From Bill Meyer:

It is with great sadness that I inform you that our dear brother, and one of the greatest musicians of all times, and my dearest friend of 43 years, has passed away.

Hubie Crawford, a bassist like no other I have ever seen or heard in mylife, was found dead in his home in westside Detroit this evening (October 31st, 2007). He had died in the last day or two. He was about to turn 62 years old, and possibly he had a reaction to some blood pressure medicine.

Hubie didn't show up this evening at Berts to perform with the SBH Trio, where we have worked for almost seven years. As many of you know, he was a reliable person, and no one had heard from him for a couple days.

He leaves no family members, but has an endless list of friends who will miss him. Hubie was the gentlest, kindest and among the best loved people in the music business. You won't be able to find a person who didn't like him, who didn't think he was a most phenomenal musician. He had no enemies, and
lived a modest and humble life.

Funeral services will be announced soon, he played every Sunday at Little Rock Baptist Church on Woodward, and I'm sure once we recover a bit from this shock, there will be a musical tribute.

-----

I was fortunate to get to know Hubie from playing with him in a band he had. He was truly one of the most kind people I have known.

He had played with some great names. He told me about some work he did with the great organist Larry Young. His harmonica playing was incredibly moving as well. Cool guy who never had a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. I wish I had known him better.

Yeah, Hubie was a gentle soul. And a fine bassist; the SBH Trio was a finely-tuned group. What a shock.

Hubie Crawford Remembrances
Hosted by Hubie’s Family of Friends
Memorial Service
Saturday, Nov 10th 12 Noon
Central United Methodist Church
Woodward & Adams
Detroit
Musical Tribute
Sunday, Dec 2nd 3:00 PM
Bert’s Marketplace Theater
2727 Russell
in the Eastern Market

Join with Hubie’s vast family of friends to pay tribute to one of Detroit’s most amazing musicians. A gentle man and friend to all, who will be deeply missed.
Contributions for the musical tribute only may be made to
“Tribute to Hubie”
For more information contact Bill Meyer (313) 207-3904, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hosted by Hubie’s Family
Visitation
Monday, Nov 12th 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pye Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Rd
Detroit
Funeral
Tuesday, Nov 13th
Family Hour 10:30 AM
Funeral 11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
441 Monroe
Detroit

Here is a note we received from Fr. Steven Bookvich, one of Hubie's many friends (reprinted with his permission):

Dear Detroit JazzStage,

It is very kind of you to inform me about my beloved friend Hubbie's passing. This news brings much sadness to my heart. Only 3 weeks ago we were talking about us doing a jazz album together in the new recording studio I built in back of my home in Ann Arbor.

He was to come over one day to talk things over, but didn't come because he wasn't feeling good. I didn't think it was that bad. Now I understand he was nearing the end (of his) time on earth and was week before his passing. His playing ranks him among the greats of all time and beyond!!!! And when we played his low _base_ notes made me higher in the spirit of the music. We met in 1966 while I was playing at the Chess Mate on Jack Serel's live radio broadcast from there.

As a person you couldn't find a better, gentler and kinder friend and soul. An example, we were working on a music project. At the same time he got an offer to go and play with Buddy Rich. Hubbie told me he didn't accept the offer because he didn't want to be disloyal to the project we were working on. He didn't think it would be fair to me and other musicians he was working with at the time.

As a Christian He should be numbered among the Saints!!! When I was in California doing yoga, he called to tell me about trying the path of Jesus Christ. He was very pleased to find out that I was an orthodox Christian from birth. Well all right then, he lovingly said!!! As a newly ordained orthodox priest, I only wish to be as Spiritual and good as he was, in his life .Every Sunday morning you could find him playing gospel music for the Lord in his Church. He will be missed by me and as you know many!!!!!
May God rest and continue to Bless his soul, as Hubbie has blessed us with his music and life.

In light and sound spirit,
Muruga, least among drummers.
Aka. Fr. Steven Bookvich, foremost sinner repenting priest of St. Gregory Palamas Church.

To clear up any confusion regarding Hubie Crawford's events, here are the
details,
Regardless of ANYTHING else you may hear:

There is NO service at Little Rock Baptist Church.
There is a funeral at Second Baptist on Tuesday at 11am (family 10:30am)
Visitation at Pye Funeral Home Mon from 3-8pm (Plymouth at Southfield)

We are all still in mourning over the loss of our dear friend and colleague,
Hubie.

PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW AT CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Here are the events his FRIENDS at Berts and the MUSIC community are
planning:

HUBIE CRAWFORD MEMORIAL SERVICE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2007 - 12 NOON
Central United Methodist Church
Woodward and Adams
Downtown Detroit
Parking underground at Grand Circus Park or
In adjoining Church parking lot
++++++++++++

HUBIE CRAWFORD MUSICAL TRIBUTE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007 - 3:00 PM until ?
Bert¹s Marketplace Theater in the Eastern Market
2727 Russell, between Gratiot and Mack
Parking out front of building.
============

JOIN US EVERY WED AND THURSDAY AT BERTS
SBH TRIO OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM
8:30 pm ­ 12 on Wed
8:30 pm ­ 1:30 am Thursday
Be part of Hubie¹s family. We¹ll be celebrating his life every time we play.