OGDEN, Utah (AP) - A saxophonist who played with the likes of Nat King Cole and Ray Charles was remembered as a pioneer who broke down racial barriers in Utah music clubs.
Hundreds of people filled the The Monarch in Ogden on Saturday to sing the praises of Joe McQueen, who died at the age of 100 on Dec. 7 following a struggle with cancer.
Local musicians, a church choir and surviving members of the Joe McQueen Quartet were among those in attendance, the Standard-Examiner in Ogden reported. They remembered him as a selfless leader.
“He used his music to get your attention,” said nephew Allen Benson. “Then he’d drop wisdom on you.”
Others recalled how he chose not to be bitter when it came to racism.
“He was a giant of a man,” said longtime friend, Elliott Burrell. “He was patient and never judgmental.”
Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1919, McQueen was raised by grandparents and an uncle after his mother died when he was 14.
McQueen retired at age 83. His quartet played jazz music alongside a bevy of famous artists - including Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Jo Louis Armstrong.
Brad Wheeler, a musician, said people gravitated toward McQueen.
“He was confused by people being so enamored of him,” Wheeler said. “I told him, ‘You are a vehicle for God. He uses you to influence others.’”
The community feted McQueen six months ago with a celebration at his church on his 100th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma, 95. They were married for 75 years.
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