Toots Thielemans... RIP

[take5]

Sadly, he has passed away, this morning.

He leaves a huge legacy of great music, having played with very many musicians over the years.

[Infinitely Baffled]

And so 2016 continues on its familiar miserable way. Very sad. Thanks, though, for thinking to pass this on. Brian.

[Barry]

Yes, a sad loss. Will always be remembered for the wistful, nostalgic playing for the film 'Midnight Cowboy'.

RIP Toots

[Cristobal]

Like all Belgians, I woke up very sad this morning: Toots Thielemans is dead.

Born Jean-Baptiste Thielemans 94 years ago in Brussels, he became the most famous harmonica player in the world, although his favorite instrument was the guitar. Over his long career, he played with the greatest, from Ella Fitzgerald to Stevie Wonder. He was Quincy Jones' best friend, and even Miles Davis told his admiration for our Brussels' hero. His famous tune "Bluesette" brought him royalties by the truckload, that allowed him to live comfortably for years.

I met him three or four times, he had a great sense of humour and an exemplary simplicity. He sure will be missed. Condolences to his family, especially his charming wife Huguette.

http://www.lavenir.net/cnt/dmf20160822_00868103/quand-toots-thielemans-s-amusait-avec-quincy-jones-stevie-wonder-et-sting?utm_source=lavenir&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily&utm_content=general-news&M_BT=2752268067

[Cristobal]

Toots loved Brazil and it was mutual. Here is an excerpt from an album he recorded in 1969 with the late lamented Elis Regina.This is the famous "Aquarela do Brasil", a composition of Ary Barroso that we heard last night during the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-S1hbRrHmg

[Cristobal]

Not many people have a message from Barack Obama at their funerals...

http://plus.lesoir.be/56637/article/2016-08-27/toots-est-parti-sous-les-applaudissements-de-ses-fans#_ga=1.220154649.1006688420.1471703862