RIP Mark Murphy

First Don Rendell and now Mark Murphy! I know your heroes don't live forever but two in one day! Mark passed away yesterday (October 21) leaving behind a legacy that should have been enormous but wasn't although, in artistic terms it was as big as Porter or Elling. He was the consummate jazz singer - he should have been playing stadiums, but I'm glad he wasn't on 9/11.  9/11 1984 that is.

On that Tuesday evening he was at the Corner House in Newcastle where, accompanied by the Willie Payne/Sid Warren Sextet, he gave one of the most memorable performances that venue had ever seen and, in that era, they'd seen plenty!

The concert was reviewed in Mark's Fanzine (if the word had been invented then!) Mark's Time by Bruce Brewer. The magazine was edited by Norbert Warner of Whitley Bay. Fortunately I have a copy of that mag (The official magazine of the Mark Murphy Appreciation Society) and re-reading it 31 years on brings the memories flooding back.

He really was the business.

I don't know if Norbert or Bruce are still around but I'd love to have their memories of a singer who was as unique as any of them - especially on that night in 1984.

In 2013 Debra M reviewed his vinyl EP tribute to Shirley Horn - A Beautiful Friendship.

Mark Murphy was 83.
Light a candle or drink a toast to The Man!
Obituary
Lance.
Farmer's Market/Again.