CHUCK DEE WILSON, 70, passed away on October 16th, while waiting for a liver transplant. He attended The University of North Texas at Denton, known for its music program, and still a jazz hot spot. In 1972 he joined Jerry Gray at the Fairmont hotel in Dallas. From 1977 to 1980 he played with Buddy Rich and was then a member of a series of notable big bands including those of Tito Puente, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Wilbur, Loren Schoenberg, Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, and Walt Levinsky. He was in a quartet with Howard Alden and Dan Barrett in the late ’80s. After 1996, he led Chuck Wilson and Friends with Alden, Murray Wall, and Joel Helleny. He also appeared frequently in the studio, especially during the 1980s, appearing on clarinet and flute as well as saxophone. In recent years he could often be heard sitting in with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks.
JOHN VON OHLEN, 77, on October 3rd. He was the drummer for Woody Herman between 1967 and 1969, then with Stan Kenton from 1970 to 1972. He also toured with Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, and Mel Torme. In 1980 he co-founded the Cincinnati based Blue Wisp Big Band. He became an integral part of the jazz scene and was the inspiration to create the Cincinn
