OBITUARIES

This folder includes obituaries for jazz musicians or persons of significance to the Australian jazz community, written by several contributors. Click on the INDEX box to access a list of obituaries contained in this folder.

OBITUARY: STEWART SPEER 1928-1986

by Duncan Kimball

www.milesago.com

Stewart Speer was born in Melbourne on June 26, 1928 and died in Sydney on September 16, 1986. His portly build, bushy grey hair and beard, and ever-present cap made him an instantly recognisable figure. The veteran Australian drummer is best remembered for his long stint in Max Merritt & The Meteors, but he was one of several prominent rock players who began their career in jazz…

OBITUARY: TERRY WILKINSON 1931-2013

by Barry Morris

Sydney Morning Herald, March 30, 2013

Terry Wilkinson was one of the most gifted jazz pianists Australia has produced. He was still in short pants when he joined one of Sydney's leading big bands and, by age 16, still at school, he was playing professionally six nights a week. He went on to become a key figure in a glittering era of jazz and popular musical entertainment spanning four decades...

OBITUARY: ROGER BELL 1919 – 2008

by Ray Marginson

Sydney Morning Herald, July 8, 2008

Roger Bell, the younger of the two Bell brothers, who spearheaded the post-war resurgence of improvised jazz in Australia, has died in Melbourne after a long illness. A gifted and virtually self-taught player and inimitable vocalist, his bright driving but melodic and lyrical trumpet lead was much of the striking sound that characterised the Graeme Bell Band from the 1940s onwards...