ELVIN JONES GRAVELY ILL
April 29, 2004

I just received this very sad news in an email. Here in Brasil I tend to miss a lot of jazz related news and frequently find out about the deaths of great legends weeks, or even months, after they happen. When I stop and think about how I will live to see the rest of the great master die off it makes my heart heavy. I've seen Elvin live before and what an experience it was. To imagine him like this is heartbreaking. Below is the email.

***
The following showed up today, April 27, 2004, on the "Jazz Program
List" site from Larry Applelbaum.

"I saw Elvin last night at Yoshi's here in San Francisco.

He could barely make it to the stage, his wife helping him sit and
placing the sticks in his hand.

Elvin had trouble hitting the drums but his time and sound was
impeccable.

His wife made an announcement that Elvin was obviously very sick and
has been in the hospital for 3 months and she wanted him to spend his
last moments, at his wish, behind the drums.

He looked about like he weighed 75 pounds and was truly sick...it was
one of the saddest moments of my life. I was so used to seeing him
look fit, happy and powerful.

The last number was announced, Dear Lord, and his wife asked us all to
pray as she hugged him from behind the drums for the entire tune.

I could not stop crying...

Please send prayers to this legend, the great inspirational Elvin!"

Posted by Scott at 05:29 PM