The Final Chorus September 2017

JOE THOMAS, 84, on July 26. As a child, he learned to play alto and soprano saxophone, trombone, flute and piano, and taught himself to write music. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he formed the Rhonda Scott Trio and later his own group where he played the saxophone and flute. He was known as “The Ebony Godfather.” CHUCK LOEB, 61, on July 31 after suffering from cancer for several years. A versatile guitarist, composer and producer, he was best known for his associations with Stan Getz and Steps Ahead and as a musician whose compositions have been recorded by a variety of smooth-jazz and pop acts. His rhythm and lead work can be found on a variety of pop, jazz, and Brazilian recordings. He studied with Jim Hall and attended Berklee College. Loeb recorded more than 20 albums as a solo artist, composed commercial jingles, TV theme songs and music for films, and had an extensive career as a studio musician,. His credits include theme music for ABC’s Nightline, One Life to Live, the Montel Williams Show, the Atlanta Braves, the New York Yankees and Knicks, and ESPN NCAA College Basketball. BARBARA COOK, 89, from respiratory failure on August 8 in New York City. A singer and actress who firs