Jon Lucien - R.I.P.

Lois Gilbert · August-18th-2007, 06:32 PM

Jon Lucien passed away this morning. He went into the hospital on Wed with difficulty breathing and succumbed this morning. I can't write anymore, Jon and I were the closest of friends. He was one of the most gifted singers and songwriters that I had the good fortune to know and care so much for...

a little later
Peace and light
Lois

Dennis Gonzalez · August-18th-2007, 06:46 PM

Oh man, oh man, oh man....

We must pray for mercy! We can't take this anymore!

Valerie · August-18th-2007, 07:27 PM

i cannot believe! i refuse to believe! please tell me this isn't true! he just sent me his latest most magnificent cd. i just wrote him to tell him how incredibly wonderful it is. i just missed seeing him the end of july in l.a. found out after the fact. i was wondering when i'd hear back from him after sending him a "semi-hysterical" e-mail about this latest incredible cd. now i know i won't hear from him. i'm devastated about the loss of this incredibly talented man whom i have known for a very long time. i can't write any more. i'm waiting to hear back from lois. THIS IS HORRIBLE!!

Ron Thorne · August-18th-2007, 07:45 PM

Oh, no!

This is so surreal.

Jon was not only a remarkable talent, he was also a sweetheart and generous soul. Jon and his wife, Delesa, personally contributed to the (SinginSumo) Dobie Losben Memorial Jazz Collection in Anchorage. They even called our home and spoke with my wife, Patti, to make certain that the CDs arrived safely.

My sincere condolences to Delesa, other family members, and legions of fans.

You'll be greatly missed, Jon.

R.I.P., Jon Lucien~

GoodSpeak · August-18th-2007, 10:18 PM

GoodSpeak · August-18th-2007, 10:25 PM

"I would say my sound is a romantic sound...it's water...it's ocean...it's tranquility."

-Jon Lucien

patricia · August-18th-2007, 10:58 PM

Another beautiful voice silenced.
RIP Jon Lucien.

Valerie · August-18th-2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricia

Another beautiful voice silenced.
RIP Jon Lucien.

patricia, please check out his latest. it's incredibly beautiful. his best ever, as far as i'm concerned. he sings mostly standards but puts his signature on each and every one.

Ron Thorne · August-19th-2007, 12:34 AM

I'm assuming that you're speaking of A Time For Love, Valerie. Right?

Valerie · August-19th-2007, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Thorne

I'm assuming that you're speaking of A Time For Love, Valerie. Right?

yes, ron. it's absolutely amazing, but i swear i never heard jon sound better than he does on this. and his loving and devoted wife, delesa, is responsible for the very special artwork. my heart and prayers go out to her on this very sad day.

Ron Thorne · August-19th-2007, 01:47 AM

Thanks, Valerie. I just ordered it from Jazz Cares here on Jazz Corner.

I'm devastated by this news, too.

See you soon, hopefully.

hornplayer · August-19th-2007, 06:00 PM

this is too much! What a tragic loss. I'm speechless.

Bill Barton · August-20th-2007, 12:35 AM

My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I never had the pleasure of hearing him in performance and truthfully am not all that familiar with his recordings either, but what little of his music I've heard over the years touched me. R. I. P.

gonzo · August-20th-2007, 04:48 AM

very saddened.have enjoyed his work all throughout his career. a divine voice.

Valerie · August-20th-2007, 10:23 AM

i still cannot believe that his golden voice has been silenced. i am still awaiting his reply e-mail. guess being in denial is just more comfortable right now.

my love and prayers are sent to our lois as i know she adores her good friend.

wvargas · August-20th-2007, 06:47 PM

Indeed it is a sad time.

I had the HONOR of teaching him the intricacies of making music with computers back in 1989 and he could not have been a more warm and welcoming human being.

Besides having an incredible sense of humor, Jon became more than a student. He and his wife Delesa, all his children whom I had the pleasure of knowing and/or meeting, including his late daughter Dalila, who died in the tragic crash of TWA flight 800 on July 17, 1996, and to whom he dedicated his album "Endless is love", allowed me to become part of the family, something I will always cherish and appreciate.

Jon gave me my first big break working with computers during the recording of an album, 1993's "Mother Nature's Son" at East Side Sound Studios in New York, the follow up to the widely acclaimed "Listen Love". That also was my first ever visit to New York. We laughed so many times at the particular events that happened with the room service of the hotel we were staying in, again, thanks to his wonderful sense of humor.

He was a fast learner; I don't remember ever having to repeat instructions on using the computer. He was a visionary and a pioneer in the use of technology for the composition process. And he loved using the computer! It was his "electronic canvas" where, while embraced by the sounds of the rain forest at his home in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, he drew the notes that would become absolutely beautiful music. I would teach him a new technique on the computer and, next time around, I would come back and find out that he not only mastered it, he took it to new heights.

