Jazz&Jazz photographer Laurence Cumming took these photos of Johnny Rodgers at
The Winning Post, Twickenham, in August 2015. He and I thought jazz fans would
appreciate our posting them on Jazz&Jazz in memory of a wonderful and
much loved musician.
Johnny’s funeral is at 1.00pm on Tuesday, 26th January, at St. Mary’s Church, Off Church Road, Burton End, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8UB. All are welcome at the church but family only at the graveside, please. There will be a wake which will be announced at the service. Thank you, Barry Palser, for this information.
Latest information received from Barry: “Johnny’s ‘Celebration’ will take place at Bishops Stortford Football Club, Pro-Kit Stadium, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Essex CM23 5RG. Plenty of parking available.”
Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz
Farewell Johnny Rodgers, You Will Be Greatly Missed
I would like to add a few words in tribute to the wonderful Johnny Rodgers. I first met him when I arrived in Cambridge in the 60’s at the tender age of 18 and the band we formed (the Idle Hour Jazz Band) quickly became great friends with Barry Palser’s Savoy Jazzmen with Johnny on clarinet. Our joint sessions at “The Rose” with the irrepressible Barry and the ever dynamic Johnny will always be part of my happiest memories in jazz.
He was a superbly cheerful character, always positive, always enthusiastic and always keen to help. As fellow clarinettists neither of us were complete beginners in jazz but Johnny and I shared a lot of the learning process and I will always remember his infectious enthusiasm and encouragement.
We met a lot in the following years during tours in Holland with the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra. Again, Johnny enlivened every occasion on which I met him …and he became an excellent clarinet and sax player. Great memories of a lovely fellow……
We both have been fortunate and honoured on our tours of jazz to have listened to Johnny play.
We were at Pakefield last November and he played Petite Fleur it was just wonderful, another
world class musician is no longer with us, he was one of the best. God Bless you Johnny.
He was the loveliest uncle I could ever have asked for, I was privileged to be part of his world, he will be in my thoughts for ever as one of the loveliest happy men I ever knew. I wish so much I could have seen him play music just once more. I miss you John so much.
Johnny was married to Cathy, my aunt, and brought her so much happiness in their time together. Their love of music was eclipsed only by their love for each other. Johnny was one of those people who always had time for everyone else; a man full of compassion, kindness and humility. A virtuous individual whom I am privileged to have known.