I’m very sorry to pass on the news from Paul West that Norm Bobrow passed last night. Paul said he owed whatever success he had in the music business to Norm, who first started promoting jazz concerts when he was a student at The UW in the late 30s. He was also a conga player, a fellow broadcaster, and a sweet man who had many friends and dearly loved jazz and everyone associated with it.

When I introduced him at his induction into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame in 1996, I told him “When I grow up, Norm, I want to be just like you!” He got a big kick out of that and recalled it again when I saw him at The New Orleans just a couple of months ago when we were both there listening to Jay Thomas’ Big Band.

I’m sure there will be many remembrances of Norm Bobrow in the next few days and information about a memorial. He was a major contributor to the Seattle Jazz Scene. There are numerous references to him in Paul DeBarros’ “Jackson Street After Hours”.

– Jim Wilke

Category:
Seattle Jazz