SAD NEWS

Bob Rickles

DEMS 08/2-1

Bob Rickles died on 8Apr08. Bob was unique, with a wonderful sense of humour. We shall miss him greatly.
Jean and Tony Adkins

All the people who knew him (and that are many) will miss him.
DEMS

Bobby Durham

DEMS 08/2-2

Bobby Durham who played with Ellington from 28Mar until 7Jun67, died on 6Jul08. The only recordings that he made with Duke and which have been released are available on Storyville 101 8390, “The Jaywalker”. See DEMS 04/2-39.

Good NEWS

Lush Life

DEMS 08/2-3

See DEMS 07/2-22

3Apr08.
The Independent Lens documentary, "Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life" directed by Robert Levi won a Peabody Award it was announced today.
A. Alyce Claerbaut

Other NEWS

Message from Francine Bellson

DEMS 08/2-4

Dear Ellington Society Members,
Want to really cheer up Clark Terry? Get his new CD with Louie Bellson, “Louie & Clark Expedition 2” [DEMS 08/1-31] and cheer yourself as well! (Amazon, CDbaby or (800) 645-6673)
Francine Bellson
www.louiebellson.net

Message from Sturgis

DEMS 08/2-5

See DEMS 07/2-19

STURGIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 392, 200 W. MAIN ST.
STURGIS, MI 49091

June 30, 2008

Hi Sjef;

This letter is being sent to express our appreciation for you trusting us with these priceless photos of The Duke. We had them copied and now have a set of them in our Museum and they are matted and on display.
We had a presentation ceremony at the Sturgis-Young Auditorium in May of this year. In front of almost 250 people, I announced that there would be a State historical marker at the auditorium and that the International Duke Ellington Memorial Society [sic] had paid for half of its cost. I read your email to the audience and everyone who commented to us said that it was about time that The Duke's final performance was noted as being here in Sturgis, Michigan and several of the people attending the Michigan week festivities recalled having been at that performance. We even listened to The Duke's music during the dinner.
Sjef, the historical marker has not been set up in the lawn of the Auditorium yet and when we find that the City of Sturgis is going to do that project, I would like to have another small ceremony and more photos in the local paper. Do you have any members in this area who might like to attend this event and perhaps say a few words? I sure would love to have them here and to meet them!
Again, thank you for both the generous donation and for letting us borrow the photos. I hope this letter finds you in good health.
All my best
Linda Winkens
President of the Sturgis Historical Society