A stark reminder
Submitted by Jazz Suite
Gerry Niewood, 64, and Coleman Mellett, 33, scheduled to perform with the jazz musician Chuck Mangione, lost their lives last week when their Continental flight from Newark crashed on approach to the Buffalo airport, killing all 49 aboard and one on the ground.
The New York Times ran this piece remembering these two musicians.
The uninitiated often think of the professional jazz musician and envision a life of glamour, comfort and joy in doing what you want. In truth, it is a lot of time spent away from home, extra jobs to cover the rent, and uncertainty.
These two gentlemen achieved something unique, they were able to live solely on their earnings as musicians, and last week’s trip was just another one of those nights of sacrifice to make that happen.
As we take a moment to remember the loss of two talented musicians, step back and think about those you see regularly, as they schlep their equipment into the back of their car, heading to the next gig, on that long road of earning a living.
I often say we don’t appreciate our artists in this country until they are dead in a gutter. Tell those you admire how much their work means to you. If you can afford it, a musician’s tip is not much to ask. After all, they have lives to live, too.
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