Jazz in the Garden

One of many advantages of being involved in a band such as the NRB is the singular opportunity to perform with and enjoy the wit and wisdom of folks such as John Simpson, who passed away March 21, 2019.

His parents were Stanley G. Simpson and Beverly J. McNatt. In his 76 years of life, John enjoyed an array of hobbies, from bicycling, golf, photography, to poetry. In the view of the NRB, his most important avocation was music.

A skilled musician, John played any woodwind instrument, but he loved clarinet. He was justifiably proud of earning two 1st Chair positions, one in the Sexton High School Band, then later in the United States Marine Corps Marching Band.

John Simpson, Dixieland, and the NRB

Dixieland Jazz was John’s preference. And the NRB’s 20th anniversary CD is the better for it.  John’s musical talent afforded him amazing opportunities, such as playing on the Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen and performing alongside Louis Armstrong. For a number of years, he added his talents to the NRB cast of all-stars.

From Digital Memory, “The music community will miss John. He was not only a renowned musician but the warmest, most loving father one could hope for. Everyone in his family would seek him out for advice. He truly had a heart of gold.

Left to cherish John’s memory are Maxine Waters, his girlfriend of over 18 years; two daughters, Sussanne G. (Simpson) Riley and Sandra I. Simpson; two sons, John W. Simpson II and Victor Simpson; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

Let’s have one more round of applause for a person who made this world a better place.

Thank you, John.