DownBeat Magazine:
Pianist Ellis Marsalis, the head of a New Orleans family that significantly impacted how jazz is seen and heard across the world, died Wednesday. He was 85.
The elder Marsalis reportedly suffered COVID-19 symptoms and was awaiting test results.
“Ellis Marsalis was a legend. He was the prototype of what we mean when we talk about New Orleans jazz,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement.
This has been a tough day, a tough week, a tough few weeks, and a tough year for music fans. Just from what I can recall: Neil Peart, Harold Beane, Paul English, Danny Ray Thompson, Kenny Rogers, Bill Rieflin, Joe Diffie, and Adam Schlesinger come to mind. I’m sure there are plenty I’m missing, but damn.