Today at Saint Peters Church on the Upper Eastside there will be a jazz-filled funeral for renowned trombonist Benny Powell starting at 7pm. Jazz and swing fans are invited to come by and pay your respects, and hear some incredible music while you are there.
Benny was born March 1, 1930 in New Orleans, learned the trombone at age 14 and began playing with Lionel Hampton when he was 18. Later he joined Count Basie's orchestra in the 50s, with whom he played until 1963.
We were lucky enough to have Benny Powell perform at a couple of Yehoodi-associated events, including our seventh anniversary party in 2005 (pictured here) and notably at the "Battle of the Bones" in May 2009 alongside Artie Shaw and Wycliffe Gordon.
The full funeral details after the jump…
The funeral for Benny Powell will be held:
July 12, 7 PM
Saint Peter’s Church
619 Lexington Avenue (at 54th Street)
New York, New York 10022-4610
A traditional service is being planned and is likely to include: Randy
Weston and African Rhythms, a classical piece on violin played by one of
his nieces, and Nextep featuring Frank Wess (Benny’s last group with
whom he recorded). There will be New Orleans Brass band to play first
and second line.
Condolences may be sent to:
Lisa Dickerson
3128 West Overdrive SE
Washington DC 20020
Instead of flowers the family has setup an education fund for his
Grandchildren.
Kyle and Faith Swetnam
CO Evelyn Nolan (Grandmother)
2890 Emerald Spring Dr
Lawrenceville GA 30095
Benny died on the morning of June 26th. He was at Roosevelt Hospital, in
New York City, recovering from successful spinal surgery when he died
from causes not yet determined. He may have suffered a fatal heart
attack, but the official report is not due until later this week.
Benny is survived by his daughter Demitra Powell Clay, his grandchildren
Faith and Kyle Swetnam, his sister Elizabeth Powell McCrowey, his
nieces, Lisa Dickerson who was in New York with him for the surgery,
Terri Dickerson Hawkins, Patrice Dickerson, Laurie Dickerson, Verna Von
Holtzclaw, Ann McCrowey Mickle and Bennette Brown; his nephews Bryon
Brown, Craig Brown, Gilbert Mc Crowey Michael McCrowey, and Scott
McCrowey; Barry K. Cooper, whom he loved as a son, and a host of grand
nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.