Jazz luminary Freddie Hubbard has passed away.According to spokesman Don Lucoff, the 70 year old musician died at Sherman Oaks Hospital, in Sherman Oaks, California, this morning. The cause of death was from complications of a heart attack he suffered on November 26.
A renowned trumpeter and composer who helped define the 1960s jazz era, Hubbard played with artists John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Bobby Hutcherson, Oliver Nelson, Andrew Hill, Eric Dolphy, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner and countless others.
He was recorded on over 300 albums as a leader and a sidesman on various record labels such as Impulse!, Columbia, Elektra, MPS, Music Masters, Telarc, Blue Note, Atlantic and CTI Records.
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A native of Indianapolis, he was born Frederick DeWayne Hubbard April 7, 1938.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Briggie Hubbard, and his son Duane.
According to Lucoff, funeral services are pending with a memorial tribute in New York to be planned in the New Year.
Last June, Hubbard , who was also recognized as a National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master in 2006, released his final album, 'On the Real Side.'


Comments: (27)
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By: Ed Baggett on 12/30/2008 6:25PM
"You don't miss your water till the well runs dry !"
This is so true.... All of the great artists are
falling-by-wayside....Yes, there are many who will
step-up & provide help but never replace the originals.
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By: pocketslam on 12/30/2008 6:42PM
I was a former drummer with Freddie in the mid 70's. That's where I came to know him along with fellow musicians, Kent Brinkley (bass), George Cables (keys), Junior Cook (tenor sax) and later an awe-inspiring drummer named Ralph Penland. Freddie was at the top of his game during the day. He could play it all--straight ahead, funk, fusion, classical, etc. At the time, there was nobody better (in my opinion).
Too bad most radio stations have reduced jazz to "milk toast commercialism" down to almost non-existent. It's up to us to keep the musical flames fired up--thanks to people like Freddie.
I send condolences to his wife Bridgette and his son. He was one of my favorites. My brother Freddie, you'll definitely be missed.
Ronald G. Turner
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By: charisse247 on 12/30/2008 8:59PM
Dear Uncle Freddie, growing up in the house in Indianapolis, IN with my dad, your big brother Earmon Hubbard Jr., my mom Margaret, and my four brothers and four sisters, we would often listen to your recordings. My dad would sometimes play his piano by ear along with you. He would tell us stories about when you two were young, and you would play your trumpet and he would play the piano. Yes, God has called you home but your legacy of beautiful music will remain forever. You will be missed by many! On behalf of my dad, Earmon Hubbard Jr., and the entire Hubbard family... May you rest in peace!
Your niece, Charisse A. Hubbard :-)
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By: gcacura on 12/30/2008 9:09PM
How sad. I can still hear Freddie and Louis Hayes swinging. Freddie was such a happy and serious musician. He would perform at the Left Bank Jazz Society, D.C concerts and party with the crowd at the after concert parties. I can still hear Freddie and Joe Henderson, and Kenny Barron swinging. Freddie played so hard. So hard I could not bring myself to go to the Iridium concert after hearing about his lip problems. I knew he would not last long if he could not perform at the level he had in the past. I never heard him when he was ill. I can still hear Freddie, Cedar Walton, and Junior Cook swinging. Gil Crampton
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By: DARETODREAM3 on 12/31/2008 1:25PM
Freddie Hubbard was an indisputable icon of jazz. From the first note, you knew it was Hub. His original compositions are classics:Up Jumped Spring, Sky Dive, Delphia, Red Clay, Little Sunflower(a jam session favorite). He will live on through the many recordings he did throughout the years. Freddie R.I.P.
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By: ericlblake on 1/01/2009 1:40PM
Freddie was the only trumpet player that I wanted to sound just like. His influence can de heard all through my jazz recordings. The world was blessed by the music he made. For me, jazz would be a lot less interesting without the work of Freddie Hubbard. R.I.P. Freddie and my prayers go out to his family. Ride Like the Wind is still number one in my CD Collection. Eric L. Blake
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By: JC McNeary on 12/08/2009 12:55AM
I've been a jazz enthusiast for over 50 years and have seen and heard most of the jazz greats. Freddie was one of my favorite trumpeters. He had a distinct sound which would capture your attention and interest. Red Clay was one of his greatest cuts but you could identify his style when he played with other jazz greats. God Bless his soul and the legacy he left to this world.
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