Renowned session drummer Ricky Lawson has died after 10 days on life support, his uncle and the hospital confirmed today.
The Detroit-born musician, known for his work with artists such as Michael Jackson, died Monday at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center near Los Angeles, surrounded by family members. He was 59.
“He expired as soon as they took him off life support,” said Paul Riser, Lawson’s uncle.
Riser said memorials will be held in Detroit and Los Angeles, where the Cooley High School graduate moved as he became one of the music industry’s most sought-after studio and tour musicians in the 1980s. Full details about services will be announced in coming days, said Riser.
Lawson was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after becoming visibly disoriented during his Dec. 13 Christmas-themed show at the Spaghettini jazz club in Seal Beach, Calif.
Lawson had a storied career that took him from a Grammy-winning tenure with the Yellowjackets to eclectic work with artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Steely Dan.
San Diego music promoter and journalist Mikey Cohen was among the Lawson aficionados who spent time with the drummer during a September ocean cruise hosted by smooth-jazz musician Dave Koz.
“Ricky was the biggest sweetheart, cuddly bear type but also the most brilliant drummer I have ever met in my entire life,” said Cohen. “I shot him as a photojournalist for years and he would always greet me with a hug and kiss on the cheek.”
Lawson was an endorser of the Pearl drum brand. The company posted a statement today[1] from president Terry West:
“Ricky Lawson was one of the greatest drummers of our time. Millions of people have seen him perform while touring with artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan, Phil Collins and countless others. He was a warm, caring and kind individual that was truly passionate about music and the education of the next generation of young musicians. ... We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing and our hearts and prayers go out to his family and to his many fans across the world.”
Contact Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com[2] .
Editor’s note: In a story last week,[3] the Free Press initially incorrectly reported that Ricky Lawson had died at that time. We regret this error.
References
- ^ posted a statement today (pearldrum.com)
- ^ bmccollum@freepress.com (www.freep.com)
- ^ In a story last week, (www.freep.com)
0 comments:
Post a Comment