Babatunde Olatunji, Nigerian Drummer
By JON PARELES
The New York Times
Published April 9, 2003
Babatunde Olatunji, the Nigerian drummer, bandleader and teacher who was a tireless ambassador for African music and culture in the United States, died on Sunday in Salinas, Calif. He was 76 and lived at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, Calif.
The cause was complications of advanced diabetes, said his daughter Modupe Olantunji Anuku.
Mr. Olatunji's 1959 album, "Drums of Passion," was the first album of African drumming recorded in stereo in an American studio, and it introduced a generation to the power and intricacy of African music. While field recordings of African drumming had been available, "Drums of Passion" reached a mass public with its vivid sound and exotic song titles like "Primitive Fire."
Famed Percussionist, Writer and Frame Drum Expert Layne Redmond Dies at 61
World Music Central.org
By Aromero – October 30, 2013
American drummer, frame drum specialist, author, teacher, filmmaker and historian Layne Redmond died on October 28, 2013 of breast cancer.
Layne Redmond was born August 19, 1952 in Florida, United States. Although Redmond was a skilled percussionist, she did not perform with commercially successful pop, rock or jazz bands. Instead Layne Redmond specialized in the small hand-held frame drums played primarily by women in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Barry Bernstein
Barry Bernstein was co-founder of Rhythm for Life, who created Unity With a Beat, a weekend event that brought teachers, music therapists, recreational drummers, and professional musicians together to explore the power of rhythm.
Robert "Rip" Peterson
Home: Campbell Hall, NY
Date of Death: February 1, 2014
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, NY
Birthdate: September 3, 1947
Age: 66
Graveside Service: Orange County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY
Visitation: None
Interment: Orange County Veterans Cemetery