[youtube id=”RpfyHOE521M”]Trumpeter Roy Hargrove passed last November at 49 of cardiac arrest leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy that started with jazz standards and eventually went into the realm of neo-soul. On Tuesday night, in New York, peers, friends, fans and over 200 musicians paid tribute to him with five hours of his music. Wynton Marsalis, who met Hargrove when he was 16, led the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra during their walked through performance of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” which is usually played at New Orleans’ jazz funerals. Christian McBride, who was a friend and colleague to Hargrove hosted the night. The Roy Hargrove Big Band and his RH Factor band were among the performers. Norah Jones, Common, Karriem Riggins, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jon Batiste and Stephanie McKay graced the stage for the tribute. Hargrove’s spirit and impact on music was felt in the building alongside feelings of grief for his passing and celebration for his life’s work.Â
