Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly and Marcus Belgrave were internationally renowned artist who were loved by many, and especially Detroiters. That is why it is with a heavy heart I prepare this blog. During the month of May we have lost two of our greatest musical artist; Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly and Marcus Belgrave.
I never performed with Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, but I have had the pleasure of seeing Ortheia Barns-Kennerly perform at some outdoor festivals, and on television. Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly`s reputation proceeds herself as a vocalist, and a well earned reputation she has built. I have just recently met Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly as her husband started saxophone lessons with me. My heart goes out to Mr. Kennerly. Also, to the loved ones of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, and her fans throughout the world.
I have known Marcus Belgrave since high school, where he would come to Northwestern H.S. in Detroit, MI., to introduce compositions he composed to our stage band, do clinics, and was always accessible to mentor young instrumentalist. Marcus Belgrave was thoroughly committed to jazz, as was demonstrated through his initiatives, and projects. In the 1970`s, Marcus Belgrave organized the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop, which was a training ground for many of Detroit`s finest jazz musicians. In the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop we would perform big band arrangements from That Jones, and other composers. Marcus Belgrave was also connected to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Hall with his jazz series. Marcus Belgrave touched so many lives, and we are all the better because he did. Thank you, Marcus Belgrave.
We in Detroit`s music community have lost two significant artist. No one can fill the void of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly or Marcus Belgrave, but they left something for us; a passion to serve music with your best.
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