[Harp-L] Toots Thielemans retires at 91

["Norman Vickers" <NVickers1@xxxxxxx>]

To: Harp-l

From: Norman Vickers, Jazz Society of Pensacola

 

Likely you'll get this info more than once, but here's first notification
I've seen

 

BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian jazz musician Toots Thielemans has decided to retire
together with his trademark harmonica at age 91.

Thielemans made the announcement Wednesday when he cancelled a concert in
Antwerp for a second time in three months for health reasons.

His manager, Veerle Van de Poel, said Thielemans "considers his energy too
limited for a full concert. He doesn't want to disappoint his fans, hence
his decision to stop playing."

The haunting sounds produced by his harmonica can be heard on movie classics
like Hollywood's "Midnight Cowboy" and France's "Jean de Florette."

His most famous hit was the upbeat "Bluesette," which he composed in 1962,
but kept adapting over the years.

Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo thanked Thielemans for "many magical moments."

The Jazz Society of Pensacola hosted Toots at its second Pensacola JazzFest
in 1984.  He was a triple-threat with his consummate skills as chromatic
harmonicist, guitarist and whistler.

Yes, he did play his  signature  composition, Bluesette.  At that time he
was a member of pianist George Shearing's quintet, having replaced guitarist
Chuck Wayne.

 

 
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