John Guerin (October 31, 1939 - January 5, 2004) This site is for John's friends and fans to remember him, to share memories and stories, and to celebrate his life. John died January 5 of complications from the flu. He was a wonderful, generous musician, always giving of himself fully, inspiring those around him to their greatest potential. He was a wonderful husband and father, and a dear friend to many. John was truly a legend, and his music touched many thousands of people around the world. He was a beautiful spirit, full of energy, always honest, always himself. He will be sorely missed.

John Guerin/ Obituary

Producer, composer, jazz artist John Guerin, one of the most prominent and prolific drummers in the music community, died Monday, Jan. 5th of heart failure at West Hills Hospital in West Hills, Ca. He was 64.

Guerin was born in Hawaii and raised in San Diego. He was a self taught drummer and began performing with Buddy DeFranco in 1960. Following this he moved to Los Angeles and since the late 1960s, Guerin recorded with many musical legends such as Frank Sinatra, Frank Zappa, The Byrds, Thelonious Monk, Lou Rawls, George Shearing, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstat, Nelson Riddle and countless others. In jazz and pop, he is one of the most recorded drummers of all time. Among the many contributions to motion picture and television scores his most celebrated work was on the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood's film biography of Charlie Parker "Bird" and recently on the score of the Jack Nicholson/ Diane Keaton movie "Something's Gotta Give." He also played on the original title theme from the television series "Hawaii Five-O" and the original "Jeopardy" where he was a long time associate of Merv Griffin. Others he worked with were Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams and a long list of other fine composers.

Guerin performed just last week with artist Steve Tyrell at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Tyrell said "He was an amazing spirit, a true and valued friend and an awesome force in music. He was recognized by all who truly knew music as one of the greatest drummers who ever lived." This is a feeling that has been shared by his many friends, colleagues and admirers in and out of the music industry.

Guerin traveled all over the world founding and co-leading the L.A. Express band and with artist Joni Mitchell. His songs included "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" with Mitchell, "Don't Be Blue" with Michael Franks and compositions and productions with many other artists. He achieved ProEmeritus status by winning the NARAS M.V. P. award for four years and authored a drum book entitled "Jazz + Rock = John Guerin."

In the past few years projects included work with Tyrell, Oscar Peterson, John Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Justin Morell, Andreas Pettersson, David Basse, David Garfield, Gary Lemel, Mike Melvoin and producing a series of jazz CD's for Japan. He was a current Clinician for the D.W. Drum Company and appeared regularly with the trios of Roger Kellaway and Mike Melvoin, two long time friends and fellow jazz performers.

Aside from music, Guerin was also known for his love of horses which he continued to own and ride until his death and was an avid fan of sports and history.

As one of the musicians who was responsible for what many consider the Golden Age of recording in Los Angeles, Guerin had achieved the status of worldwide legend with his unique sound on literally hundreds of the most important records ever made, making friends with his musicianship, high professionalism, good humor and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by those who were close to him and those who felt his musical presence.

Guerin is survived by his wife Michelle Palombi Guerin of Chatsworth, his adopted son Scott Guerin (LA), sister Victoria Shoemaker (Oakland, CA), brother Michael Guerin (Santa Rosa. CA), and grandsons Jonathan Michael Guerin (Grand Prairie, TX) and Graeham Ian Guerin (Cleveland, OH). He was recently preceded in death by his son Shaun.

The family requests that donations be sent "In Memory of John Guerin" to his favorite charity, the Nevada S.P.C.A, 4800 West Dewey Drive, Suite D, Las Vegas, NV, 89118. Memorial services are planned for Sunday, January 18th at 6 PM.

also, read about john in the Telegraph in London.

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