Important Announcement About Richard M. Sudhalter

To My Fellow Jazzophiles and Bixophiles:

I am certain that you all know about the crucial role that Richard Sudhalter has played in the fields of Jazzology and Bixology. Richard is a multi-talented individual: author, musician, historian, researcher, teacher, critic, etc. Richard's achievements are too numerous to list here: scholarly articles in magazines and newspapers, chapters in books, liners for records and CDs; he is a concert organizer, radio broadcaster, Grammy Award winner, Winner of an ASCAP Deems Taylor Special Citation for Excellence, etc. It will suffice, at this point, to mention the seminal and influential books that he wrote or co-wrote.

   1. “Bix: Man and Legend,” Richard M. Sudhalter and Philip R. Evans with William Dean-Myatt, Arlington House, New Rochelle, NY, 1974. Nominated for a National Book Award.

   2. “Lost Chords: White Musicians and Their Contribution to Jazz, 1915-1945,” Richard M. Sudhalter, Oxford University Press, NY, 1999.  Voted a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

   3. “Stardust Melody: The Life and Music of Hoagy Carmichael,”  Richard M. Sudhalter,  Oxford University Press, NY, 2002.

Richard’s many and valuable contributions to our understanding of Bix’s music and life are legendary. For one example, had it not been for “Man and Legend,” the Bixography (bixbeiderbecke.com) website would not be in existence today. That book had a profound influence on my life.

Sadly, Richard suffered a massive stroke in 2003. Although he recovered initially, in the last two years Richard’s health has deteriorated considerably. Richard has been diagnosed as having MSA, multiple system atrophy. Expensive consultations are necessary, and medical bills are mounting. A consultation at the Mayo Clinic is scheduled for August 24, 2006.

Enrico Borsetti suggested -and I enthusiastically agree- that I start a campaign among friends and followers of Richard Sudhalter to solicit help in defraying his medical and associated expenses. This is the purpose of the present communication: I ask you to help as much as you possibly can.

Please send your checks or money orders, made out to “Richard Sudhalter,” to:

Richard  M. Sudhalter
Post Office Box 757
Southold, NY 11971

Those who wish to make their contributions directly to a bank account, please use the following

North Fork Bank
54375 Route 25
Southold NY 11971
USA
Bank Transit Number (also known as Routing Number or ABA Number) 021-407912
Name on account: Richard M. Sudhalter
Account Number 0126-36587-3

We all owe a profound debt of gratitude to Richard for his extraordinary and life-long efforts to elucidate, preserve, and disseminate the music we love. Richard has done a lot for us. It is time that we reciprocate. Don’t put this aside. Write your check or make fund transfer right now and mail it immediately. This is not a time to delay in taking action. Richard needs our help.

Thank you very much.

Albert Haim
Professor Emeritus
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400
Founder and Webmaster of
http://bixbeiderbecke.com
e-mail: ahaim@bixography.com