, Buddy Defranco. May God grant peace to your family during this difficult time ~ Rom. 15:33.
Raymond Szymarek
December 29, 2014
We have lost a true legend of the clarinet. I first heard Buddy when he was playing with Do Do Mamarosa piano man from Pittsburgh. I loved the Buddy Defranco sound always didl In my estimation he was the most innovative tremendous clarinet man in the business. I know he idolized the late Artie Shaw and I would really emphasize that Buddy Defranco was an inspiration for all musicians. Always swinging and innovative A super human musician and a fine gentleman. He will always be remembered for his expertise and creativity.
shirley Tano
December 29, 2014
I am so sorry for you loss. May the words recorded for us at Isaish 26:19a bring you comfort.
Jack DeStefano
December 29, 2014
R.I.P. Buddy. Although we never met, I was introduced to the Big Band sound by my Uncle Al and have always loved it. I think we are related
December 29, 2014
Also born in Camden Nj, performed around the Philadelphia area with his brothers, Buddy toured in Europe with me as director of the Woody Herman band, he always felt like family to me, great player, I will miss you my man, my condolences to his beautiful wife Joyce and family.
Frank Tiberi
December 29, 2014
I am sorry of your loss. Our days ebb away because of your fury; And our years come to an end like a whisper. The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; They quickly pass by, and away we fly. Psalm 90:9,10.
December 29, 2014
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the loving words found at Isaiah 57:15 comfort your family during this time of sorrow.
December 29, 2014
We offer our sincere condolences to the family. May God give you strength to face the days ahead. We hope you can find comfort in the words found at John 6:40.
mike Fath
December 28, 2014
Buddy was an inspiration to generations of clarinetists. I'm 75 years old, an avocational clarinetist and one who worshiped him throughout the 50's and 60's. He will be missed.
December 28, 2014
This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great and authentic talent. Hebrews 6:10.
j f
December 28, 2014
May the true God of the heavens be with you and your family in your Time off s.orrow
Gifford Holt
December 28, 2014
So sorry to learn of Mr. Defanco death. As I was born and raised in Scranton, I think Buddy was associated with Elliot Lawrence at WCAU, in Philadelphia. As I try to remember, they all came up on THE CHILDRENS HOUR, a radio show from WCAU. I remember he also led THE STAN KENTON ORCHESTRA for a time. He was a great musician.
Steve
December 28, 2014
Buddy was my idol and inspiration for the 65-plus years that I've been playing jazz clarinet. I had the privilege of meeting him a number of times over the years and received much encouragement and support from this wonderful human being. Goodbye, last of the great ones!!!
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 28, 2014
rip
December 27, 2014
Rip Buddy
December 27, 2014
R.I.P. You were one of the greatest musicians that ever embraced our planet. Your music will live forever and ever.
Gene, Fort Myers, Fl.
C L
December 27, 2014
Heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Buddy DeFranco. May the God who provides 'comfort to those who mourn' be with you during this most difficult time (Isaiah61:2)
e r
December 27, 2014
Please accept my condolences,sorry for your loss. John 11:24,25,26.
Jerry
December 27, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. (1Corinthains 15:26) (Isaiah 61:1,2) Please find peace in knowing that He understands your grief and He cares. 1 Peter 5:6,
December 27, 2014
Sorry to hear of the death of Buddy Defranco, another talented person. May you be comforted by our loving God and the support of caring friends.
December 27, 2014
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
December 27, 2014
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
December 27, 2014
My sincere condolences to family and friends in the loss of Mr. DeFranco. May your treasured memories comfort you and give you peace during your time of grief.
Tiffany Madonia
December 27, 2014
Music has been described as the oldest and most natural of the fine arts! Buddy played music when music was truly Music! Although your hearts are heavy with sadness, I pray that the God of comfort helps you through this trying time and provides you with the strength and courage to go on. Know that you are not alone and that HE will always be there to hold your hand and help you through this dark time.
December 27, 2014
My sincere condolences to the DeFranco Family on the passing of one of music greats. May you celebrate his life accomplishments and may his music last in your hearts. Gods word can give us strength to cope. One encouraging thought is at Isaiah,41:10 " Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God, I will fortify you, yes I will help you. I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness."
December 27, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss I pray that you will have comfort and love from your family and friends & from the promises from God's word.
Sage
December 26, 2014
May the Beautiful a Memories of your loved one provide Solace and Strength to the family during this difficult time. May the family find comfort in God's promise of life without end in Paradise. Matthew 5:5 , Acts 25:15
Marchie Hufnell-Norman
December 26, 2014
Sorry to see a legend pass away. Thanks for the many years of your talent. I took up playing the licorice stick because of listening/seeing to you play. Now you can play in heaven for all.
Ann D
December 26, 2014
Sorry to hear about buddy may god bless you and your familyat this time of sorrow. John 16:20 says your grief will be turned into joy
December 26, 2014
The world lost another of the greats. A great man, a great musician, and great friend to many. The eternal jazz band just filled the clarinet chair. Thank you Buddy for the music.
Scott Chamberland
December 26, 2014
Rest in Peace
December 26, 2014
Joyce and Chad, my most sincere condolences to you. I am proud to have called him my friend.
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