Remembering Curtis Fuller (1932-2021)
On May 8, 2021, legendary Jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller died at the age of 88. From the opening words of his Blue Note Records artist page, “Curtis Fuller belongs in the select circle with J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, and a few others who make the trombone sound fluid and inviting.”
Instead of writing an article on his life and career, I have collected several articles and obituaries from well-known musicians, critics, and journalists describing and reflecting on the life of one of the great influencers of Jazz. Some links are paywall while others are free to read. This past week on Last Row Music, we also added some of Fuller’s albums to our Brass Albums Database. There will be a virtual memorial service on
Take time these next few days to read, listen, and reflect on one of the greatest musicians to ever play the trombone.
May 9, 2021 – Twitter thread from from Detroit-based Jazz journalist Mark Stryker (Twitter)
May 10, 2021 – Curtis Fuller, Leading Trombonist Of Jazz’s Detroit Wave, Dies At 88 (NPR)
May 11, 2021 – Curtis Fuller, acclaimed jazz trombonist of hard-bop era, dies at 88 (Washington Post)
May 11, 2021 – Curtis Fuller 1932–2021 (JazzTimes)
May 14, 2021 – Detroit composer, jazz trombonist, and hard-bop pioneer Curtis Fuller has died at the age of 88 (Detroit Metro Times)
May 14, 2021 – Curtis Fuller, a Powerful Voice on Jazz Trombone, Dies at 88 (New York Times)
May 16, 2021 – Curtis Fuller (1932-2021) – A Tribute by Nils Wogram (London Jazz News)
May 16, 2021 – Obituary: Curtis Fuller (Jazz Journal)
May 17, 2021 – Trombone legend Curtis Fuller dies age 88 (Jazzwise)
Last Updated: May 18, 2021 at 6:43 AM (EST)
