Jazz trumpeter Maynard (theme from "Rocky") Ferguson dies at 78

[Human Torch]

This is from Thursday, so apologies in advance if it's already been posted.

Posted on Thu, Aug. 24, 2006
Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson dies in SoCal at 78
JEFF WILSON
Associated Press



http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/15352228.htm

VENTURA, Calif. - Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, known for his soaring high notes and for his recording of "Gonna Fly Now," a hit version of the theme from the "Rocky" movies, has died. He was 78.

Ferguson, who lived in nearby Ojai, died Wednesday night at Community Memorial Hospital of kidney and liver failure due to an abdominal infection," friend and manager Steve Schankman said Thursday.

Ferguson's four daughters Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family members were at his side when he died, he said.

"Someone just said, 'Gabriel, move over to second trumpet,'" Schankman said from his St. Louis office. "He was the last of the greats. That era is closed. There is no Kenton, no Basie, no Ellington, and now, no Ferguson."

[Wapsie B]

1. The Boss,

His Royal Highness. :cry:

RIP