Donald Byrd Dies At 80

Donald Byrd, one of the leading jazz trumpeters of the 1950s and early 1960s, who became famous in the 1970s by blending jazz, funk and rhythm and blues into a pop hybrid that defied categorization, died on February 4 in Dover, Del. He was 80.


Alex Bugnon, a jazz pianist, reported his uncle's death on Thursday, though it has yet to be confirmed.

Bugnon wrote on his own Facebook page: "Donald passed away Monday in Delaware, where he lived. His funeral will be held in Detroit sometime next week. I have no more patience for this unnecessary shroud of secrecy placed over his death by certain members of his immediate family. "

Byrd's legacy is summed up by his nephew's Facebook tribute: "Let's remember Donald as a one of a kind pioneer of the trumpet, of the many styles of music he took on, of music education. In sum, Donald was an avid, eternal student of music, until his death. That's what I try to be, everyday!! Rest in peace, uncle!"


Byrd's death was confirmed by Haley Funeral Directors of Southfield, Mich. Word of Mr. Byrd's death had circulated online for several days, but was not announced by his family. 


R.I.P Donald Byrd



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