We spoke about a two months ago after a long time without communication. His ever-familiar voice was like a gift to me. "Hola my son!" was his first words on the phone. I couldn't have been happier.

He is now ready to perform in the best stage in the universe. And even though I'm sad, this is a show I wouldn't miss for anything.

Love you papi.

- Wilton

gonzo · August-21st-2007, 01:08 AM

i received an email from his site thanking me for my email of condolence on jon's death. sadly it is true.

Ron Thorne · August-21st-2007, 03:14 AM

Gonzo, Jon Lucien's website was right here . . . Jazz Corner.

Yes, sadly, his passing is true.

gonzo · August-21st-2007, 04:53 AM

that is the website i went to.

Ron Thorne · August-21st-2007, 05:10 AM

OK.

Lois Gilbert · August-21st-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvargas

Indeed it is a sad time.

I had the HONOR of teaching him the intricacies of making music with computers back in 1989 and he could not have been a more warm and welcoming human being.

Besides having an incredible sense of humor, Jon became more than a student. He and his wife Delesa, all his children whom I had the pleasure of knowing and/or meeting, including his late daughter Dalila, who died in the tragic crash of TWA flight 800 on July 17, 1996, and to whom he dedicated his album "Endless is love", allowed me to become part of the family, something I will always cherish and appreciate.

Jon gave me my first big break working with computers during the recording of an album, 1993's "Mother Nature's Son" at East Side Sound Studios in New York, the follow up to the widely acclaimed "Listen Love". That also was my first ever visit to New York. We laughed so many times at the particular events that happened with the room service of the hotel we were staying in, again, thanks to his wonderful sense of humor.

He was a fast learner; I don't remember ever having to repeat instructions on using the computer. He was a visionary and a pioneer in the use of technology for the composition process. And he loved using the computer! It was his "electronic canvas" where, while embraced by the sounds of the rain forest at his home in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, he drew the notes that would become absolutely beautiful music. I would teach him a new technique on the computer and, next time around, I would come back and find out that he not only mastered it, he took it to new heights.

We spoke about a two months ago after a long time without communication. His ever-familiar voice was like a gift to me. "Hola my son!" was his first words on the phone. I couldn't have been happier.

He is now ready to perform in the best stage in the universe. And even though I'm sad, this is a show I wouldn't miss for anything.

Love you papi.

- Wilton

Thanks Wilton for posting such wonderful memories. I seem to recall Jon mentioning you. As many of you know. I have been unusually quiet about Jon's passing. We were so close, and words just aren't flowing. I fell in love with his music long before I met him. In fact I requested I write the liner notes for a CBS record that sadly never made it to CD. I also wrote the biography that's on his website, part of which was excerpted in an email you received today. Jon had so much personal tragedy, but his music only conveyed the ever optimistic love that graced his soul. My hope is that all of you will be enveloped by his brilliance not just as a vocalist, but a songwriter and a consumate musician.

As Jon signed his CD and photos Joy and Love (his initials) I also sign this little note with joy and love
Lois

patricia · August-21st-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

patricia, please check out his latest. it's incredibly beautiful. his best ever, as far as i'm concerned. he sings mostly standards but puts his signature on each and every one.

Thanks Valerie.
I had never heard Jon's beautiful voice until I came here to JC and ended up with one of his CDs during one of the write-in giveaways Lois used to have periodically.
The first one in my collection was "Endless Is Love."
I was hooked.

Mike Schwartz · August-21st-2007, 02:06 PM

This past Sunday in tribute played the original song (music, lyrics & arrangment) "Love Me" from the "Live IN NYC" CD

A unique talent, and what a set of pipes!

Lois Gilbert · August-21st-2007, 06:30 PM

Just a few short weeks ago, I took my youngest daughter, Summer, to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to spend time with and hear the great music of my lovely ex-wife, Jean Carne, and Jon Lucien. As a former announcer for WHUR-FM in Washington, D.C., I had the good fortune to spend a lot of time with Jon Lucien and my former colleagues, Dyana Williams and Vincent Thomas, during Jon's many visits to the station. Jon Lucien was a fixture, musically, in Washington during those years.

For all of us that have been privileged to know him, love his music and experience his magic, it is our memory and responsibility to keep his spirit and contribution to the world of music alive. He will forever be treasured as one of the greatest voices ever!

Sincerely,

Frank Kahlil Wheaton, Esq.

