December
2002 Feature Story
RICH DANGEL
DIES SUDDENLY
It is with profound regret that I pass on this message of deep
sadness. Richard Dangel, our great and wonderful friend, sensational
person, and one of the greatest guitar players in the world, passed
away unexpectedly. On Tuesday evening, Dec. 3rd, he was discovered in
his North Seattle home by his close friend Charlotte, after failing
to answer his phone and door. Richard celebrated his 60th birthday on
Sunday December 1st, at the Swiss Club in Tacoma, Washington, performing
with his bandmates from Butterbean, Michael Kinder and Buck England.
Several musician friends attended the event to jam with Rich and wish
him a happy birthday. The group was in top form that night, with Rich
playing as amazingly as always, and as great as we have ever heard him.
Editors Note: After ten years of sobriety, Rich's friends all wanted
to know the truth. The medical examiner reported that he died from a
stroke, a brain hemorage--completely clean. His family had a private
memorial already, and his musical friends and admirers will gather after
the holidays to celebrate his life, which included being the re-arranger
and guitarist on the "Louie, Louie," that became the National
Anthem of Rock 'n Roll. It was his very first band, The fabulous Wailers,
in his hometown, Tacoma, Washington (OK, he was actually born in Texas).
But, as one of his friends mentioned, 'he was so much more than that,
if they only knew'. He was the ultimate players' player, with admiration
from such names as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King & Larry Coryell just
to get started, in every genre -- rock 'n roll, jazz & blues, he
was considered 'the best'. Some may remember him in Sledgehammer, and
the legendary Floating Bridge and of course Rich Dangel & The Reputations.
(more in January).
His recordings are certainly not as numerous as his admirers may expect,
with his only solo release from 1996, called New Evidence, on Suspicious
Records and a recent release with the Fabulous Wailers, called Cadillac
to Mexico, released on RocknRecords. (see phone #'s below) He leaves
behind a son Corey, daughter Angela, his mother Ruth, two sisters Linda
& Nancy and two grandchildren. (see more in the Seattle Times story
by Ian Ith, 12/5/02.)
He will not only be sorely missed by his enormous family of musician
friends, but by the world of music, (calls have come in from Texas,
L.A., London, New York) his fans, and so many who have been entertained,
inspired, and have learned so much from this wonderfully talented man.
Kent Morrill and I feel blessed to have had Richard as our long and
devoted friend. Luckily we jammed with Rich and the boys on his birthday.
It's been a long run, and always an honor to perform with Rich as a
fellow fabulous Wailer. We are fortunate to have so many fond memories
of Richard and his impressive contribution to the world of music, whether
it was jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, funk-Rich knew it well. He had so
much more to offer. Rest in peace now Richard. We all love you.
Buck Ormsby, Kent Morrill
The fabulous Wailers
253-396-1024 or 253-396-1055
toll free: 1-866-255-2791 or Fax: 253-396-1029
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