1/29/2024 0 Comments Unity funeral home in harlemNames Hansen, Austin, 1910-1996 (Photographer) Collection R.I.P., Wade.TitleView of Unity Funeral Home, in Harlem, New York, as mourners are gathered outside A Wade Barnes Music Scholarship sounds about right. Yes, jazz is viewed as “cool,” but being reverent and respectful always has its place especially when paying homage to a man who proved his greatness and is worthy of such respect. I suppose I’m old fashioned, but showing respect by removing hats (unless they are worn for religious reasons) is the least Wade deserves. Yet I could not help but wonder why so many musicians – all of them men – in attendance wore their hats throughout the ceremony. Singer Tuvila Donna Cumberbatch sang beautifully, and New York jazz-scene elder statespersons Bob Cunningham on bass, Bertha Hope on piano, Basie band alumnus David Gibson on drums, and Bill Saxon on tenor saxophone played with intense emotion to memorialize this special loss to the jazz world. Wade was a special person who gave to aesthetically enrich our lives – as the exceptional musical tributes offered by a cast of noted musicians tonight reaffirmed. Much more ought to be done, as is the case in other progressive western nations, to support truly committed artists like Wade Barnes. Wade Barnes’ life and death ought to serve as a wake up call for both State and Federal government policies towards our artists. But through it all his love of the music and ebullient joy never waned. It’s truly sad to see someone who gave so much of himself as a true artist for so long depart. Health challenges and other pressing difficulties eventually took their toll on this great artist. His 6′ 4″, 250-pound frame had been reduced to half that weight. Yet, with decades of accomplishment and selfless dedication, it’s tragic to realize that Wade’s final days were filled with hardship, health challenges, and affordable-housing needs. He fought vigorously for his union brothers and sisters as an active member of the AFL-CIO musicians local 802. He helped establish special outreach programs in public and private schools and supported several music and educational research organizations, like the Heritage House and the Andy Kirk Foundation, both based in Brooklyn, all while leading his own award-winning 17-piece big band and ensembles.Īs an arranger, Wade was cited for his critically acclaimed compositions, considered among the finest creative extensions of the post be-bop era. He consistently created music education programs for children around the nation, including helping organize music education workshops for disadvantaged students still living in the wake of post-Katrina New Orleans. Wade Barnes did all in his power to ensure that he was professionally armed and suited to not only play, but also to compose and teach the art of jazz, which he passionately executed for more than a quarter of a century.Īn astute student, Wade earned a Master of Arts degree from The Vermont Conservatory and Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and music. Whatever one’s preference, this is a musical form loved and played universally. Over my years of acquaintance with Wade, what always struck me most was his singular dedication to the music we call jazz, or, as some now prefer, BAM- Black American Music. Jazz musicians, friends, and fans came from far and near to show their respect for their tireless peer and togive condolences to family members. Drummer, recording artist, composer, bandleader educator Wade Barnes was eulogized Friday March 9, at Harlem’s Unity Funeral Home.
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