When I started this web site several years ago, I knew in the back of my mind that if I kept it going long enough, I would have to write this article. That doesn’t make it any easier. I woke up this morning to the very sad news that Joe Zawinul passed away today in Vienna. “Joe Zawinul was born on July 7, 1932 in earth time, and on September 11, 2007 in eternal time. He lives on,” his son Erich said in a statement. Indeed he does live on! Joe was an absolutely unique figure in jazz who led an incredible life. His music has been a part of me since I was a teenager, and it always will be.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Joe’s sons, Anthony, Erich and Ivan. They also lost their mother and Joe’s wife of over 40 years in July.

Lately I’ve been listening to World Tour pretty much every day. For some reason, I just got on this roll that I had to hear it everyday. I’ll be listening to it again this morning as I drive to work.

Many Zawinul Online visitors have expressed their feelings about Joe’s passing, and you can read their comments on the Memorial page that I established as a permanent part of this web site. If you would like to share what Joe has meant to you, visit the Memorial page where you you can log in (to combat spam) and leave a message. If you prefer, you can send me email at the address on the About page. Either way, I’d love to hear from you.

I will have more to say about Joe after I’ve had time to reflect on his passing. Without a doubt there will never be another Joe Zawinul. God bless him and his family.

[Note that the memorial messages posted by Zawinul fans around the world have been moved to the permanent Memorial page.]