The Final Chorus February 2026

Drummer Ernie Hackett, son of cornetist Bobby Hackett, died December 23, 2025. He was a New York based musician and an important chronicler of his

Australian jazz trombonist, vocalist, and bandleader Paul Ingle died on January 12th, he was 75. Ingle was a mainstay of the Australian traditional jazz scene,

Singer and rhythm guitarist Rebecca Kilgore died on January 7th. She was a widely admired figure in mainstream and swing-oriented jazz, particularly within the West

Clarinetist and bandleader Stan Rubin died December 28, 2025, at age 92. He was a central figure in the 1950s college Dixieland boom, emerging from

British clarinetist Brian Carrick died on December 31, 2025, at approximately 82. Born in 1943 in South Shields, England, was a devoted exponent of New

Bassist Ernest McCarty, Jr. died December 11, 2025 at 84. He forged a broad career in jazz performance, composition and musical theatre over more than

Trombonist and euphonium player Frank Mesich died November 22, 2023, at age 84, and belatedly deserves inclusion in this column. Frank was co-leader, with cornetist

Trumpeter Bob White, a founding member and driving force of the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders, died on December 26th.  The Dixieland-oriented group became a permanent part

Howard Shepherd, a British banjoist and bandleader best known as founder and leader of Shep’s Banjo Boys, died on December 13th. He formed the group