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The details for what will be the first of many events
to honor and celebrate Barbara Morrison's life
have been finalized.
This Saturday, March 26, 2022,
a public viewing will be held at
The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship,
2085 S Hobart Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018,
between the hours of 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Parking is limited, so prepare for patience.
Starting at 2:00 PM,
following the public viewing,
a celebration of Barbara's life will be held in
Leimert Park, in, and around
The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center,
featuring live music, eulogies, hugs, tears
and laughter.
4305 Degnan Blvd #101, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
When Barbara was in the hospital, expecting to recover,
I promised her she didn't have to worry
about her expenses.
We started a GoFundMe page, with the goal of covering her expenses until she was back on her feet. That page has raised over $16,000.
Barbara's family are supportive of the site,
and rooting for it.
Sadly, the purpose of the campaign has changed to covering Barbara's funeral and estate expenses, which are estimated will be around $30,000.
If you are moved to give back to Barbara
some of the joy she has given to you,
please consider visiting her GoFundMe page, and making a donation.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-incredible-barbara-morrison
Thank you!
Barbara Morrison is a Jazz and Blues Legend. At 70, Morrison is stunning with her natural, short white hair and big smile; the twinkle in her eyes commands you to stop and take her in. That twinkle comes from loving everything she does – and she does a lot.
Over the course of her 60-year career, she has performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the Jazz and the Blues worlds. That list includes Legends like: Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett and Keb’ Mo. Additionally, Morrison has guest-starred with the Count Basie Orchestra, The Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, and Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.
Probably one of the most important community leaders in L.A., South Los Angeles' Lemeirt Park is a location to which Barbara has contributed significantly. Her center, BMPAC (Barbar Morrison Performing Arts Center), has stood as the cultural heart of Leimert Park since its opening in 2011. The non-profit center's mission is to revitalize the neighborhood's art scene. As if that wasn't enough, she then went on, with Timothy Morganfield, to create The California Jazz and Blues Museum four years ago. This is a location that has all kinds of memorabilia, past and present, with several weekly jam sessions and music classes.
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On a personal note: we, David Ross and I, consider Barbara Morrison a hero and a brilliant light. Not only for her incredible musical gift and contributions to the community...but also for her spirit and "I'm gonna keep going no matter what" attitude and actions. And the fact that she is an amputee from diabetes does not keep her from international travel, working every day, all day...and sometimes having three gigs a day, traveling hours to each gig.
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