Veteran Jazzman and long time music teacher Jimmy Cheatham left this world last friday after 82 years of lightening hearts. As I had not seen Jimmy in about six months, I found out only today when his obituary hit the paper.
Jimmy played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington, among many others, and the man with the spark in his eye and shine in his smile could make a trombone evoke a plethora of images and emotions. He was as talented as they come and he took great joy in helping others find the music they had trapped within them and bring it out for the world to share.
The lights of San Diego's clubs are a little dimmer without him and the music of the night is a bit more subdued. Jimmy would tell us not to mourn him, but to celebrate the love he showed and tell us how lucky he was to share joy with us and to have spent so long in the company of his beloved Jeannie. Jeannie has asked that if you know of Jimmy or his music and want to remember him, donate to those who help teach others to discover music's power.
Play on, my friend. The next world's band just had a huge boost in soul.
Jimmy & Jeannie Cheatham
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