Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove passes away after longtime fight with kidney disease
Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Roy Hargrove has died at the young age of 49. Upon hearing of his passing, celebrities paid tribute to his brilliance on social media.
One of the world’s greatest trumpeters of his generation, Roy Hargrove has died at the age of 49. His longtime manager, Larry Clothier confirmed the news in a statement released to the press.
Roy Hargrove, Grammy-Winning Jazz Trumpeter, Dies At 49 https://t.co/MdWnqyrX8b pic.twitter.com/U2okA3hs85
— NPR Music (@nprmusic) November 3, 2018
The Grammy-winning jazz artist died in his home in New York on November 2. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest after a long-term battle with kidney disease.
Heartbroken, but the rumor is true: the brilliant trumpeter Roy Hargrove died this morning, at 49. We have confirmed with his longtime manager. I’m working on a full obituary. #RIP
— Nate Chinen (@natechinen) November 3, 2018
FIRE AND FURY
According to Clothier, Hargrove “was known just as intensely for his brimming fire and fury as he was for his gorgeous, signature balladry. Over and over, his sound attested to and sanctified his deep love for music. His unselfish timbre covered the waterfront of every musical landscape.”
RIP. Modern Jazz giant, Roy Hargrove, has died at age 49. https://t.co/3Us2bz1LYH
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) November 3, 2018
OUTPOUR OF TRIBUTES
Upon news of his death, celebrities he worked with in the past paid tribute to him on social media. Among them, Don Cheadle, Anita Baker, and Erykah Badu.
Tributes are pouring in for celebrated jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, who passed away on Saturday. https://t.co/ManXsg5lOF
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) November 3, 2018
Cheadle described Hargrove as a “beautiful soul” and “young lion.” Baker deemed him a “soulful, BRILLIANT, Young Master.” Badu simply tweeted a heart emoji along with the musician’s name.
Tonal, Melodic, from BeBop to Hip-hop. Soulful, BRILLIANT, Young Master... Roy Hargrove🙏 https://t.co/bz1RPJI0TY
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) November 3, 2018
🖤ROY HARGROVE.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) November 3, 2018
AWARDS AND DIVERSITY
Hargrove was a native of Waco, Texas who was discovered at a performing arts high school in Dallas. He released his first solo album, “Diamond in the Rough” in 1990. He won his first of two Grammys in 1998 for the album, “Habana” courtesy of his Afro-Cuban band, Crisol. In 2002, he won his second Grammy for Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall” a collaboration with pianist Herbie Hancock and saxophonist Michael Brecker.
Rest in Power 🙏🏾 🕊 #RoyHargrove pic.twitter.com/vnLZNZFwCC
— Christian Sands (@christiansands1) November 3, 2018
Hargrove was known for shifting from one style of music to another. He ventured into Cuban and electronic music, R&B and hip-hop. He performed with a diverse range of artists from Dizzy Gillespie, Stevie Wonder, to Common.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The famous trumpeter was also reported to have struggled with substance abuse in the past. He pled guilty to cocaine possession in 2014 and was sentenced to two days of community service.
Hargrove is survived by his wife Aida, and daughter Kamela. He was scheduled to perform at Bethany Baptist Church in New Jersey on November 3. A series of memoriam shows have been posted on his Facebook page to celebrate his life.
