Richie Cole
Some would say Richie Cole was born with a silver saxophone in his mouth. Growing up in his father’s jazz club, he earned a Downbeat Scholarship to the Berklee School of Music before enrolling in grad school under the tutelage of such esteemed professors as Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and Doc Severinsen. Legendary for his lyrical sound, he was an unsung songwriting hero, leaving behind jazz standards like “Jeannine” which was covered by Donald Byrd and Cannonball Adderly, among others. Richie left us on May 2, 2020, but his tone will resonate forever.