I'm very saddened today to learn that my father's longtime friend, trumpeter Buddy Childers, passed away on May 24th.

The whole purpose of my dad creating the Nocturne Record label back in 1954 was to highlight the musicians that had been sidemen in mainstream big bands for so many years - lost in the commercial music of Hollywood. While Buddy didn't have a Nocturne release, he did have two albums produced by my father, in the Jazz In Hollywood series that were released on Liberty Records in 1955 and 1956. My dad gave him the chance to lead his own groups, The Buddy Childers Quintet and Quartet, and Buddy never forgot that, always praising my father for allowing him to do that.

When I first met Mr. Childers, he was as honored to meet me (and my son) as I was to meet him. He was a very gracious and talented man.

On my recommendation to the board of directors of Los Angeles Music Week, Buddy Childers was honored in 2004 for his contributions to L.A. culture. It was wonderful to see him receive his certificates at L.A. City Hall from the city council - a long overdue honor.

As countless boards of foundations ponder whether or not to fund my documentary, we are constantly losing these wonderful musicians who helped to shape the west coast jazz movement...

Time marches on....