RIP Howard Riley (1943-2025)
He was not on the list.
We are sad to hear from Cath Longbottom (*) that the influential, liked and admired pianist and educator Howard Riley died on Saturday, just a few days before what would have been his 82nd birthday.
Howard had suffered from Parkinson’s, and been in the care home for almost 3 years. Quoting close friend Ray Buckland, Cath writes: “Mentally, Howard has been fairly clear-thinking up to the end, although getting at a piano/keyboard was not really feasible over the last year as his physical mobility became extremely limited, and as his playing fingers lost strength…”
She says – “I feel privileged to have known him and I will always value the opportunity he gave me to tell his story on film. I’m really thankful that we were able to work on this together to document these precious moments towards the end of his career as a performing musician.”
His partner Annie has said – “His legacy and dedication as a musician will live on.”
We will have tributes later. In sadness.
(*) Cath Longbottom is the maker of the film “Howard Riley – Cheerfully Beyond Category”
John Howard Riley. Born Huddersfield 16 February 1943. Died Beckenham, Kent 8 February 2025.
No comments:
Post a Comment