Jazz pianist and Maplewood native Ray Kennedy has died after a battle with multiple sclerosis, St. Louis Jazz Notesreports. He was 58.
Kennedy grew up as part of a musical family in Maplewood, where his family owned a music store, Kennedy Music. He graduated from Maplewood Richmond Heights in 1975.
After moving to NYC in his early 20s, he became best known for his long tenure in the band of guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli, but also was involved in many musical projects as a bandleader, working with his brother, bassist Tom Kennedy, and with others.
Kennedy was diagnosed with MS in 2006, and had been in a nursing home in New York since 2013. Friends last year set up a page on the site Youcaring.com to raise funds to help his family with his care.
Survivors in addition to his brother include his wife, Eve, and two young daughters, of New York; and a sister, Wanda Kennedy Kuntz, of St. Louis.
Funeral arrangements are pending, St. Louis Jazz Notes reports.
A benefit concert to raise money for Kennedy’s family will be held in St. Louis on July 17 at the Sheldon, St. Louis Jazz Notes reports.
See an excerpt from a Ray Kennedy performance of his tune “Oscar Night” with John Pizzarelli below.
5 COMMENTS
Ray was one of the best. His whole family is. Rest in peace my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Tom and Wanda on the loss of your brother.
I remember spending many evenings at your home in Maplewood with Ray during the years 1969 to 1973. Sometimes we would just listen to some jazz albums, and sometimes your dad would let give us the key to the music studio at the store – – – so that all us “Krazy Kats” could go jam without scaring half the town. I also remember being in the M-RH marching and swing band. Ray’s talent for tickling the ivories is one that will never be equalled.
R.I.P. “Buzz”, I know the Kool Katz in heaven will be Jumpin’ at the Jive now that you have joined them.
Ray was one of the best. His whole family is. Rest in peace my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Tom and Wanda on the loss of your brother.
I remember spending many evenings at your home in Maplewood with Ray during the years 1969 to 1973. Sometimes we would just listen to some jazz albums, and sometimes your dad would let give us the key to the music studio at the store – – – so that all us “Krazy Kats” could go jam without scaring half the town. I also remember being in the M-RH marching and swing band. Ray’s talent for tickling the ivories is one that will never be equalled.
R.I.P. “Buzz”, I know the Kool Katz in heaven will be Jumpin’ at the Jive now that you have joined them.
Jim “Sticks” Clement
Honolulu, Hawaii
The world is a sadder place, but Heaven will rock with the sounds of Ray’s music.
OMG that performance was beyond words.
RIP Ray Kennedy. What a talent! He will be missed.