We’ve had a huge loss on 3/18/22. Our dear friend Barbara Morrison passed away from complications with her heart. There’s been a tremendous outpouring of love and sadness for her.
We have ended the GoFundMe campaign. At this time the prospects of how the the money will be used, is for her funeral expenses, a UCLA Scholarship in her name, and some support of her venues in Leimert Park. We will continue to let the public be informed.
R.I.P. dear wonderful Barbara Morrison!
Barbara Morrison is a Jazz and Blues Legend. At 70, Morrison is stunning with her natural, short white hair and big smile; the twinkle in her eyes commands you to stop and take her in. That twinkle comes from loving everything she does – and she does a lot.
Over the course of her 60-year career, she has performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the Jazz and the Blues worlds. That list includes Legends like: Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett and Keb’ Mo. Additionally, Morrison has guest-starred with the Count Basie Orchestra, The Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, and Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.
Probably one of the most important community leaders in L.A., South Los Angeles' Lemeirt Park is a location to which Barbara has contributed significantly. Her center, BMPAC (Barbar Morrison Performing Arts Center), has stood as the cultural heart of Leimert Park since its opening in 2011. The non-profit center's mission is to revitalize the neighborhood's art scene. As if that wasn't enough, she then went on, with Timothy Morganfield, to create The California Jazz and Blues Museum four years ago. This is a location that has all kinds of memorabilia, past and present, with several weekly jam sessions and music classes.
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On a personal note: we, David Ross and I, consider Barbara Morrison a hero and a brilliant light. Not only for her incredible musical gift and contributions to the community...but also for her spirit and "I'm gonna keep going no matter what" attitude and actions. And the fact that she is an amputee from diabetes does not keep her from international travel, working every day, all day...and sometimes having three gigs a day, traveling hours to each gig.
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