Jerry Rothschild, 84, of a heart attack in Cathedral City California. He was born in Sacramento and a proud graduate of Stanford. He learned German and Russian while serving in Army Intelligence. His photographic memory and perfect pitch helped him to excel at jazz and ragtime piano.
He was co-leader of the Triple R band, played with the Fullertown Strutters, and recorded with The Crazy Rhythm Hot Society Orchestra. He was a regular on stage at several jazz societies opening regularly at events of the South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club. He also played Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and Curly’s Cafe in their prime as venues.
He had a quirky personality and way of telling stories attributable to his high functioning variety of Asperbergers Syndrome. But he was capable of instant and lifelong friendships and shared the joy of jazz with anyone who would listen. He could often be found playing the lobby piano at hotels near West Coast jazz festivals.
