Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
12/5/1927 – 8/27/2025
James Hampton was born to Joe and Fredonia Hampton in Memphis, Tennessee December 5, 1927. The last surviving sibling of five (Joseph, Edna Earl, Mary and Mildred Hampton), he lived a long life filled with many joyful events and love. A brief look into his life is as follows:
A veteran who served in WW2, he always remembered to take care of his parents by sending $32 a month of his allotment while he was in the army. Continue reading
Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
7/31/1925 – 8/15/2025
From “reed man” to in-demand music contractor to devoted family man, Joe Soldo leaves behind a century of inspiration.
A proud member of Local 47 since 1971, Joe was born in Newark, NJ, to William and Lucy Soldo. He received his first saxophone at age 11 and, right out of high school, made a name for himself as a traveling band musician before moving onto Broadway. There, he played multiple instruments in shows like “Bye Bye Birdie” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Continue reading
Life Member. Composer
3/28/1941 – 5/30/2025
by Pam Gates
I was lucky enough to have worked with Alf and “The Simpsons” TV show orchestra for 12 years!
Alf was a magnificent composer and held wonderful AFM sessions. First and foremost he took care of business. He absolutely knew what musical result he wanted from his players and his crew accomplished that! Continue reading
Member. Violin
10/17/1967 – 4/9/2025
Roberto Cani, an internationally acclaimed violinist whose artistry and dedication to music inspired audiences across the globe, passed away on April 9, 2025. Known for his extraordinary talent and devotion to the violin, Roberto leaves behind a legacy of beautiful artistry and a deep passion for music. Continue reading
Life Member. Cello
2/26/1938 – 3/4/2025
by Daniel Kelley
Ray Kelley had the cello career any musician would covet: a member of the Utah Symphony, Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, followed by decades of nonstop studio work during a golden era for records, jingles, live TV and motion pictures. But I would rather write about who he was. Continue reading
Please join us for a Jazz Funeral Second Line as we celebrate and honor the wonderful life of Ben Powell (1986-2024):
2 p.m. Saturday, November 9
1446 North White Street
New Orleans LA 70119
For more information and to RSVP, please click here.
Donations in memory of Ben can be made at: givedirectly.org
Life Member. Composer
7/1/1952 – 4/25/2024
by Adriana Zoppo
Friend and colleague Edgardo Simone has died at the age of 71 from complications of a brain hemorrhage. Though he played the bass, his gift and talent was in orchestration. A high school dropout, he earned two Masters Degrees within nine months from the University of Oregon, which named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 2007. Both Eastman School of Music and Harvard University offered him scholarships to pursue a Doctorate, but he decided to try Hollywood instead. Continue reading
Life Member. Viola/Conductor
3/11/1935 – 3/5/2024
Violist Joel Lish graduated from Verdugo Hills High School when he was just 16. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and then later enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his last two years in the Air Force Joel was stationed in Okinawa. At the request of some of the local musicians he started a small group of string players and taught himself to conduct. Many years later Joel was quite surprised to learn that after he left Okinawa in 1957 this group continued and eventually evolved into the Okinawa Symphony, and that Joel is considered the founder of that orchestra! Continue reading
