Jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove — who has worked with everyone from Common to Erykah Badu — passed away on Friday (November 2). Longtime manager Larry Clothier confirmed the news to NPR.
The Grammy Award-winning musician suffered a fatal heart attack in New York City on Friday night. Over the course of his career, Hargrove contributed to several notable albums, including Badu’s Mama’s Gun and Common’s Like Water For Chocolate.
Hargrove struggled with substance abuse throughout his life. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in Manhattan criminal court and was sentenced to two days of community service.Those close to Hargrove say he had recently started down the road of recovery.
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“Whatever it was for a lot of years, it was radically, drastically curtailed over the last year or two,” Clothier said. “He was playing great; he really had himself back together. This last run we did in Europe, it was as good as I heard him play in the last 10 years.”
Hargrove’s friends, admirers and fellow musicians have come out in droves to mourn his passing.
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Check out the reactions below.
?ROY HARGROVE.
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) November 3, 2018
Rest In Peace Roy Hargrove. Damn.
— ashy daddy (@Thundercat) November 3, 2018
Roy Hargrove has left us. I mourn his passing, with a massive appreciation. All those beautiful soaring, warm and effortless solos that left me in awe, those deep funky horn parts on the… https://t.co/1mCQC2F3tf
— Flea (@flea333) November 3, 2018
Tonal, Melodic, from BeBop to Hip-hop. Soulful, BRILLIANT, Young Master… Roy Hargrove? https://t.co/bz1RPJI0TY
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) November 3, 2018
Surreal to be playing the Vanguard this week. My first official shows at the @vanguardjazz were also my first official shows with Roy Hargrove back in 2008. Forever grateful to be apart of his bands (RH factor, Quintet and the big band). Blast his music today. For all time. pic.twitter.com/k9eP2VonUz
— Jon Batiste (@JonBatiste) November 3, 2018
Rest in Power ?? ? #RoyHargrovepic.twitter.com/vnLZNZFwCC
— Christian Sands (@christiansands1) November 3, 2018
So sad to hear about Roy Hargrove. I always loved seeing you at the New Years shows in Chicago. You packed the house every night. You made music that transcended genre and your instrument. One of my biggest inspirations. You will be missed. ❤️
— nico (@nicosegal) November 3, 2018
RIP Roy Hargrove. I’m gutted, this is still one of my favorite albums. pic.twitter.com/pXORPxC4Mb
— kid Fonque (@KidFonque) November 3, 2018
r.i.p., roy hargrove. you were a beautiful soul, young lion, and you will be terribly missed. ? pic.twitter.com/laJJVbCfvw
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) November 3, 2018
Gone way too soon…really saddened by the passing of my brother Roy Hargrove. Appreciate you, love you, miss you my guy❤️❤️❤️ #legend
— James Poyser (@jamespoyser) November 3, 2018
Really hurt to hear of passing of trumpet legend Roy Hargrove, one of, if not thee, most influential musicians of my generation. His genius as a jazz improviser, band leader, bridge between jazz and hip-hop, is immeasurable and so influential to me and countless musicians. RIP ? pic.twitter.com/4fJggJBr9e
— KevChoice (@KevChoice) November 3, 2018
