Sunday, March 05, 2006

Jazz Advocate Sue Ford


One of Philadelphia's most respected and loved Jazz Advocates got her call to glory yesterday, March 4, 2006. I am certain that the regional and international jazz communities share the loss of this very special lady. I was blessed to have made her acquaintance in the 70's, while working in employment services. She was a big whig in Human Resources. While makin' my rounds tryin' to catch some sounds through the 80's & 90's, I noticed Ms. Ford at alot of venues and she seemed to be very popular with the musicians and all. I was blown away gettin' a chance to associate, even a little bit, with such a gifted individual! Every time that we interacted over the last thirty-some years, I felt special for the moments we shared. I last saw her at Pearl Williams' party for Tucker at Lakey's and it was special then, too! She will be greatly missed by us earthbound advocates, but she is already seated at the Heavenly Veteran's Post at a Jazz Brunch!!! Bye for now Sue! Save the Philly crew good seats!

The Memorial Service for Susan B. Ford
Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 2PM
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
500 E. Mt Pleasant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

In lieu of Flowers, please send a contribution to Grover Washington, Jr.'s Protect The Dream Foundation !


Please PYL (Post Your Love) for a Philadelphia legend!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

SUE WAS MY MENTOR IN THE PHILLY JAZZ CIRCUIT. ANYTIME I WANTED TO KNOW WAS WHO I WOULD CALL SUE TO ASK HER THE INFORMATION. SHE WOULD NEVER MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I SHOULD KNOW THIS OR THAT. SHE WAS ALWAYS TEACHING ME. SHE WAS ALWAYS A GREAT SUPPORTER OF THE MUSIC. INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCALS. SHE ALWAYS RESPECTED THE VOCALS. I REMEMBER SO MUCH ABOUT SUE IN THE 10 - 15 YEARS THAT I HAVE KNOWN HER. I REMEMBER WHEN WE HONORED HER AT ONE OF MY SONGSTRESSES CELEBRATING SISTERHOOD. I AM GLAD I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE HER IN LIFE. REST IN PEACE MY SISTER IN MUSIC.

Anonymous said...

BY THE WAY THE PREVIOUS ANONYMOUS IS FROM ME VALRAY. SUE WAS MY MENTOR AND I WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER CHILDREN. 2 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADIES I HAVE MET. STAY STRONG.

Anonymous said...

I never had the pleasure of hearing her, but I can pray for those left behind and look forward to a seat in the Philly section of heavenly jazz admirers. Peace Be Still!

Anonymous said...

I,M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF MS. SUE FORD . SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. ALL MY LOVE TO THE FAMILY. MR. LUCKY THOMPSON!!

Anonymous said...

Sue was a mentor to me both musically and professsionally. She really helped my employment and HR career get a jump start by "coaching" me when I came to Philly. She did something that I am forever greatful for by reaching out and correcting a young brother in my efforts to place some of my graduates and then after much polishing (smile) hiring them to work in her company. Some of the jazz promotional affairs I was involved in Sue "coached" me again, evenings at the Blue Note, and my afterwork network affairs were memorable. I have been blessed by one of GOD's true angel's. I will miss Sue dearly. RonSTORY

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for doing this for my mother. She is smiling now at all the well wishes and support for her family. She will still be with all of you as you pursue your musical endeavours and if you still need advice and friendship, all you have to do is look up, she'll be there. I don't plan to change her email address or voicemail at home, so if you need to hear her please call and just know that when you receive an email from susanford13@aol.com, it's her daughter keeping her legacy alive.

With music always. Kim


P.S. Lorenzo, you will always hold a very special place in her heart for all you do. Please post this for the musicians for me. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

mom sue..........
a true and honest advocate of jazz and the life that surrouned it. this industry will truly miss her advocacy. i can only hope that those left behind will carry on the many lessons taught by this great woman.

kevin e