Home » Jazz News » Obituary

224

Jazz Drummer Billy James Dies at 73

Source:

Sign in to view read count
Legendary jazz drummer Billy James has died in Philadelphia at the age of 73.

James died Friday night at Mercy Hospital after struggling with complications from asthma. That's according to his longtime girlfriend, Danita Lyburn.

James was originally from Pittsburgh and played with jazz greats including Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Sonny Stitt, Don Patterson, Pat Martino, Bootsie Barnes, Eddie Harris, Houston Person and Etta Jones, The Groove ORGANization featuring Gene Ludwig, and many others.

He was a long-time mainstay at Philadelphia jazz clubs, including Ortlieb's Jazzhaus and Chris' Jazz Cafe.

Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.