#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs
"Doctor John Edwin Sullivan, Sr., who was a saint to the music community in the Sarasota area for decades, died Monday at age 86. Most musicians don't make much money, but Doc cared for them at no charge, and many today will tell you he saved their lives as a result. He was a talented tenor saxophone player, but didn't get to play as much as he wanted because his practice came first. I produced a Friday afternoon jazz concert series in Sarasota for four years, but could never book Dr. Sullivan, Sr. because he couldn't commit to a time and date. If he got a call from the hospital, he would have to go there instead. He would sit in occasionally when he had time, and it was always a delight to hear him.
"Doctor John Edwin Sullivan, Sr., who was a saint to the music community in the Sarasota area for decades, died Monday at age 86. Most musicians don't make much money, but Doc cared for them at no charge, and many today will tell you he saved their lives as a result. He was a talented tenor saxophone player, but didn't get to play as much as he wanted because his practice came first. I produced a Friday afternoon jazz concert series in Sarasota for four years, but could never book Dr. Sullivan, Sr. because he couldn't commit to a time and date. If he got a call from the hospital, he would have to go there instead. He would sit in occasionally when he had time, and it was always a delight to hear him.
Doc Sullivan, Sr. was tireless, working long hours every day of the week. I once had a test on Friday and got a call from him with the results on a Sunday afternoon. He would begin his office visits with a long discussion about jazz. I sometimes felt guilty taking his time for such talk, but that's what he wanted.
Dr. John Edwin Sullivan, Sr. was as beloved to musicians here as anyone could ever be. A great many of us will remember him with extraordinary fondness."
Morrie Trumble
President
------Sullivan, Sr., M.D., John Edwin
Feb. 14, 1925 - Oct. 31, 2011
John Edwin Sullivan, Sr., M. D., 86, of Sarasota, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa and Stewartville, (Rochester), Minnesota died Oct. 31, 2011.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, Sarasota. Services will be held at Noon Friday at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Longboat Key.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Marianne N.; daughters, Ella M. Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio, Julie A. of Florida, Elizabeth J. Smith of Clearwater; sons, Dr. John E. Jr. of Sarasota, Gary M. of Florida, Gregory H. of Florida, Christopher A. of Treasure Island, and nine grandchildren.
WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH !!!
ReplyDeleteA GREAT DOCTOR AND PERSON!!!
Dr. Sullivan was a man respected by his community and other musicians. I so appreciated meeting him and finding out he was a fan of our music. Regret that we never got to play together.\~Amazing grace, Ira
ReplyDeleteThank you for the cool post about my great-uncle. I didn't know him personally, but it doesn't surprise me that he was an accomplished saxophonist. My grandfather, his brother, was also a great musician, and I like to believe some of those genes have carried on to me. I am an avid drummer myself and have played with the Blue Man Group for 6 years, in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and even on the Norwegian Cruise Line "Epic". I really wish I would have known him a little better, but this definitely helps! Thanks again!
ReplyDelete