Patti Bown, Famous Jazz Pianist 1931-2008
I only found out about Patti Bown's death (pronounced Bowen) a few days ago.
She was a legend.
In 1980 she improvised what would become Westbeth's famous theme song in honor of its then, 10th anniversary: "We're doing it, doing it, Westbeth..." I can see and hear her now.
That is what most people would remember and know. I knew she was famous, but only in Westbeth. I didn't know
many other facts like:
-She studied with Ray Charles and many famous others.
-She played on Broadway.
-She never married.
Her jazz music filled the hallways of Wesbeth.
When she moved to the third floor where my mom lives, I hardly saw or heard her. But on the other hand, I was hardly at Westbeth.
We will be in New York City from June 7-10th. There is a memorial service at St. Peter's Church on June 8th, which I hope to attend. There will be a list of jazz performers from all over New York City.
Her gallant spirit will be with us always.
She loved me, my brother and all the 70s and 80s Westbeth kids.
She will be forever missed.