Ellis Marsalis Jr., Jazz Pianist and Patriarch, Dies at 85 - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/arts/music/ellis-marsalis-dead-virus.html

There will be a singularly profound defining moment in the midst of this once-in-a-lifetime crisis,that will be the lasting memory.For me that moment was the shocking news of the death of Ellis Marsalis. While this pandemic is far from over, that moment may change. But for now...

Ellis Marsalis was a man of grace, intelligence, wisdom, with a wealth of talent. Not only as a musician, but as a prophetic mentor & teacher, who could change the direction of a life with a poignant challenge, wry observation, or the perfectly timed “What are you trying to say?”

A jazz master who bridged a generation that created Bebop from the beginnings of the New Orleans Big4 beat to the generation that he populated with students of the craft who resurrected the under appreciated mastery of this uniquely American experience: Jazz.

Ellis Marsalis will be remembered as the singular catalyst for the thousands of musicians who will lead jazz through this 21st century. The multiplying effect of those artists he developed in theory, melody, and harmony will be heard around the world for decades to come. A mentor

Ellis Marsalis’s legacy was forged as the patriarch of one of the great musical families in our rich New Orleans tradition.The father of 6 sons with 4 following him in music and renown: Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo,& Jason. But he was a father to us all. Many tears are shed tonight

There was one moment with Mr. Marsalis, 40 years ago in NY that I shall never forget. At the time I was living with Wynton & Branford, and studying theater. New to NY, I didn’t know many people, so I was hanging with my boys from New Orleans & a circle of young jazz musicians....

On a visit to see his sons, Mr. Marsalis saw me standing silently amongst the hip cats, as they talked about the music. He walked over......

“Wendell,you remind me, of me.When I first came to NY, I was the only musician hanging out with all these actors. Now you’re the only actor hanging out with all these musicians.”Recognizing I was feeling alone and isolated, he said,”Don’t ever think you’re not apart of all this.”

In that one moment, he emboldened a young teenager, alone in the big city, far from home. He reminded me of all that he, my parents, & that Moses generation of noble, courageous, and dignified Black folk of New Orleans had given that was now mine.A living legacy. Bless you,Ellis