Gentle Giant · August-22nd-2007, 12:14 AM

Don't know why, but I always thought of Lucien as a kind of jazz Richie Havens. Now that may not carry any meaning for some of you, but to me it means he was a gentle, loving soul with an undeniable voice and a highly personal way of making songs his own.

He'll be missed.

Ron Thorne · August-22nd-2007, 02:45 AM

To be honest, GG, I don't hear any resemblance to Richie Havens in Jon's music. Stylistically, anyway. The one trait which they certainly shared was honesty.

Jon was definitely "a gentle, loving soul with an undeniable voice and a highly personal way of making songs his own", however.

If you don't own any of Jon's albums, I'd encourage you to get at least one. If it were only one, I might suggest "Live In NYC".

adjustment · August-22nd-2007, 03:12 AM

This crushes me. I always regret not seeing him perform at Sweet Rhythm when he did a week-long engagement there some years back. I asked if he would be returning and learned that he was sick then. I am a little glad to hear that he did still get to perform again and also glad that there is some more work for me to hear. Thank you everyone for the information. I have listened to soul and jazz singers for a long time and Lucien is an absolute treasure. It seems so rare to find an artist with not only a beautiful voice but a vision to accentuate with these arrangements that seem to come from a tropical island that you can only be a part of in your dreams and Lucien's music. Many singers seem to come up to the mic and sing only with their signature flair, but it is clear to me that Lucien wanted to create a universe. I used to spin a DJ set at a restaurant/bar and during dinner time, I loved playing his music and people were always asking who it was. It always gave me great pleasure to share his name and his music. I still feel more people should hear this music. Spiritual and political without ever sounding didactic. Romantic without ever sounding sappy. His fusion of Caribbean, funk and jazz really strikes me and I am sure, like many talents ahead of their time, Lucien's legacy will continue to grow. 'Rashida' is my personal favorite and I think it is one of the great albums of all time. An absolutely beautiful gift to the world. The guy hummed rhythm and you get a chill and now it brings tears.

Ron Thorne · August-22nd-2007, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adjustment

An absolutely beautiful gift to the world. The guy hummed rhythm and you get a chill and now it brings tears.

Absolutely.

Lois Gilbert · August-22nd-2007, 06:42 AM

Jon Lucien, Smooth Singer of Mellow Jazz and Soul, Dies at 65
By BEN SISARIO
Jon Lucien, whose deep, buttery croon made him a mainstay of smooth jazz since the early 1970s, died on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. He was 65 and lived in Poinciana, Fla.

The cause was respiratory failure, said his wife, Delesa. He had been plagued by kidney problems in recent years and had a kidney transplant two years ago.

Singing over quiet arrangements and swaying rhythms that borrowed from Caribbean and Brazilian music, Mr. Lucien had a suave, romantic delivery, and even in his most passionate crescendos never seemed to break a sweat.

Songs like “Would You Believe in Me,” “Lady Love” and his version of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Dindi” have entered eternal rotation on easy-listening radio, but Mr. Lucien never had a Top 40 hit. He complained that early in his career, his hybrid of light jazz and soul fell through the cracks of the music business.

“The record company was attempting to package me as a sort of ‘black Sinatra,’ ” he said in a recent interview. “Once the white women started to swoon at my performances, their attitudes quickly changed.”

Born Lucien Harrigan on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, he grew up on nearby St. Thomas, an American territory. A fan of Nat King Cole, he played bass in his father’s Latin band and moved to New York at 19, playing in wedding and bar mitzvah bands and recording jingles. His break came when an RCA executive heard him at a wedding. His debut album, “I Am Now,” was released in 1970.

He recorded a string of albums for RCA and Columbia in the ’70s, including “Rashida” and “Song for My Lady.” He quit music for a time in the ’80s but returned in 1991 with “Listen Love” (Mercury), which shot to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.

Two daughters died before him: Zeudi Jacira and Dalila, who died in the crash of TWA 800 off the coast of Long Island in 1996.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sisters, Esperanza and Leaita Harrigan; three brothers, Maxwell and Richard Harrigan, and Pedrito Robles; two sons, Hanif Lucien and Jamil Jerome; a stepson, Mark Lee; a daughter, Celesa Lucien; and two grandchildren.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/22/ar...eHmlYEV5A/TzBg

Gentle Giant · August-22nd-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Thorne

To be honest, GG, I don't hear any resemblance to Richie Havens in Jon's music. Stylistically, anyway. The one trait which they certainly shared was honesty.

Jon was definitely "a gentle, loving soul with an undeniable voice and a highly personal way of making songs his own", however.

If you don't own any of Jon's albums, I'd encourage you to get at least one. If it were only one, I might suggest "Live In NYC".

Yeah, I didn't mean stylistically, just kind of what he represents and the kind of man he was.