Life Member. Violin
(1932 – 2015)
By Mark LeVang, son
My father, Neil LeVang, the noted studio guitarist whose list of credits includes hundreds of television and film dates as well as a 23-year career with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, died at home, peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 26. He was 83. Continue reading
Life Member. Bass Trombone
(1940-2014)
By Miles Anderson
As many of you may know, Don was an excellent all-round musician capable of performing in quite diverse musical genres. Today, this ability is pretty much taken for granted, but 40 years ago, not so much. Don was also ahead of his time in doubling on bass trombone and tuba. Today, it’s an economic necessity. (He was also an outstanding copyist of the pre-Finale era.) Don’s curiosity and intelligence went well beyond music, and contributed much to our lively friendship. RIP Don.
Life Member. Oud
(1948-2015)
By Miamon Miller
I first saw John Bilezikjian perform some 40 years ago and have been fortunate to play with him many times over the past 25 years. We must have worked at least 100 jobs together, and over that span I never heard him play a wrong note or a note out of time. Continue reading
In Memoriam
Raymond D. Acton
Life Member. Horn
8/8/1921 – 12/7/2014
Survived by daughter
John H. Bilezikjian
Life Member. Oud
2/1/1948 – 1/19/2015
Survived by spouse & children
Boniface “Buddy” De Franco
Life Member. Saxophone
2/17/1923 – 12/24/2014
Survived by spouse & family
Travis Warren
Life Member. Piano
7/30/1927 – 2/3/2015
Survived by spouse & children
Life Member, Oud
(1948 – 2015)
By Barry Fisher
John, a friend and music colleague of over 50 years, died peacefully after a long painful illness punctuated with pleasure as he continued to perform nearly to the end. Continue reading
Life Member, Piano
(1943 – 2014)
By Peter Hume
Many musicians in town worked with Paul more than I did. But the gigs we did play together were memorable for their ease and effortless musicality. Long before I met my wife (big band singer Patti Ross) she had worked on casuals with Paul for many years. He was one of her favorite accompanists. Continue reading
Life Member, Composer/Conductor
(1930 – 2014)
By Bonnie Cacavas, wife
Editor’s Note: Local 47 was recently notified of Life Member John Cacavas’s 2014 passing. His wife Bonnie sends in this tribute to share with his friends and colleagues in the musicians union.
John Cacavas, a Greek Renaissance man, was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He died Jan. 28, 2014, at home in Beverly Hills, California. Continue reading
Former Member. Piano
(1932 – 2015)
By Dana Wheaton, son
Dr. Jack William Wheaton passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. He was 82 and had battled cancer for the past seven years. Continue reading
Life Member, Alto/Tenor Saxophone
(1929 – 2015)
By Christine Russell, daughter
Sheldon “Shelly” Russell died on Jan. 8, 2015, at Providence Tarzana Medical Center in Los Angeles from complications due to long-term diabetes. Continue reading
In Memoriam:
Bernard E. Berman
Life Member. Violin
9/16/1925 – 12/18/2014
Survived by spouse & children
Paul W. Chipello
Life Member. Piano
3/27/1943 – 12/25/2014
Survived by spouse & child
Richard L. Dale
Life Member. Clarinet
9/11/1929 – 1/8/2015
Survived by spouse & daughter Continue reading