Doug Ramsey (1934-2026)

[Ken Dryden]

The noted author, jazz journalist and TV newsman Doug Ramsey passed away in his sleep early this morning, according to his son Paul. He was 91.

Ramsey's contributions to jazz journalism are immense, especially his landmark biography of Paul Desmond, Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond.

 

[Dan Gould]

Sad news but a long life with many contributions to jazz reporting/comment. 

[HutchFan]

Sorry to hear this news.

R.I.P.

[John Tapscott]

I always enjoyed Mr. Ramsey's jazz writings.  I have one of his books on my jazz shelf downstairs. Can't remember the name of it at the moment. Also enjoyed his bio of Paul Desmond which I have on Kindle.  R.I.P.  

 

 

[Peter Friedman]

Doug Ramsey was the M.C. at a Jazz Party I attended on the West Coast a number of years ago.

Always found his writing about jazz interesting. Doug also  wrote a book (besides Take Five) titled "Jazz Matters" that I read a while ago.

R.I.P.

[Ken Dryden]

I reviewed both Jazz Matters and Doug's Paul Desmond bio when they were published. He also wrote a novel, Poodie James, I am proud to have a signed copy with a nice note from Doug. 

Here is a profile that I wrote for the Jazz Journalist Association when Doug was honored with their Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalism:

http://www.jazzhouse.org/jn/jazznotes-19-3.pdf