The jazz world has lost two great figures this week--the latest being Bob Belden, a Grammy-winning jazz musician, composer, arranger and producer who was also the first American musician to perform in Iran since the 1979 revolution. He was 58 years old.
Belden had suffered a heart attack in his Upper West Side apartment, according to Jazz Times, but was removed from life support after being non-responsive for a full 24 hours at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.
Along with Bruce Lundvall, who passed earlier this week, Belden is known for having made major contributions to the realm of jazz, including having served as an A&R exec for Blue Note Records. Throughout his career, Belden was a bandleader, sideman and band member, having composed and performed the soprano sax among others. He conducted, orchestrated and also wrote arrangements for Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner and many others.
Considered to be one of the leading experts on Miles Davis, Belden won three Grammys for his work in the '90s via the SONY/Columbia label, including Miles Davis and Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings (Best Historical Album, Best Album Notes) and 1998's Miles Davis Quintet set 1965-'68: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings (Best Album Notes).
"Bob Belden was a true renaissance man - multi-instrumentalist, composer, session player, producer, educator, historian, label executive and more. An industry trailblazer, his musical talent and innovative spirit earned him three GRAMMY Awards and tremendous respect within the jazz community and beyond. We have lost a gifted and cherished musician and our sincerest condolences go out to Bob's family, friends, collaborators and all who have been impacted by his remarkable work," the Recording Academy said in a statement.
We send our deepest condolences to Belden's family and loved ones.
For now, get down with Belden below.
