I can't believe the kindness you guys have shown me. I am truly overwhelmed. It's like having an army of bereavement officers and counselors. Of course I'm in absolute tears writing this but I do take strength from every word all of you say.

I know time will heal this pain. You guys truly are like family to me now. Every word that you've written has been like a pearl of wisdom that I've taken to my heart and I will let my mum read them too.

My dad was a true jazzer and had an incredible journey through life.

He was born in Berlin in 1921 and all he ever wanted to be was a musician like his hero Louis Armstrong. Unfortunately the Second World War came and he was forced to join the German army which he hated, being a pacifist. In those days you didn't have a choice. He hated the Nazis but saying a word against them would have got you shot. While his friends were sent to the freezing Russian front and eventually died he was sent to Italy. After the Americans landed he saw his chance to escape the war and left his camp one night and walked to where the Americans were in order to surrender.

He was sent to California where he stayed in a prison camp until 1945. Due to being able to speak English he was put in charge of the 200 prisoners and got a band together, the Dixieland Seven. He was the bandleader and pianist. When the war ended he was sent on to England, eventually being released in 47.

Germany was devastated and he didn't want to go back so instead he settled in London and met my mum. His passion for music grew as did his piano playing skill and he got work playing the piano in tough London pubs, eventually overcoming the understandable prejudice against a German. In fact to many people he became "the first decent German".

He probably would have made it in some way and he was really good playing in the style of Count Basie and Oscar Peterson but the war took away his best years and then rock'n'roll arrived and changed the music scene forever, reducing jazz to a thing of the past.

As much as he disliked this new form of music he loved the piano players such as Fats Domino, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. And as time went on he looked back fondly at the 60s and bands like The Beatles and Stones and measuring them against today's musicians, would say, those cats really could play.

I hope I haven't bored anyone with his story.

thanks for sharing your Dad's incredible story, with us.

- be very proud, and stay strong.

Just read the sad news, SD. That's the one we all fear to hear one day...
My heartfelt condolences to you. And the story of how your dad came to England (and founded a band in the process) is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing your memories.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009-01-22 12:26 by Greenblues.

...we're with you, Silver Dagger.

we're with you! thanks for sharing his story. you can be proud of your dad.

Be proud of your Dad he was a good man. Deepest condolences from Berlin, Germany.

Superb story

Best wishes

Very interesting story, SD.
You need to look me up next time you visit New Orleans.

Deepest condolences.

You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers, SD. I'm afraid I'll be joining you in this club soon. Best to your family.

Silver Dagger,
I'm very truly sorry to hear about this sudden loss for you. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers thru this most difficult time.

My condolences.

sincere condolences, silver dagger

It will get easier, I have lost both parents and soon (hopefully) you will cherish only the good memories and when you think of him you will smile.

I am with you amigo, my warmest wishes of love to you, my condolences from this side of the globe, Canary Islands, Tenerife,

Carlitos
Tenerife

My condolences....I went thru it in January 2003.
He will come to you in your dreams.


IORR............but I like it!

Sorry for your loss....Your Dad had a full life...Lots to be proud of!
Now its your turn to make him proud and keep him in your heart.

I am very sorry. I know just how you feel. My Dad just went a little while ago
he went for a walk and told my Mother he had the chills and that was it.
Life is just to short.

I am sorry for your loss.

My condolences..........

Peace to you and your family.

Quote
Silver Dagger
My dear dear dad has just died completely out of the blue and it's the saddest thing that's ever happened in my life. Not only was he my dad but we were best friends as well and it's hard to know I'll never see him again. He was my inspiration and did so much for me. He was a great jazz pianist too and gave me my love of music.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Quote to You Silver Dagger

"I hope I haven't bored anyone with his story"

On the contrary Silver Dagger I love to read about People like your father

Silver Dagger - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to you and your family. Very sad.

Best wishes to you, Silver Dagger. As difficult as it must be to be without him, you must never forget how blessed you were to have had him for the years you did. Be well.

So very sorry, Silver Dagger. Deepest sympathy.

sometimes death is the worst part of living. i lost my dad when i was in high school over 20 years ago though we were not close. but i am very close to my mom and i know i will be feeling the way you do now when i lose her. you will not get over it but you will get through it.